Tag Archives: Society

Culture has failed

Culture Has Failed. Now What?

Bible General, Culture, ,
culture has failed this man

Culture promised so much but delivered nothing. We were told that happiness comes from faster internet, more entertainment options, the sexual revolution, changing pronouns, legalized drugs, more alcohol, more credit, less work, and so on. But despite the promises, we’re still stressed and bubbling with anxiety. Happiness is elusive and, when found, so brief. Like an endless train of zombies stumbling into a dark tunnel, we wander, hoping that fulfillment and satisfaction are just ahead. They’re not. Culture has failed. What now?

There is a better way.

1. Don’t trust what doesn’t deliver.

Promises from cultural, political, and societal leaders haven’t delivered. Your station in life has changed little from where you stood ten years ago. Would you keep the same internet provider if they couldn’t meet their promises? Would you change your cell phone provider if you experienced spotty coverage despite their lovely blue and purple maps?

Culture is saying that religion is bad, that there is no God, and it’s all a scam. Maybe their thoughts on faith are as useless as a pretty blue map with only a rare gap. It’s time to reconsider.

2. Consider Jesus.

Now, wait. Before you click away, read just a little further. The next 60 seconds could be life-changing.

Jesus is the greatest teacher who ever walked. Initially, I am only asking that you consider his words. For the moment, let’s forget his miracles and his divine claims. Just focus on what he taught.

In a single lesson (Matthew 5, 6, and 7), Jesus declared the “Golden Rule,” “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them… (Matthew 7:12). He declared the uselessness of worry and anxiety (Matthew 6:25-29) while reminding us to focus on the day, not tomorrow (Matthew 6:34). Jesus declared that we should not only love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39) but even our enemies (Matthew 5:43-47).

By any measure, these teachings are world-changing! Culture has failed. Try something new.

3. Focus on Jesus, not His disciples.

You’ve seen hypocrites. Preachers who are greedy cheaters. Church leaders who are sexual abusers. Double-talking Christians who would embarrass a crusty old sailor. Hypocrites are real, and they are found in the church.

There is a difference between Jesus and broken Christians.

Peter, who struggled with his own set of sins, always pointed to Jesus and not to himself.

“…but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy”

1 Peter 1:15, 16

Should you take up the mantle of faith, you will follow Jesus and no one else. And, you will stumble.

4. Expect from Jesus what culture has failed to deliver.

Jesus changes our outlook and our thinking. He transforms our minds through his message (Romans 12:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18). We come to know real and abiding peace. We think less about this world and focus on eternity. Your boss, bank, and neighbor become less irritating as you grow deeper in Christ.

Despite what some money-grubbing preachers will tell you, prosperity is never assured. But that’s ok because our view of money is downgraded. It is no longer a goal but a tool to help others. You will not suddenly become rich. You won’t find “$56,000 in the mail.” But you will find peace and a release from the anxiety vexing you. It’s not instant, but it is real.

I have one goal with this message. I hope you will turn to Jesus to find what culture failed to deliver.

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What Happened to Your Anchor

Bible General, Church Bulletin, Culture, Daily living, ,

Granddaddy loved to fish and he was good at it. I grew up about a mile from his house and had a permanent fishing buddy. He had a small john boat with an electric trolling motor mounted on the stern. It was a small lake and gasoline engines were prohibited. He kept two homemade anchors in the boat. He’d crafted them from paint cans filled with cement. A metal hook protruded from the top which was attached to a nylon rope. We would ease up to a known bed of bream, gently lower the two anchors and fill the stringer with all the fish we could handle. Those were great days.

But some days the wind was too strong and despite the paint-can-anchors we would be dragged away from our fishing spot. Even sadder, culture is being dragged along because we have weak cultural anchors.

The results are obvious. Sin is no longer an issue. Every possible desire is to be accepted regardless of the impact on self or on others. You cannot say someone is wrong. People are more self-centered and demanding than ever before. What I want is more important than what someone else needs. Jesus is lost among the reality stars, ballplayers, and politicians.

What happened?

No Anchors

About a third of respondents report attending church serves weekly, a third report monthly or yearly attendance and a third report seldom or no church attendance (Pew Research). These numbers are pretty consistent across the past 10 years and accurately reflect my surveys among college students. Attendance is a piece of religious life and is not the total package. But it is probably the single best measurement of the value of the Bible in forming individual values or core beliefs.

