Daniel Cherry's Blog

How Jesus is the Solution: Installment #4

2009-10-27T06:22:00.000-07:00

Humility

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus... he humbled himself..." (Phil 2:5,8)

Pride is a universal intrapersonal enemy in the life of every human being to be fought with resolve and defeated . It starts early in child development as autonomy is explored for the first time. But, like the "sweet tooth," it must be held in check, tamed before it destroys a life. Every person made in the image of God has the right to, head held high, look every other person in the eye. But this does not mean being prideful.

"Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice." (Prov 13:10 TNIV)

Pride leads to closed hearts and heads. It builds walls in relationships - often injuring the people we love the most. It fuels anger and grudges. It keeps us from learning from other people, destroying the synergistic value of human community.

The Disney theme parks are designed, built and maintained by a group called the Imagineers. Their highest principle comes straight from Walt Disney: Everyone has a voice, everyone has useful thoughts and ideas. With that mentality, they have tapped the minds of engineers, children, doctors, parents, and custodians - anyone who might have a stake in the end product - and constructed the most effective entertainment experiences in the world. It takes humility, but it is how we were made to live together in community.

Good illustration: A professor of mine in grad school tells of when he was working on his PhD - a Greek scholar - translating texts that most scholars had never even seen before. He was teaching a Sunday school class and brought up a nuance on a Greek verb. An elderly woman at the back of the class raised her hand and corrected him. He looked up what she suggested when he got back to his office and realized she was right. When he asked her how she knew, she told him she had been widowed for about 40 years and wanted to spend her extra time understanding the Bible better. She got a Greek primer and taught herself Greek - and had been studying ancient Greek consistently for 40 years. Without a high school degree - yet reading at the level of a Greek scholar - she taught a scholar the value of humility. My professor used this illustration to teach us that everyone has a voice - and to listen.

"Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor." (Prov 18:12 TNIV)

"Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." (James 4:10 TNIV)

Sometimes the most difficult humility for some is to humble ourselves to God. There are commands in scripture that don't make sense to us or match our perspective. In a culture where we like to mold and shape our own life experience, the prospect of someone else - i.e. our creator - making demands upon our lives rubs us wrongly.
From the life of Jesus, what helps me is to see his example praying to God in the garden before he was crucified. He prayed, "...yet not as I will, but as you will." (Mat 26:39 NIV)
It seems to me that humility is saying, "It's not about me. It's about you." To our friends, enemies, family, and especially to God. In our humility and dependence upon God comes a promise that "...he may lift you up in due time." (1 Pet 5:6)

Humility breaks down walls, opens dialogue, heals wounds and promotes true community for which we are created.

Humility is part of the solution.

Blessings!

How Jesus is the Solution: Installment #3

2009-09-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

Meaning

(Eccl 3:11 NIV) He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Famed psychiatrist, Viktor Frankl, who gained and shared much from his experience as a prisoner at Auschwitz wrote, "There is, in fact, a religious sense deeply rooted in each and every man's unconscious depths." (The Unconscious God, 10) Frankl learned through experience and observation what God revealed long ago through the mind of Solomon. God put that "religious sense" there. That "sense" or "eternity" gnaws at our hearts and begs the question, "What is the meaning of life?" So people - individuals, groups, families, nations - continue the quest for meaning.

Frankl added, "...man is not he who poses the question, What is the meaning of life? but he who is asked this question; for it is life itself that poses it to him." (23, 24) Only human beings, when confronted with life are innately asked the question.

This meaning, the answer to the longing, the diagnosis of the nagging sense that something is not right in the world, this common human inkling that there must be meaning outside our temporary faulted milieu - is found in Jesus.

The Apostle Paul wrote, "I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead." (Phil 3:10-11 NIV)

Our meaning and purpose through suffering, and in joy is the same; to fellowship with our creator - to have relationship with God. That relationship is found in Christ Jesus.

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Tim 2:5 NIV)

So, for now we need him as our go-between, "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (1 Cor 13:12 NIV)

In Christ we find resurrection. We find eternity. We find relationship with God. In Christ and only through him do we find meaning.

Man's constant quest for meaning is part of the problem.
Finding ultimate meaning is part of the solution.

Please find him.

How Jesus is the Solution: Installment #2

2009-09-02T08:32:00.000-07:00

Forgiveness.

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Col 3:13 NIV)

Grudges, hatred and anger sever relationships. Our families, communities and nation are built on relationships and without relationships success alludes us. In a time when radical individualism grips our culture, there is a fierce need for forgiveness to heal hearts. We are not an island. No one succeeds alone.

Jesus Christ's example is the paragon of forgivness. Nailed to a wooden cross to suffocate and bleed to death, Jesus prayed a powerful prayer, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34 NIV)

Can you imagine a world with that attitude? Our country needs a healthy dose of forgiveness. Forgiveness is found in Jesus Christ, not only in the eternal sense that Christians often emphasize, but in the everyday relationships of life.

