Submission: God's Cure for Crisis Part 4

Paul's Submission to God's Promises

Acts 27:29-38 And fearing that we might run on the rocks, they let down four anchors from the stern and prayed for day to come. And as the sailors were seeking to escape from the ship, and had lowered the ship’s boat into the sea under pretense of laying out anchors from the bow, Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved." Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the ship’s boat and let it go.

As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you." And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves. (We were in all 276 persons in the ship.) And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

Nothing shows true submission to any authority than trust and obedience to that authority's promises. Here Paul showed his submission to God best when in the mist of dangerous circumstances and the discouragement of others he boldly says he believes God.

Notice when all others were exhausted, hungry and fearful Paul remains positive concerning God's promise of safety. This was not an attitude that promoted Paul's positive thinking, but a genuine belief that God would perform His promise in face of all that seemed hopeless. Imagine being layed off from your occupation with no human guarantee of return any time soon. When all you co-workers are fearful about how the bills will be payed and food will be put on the table for the family. Those are real concerns and from a human view defiantly hopeless. Now comes the hard part for you as the workplace Christian. The need of the hour is for someone to express and live out Philippians 4:19 And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

Like Paul, even though there will be resistance and even contempt, there will be those who will be encourage towards God at least in the long run and you may never in this world see that happen. But we will all be surprised as to who really was influence in that crisis.

With the down turn of the world economy, God's people have an opportunity not seen since the 70's and early 80's to shine in darkness. There are co-workers, neighbors and even family members who may never know how to navigate through the crisis of life until they see and hear someone who is submitting to God's promises. Not when it is easy but when it is the most difficult.

Real Men Don't Use Manuals?

2Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

An employee was asked by his boss to change a taillight on one of the trucks in the company fleet. This employee has changed taillights before, even on large vans. However, he had a question about the placement of the lights. So he searched the user manual of that truck. His boss found out and chewed out the employee for not knowing how to do the task ahead of time.

When I heard the above event I was reminded of a series of radio spots on sports radio about a year or two back. The add campaign was a highlighting of what were called manlaws. Now I found this to be humorous to listen to at the time. The one that stuck out in my mind was real men don't ask for direction nor use user manuals. All humor aside this was a message that real men are self sufficient. To ask such help is a sign of weakness and lacking in true manhood.

How sad this philosophy is when applied to the trials and troubles of life. It is a cruel and frightful thing if we are to fend for ourselves in our pitiful earthly knowledge against the tumult that we face from within and without. That's why the bible, God's Word is not only essential, but is also relevant and sufficient to all the events of life. If we face money troubles, God has the answer. If we face parent child conflict the bible is the only true source to depend on. If we have sinful habit the bible gives counsel for that.

I am so glad that God does not leave defenseless. But we may handicap ourselves by ignorance, rebellion, laziness, or pride.

Submission: God's Cure for Crisis Part 3

Paul's Submission to God's Love

Acts 27: 21-26 Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, "Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, 'Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.' So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told. But we must run aground on some island."

Do you believe love is a feeling? What do you feel like when you are "in love" Have you ever considered love to be more to be an action verb rather than a description of of emotion? I suspect Paul was not leaning on emotion or feeling to determine his next course of action. Paul would have probably felt betrayed, belittle, and bewildered, but that does not seem to effect his behavior to those on the ship in crisis.

When we think of the love of God assume some kind of all covering warm feeling of security. Submission to God's love has to be shown to others to be genuine love of God. Paul's submission in this crisis shows God's love by his focus on others rather than himself and his comfort.

Paul's submission was shown by his stay close to God during the crisis. Unlike Jonah who was also in a ship in crisis, he ran from God's presence and he had to be compelled to even to pray. What selfishness to rest, sleep and seek one's own comfort the priority. Paul on the other hand made prayer for others and guidance of service. He was not afraid to reveal to others about his relationship to an all powerful God who is up close and personal. Many times all that we do is complain, blame, and fight for survival. When we face hardship God should be the first and only destination for the telling of grief and seeking of wisdom.

Paul's submission was shown by his meeting the physical needs of his shipmates. When facing stress and conflict the natural response is to seek one's own welfare. To horde all resources, and work for number one. The world would tell us if we don't care for ourselves, who will? Again Paul does just the opposite. When he sees that the others have been so distraught by disaster he appears ready, willing and able to meet the need of food and comfort to them above his own. When it is easier to run and self-protect, God is well pleased when His love to us is transferred to serving others when all others do not.