Some people have no anchor at all. They are carried along with every wind of doctrine (Ephesians 4:14) and are tossed about like a wind-driven wave (James 1:6). They often do good, very good things to help others but they have no single core against which they check and analyze their ideas and motives. Their morality is subject to change with the culture. Their morality is an opinion. What they believe to be wrong today is possible right tomorrow.

Lightweight Anchors

Many people have a foundation but it is not sufficient to steel them against the challenges of the world. Peer pressure is an incredible wind that can do either good or ill. A person who is not well grounded will drift. Jesus calls on us to be unmoveable.

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Cornthians 15:58).

We labor to remain sound in a world where we are encouraged to be tolerant and accepting. Instead, let us be loving enough to challenge the errors of modern thinking. What does it say about us when we watch another person slide into sin?

Broken Ropes

Some folks had an anchor that was strong and unmoveable but somehow allowed their connection to that faith break. It’s sad because you remember that anchor and truly miss it. You feel lost as you slip further and further into a worldly culture. What can you do?

I run across people who sometimes remark that they used to be members of the Body of Christ. They were active and involved but not so much anymore. “What happened?” we ask. “I don’t know. I guess life happened. Marriage, kids, work demands, all took their toll. Before we knew it, we were out.” That is probably an honest statement. Our faith must be cared for, repaired when damaged, and always checked for weakness. Once the rope breaks it can be hard to repair.

Sometimes, a boat with a big anchor can help secure one that is drifting, If you have a strong faith, watch for those who struggle. Paul said to “bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Even people you do not like, need your help. Peak at the Old Testament command in Exodus 23:5. Paul said the people with bog anchors have a responsibility to people whose anchors are weak (Romans 15:1).

The only way to stop our societal drift is with big anchors. It’s time to stop complaining and get to work. The wind is blowing hard!

Searching for Sin

Church Bulletin, Sin, , ,

sinDaddy always told me that I should not look for trouble. He said it would find me if I weren’t careful. But today, I am looking for trouble. Specifically, I am searching for sin. I am not looking to commit sin, but I am curious if sin still exists because, from what I hear lately, it has been eradicated. Like smallpox, society has mounted an effort to destroy sin. Seemingly, the world has been successful.

Lying is no longer sinful. It is now described as “advertising” or “politics.” Sexual sin is now “an alternative lifestyle” and is presented as one choice among many. Murder is a “woman’s right.” Greed is “success.” Immorality is opinion. Sin is no longer part of the conversation.

This is troubling because God still speaks of sin. Jesus’ blood still lingers beneath the old rugged cross because of sin. Just because society has banned sin, it does not mean that God’s word has suddenly fallen silent. It has not.

Sin occurs anytime we violate the glory of God. It happens when we transgress God’s will. We sin when we do not reflect his beauty to the world around us. Defined in such broad terms, it is not surprising that we often sin (Romans 3:23, 1 Corinthians 15:34, 1 John 1:8). When we understand the extraordinary purity of God, we begin to see just how far we miss the mark. We are not God. We are nowhere near the virtue of God. Thankfully, God extended himself to us in Jesus Christ who reconciles us to himself (Romans 5:10; 2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Colossians 1:20-22).

But how can a man be reconciled when he rejects the very premise of sin?

Our world wants to be comforted. Society seeks affirmation that all is well. The Bible speaks of people who have “itching ears”  (2 Timothy 3:3-5), who conspire against the good word preached by God’s people (2 Chronicles 24:20-22; Jeremiah 18:18), and who desire soft words of comfort and not condemnation. Sadly, many teachers have bowed to society’s demands and no longer preach truth but instead offer words of ease to a people in need. It is as if a man with undiagnosed cancer visits his physician and is told that all is well. He is comforted all the way to his grave! We ask the world, do you want comfort or truth? Cure or complacency?

Is there any truth in the world for you?  Can good and evil be distinguished? Where would you draw the line? Does anything go?

 

4 Reasons Not To Be Surprised at the World

Culture, Government, Homosexuality, Legislation, ,

standing aloneThe disappointing decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, Obergefell v. Hodges, which allows same sex marriage in all states regardless of the will of the people, prompted an outpouring of angst on social media sites. American Christians were stunned that SCOTUS delivered a ruling so at odds with Bible teaching. Suddenly Christians found themselves, again, on the losing end of a political decision. For some, it was certainly the end of the world. For others, it was an excuse to spew forth venom against a community of people with whom they disagreed.