Please choose to follow Jesus.
Please choose to forgive.

Forgiveness is part of the solution.

How Jesus is the Solution: Installment #1

2009-08-31T13:49:00.000-07:00

Honesty

“…Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps. He committed no sin and no deceit was found in his mouth.” (1 Peter 2:21-22)

A Jesus-following culture would be a place where people are taught that honesty truly is the best policy and where truth is more important than temporary gain.

Flying home from college one summer I sat next to a journalism major from another school. Upon learning my major (Bible and Religion) he made the comment, “That’s interesting, I’m in school to learn how to lie and you are in school to learn how to tell the truth.” I was flabbergasted! Isn't journalism supposed to be about reporting on true things?

But hasn’t this become pretty common? Those who lie well are rewarded handsomley for doing so. Politics, jurisprudence, marketing and sales, business (and even journalism!?) are industrees that often reward good liars.

Aristotle once said, “The smallest deviation from the truth will soon multiply a thousand fold.” Any country where people are taught to lie, and rewarded for doing it well, suffers greatly. People don’t know who to trust. People in helping professions fearfully watch their backs. Friends are double-crossed, destroying relationships. Marriages disintigrate scarring hearts for life. The weakminded are exploited. Trillions are spent on litigation, and it takes weeks to buy a house (not to mention you have to write a book with your own signiture.)

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Jesus Christ (Luke 16:10)

Please don’t take that step down the road toward dishonesty. Be honest even with the little things, even when no one will know the difference, with everyone you come in contact with - even and especially yourself.

Learn honesty from Jesus Christ.
Make our nation, and your family better.

Telling the truth is part of the solution.

Tell the truth.

(p.s. and vote for people who tell the truth.)

Spiritual (v.) Physical

2009-07-27T13:37:00.000-07:00

After a 7-month break - here we go.

"Are spiritual problems or physical problems more important?"

This question is asked in many ways by people in various fields who have given their lives to causes in which they believe strongly.

For some the answer is easy - though they disagree.

Some say "spiritual" problems are more important. Spiritual problems include "sins" of selfishness, pride, dishonesty, irreverence, etc. Jesus himself said "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mat 16:26 NIV) Obviously, the sins that separate us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2) have eternal, not just temporary consequences. The Apostle Paul said, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (2 Cor 4:18 NIV) According to this view if you starve to death, but are able to be saved for eternity you are better off than if you lived a well-fed life and die and are subsequently condemned for eternity. Who would argue with that?

Others say "physical" problems are more important. Physical problems include disease, war, poverty, hunger, etc. Jesus himself said, "He will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.'" (Mat 25:45 NIV) So Jesus confirms his expectation that his followers respond to physical problems. Obviously, justice is important to God. Matthew attributed the prophecy of Isaiah 42:1-4 to be of Jesus in Matthew 12:18-21. In it God's servant "...will proclaim justices to the nations," and will lead "justice to victory." Social justice is at the heart of physical problem in our world that are very near and dear to the heart of God.

So which is more important?

I wonder this - "Why must the two be in competition?" The Bible says that "faith without deeds is dead." (James 2:26) Jesus follows his statement in Mat 25:45 by saying that those who do not care for the physical ailments of those in need "...will go away to eternal punishment..." (Mat. 25:46) It seems like our response to physical problems carries heavy spiritual consequences.

I'm interested in dialogue.
Why have these two choices been pitted against each other?
Should they be separated? Why or why not?

Grace and Peace!

Your Spiritual Thermostat

2009-01-29T07:41:00.000-08:00

I'm reading a great book right now by Dr. John Gottman, a relationship expert who has studied in depth over 2,000 married couples over 2 decades of research. In his book Why Marriages Succeed or Fail he highlights a quality in strong marriages - an internal thermostat.

For a marriage to work, he concludes that there needs to be a 5 to 1 ratio of positive to negative interactions. Couples with strong marriages have an internal gauge that can measure, unconsciously, this ratio. If there is too much negativity during a given period of time, they pump in more positive interactions. Surprisingly, healthy marriages also gauge the other way. If there are too many positive experiences, motivation to strengthen the marriage dwindles. Thus, in times when things are going really well, sometimes couples will find themselves arguing about something that doesn't even matter, just to have a negative experience, to motivate more positive interactions, and so keep the general 5 to 1 balance - fascinating.

Does this happen to our spiritual relationship with God too?

When you're really struggling through a difficult life issue, do you find yourself in God's word, on your knees praying or seeking guidance from a spiritual mentor? Conversely, are there times when things are going really well, and the same old doubts emerge and cause you to dig in a little deeper for awhile to strengthen your faith?

I am blessed with great parents who have been successful with a long-term, healthy marriage. They have implanted in me through my own observation a pretty good thermostat in my marriage. Likewise, they modeled a healthy relationship with God. This concept makes me all the more motivated to be the kind of example to my kids with these two important areas of life so that one day they will naturally pursue a strong relationship with their spouse, and with their creator.