Paul's submission is shown by his meeting the spiritual needs of his ship mates. It is all well and good to strive for the physical comfort of others. However, that is an incomplete mission at best. What good is it to comfort in this life and leave eternity of hell and suffering in that persons future. Paul bravely mixed the Gospel and worship of God with the meat that he dispensed. It is certainly more desirable to present the God to the lost by first showing the concern for their physical comfort. It was the way Jesus did his ministry. But as Jesus is heal and comfort He also made sure He never neglected what His true purpose was to "seek and to save..."

Love is without a doubt and action verb, that when performed God's way can lead to good feelings. Truly the Love from God was not meant for our security alone but to be channeled from God through us out to others around us. And there is no better time to do this than when others are complaining, hurting, and even rebelling authority.

Next: Paul's Submission to God's Promises

Submission: God's Cure for Crisis Part 2

Paul’s Submission to God’s Leadership

Act 27:9-12 Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said. And because the harbor was not suitable to spend the winter in, the majority decided to put out to sea from there, on the chance that somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing both southwest and northwest, and spend the winter there.
As we continue to explore the Christian response to crisis, we look again at Paul's behavior during a disastrous trip in the Mediterranean Sea. We see Paul sharing with the Centurion and the captain of the ship about the trip that they plan to proceed. In this event we see at least four aspects about the Christian's view to leadership in crisis and what to do when one disagrees with the leadership one serves. First, Paul submits to leaders who are not as spiritual as he is. It seems to be part of the American way of thinking to distrust leadership. We seem to especially distrust it if the leader is not a Christian, or at least as "separated" as we are. If the leader does not fit into our preference view of what a leader should be then we think we are less accountable to him/her. If anyone could claim a high spiritual plain it would be Paul. Here was the writer of most of the New Testament, a builder of local churches, and a winner of souls to Christ. He even told his followers to follow him as he followed Christ. He did not throw his spiritual weight around. He did not even fuss when his advice was not heeded. Many today get all frustrated with leaders and claim a better way, but Paul shows the better way is submission of spiritual status.

Second, Paul was submissive to the leaders even when he may know more. Paul was no stranger to sailing. As a matter of fact, this would not be his first ship wreck. Although, he was treated like an ignorant novice, Paul could see the physical signs of bad weather. He knew by experience what could take out a ship, and leave it's crew for dead. Yet as I mentioned before, Paul did not fuss, fight, or gossip about how inept the leaders were for not listening to him. At the time that I am writing this entry, a commercial aircraft had crashed into the Hudson River. The miraculous part about this that no one died nor seemed badly injured. The main reason for this is given to the captain and crew for their quick thinking and action. Very true! However, let's also give credit to the submissive passengers who did not second guess, rebel, or get offended in the ordeal. Just one rebellious passenger could have caused alot of damage and maybe loss of life. Many a crisis can be overcome by this submission.

Finally third, Paul was submissive to leadership just because God put them there as his leaders. If God is sovereign like I wrote in the previous entry, then the leaders we have are not accidental, or unfortunate. God has place that boss, that husband, father/mother, and even president in that position for His purpose. The bible teaches that unless the leader is violating scripture, follow ship is mandatory. Paul himself taught in Romans 13 that God takes submission to leadership seriously. yo the next time we feel like the boss is unqualified, or that husband is an idiot, or that parent doesn't understand, remember God put them there for you and how you will respond is not only accountable to the leader but also to God Himself.

God just does not seem to be a big fan of rebellion. Too many times in the bible we are commanded to obey Him through obeying our leaders. Nothing overcomes, and glorifies God in an crisis more then when submission is shown to the leadership.

To be Continued: Paul's Submission to God's Love

Submission: God's Cure for Crisis Part 1

Acts 1:1 And when it was decided that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion of the Augustan Cohort named Julius.

Welcome to 2009!! What a year 2008 was. For me the year dealt in change of job, rearrangement of schedule, loss and gain of church members, and even an addition of a second car. For all of us a new president, disappointment in the Chicago sports teams, higher and lower gas prices, and an economy that ended the year worse than it started. Albert Molher's blog capsulizes 2008 best with "Ten for the History Books from 2008"

For most people, entering into the new year is dominated by the old pocketbook issues: what is the economy going to do? will I be able to keep up with rising prices? will I be able to pay for health care? will I keep my job? I am certainly not a prophet able to predict the future, nor an economist, who probably can't predict it either. Will this year be a economic crisis? Or even a national security crisis like 9/11? We certainly not only ponder these things but it is echoed by tv, radio and those around us.