During the social media storm, I read a blog from author Carey Nieuwofe offering a Canadian perspective on same-sex marriage. Titled Some Advice on Same-Sex Marriage for US Church Leaders From a Canadian, the post was balanced and on target. I commend it to you. The post offers 5 ideas for American Christians to consider. His article caused me to think deeper about the decision and the reaction. From the seed of his post I offer 4 reasons why Christians should not be surprised at the decision or the joyous backlash from the LGBT community. [bctt tweet=”Christians should not be surprised at the SCOTUS decision”]

1. Jesus Was a Countercultural Icon

In his own day, Jesus countered the prevailing winds of society and government. He was never satisfied with the condition of the Jewish nation and he was never afraid to say so. In Matthew chapter 5, part of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus countered current teaching and expanded on what was being practiced. 6 times Jesus said “but I say to you…” He took their standard and made it better. He took their culture to a higher level.

The scribes, Pharisees, Sadducees and high priests were the leaders of the day. They set the tone for religious life among the Jews. Jesus saved his most scathing comments for them. In Matthew 23, he offers strong rebukes of these cultural leaders. 6 times Jesus says, “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! One other time he calls them “blind guides.” He opposed their way of life and their teachings. He sought to counter them by offering a new and better way.

2. Jesus Was Hated by the Establishment

Because he was so vocal and well received by the common man, the leaders of the day hated Jesus. These leaders were first curious about this new call to renewal from John (Matthew 3:7-10) and then later sent to Jesus to learn more about him (John 3:1-2). Soon, however, they sought to discredit Jesus before his followers (Matthew 16:1; Mark 8:11; Luke 10:25; John 8:6). At every turn Jesus bested their feeble attempts to embarrass him. It would take more than tricky questions to bring Jesus down. [bctt tweet=”Countercultural Jesus was hated by the establishment then and now.”]

A great miracle in Bethany proves the turning point for the established leadership of Judaism. Jesus called Lazarus back from the dead. The miracle could not be denied and more and more people began to follow after Jesus. The leaders were not pleased. “What are we to do? For this man performs many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation” (John 11:47-48). The high priest then uttered these dark words: “You know nothing at all.  Nor do you understand that it is better for you that one man should die for the people, not that the whole nation should perish” (John 11:49-50). These were prophetic words concerning Jesus’ death.

The established leaders of the day despised Jesus so much that they schemed to kill him. They were successful. Their hatred had become murderous.

 

3. Don’t Be Surprised When the Establishment Hates You

It is not reasonable that the world would hate our Lord and love us. The established culture and governments of the day oppose us because they oppose our Lord.

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me” (John 15:18-21).  [bctt tweet=”It is not reasonable that the world would hate our Lord and love us”]

No surprises. The world is in the hands of the evil one (1 John 5:19).

We want to be faithful servants of Jesus. We also want to be accepted by the world. The two are not compatible. It hurts deeply when the world rejects us because of our faith. But know that it is nothing new. It happened to our Lord – it will happen to us.

 

4. We Are Not Like The World And Must Never Be

Part of our trouble is that we want desperately to be like the world so that we will be accepted. The idea of isolation frightens us and threatens many of the relationships we hold dear. But to be a Christian is to place every relationship on the altar of sacrifice. Jesus said that includes our family (Matthew 10:37). Paul surrendered everything for his relationship with Jesus (Philippians 3:4-11).

As Christians, we are first of all citizens of Christ’s kingdom, placed there by the power of God (Colossians 1:13). We are God’s people; we are God’s possession (1 Peter 2:9-10). We are only “strangers and exiles” in this life (1 Peter 2:11).

Our culture is growing darker and darker (2 Timothy 3:13). They will grow to hate truth (even more than they already do) and will despise those who speak the truth. Remember we are not the world. As for our nation, Christians do not need the USA; the USA needs Christians. Only by standing firm on the rock of truth can we lead people from darkness to light. When light mixes with darkness it always grows dim. [bctt tweet=”Christians do not need the USA; the USA needs Christians”]

We must reject the temptation to bow to societal and cultural pressures to conform. We must not change. But always stand firm.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

 

Resistance is Futile…or Is It?