So what's a Christian living the everyday life to do? This entry is part 1 of a 5 part series about what to do in crisis. The Apostle Paul in Acts 27 could not have been in anymore crisis. Being on a ship for over 2 weeks in storm and stillness. Helpless in every possible physical way. Yet victorious in the midst of crisis. In this entry we are going to look at:

Paul's Submission to God's Sovereignty

First we see Paul submitted as a prisoner. The Apostle Paul, the greatest missionary evangelist, church planter, and problem solver a prisoner. If there ever was a man could brag, and project himself to higher prestige it was Paul. I believe he was an ambitious man who submitted his goals, dreams and desires to the will of God. Sometimes people base comfort and security in a lifestyle, or status rather than how God will lead a life. Is God powerful and concerned enough to lead your life? Paul thought so.
Second, Paul submitted to God's timetable. This trip to Rome that Paul was on must have been taking forever. One ship to another to a long stay in a particular city. If Paul was an American he would have been pulling his hair out. We as American are so weak in this area. We want instant gratification in almost all areas of life. But God does not work that way. This crisis was going to play out on God's time not Paul's or any one else. Maybe the economy will be a problem all year. Maybe the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan will last long than President Obama promises, only God knows because He is in control.
Third, Paul submitted to whatever conditions he live in. Whether in prison or on a ship I have to believe it got really hot, cold, wet, dry, and overall uncomfortable. Hunger, sickness, and insects were probably more common than steak, soft sheets, and heating/air conditioning. Paul was not as concerned about how comfortable he was as to what God was doing at particular time. We love material comforts and confuse them with needs. And even if we are concerned with needs, we are still forgetting about not just what God is able to for us, but also we forget what God is expecting from us.
Finally, Paul submitted to the fact that God just might know more than he. Paul did not spend much time trying to second guess God on what He should be doing. Paul believed and submitted to God being smarter. And if smart then know best. And if knowing best, then doing best.

Yes submission ( the deliberate yielding of rights) is the key to handling the crisis for the Christian.
Next: Paul's Submission to God's Leadership

The Power of the Light

Acts 27:42-44 The soldiers’ plan was to kill the prisoners, lest any should swim away and escape. But the centurion, wishing to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and make for the land, and the rest on planks or on pieces of the ship. And so it was that all were brought safely to land.

It has almost always been standard operating procedure for any law officer to kill a prisoner in transport rather than letting them escape to freedom. I imagine the guards that were on board that storm battered ship with the Apostle Paul were ready and willing to obey the order to kill on sight. With the ship running aground and all passengers making ready to jump off, those guards knew that they would not be able to account for all prisons. What a surprise it must have been when the centurion gave the orders to let them get off the ship to safety. Why such a break from precedent? Any escaped prisons would mean certain dead to any of the guards involved. What could possibly cause the leader to take such a risk of career and life?

The reputation of one man. Just because the centurion wanted to spare the life of the Apostle Paul, he withheld the guards from killing any prisons. When Jesus call all Christians to be lights to shine, He calls us to be different not to call attention to ourselves but to Him. The centurion was so taken by the light of Paul's testimony not because of who Paul was but who he proclaimed and lived for in this lost and dying world.

The power of Paul's reputation was not from his personality, intellect, or charisma. But rather his submission and relationship to the Savior. Read the whole chapter in Acts 27, you see saturated throughout the text Paul encouraging the crew not by standup comics, or possibility thinking, but how God has promised safety and deliverance. This shows Paul's continual devotion to Christ even in the weeks of storms and crisis. It is this type of commitment that catches the attention of others.

It makes me wonder if given the same circumstance would my reputation have such an effect? The workplace with the boss and coworkers. The school with teachers and classmates. Our neighborhoods and even in our own homes. Does the light of Christ shine through us, or our more concerned about our own selfish interests. How much do we burden authorities with our petty disobedience. Fight for our own way with peers. Even in our churches we fight and feud over music, clothing, versions, decorations, and other issues that show our immaturity more than our spirituality.

At the writing of this entry, we face a new year of possible financial troubles of whatever level. The world needs to see Christ's with hope and faith in the God of all comfort. Not Christians who get mad and offended when their preferences are not met. Strong belief in a God who is upclose and person. Not a strong will that is uptight and sour.

What Makes the Grumpy Tick?

Psalm 50:22-23 "Mark this, then, you who forget God, lest I tear you apart, and there be none to deliver! The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!"

Have you ever been around a true grump? Someone who not matter what happens can always find something bad, or something to criticize. I guess we all have. I personally do not appreciate being in their presence, especially when they use their special talents on me. I use to have a variety of thoughts towards them. Such as anger, resentment, fear, and even bewilderment. Until recently I rarely had feelings of compassion or sympathy. I always categorized them as mean, selfish people to be avoided.

But, I realized that the grumpiness was just a surface symptom of a deeper heart problem. The reason for this lack of joy in their lives certainly can be many, I believe one of the biggest failings is a lack of thankfulness, and truly thankful towards God. I must admit that as I bemoan and dread another Northwest Indiana winter with snow, I realize my depression may come in part to the discomfort and inconvenience, but really comes from being unthankful.