Culture, Daily living, Daniel, , , , , ,

“You will be assimilated…Resistance is futile”

– Locutus of The Borg (Star Trek)

Picard_as_LocutusAssimilation is the process of absorbing one thing into another such that there is nothing left of the original item. Star Trek aficionados understand the term from “The Next Generation” when an alien race tries to eliminate all of humanity by assimilating them into their own collective consciousness. Sounds bizarre right? Not so much. In fact it is very common and happening to you right now.

Our own culture and society work hourly to assimilate Christians. Society seeks to remove any vestige of Christianity from the public square. All we are, hope for and desire are to be melded into the godless void of our present culture.

This assault, coming from different directions and seemingly very different people is all part of an effort to change our way of viewing the world. It assaults our very understanding of right and wrong. In his book Culture Wars, author James Davison Hunter observes:

“Once again, what seems to be a myriad of self-contained cultural disputes actually amounts to a fairly comprehensive and momentous struggle to define the meaning of America—of how and on what terms will Americans live together, of what comprises the good society.”

The Battle is far greater than politics and government. Government is only a tiny part of the issue and is more of a symptom than a cause. The real issues lie in the assimilated hearts and minds of our neighbors, co-workers and family.

The world wants to change us into something different. The world wants us to be more like them and less like Christ. That is a problem.

Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah were young nobles from Judah. They were God’s people who had been captured and taken as slaves to Nebuchadnezzar’s court in Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar wanted them assimilated into Chaldean culture and society.

“Then the king commanded Ashpenaz, his chief eunuch, to bring some of the people of Israel, both of the royal family and of the nobility,  youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king’s palace, and to teach them the literature and language of the Chaldeans. The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king” (Daniel 1:3-5).

Among  other things, the Chaldean literature would have included writings from the priests of Marduk, Nebuchadnezzar’s chosen idol. They might read them but they would not bow.

Daniel immediately stakes out his position. “Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself…” Daniel might be compelled to live in the Babylonian world, much as we must live in our culture, but Daniel would not conform to it. At the first opportunity, Daniel, speaking for the other three, refused the king’s food and wine and insisted on water and vegetables (Daniel 1:8-12). At the end of 10 days it was clear to all that Daniel’s plan was best. God had blessed his resolute actions.

 Worldly Success

There is no question Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were successful in the world of the Babylonians. They were appointed as top administrators in the province and in the palace. From our perspective, we know their success came because of their faithfulness but it also teaches us that we can be successful in our careers even when we maintain our distinctive Christian nature.

But there is a line over which these good men would not step. Certain Babylonians brought malicious charges against Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Perhaps motivated by jealousy these charges were nevertheless true. The men charged that  Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were refusing to worship an idolatrous image Nebuchadnezzar had erected. Their refusal could cost them their careers and even their lives. The three are summoned before the king himself and offered a chance to live. All that was necessary was to worship the idol (c.f. Daniel 3:1-6; 14, 15).

They refused.

“O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.  If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up” (Daniel 3:16-18).

We see two important items. First, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were absolutely committed to Jehovah God. No matter the cost, they would not compromise their faith. Second, the three did not know how or if God would deliver them! But it still did not matter. They would not bow!

This should be instructive to us today. We face many challenges to our faith, rarely to death, but major challenges nonetheless. It is so easy to cave. It’s easy to assimilate. But if we learn from Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego we will remain resolute even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. We must trust God and remain wholly committed to him. No slacking. No compromise. No assimilation.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego resisted but they still were cast into an incredibly hot furnace. You probably know the rest of the story. They were delivered by God, Nebuchadnezzar was humbled and they were promoted. But this good ending is only because they remained faithful.

Likewise, Daniel refused to stop praying even when commanded to do so by the King Darius. Daniel faced a den of hungry lions for his devotion to God (Daniel 6:1 ff). In fact, as soon as the law was established, Daniel went to his bedroom, through open the windows and began praying. He was seen and brought before the king to answer for his “crime.” Although the king could not stop the execution, he hoped Daniel’s God would. And he did just that. The mouths of the lions were closed and Daniel walked out of the den. The malicious men were themselves thrown to the lions and God was glorified throughout the kingdom.

Why should we be any less fearless? Why should we hide our faith. Our strength will change others. It does matter how we live. He matters when we reject compromise. Daniel refused to meld his faith into that of the Medes. He would not assimilate and he was blessed.

The moral of this story…

Resistance is not futile!

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

Real Problem #3 – No Discipline

Bible General, Culture, Daily living, ,

Discipline is a foul word in some quarters. In others, it suggests punishment. But others see discipline as a necessary component of a maturing, healthy life and especially of a faithful life before God. The apparent lack of discipline is the reason for so much of society’s ills. R. Kent Hughes, writing in the popular Disciplines of a Godly Man , says:

“I Learned that personal discipline is  the indispensable key for accomplishing anything in this life.  I have since come to understand even more that it is, in fact, the mother and handmaiden of what we call genius.”

Hughes continues:

“We will never get anywhere in life without discipline  be it in the arts, business, athletics, or academics. This is doubly so in spiritual matters. In other areas we may be able to claim some innate advantage. An athlete may be born with a strong body, a musician with perfect pitch, or an artist with an eye for perspective. But none of us can claim an innate spiritual advantage.”

When we look across the cultural landscape we see trouble. Moral values have vanished, integrity is lost and even the so-called work ethic that under-girded our nation is weakened and near breaking. In every case there is a lack of discipline on the part of individuals that is spreading to entire communities.

Miley Cyrus is the current poster child for vulgarity and amoral conduct. She follows a long line including Lady Gaga and Madonna before her. Yesterday, as the Cyrus antics were being covered by the media, I witnessed a teen aged girl at a local high school imitating the embarrassing dance moves of Cyrus.

A casino in Las Vegas is trying to evict a nightclub from their property because their stage show is raunchy. Specifically,  they charge that performers are imitating bestiality in the shows. Now here is the kicker. A spokesman for the niughtclub said:

“We believe we are on the leading edge of the next evolution of nightlife in Las Vegas and that The Act fills a niche for patrons looking for an alternative to the typical Las Vegas big-box club scene.”

“The next evolution?” Sadly, he is probably right. As discipline wanes, our world moves from bad to worse. It should be no surprise because Scripture has Paul telling Timothy that “evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13).

Personal Discipline

All discipline is personal.Members of a group must each be disciplined else the group as a whole will falter. Discipline is developed over years of practice and does not come easily to some. It prove better to seek discipline in one area before moving on to the others. One writer says it this way: “It’s a mistake to try to push yourself too hard when trying to build self-discipline. If you try to transform your entire life overnight by setting dozens of new goals for yourself and expecting yourself to follow through consistently starting the very next day, you’re almost certain to fail. ” We would suggest the following order.

1. A Discipline of Prayer

Prayer is the foundation of Christian growth and without it, any apparent growth will soon slip away. Prayer was a frequent discipline for Jesus and should be for his followers too.

We would suggest setting a specific time for prayer. Allow at least 15 minutes in the beginning (more later) and find a place without distractions where you can pour your heart out to God. Late at night as you lay in bed is probably not a good time, neither is driving down the road. Find a time where nothing competes for your attention.

It is perfectly fine to write down prayer needs and requests. In fact a prayer journal is a great idea and will help you review the way God has dealt with you in the past.

2. A Discipline of Study

Very closely related to prayer is the study of God’s word. Inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16) is the transmission of truth from God to man, through man and for man. By inspiration we come to know for certain precisely what our needs are. But study is essential. A student could never become an engineer or medical doctor without study. The Christian cannot never reach his full potential apart from study.

Like prayer, study should be deliberate and at a set time of the day. Prepare for your study by arranging an uncluttered working space and by having a notebook and pen handy. Your goal is not to read a certain number of verses but to understand the verses that you do read. Set aside 30 minutes for study and fill those minutes by striving to fully and completely understand each verse.

3. A Discipline of Conduct

Once a foundation of prayer and study are set you are ready for the transformation that God will work in your life (Romans 12:2). At some point every Christian must determine whether he will walk worthy of his calling (Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:2), or not. The changing power of God’s word will lead into a new way of life. It will change the way you live.

It seems that in the early days a new Christian spends much time eliminating unrighteous habits. But as time progresses we spend more time adding new ways of life consonant with a walk with God. Changes in our behavior, adding or eliminating, requires discipline. It makes no sense to empty our life of  bad habits without replacing those habits with goodness. In fact, such one sided actions may be dangerous (Matthew 12:43-45).