It seems that if we are not thankful for anyone, thing or event in our lives we usually hate, fear, or neglect the subject. The absence of thankfulness in a Christian's life becomes an ugly sore upon their character and testimony. The very joy of the Lord that the forgiven ones in Christ are suppose to show is choked off like a weed to a flower. The ability to show a lifestyle and commitment to the Savior, and Creator of this world is futile and frustrating without a thankful spirit.

To sum this up the grumpy critic that we all avoid will never experience true joy unless they become thankful. Thankful not just for the pleasant, but for the unpleasant. Which then brings the focus back to us. How thankful are we? Not just at Thanksgiving, but on January 23rd or March 16th or any other day of the year.

True Christian joy is born out of thankfulness, and can not exist without it.

Leaving My Mark

Psalm 78:2-4 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, Which we have heard and known And our fathers have told us. We will not conceal them from their children, But tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wondrous works that He has done.(NASB)

A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to run into an individual that I graduated high school with thirty years ago (1978). I did not recognize this person right away, but this person had happened to be wearing a name tag on a neck lanyard. I did recognize the name immediately. As I look again I did see the resemblance. But shamefully my first thought about this person was about how much older they looked. Thankfully I only thought this and did not say what I was thinking. I also must admit that I am sure that they would probably be thinking the same of me. Although when I look in the mirror I do not see the same aging. (I of course jest)

Now that I have been reminded again of my fleeting and probably extinct youth, I again re-examine my next responsibility of handing down to the next generation the "faith of our fathers". Sadly, I have wasted much of the time with what God would judge to be preferential issues. Certainly for years I tried to present the best witness to the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ. (Not a trivial matter at all!) But I also spent much of the time trying to hold on to pseudo-convictions of outward rule keeping, and worship practices. I use to believe if the next generation did not follow the same music, bible version, and clothing standards as I have followed then that generation would be lost forever.

It has been in the last couple of years that I have repented from such practices. My demanding my way of worship for the local church services was more about pride than it was about pleasing God. I have since realized that God has given each generation the freedom to find it's unique worship styles according to the abilities He has blessed them.

My responsibility to the next generations is to introduce them to the Lord Jesus Christ want to not only offer Heaven for eternity but a loving relationship with Him. I am to show them the Word of God (in a version that is easily understood for them) that is to be learned, loved and lived out in my life and theirs. I am also to show, by example a prayer life that is real, and alive. Making it obvious that God is real and alive in my life. Then finally (and probably most difficult) I am to show them how God has used the talent and gifts in my life to be used in the lost and dying world around us. Then I am to instruct and encourage them to do the same, but realizing that it my not be in a manner that is comfortable to me still within the guidelines of God's Word.

It is sometimes easy and comfortable to believe that something new may not be Godly, but we must be careful not to twist, manipulate, or conjure up scripture to prove our preferences to be convictions. Example: I grew up in the Chicago area in the 60's and 70's. A favorite childhood show of my generation was Garfield Goose. My generation gets a warm feeling just at the mention of it. It would be foolish and unfair for our generation to force the next generation to understand and like this in the way we did. They have other choices more to relate to in their time. It is unbiblical to force the next generation to follow your generations worship style. To say that no new music styles can be used is also unbiblical. Every generation deserves the right to make their mark in worshiping the Lord within His guidelines, not our preferences.

Still Believe in God's Blessing

Proverbs 13:11 Wealth gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by little will increase it.

"You know Bob, I think we did it wrong. We should have gotten a mortgage that we could not afford, and then leave it for the government to pay for it because we never could." "Hey Bob, this is the worst economy ever, and this country is never going to be the same."

These are just a few statements that I hear in the course of a day at work. I am sure that if you are not saying the same things, you know people who do. The stock market certainly is no help with the big loses of the last week. The president, congress, and the old media pig piling for gain of power, legislation, and circulation is a no help either. What is a Christian suppose to do in the time of this kind of turmoil real or not?

The big picture here is what are you focused on and how big is your God? Many of us have 401K's and IRA's that are totally dependent on the markets. Most of our jobs whether factory, retail/wholesale, or agriculture are dependent on a strong motivated consumer economy. What if the my stock, mutual fund, bond, annuity, or social security fall by the way side? Then we have to ask ourselves is God who He says He is?

Our God has made a boat load of promises and statements about money. He still blesses hard work, and giving spirits for His people. Seek first the Kingdom, be anxious for nothing, supply all your need, and your Heavenly cares for you, are all still the bible. It was when Israel went through a severe drought, God fed His prophet. America's Civil War, Great Depression, and all other crises, God never forsook His people who were faithful to His Word.