So right now, pick a habit to attack. Bad language? Immoral conduct? Gossip? Whatever it is bring your body into subjection. You are the boss of your own life. Set your house in order!

There is no time like the present to begin to serve God with all your heart. Bring discipline to your life.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

Real Problem #2 – No Leadership

Culture, ,

Vasnetsov_Grave_diggerOur culture is dying for leadership. The once proud society which engaged in the greatest experiment in human self-governance is soon to draw its last breath. It is suffering from a disease that touches every member of society. It is not quarantined in the White House or in Congress, although they are sicked too. It is a contagion that is not restricted to Hollywood or the big cities. It is an illness that we all contribute to.

There are no leaders.

21st century America thinks of leaders in political terms. We think of Congress, Governors and the President as out leaders and indeed they are. But true leadership is far more than winning political races. Leaders are everywhere.

A Lack of Leadership in the Home

Our homes are a mess. Parents no longer lead but instead respond to the direction of their children. Youth have no one to follow in their homes so they follow television stars or some popular kid at school. Without the direction of a strong parent it is no wonder our children seem aimless.

Parents are to train their children (Proverbs 22:6) and to apply discipline when needed (Proverbs 13:24; Proverbs 22:15). Yet, many fathers do not apply discipline because they are not at home. Work or even poor character keep men out the homes. Women feel beleaguered because all of the burden of raising a child is laid upon them. Children of broken home are sometimes undisciplined because parents are afraid to make the child unhappy and thus drive them closer to the ex-spouse. The result, no leadership.

Parents are God’s only way of training future parents. Sloth now produces more sloth in future generations. Only by re-establishing leadership in the home can we begin to reclaim the high ground that once marked out our society.

A Lack of Leadership in Business

This is a bit misleading. There is leadership in business but it is the wrong kind. Many in the business world have bought into the idea of “profit at all costs.” If it helps the bottom line, it must be good. Gone are the days when the primary goal was to help another. A famous wall street titan of the past once taught his employees that the best stock buy and sell transaction was one that left a little something in it for the next guy. No more.

A Christian retailer who sold decidedly un-christian products in his store once commented that church was church and business was business. Real leadership don’t you think?

At the root of much business malaise is greed and covetousness. “The righteousness of the upright will deliver them but the treacherous will be caught by their own greed” (Proverbs 11:6). “But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of…greed” (1 Corinthians 5:11). We ought remember Jesus own warning that a man cannot serve God and money (Matthew 6:24).

Business should be clean and honest where both the buyer and the seller walk away with value. Cheating, manipulation and slick deals have no place in the Christian economy. We need strong Christian leaders who will stand for righteousness even if it means loosing a deal.

A Lack of Leadership in School

Pure-mathematics-formulæ-blackboardI know something about public schools. I am a product of public schools as is my wife who now teaches in a public school. My eldest son will graduate from a state university and my younger sons are students in the public schools. It’s clear that there is a lack of solid leadership in our schools.

It is easy to point to the Supreme Court and argue that removing prayer from schools is the reason for our scholastic problems. But that is only a part of the problem. Teachers and school staff must display high levels of morality and righteousness. Teachers who use profanity and who have out of school activities that are unrighteous ought be removed from teaching. Such includes sports coaches who cannot coach without classless, vulgar statements and profanity.

We need more teachers who are willing to challenge the system and raise the quality of student’s lives. Instructors must not blindly follow curriculum that teaches falsely and opposes God. Courage is needed now.

Freed-Hardeman University once used the phrase, “teaching how to live and how to make a living.” That’s a fine motto for all of our educators.

A Lack of Leadership in Washington

There are problems in Washington D.C. For decades, some have used government as the means to denigrate people of faith and to remove Godly principles from the public square. Some leaders have assaulted the so-called Judeo-Christian work ethic. Honesty is rare among our leaders. There are serious leadership problems in Washington.

But before we draw and quarter our politicians, let us remember how they got there. These governmental leaders are where they are because society put them there. The system of elections in the United States is sufficiently strong to ensure that the people who win are the people chosen by the voters. IN other words, they are the fault of a society that does not want righteous leadership. Fix the society and you will fix the political system. You cannot do it the other way around.

But still, government is God’s idea. We are to honor our government and to remain obedient to it even when we don’t like what it does (Romans 13:1). When the church obsesses over government we miss the mission of the church. The church was not given to be a political force but rather a force for salvation in the world. Consider the successes of the original Christians against the backdrop of Roman persecution. What could a Peter or Paul accomplish today?

A Lack of Leadership in the Church

Verbena_United_Methodist_Church_July_2011The church is dangerously close to drifting into irrelevance from the perspective of society. It is not the the church will actually be  irrelevant but just that society thinks so. Why? I think there are two reasons.

Churches do not teach doctrine anymore.

In an effort to attract new people into their numbers, churches deliberately softened their doctrine. Churches appropriately desire to reach sinners but a subtle change has occurred. Sinners are not expected to change. Repentance is gone. The Bible teaches differently. Repentance is essential (Luke 13:3, 5; Acts 2:38; 2 Corinthians 7:10). Some churches ignore what the Bible teaches on homosexuality. Some ignore what the Bible teaches on adultery. The sin remains but the churches fail to teach.

Churches are social clubs.

The church is the place where God puts the saved (Acts 2:41, Acts 2:47). It is of divine origin an not a human device. Churches are community. They are made up of people and the church ought edify them all. But some use their churches as networking centers and give little regard to the spiritual basis of the body of Christ. Such social clubs do little to lead people to the mountain of God.

The church ought be the voice of Christ on the earth. The church ought lead its members and the community as we challenge the current societal ills. Without leadership in the church, the world cannot change.

We need leadership in every aspect of life. With leadership, there can be growth, great growth and we can begin to turn our culture back to Christ.

 

The Real Problem

Apologetics, Culture,

Challenges abound and problems are everywhere. But what is the root of our problems? What can we do to to address that problem? I sure don’t have all the answers but I think I have a place to start the discussion.

It seems to me that our culture has no standard of what is good or evil. We have taken the approach that “I’m OK, You’re OK” and that I must not make any judgement of your actions. We have corrupted the meaning of Matthew 7:1-5 into a prohibition against all judging. Christians, many ignorant of the actual teaching of the verse, have hung their head in shame at their assumed guilt. We have allowed every shifting human dogma to attain an equivalency with inspired teaching. Whether we intend to our not, we have allowed such systems as Islam, Humanism and even Atheism to rise to an equal level with Christianity. Such a weakness has allowed competing standards to flood the world. The result? A plethora of standards results in no standard at all.

Within the heart of every person, there are certain standards that seem to be born into each. A love for children and a need to protect them from harm, a yearning for freedom and a respect, at some level, for others, all seem to be innate. Prohibitions against murder are found across all society’s and cultures. Why? Because there is a moral standard given from an unchanging lawgiver. No Congress or Parliament is adequate to back such global laws. No King, President or Prime Minister has the power to enact unchanging worldwide foundations. Only God has such power and authority. Yet our world is fast approaching a total vacuum of  morality.

Solomon wrote that “Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). This country has lost any semblance of righteousness. The very concept of right or wrong actions is anathema to most.

But we cannot have righteousness apart from a righteous standard. The only standard confirmed by astounding miracles is the Bible. Only Jesus has the words of life (John 6:68) and only Jesus can save men from a wicked world (John 14:6). There are two important implications:

  1. All other so-called holy books are mere pretenders.
  2. A personal knowledge of the Bible is critical.

I know some will argue with these and some may find additional implications but the point is that we need the Bible as our standard in society and culture.

To me, there is nothing more peaceful than an early morning walk along the beach. The salty breeze, the distant cry of a gull and the crashing of the waves settle me. But if I stand in the edge of the water and allow the tide to swirl around my feet I will soon fall. The sand is no foundation. It washes away and soon I become so unstable that I fall. Our nation is is just this sort of condition. We’ve become hypnotized by the allure of sin in our world while, unnoticed, our foundations have eroded. Collapse is certain.

Can we pull our society back from the brink? Are we to far gone? Will we soon become a distant memory? I pray for revival. Will you?

 

 Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

Farewell 2012

Culture, Daily living, Encouragement, General, God, Jesus, Satan, Sin, , , , , ,

2012 change 2013We close the books on 2012 today. It’s over and I’m hoping for a better 2013. It has been a difficult year in so many ways. Hardly a month has passed without some horrifying event taking place which rattles us and makes stop to ask “why?” Let’s think about the big events of 2012 and see if we can find some answers:

  • 12 were slaughtered in Aurora, Colorado
  • 27 died at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut
  • 3 dead in a mall shooting in Oregon
  • 125 died in Hurricane Sandy and her aftermath
  • In fact, there were 16 mass shootings this year which, together, took 84 lives.
  • The great winter storm of 2012 claimed 6 lives
  • Lies, name calling and rancor marked our national political system
  • The economy still struggles and many are still without jobs.