How God works through this time is yet to be determined. Certainly God's people should remain the most optimistic. Not in markets that ride like roller coasters, or a government that grabs as much power that it's people give to at the time. Even our very occupations should not be the great savior of our households. God's people should be optimistic in a God who is the most powerful, most wise, and most loving. He bless the best way He sees fit, not by our standards.

How about you today? Think there is no hope for the future? God is useless. Think that it is all up to you to get you and your family out of financial trouble? God is careless. Still believe in the caring loving God who is bigger than any problem. It may get bumpy or worse but God is still in control and He will bless faithfulness

Do You REALLY Want to Grow?

John 9:22 His parents said these things because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone should confess Jesus to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. (ESV)

I sometimes like to paraphrase the popular baseball player Sammie Sosa, and say "the Christian life has been very good to me." For nearly 30 years it really has. But recently I have had to re-evaluate some of my "convictions" that I would stand and maybe even face death.

Consider the blind man in John chapter 9 whom Jesus heals. Here a man who it would seem has never seen the light of day, the face of any loved one, and was foreign to the simple sight of the clear blue sky. Jesus the Christ with His disciples company comes and not restores the blind man's sight, but give him something he has never had before the moment. What a blessed time, he who once was blind now can see. Family, friends, and even strangers could, would, and should rejoice in such a great miracle from the great Savior.

However, this was not the way things have been done before. The religious leaders of that day have to examine this action more closely. After all they know better than others how God wants things to be done. So the detectives had get busy and investigate all involved. After getting statements from all witnesses, the parents of the very suspect were also questioned. At this moment of true comes an opportunity to acknowledge a great event and grow in Christian character. Instead because of the scale of change involved in this scene, the cost of loss of synagogue privilege was too high, even the parent dis their own son.

There are times when individuals, churches, and even denominations will be faced with issues and circumstances that require a fresh look from the bible. Whether it is divorce, remarriage, women wearing pants, bible versions, and worship music, each generation must face it. If the bible speaks to it then follow it. But if the bible does not speak to it, or is different from the established standards then change will have to be made at sometime. But this will ruffle the feathers of the established and comfortable. They will not just sit back and let it happen without a territorial fight. For them it could be just a matter of bible ignorance, or laziness. Or the bible may not be at issue but their power and comfort.

Pastor Rick Oliver, of Portage Avenue Baptist Church, has said God will require change and growth in our lives no matter where it leads, we should follow. What has God made you face that may upset the norm? Our church for a long time had to tip toe around predestination because we were afraid that it discourage evangelism. Like God did not know that.

So, do you really want to grow in Christ? There are family members, fellow church members, co-workers, and even strangers counting on you to grow for God's glory, and their sake. But it will probably cost you!

A Church by Any Other Name

1 Corinthians 8:13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.(ESV)

The other day I heard about one of our church members was inviting a friend to church, and was being successful. Until she mentioned the name of the church. For some reason her friend was associating the church with the most extreme radicals of churches with the same denominational name. I also was recently challenged in my thinking about church names by the book Who Stole My Church by Gordon MacDonald.

Here are my questions: In this generic name "First Baptist Church of Podunk", what part of this name is biblically commanded to be there? What Part of this name is unchangeable and why? If the name is changeable, what could it be changed to that would avoid the above situation, but still be true to identification?

This post is a forum of ideas, not debate, so avoid arguing in response. But please leave your thoughts and opinions freely. I prefer names, but if you do not want to feel free to remain nameless.

Watchout For Those Contemporary Pastors!

2Timothy 4:2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

What if, (I normally do not like what if's, but anyway) your pastor when he got up to preach, could only preach word for word from a past sermon. Not only could he not put together his own sermon, but he had to read it out loud word for word. He would have to read it as near to the original as possible. To add to that he can not preach anything that was created in past 20 or more years. As a matter of fact the only sermons to preach must come from the 17th to the 19th centuries. And he must remember that there just are not any good sermons being made anymore.

I hope as you read the above paragraph you are thinking: "God forbid"; that's crazy; or at least "no way baby! To handcuff a pastor in this manner is not only harmful to him, but also to his congregation. Sure there are some great sermons of the past that are still valuable today and should always be remembered, quoted often; "Sinners in the hands of an angry God"; "Payday someday"; and others. But, there are some good reasons for fresh, new, and "contemporary" sermons by a diligent studying pastor. Needs change. Because of the prosperity of today, most people do not need to be comforted from poverty. There would not be any warnings and teaching on how to handle the pornography of the internet. The words used in past have changed meaning. A pastor must be in tune with needs and culture of his congregation. Sermons of the past would be helpful, but will not meet the needs of today.