I could go on and on and on some more but you get the point. This has been a tough year in many ways. 2013 holds promise for better times or at least that is what we tell ourselves. But the truth is that there will be bad things happening in 2013. We shouldn’t be surprised, Satan is the “ruler of this world” (John 12:31). Although the evil one is greatly restricted his influence is great and his arrogance unabated.

Truth teaches that we will suffer in this world at the hands of the evil people. By inspiration Paul said,

“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived” (1 Timothy 3:12, 13)

We are pilgrims (1 Peter 2:11) and just passing through this old world. As the song continues, “my treasures are laid up, somewhere beyond the blue.” Trouble comes but we are prepared.

What are we to do? If this world is bad and only going to get worse, what can we do? How to we survive? Paul answers immediately after his warning above:

” But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (1 Timothy 3:14-17).

There are three keys for continued life in this sinful world.

Continue and Do Not Give Up

Paul tells Timothy that he already knows and has been taught the truth. It came through the teaching of his mother and his grandmother and through his association with the “sacred writings.”  For Timothy, that would have been what we call the Old Testament. Timothy must not change because of the times. Instead he was to continue.

That’s good advice for us too. We know the sacred writings and we ought remain in them. We have firmly believed  and no matter what may happen in some place near or far we do not change. To surrender is beyond our comprehension.

Know the Book

Do you notice the very central place given to Scripture? We read of both sacred writings and Scripture. Both are the same and are first formed in the mind of God (1 Corinthians 2:11) and then given to man through the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21).

The necessity of knowing the truth cannot be overstated. We must take it in (Psalm 119:11) and dwell upon it. I fear that most do not give adequate place in their lives to Bible reading. A horrible pestilence of biblical illiteracy has settled upon us. That ignorance allows and sustains false teaching which arises from the devil himself. If we are to stand against the troubles of this world, we must know the book.

Be Equipped

Any soldier knows that his equipment is vital to the success of his mission and even to his own survival. There is no difference with the disciple. We must equip ourselves for combat knowing that Satan will assault us at every turn (Ephesians 6:16, 1 Peter 5:8). There are many tools with which we must equip ourselves (Ephesians 6:10-18) but none so important as a knowledge of the truth of God’s word. Everything we know about God, about Jesus, about sin and salvation, comes from the word of God. We cannot live without it.

We make so many preparations in this life. We prepare for emergencies with insurance policies, we prepare for retirement with Roths and IRAs, we prepare for a high quality of life with gym memberships and well prepared meals. Do we also prepare for life and the spiritual troubles that are certain to come our way? We must be equipped.

We welcome 2013 with open arms and great hope. We seek more followers for the kingdom this year. We seek to spread the word further. But we know that troubles are on the horizon. Nevertheless we do not faint for out hope is in an unfailing Lord who gave us all!

 

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

Should We Apologize for Jesus?

Apologetics, Culture, ,

There is nothing like a good cathartic rant to take us into the weekend but I just need to say a few things. I am a Christian. I stand with Jesus. I will reject everything else for him. I will not be tolerant of anything or anyone if it means discounting or disrespecting my Lord in the least. I believe Jesus.

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who believes in me shall never die…” (John 11:25-26).

I also believe there are false teachers (Colossians 2:16-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12; 2 Peter 2:1-3). I believe they may appear godly (2 Corinthians 11:14).

It seems that every time some politician or famous person says something about the exclusive nature of Christianity people insist they retract their statements. Culture tells us that we must not insist on Christianity as the sole path to God. Redemption, we are told, is not in exclusive to Jesus. Society allows us to believe in Jesus as long as we keep it to ourselves.

No more.

Like Paul I hold that all men will be judged by Jesus Christ (Acts 17:30-31). Like Peter and John I believe there is salvation in Jesus alone and there is “no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). There is no redemption for anyone who rejects Jesus. It is time for Christians to stop cowering behind their pews and pulpits and stand for and with Jesus.

Now then, I feel much better.