So then it can be agreed the pastors need the freedom to use the gifts and talents God has given him to be able to fulfill his calling. Then why do we handcuff the writers, composer, and performers of today by saying that only songs of the past may be used to worship God. God has equipped His people to reach a generation not only for salvation, but for the sanctification of His people. Traditional songs are great, (and should never go away)but were better understood in their generation. Let's unhand cuff todays writers so they can serve just like the contemporary pastor, teaching and admonition one another in psalms, hymns and spiritual song...

Praising Traditional vs. Contemporary

Psalm 150 (KJV)

1Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

2Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

3Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

4Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

5Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

6Let every thing that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

Let me first preface this blog entry by saying I love traditional hymns and songs. My absolute favorite song is the 3rd verse of It is Well. I come from a blessed background of traditional music since I got saved 1979. I will always want to attend a church that will sing these songs.

However, after much research, (biblical, and historical) prayer, and asking alot of questions, I must admit that some "convictions" I have held may actually have been personal preferences. I use to believe that persons spirituality could be measured by the adherence to standards. A Christian woman was in disobedience if she wore slack, pants, or jeans. Men who did not wear a tie and even a suit to church on Sunday must be lazy spiritually. There are others but I would be straying from my point.

One of the biblical sources that had a big influence on me was Psalm 150. I believe that if the psalmist were alive today writing music, he would not be well received in traditional music churches. He write about praising God with stringed instruments and organs. No problem to the traditionalist. But he writes of psaltery (guitar), harp. Then not only cymbals (percussion, drums), but loud ones. He even writes about dancing. None of these acceptable to the traditionalists.

Finally, in the course of my study I have come to at least eight thoughts that I may expand on in future blog entries

1. All music ever made was contemporary at one time.

a. Most traditional of today was contemporary in the 17^th through 19^th centuries

b. “The church” has rarely ever receive most contemporary music in it’s own generation.

2. Every generation has songwriters than want to use their gift of music for their generation not the previous ones.

3. The piano and organ were at one time considered to be worldly wicked instruments.

4. The drum is arguably the most controversial instrument today.

5. Much of the traditional music, and its standards did not exist before the 17^th century.

6. This issue is more about taste and feeling than biblical.

7. To “switch” to contemporary music does not make you more spiritual in of itself.

8. In the journey of Progressive Sanctification (becoming more Christ-like) it will require courage to change and grow biblically, no matter where God leads us.

Hey Did You Notice?

Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. (ESV)

The Royal family of Great Britain never seems to be lack for attention or controversy. As of the writing of this post it has been one week since Princess Anne made headline news around the world by exactly what you see the picture to the left. As hard to believe as it sounds someone(s) in the British media noticed the that the "frugal" princess seemed to be wearing the exact same outfit to a family wedding last week that she wore to the Prince Charles and Lady Di wedding 27 years ago. As you can see to the right, the picture from the 1981 wedding showing her with, as reported, the exact same outfit.

I suppose it is naive of me to be surprised by this remembrance.
But I guess I am disappointed in my lack of faith in God Himself noticing what goes on in our lives. King David wrote "what is man that you are mindful of him..." Why should I not be more impressed that that the Mighty, Sovereign, Loving God should be noticing me. It should make us more joyous, alert, and fearful that God is able to do this. So while people spend their precious time finding out the latest on Brittany, Paris, Tom, and Katie, God still waits for us to notice Him.

Now isn't that a crazy thought. God notices more about our lives than we notice Him. What have you noticed lately?

Wanted: A Joyous Christian

Psalm 137:1-4 By the waters of Babylon, there we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our lyres. For there our captors required of us songs, and our tormentors, mirth, saying, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!" How shall we sing the LORD’s song in a foreign land? (ESV)

Some in Israel's past have had to face the indignity capture from their home to a strange, hostile place. Such was the experience of the psalmist. Gone from the comforts and familiarity of family and friends, these captives had to face a whole different world of harsh labor, ridicule, and many other kinds of physical and mental abuse. As to be expected fear, discouragement, hopelessness, and even malice were most likely the majority of responses by the Israeli prisoners.

Surprisingly, there was a request (or demand) made by the captors. They made the strange order, based on their knowledge of the Jews, that they sing. To make the request stranger was the style of music for the choice. Not only were they asked to sing, but to sing "religious" songs. Not only "religious" songs, but songs of joy, hope, and glory. You may be different than me in being somewhat surprised by this, but I say WOW. It almost seemed like the captors were not being sarcastic, but genuinely interested and maybe even attracted somehow. Could it be that they liked the rhythm and style of the music? Or is it possible that the words were of great comfort. I suppose that could be possible, but I believe something more than that is at work. Could it be that the song itself was not the attraction alone? How about maybe the captors were amazed by the effect of the song on the singers themselves. Maybe they were aware of how pleasantly different the Jews were and that the songs were just an outward expression of the joy, and comfort for God that is on the inward Jew. What an impression this must have had on all who were around them.

How about you? Have you ever been at work, or school and somebody out of the blue asks you how come you seem so quiet, or even sad today? I am amazed how people that I work with will so quickly perceive some kind of sadness in me when all I may have been doing was being deep in thought. One thing I have noticed is sometimes they look disappointed that I was not my usual self (whatever that is).

There seems to be just something about the attraction of a joyous Christian. It would almost seem to be unfair that I have to be joyous and I am not allowed to be sad, if it were not a life or death issue in the hearts of our co-worker, student, and even family members. The very ones who may be critical, sarcastic, and maybe even hostile are the ones who not only need, but really do desire our joy more than we realize. I wish I could be one all the time. I am saddened when I have to knocked out of my selfish thoughts. I think the Apostle Paul put it best when he wrote "I can do all things through him who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13 ESV)

When was the last time you asked God for joy when others are not. The unbeliever is look to you whether you notice or not.

Proof of Bringing God to Work

Genesis 30:27 And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.

I don't know if I have ever been more conflicted than I am now. I just finished out a two week notice for the job I have had for the last 16 and half years. What I am conflicted about is whether not to express the response that I received from those I worked.

I believe that God has blessed what effort I had in servicing the customers and the company. I received several cards expressing my coworkers thoughts and feelings of working with me. One card said "...the place and people were made better because of you working here." Others have asserted much of the same. This is because of God not me. Bob Blair was nothing more than a vessel that God was able to use for His Glory.

The conflict here is how to use this as tool for teaching other workplace believers (especially the young) about how God wants to be brought to the workplace as He does in every other area of a Christian's life. Others in the workplace will be blessed and exposed to the actual presence of Christ in a way that they will in no other place.

I would be more comfortable telling this if it were another person. (I believe there are many others better at this than me are out there.) The last thing I want to be perceived as to be bragging or self serving. For God's Glory please take this for what it really is.

An Answer

I ask your forgiveness for the tardiness of this response. This is response to those who were gracious enough to comment on the last posting of this blog. It would probably make a better in depth study later to give sufficient answer to what the measurement of a good bible version. However, I best can say it the shortness of this passage to say the answer is not found in comparing version for version for differences in of themselves as to which is best.

First, no one bible translation is or can ever claim inspiration, nor even special preservation. I love and have preached from the KJV for over 28 years, and still do today. However, there is no superiority of the KJV to other more recent bible translations. The biggest mistake in assuming translation comparison is the difference in word or phrase usage between translation to translation.

The real measurement is found in the copied manuscripts from the originals. The translations that are closest to these manuscripts are what determine the relevance. If a word translated in previous generations no longer equal the same definition of original then a new translation is more needful.

Secondly, it needs to mentioned that the use or purpose of a translation is also a factor in choosing. There are more than one way to translate from one language to another. There is a word for word method (called Formal Equivalence). This takes word exactly from one language to the other without any change. This sounds ideal, but it is not without weakness. If you formally translate "your pulling my leg" into most any language the meaning may not be understood right away. So this gives opening to another method of translation that is more thought for thought (called dynamic equivalence). This method is more concern in translation meanings rather than words.

I mention this second point because all bible translations are either one or a mixed of the above methods. Each method has a more useful application than the other. For preaching and serious bible study the Formal Equivalence translations are better applied. These would be: KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, HCSB, and NRSV. For personal devotional reading the Dynamic Equivalence is more useful. These would be NIV, NLT, NET, and Living Bible.

But again the overall answer is how close to word for word, or thought for thought in today's language use determines the relevance of any particular translation. Not comparing translation with translation.

KJV - Why Change? Part 3

Finally, the third reason for changing from the King James Version of the Bible, is due to the versatility of many translations. It may surprise the reader of these blogs for me say that I am not trying to get rid of the KJV. To the contrary, I am seeking the best way to preach, teach, and mostly communicate the bible.

One reason there are so many bibles is not because they all want to dilute, dissolve, or destroy the Word of God. The reason for the many is that there are many people and uses for each translation.

The best way to explain this is by describing the different methods of translating. One is to translate from one language to another in a word for word fashion. This is called formal equivalence. This way would get into technical word usage. If in English we say you are pulling my leg, then that is exactly how that is translated in another language.

Another method of translation is a thought for thought fashion. This is called dynamic equivalence. This way is more interested in sentence meaning. Again if we say in English you are pulling my leg, then in the other language the thought or meaning would be translated in different words.

Because of this bibles are being translated in both methods making for different version but still the same Word of God. For example the most common formal equivalence bible version happens to be the New American Standard Bible or NASB. This bible because of it's word accuracy has become the favorite of theologians, bible scholars, and pastors. They like the ability to see as close to the original in word form as possible. This however is not the best for beginner reading or study.

The best example right now of a dynamic equivalence version is the New Living Translation or NLT. This version is accurate for meditation, and enjoyable reading. This version has become one the fastest growing in popularity because of its ease of reading without sacrificing accuracy.

To some this all up, it is our intention to not just replace the KJV with another more modern version. Instead we will seek a plurality of version. Meaning we will have a primary version that is considered church wide with the freedom to preach, teach, or reference other versions as well.

We believe this is the best course for two reason: 1) to avoid any future fighting over preferential versions; 2) to leave the door open to any future version and updates that will enhance the ministry of Portage Avenue Baptist Church.

KJV - Why Change? Part 2

The second reason for changing to a modern version of the bible really is not a reason to change, but removes a barrier from changing. For years there have been two questionable principles that have stalled the change to the modern versions:

1. God has promised a perfect"preserve"(a stealth word for inspire) version of the bible. No where in the bible does it promise perfect preservation of the Word. God has promised His Word to be eternal to all generations and beyond. But to extend this special class to the KJV is over extreme.

The problem here is to say that God has given something special and different to the KJV that has not been given to any other English language (some even say to any language) translation. To say this is to say that the 1611 translators were in a sense inspired. It is almost to say that God moved not just holy men but the KJV translators like He did Moses, Daniel, Peter and Paul.

This needless to say is a perversion of a great translation that has had a great history to an unrealistic status. No one should be saying that the days of reading, studying and even preaching from the KJV is over. But there should never be a day where we believe the KJV is the only Word of God, or even superior.

2. That all other translations are corrupt and watered down because they do not exclusively use the Textus Receptus as the manuscript for translation.

When it comes to archeology, the greatest discoveries have come in the last 50 years. A major part of these discoveries have been the finding of more copies of the the original writings. We have a larger selection today of manuscripts than they had to work with in 1611. Hence there are better chances to correct the mistakes made in the copy of the copy of the copy of the originals. The scribes who did the copying never had a devine promise of error free writing. But the way to overcome these errors was to compare and combine as many copies a possible to correct the errors.

By the way one more note. There is also a special claim of Greek and Hebrew scholarship. The claim was that there was in 1611 a group of translators that were better than at any time in history. Aside from the fact that none of those scholars would ever claim that, how could something like that be proved? All credit is due to those men who made it a lifetime to study their subject, but let's not insult the current group of scholars who work just as hard and just as devoted as those in 1611 to produce the most God honoring translation of His Word.

KJV - Why Change? Part 1

The King James Version Bible is the best and only reliable translation of God's Word. Not only for the English language, but is the standard for any language. That was my belief when it came to bibliology. I was taught by my bible college and seminary that not only was the KJV superior, but any and all others were evil corrupt, watered down versions.

Now, I must admit I do not believe I was taught correctly. Though my professors had the best of intentions, those who hold to the KJV are going to find it harder and lonelier. Now some of them may consider that a badge of honor, but may be doing that in vain.

So with that in mind I would like to share the first of three reasons why I believe the Portage Avenue Baptist Church is ready, and should make the change from the King James Version to a more modern version.

First, because the language, (word and phrase meanings) is becoming less and less understood by common man. Even when I got saved in 1979, I had to make the adjustment of the verbiage. Some might say to me that since I did it others should too. That would be selfish and Pharisaical of me. Who is to say that my journey is a must as an example to be followed? I believe I would be putting an undue burden upon a new or weaker Christian in the name of making them in my image.

What really was the biggest influence for me was what the original KJV translators stated as their reasons for coming up the new version. Under criticism like: why do we need another version anyway, and accusations of fraud, and corruption; they forged ahead with the project. They wanted to come up with a translation that would be for the common man to be able to read easily. They made no claims of inspiration, or superiority. Actually they believed that what they were doing should be done on a regular basis as needed.

As Babel proved, when it comes to delivering a message, language is not just in important it is crucial. What good is it to fight and bicker for a great translation of the Word of God when it is shackled by a way of speech that is not spoken any longer. If the word "conversation" meant something different than verbal communication, how is the 21st century reader suppose to understand the true meaning of that verse? Our heritage has always believed that the average Christian should not have to be defendant on the clergy to interrupt the bible. The Word of God should always be available in the tongue of the common man. Because of that the KJV is no longer the best at meeting that standard any more than a Russian version of the Word of God could serve the modern English language.