For what other areas of life does this internal thermostat apply?

Do you struggle with your spiritual thermostat?

May God bless you richly today.
Daniel

Reflections on Revelation 13

2008-11-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

This is another entry for anyone in my Revelation class who wants to discuss some of the issues from Revelation.

This week we are looking at implications of Rev. 13 In the reading I gave you that is a reflection on this chapter, the author makes a couple statements that I think would make good discussion points. Feel free to respond to one, all, or add your own.

1. "The entire history of our nation is infused with biblical idealism, with the notaiton that this country is God's special land." With that, he goes on to talk about how we can be more patriotic about this country than about the kingdom of God. What do you think about this statement?

2. "The problem arises when we allow any of these loyalties to become the ultimate loyalty in our lives, when a commitment to job, family, or nation takes priority over all other commitments, including our commitment to God." When does this happen.

3. In what ways has Western (American) culture lulled or allured Christians? Why are numbers of conversions dropping?

4. "Between Rom. 13 and Rev. 13, where does the modern (American) Christian stand?"

The First Six Seals

2008-10-02T11:24:00.000-07:00

This is another discussion blog for my Wednesday night Revelation class. The questions partain to what we have talked about in class. Feel free to join in on the discussion.

Rev. 6
White, Red, Black, Pale, Martyrs, Cataclysmic Events - all translate into the picture of a world that seems hopless and helpless, but in reality is under the loving, watchful eye of our all-powerful creator.

1. War, unrest, financial inequity, death, persecution - what events are we currently facing in our country/world that could give us the same feelings of hoplessness these ancient Asians felt?

2. How do these current events make you feel? Does the knowledge of God's presence help?

Discussion on the 7 Churches

2008-09-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

This blog entry is intended to be a discussion for my Wednesday night Revelation class. However, anyone is welcome to join in.

The following are possible questions for discussion about the section on the Seven Churches of Asia:

1. What church(es) in Revelation do you personally most identify with?

2. As far as the church in America as a whole – which features in the 7 churches are struggles we face today? And why?

Wrestling and Temptation

2008-07-22T13:49:00.000-07:00

My children and I really enjoy wrestling, especially my son. (“Daddy, you wunna westle?) I have been trying to teach them what it means to be pinned and to pin someone for three seconds. Corban really gets it. He fights against me putting him on his back. When I get to “two” in my count he really thrashes to get up. Anna, my 2-year-old absolutely does not get it. When I put any pressure on her, she willingly falls onto the floor, purposely on her back and just giggles as I count to three and declare my victory.

I can’t help thinking of our struggle with temptation and sin. The constant battle that wages in our secret places applies increased pressure some times more than others. Do you get it? Do understand that this is a struggle and fight back, or are you like me some times and just give up before the struggle really begins, allowing Satan to count to three and declare a victory?

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph 6:12)

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Cor 15:57)

Don’t get pinned. Don’t give up. Get up and declare God’s victory!

2008-07-10T07:07:00.000-07:00

This video serves two purposes.

First, I think it illustrates a little boy's drive for adventure. Before his ability allows my son to ride a bike without training wheels, he desires to take the riding experience to the next level; a ramp. In the heart of a boy adventure, even risk, trumps ability. In his book Bringing up Boys, Dobson spends an entire chapter discussing the virtues and vices of young testostrone. I think this video belongs in that chapter.

The second purpose of this video is to test the video uploading capability of this blog. If this works well, i want to upload other videos of lessons from time to time. Lord willing, they will be forthcoming. If you get a chance to watch this video let me know how it works.

God Bless,

Daniel

Summer 2008 Thus far

2008-07-07T08:17:00.000-07:00

I don't post pictures very often, so here are some pictures of our family this summer.

Daddy is 30

Corban's Beach Body

Rachael and Anna at the Mother Daughter Banquet.

Corban and Anna really are best friends.

One of the many blessings of living in Panama City is beach family photo ops.

This is our beach family.

2 going on 21.

Feeding the ducks/geese.

We just returned from a week at my parents. All three of my sisters, Kathryn's boyfriend, Josh, Karen's husband Houston and their girls Matalee, Emery, and Haven, and my grandmother Hazel and her husband Gerald were there. We spent a day at Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO. Thanks Dad for taking us all there! Also with us is our good friend Alicia (Bright) Moore (front left). What a wonderful week this was.

Anna is never afraid to do her own thing. We stopped at a gas station on our way to Branson. Here, anna is enjoying a peice of candy.

This is my girl.They had some fun toys at Silver Dollar City. On the left is my neice Emery.

The cousins had so much fun playing together. For being so clumbsy, Anna loves a good climbing challenge.

Corban loves roller coasters. So I'm excited to share the big ones with him next summer.

He was pretty understanding this year.

The best is yet to come.

At Silver Dollar City, the Tea Cups were a favorite.

I think Tea Cup #9 is the fastest!

We went to a Baseball game on July 4. (Northwest Arkansas Naturals)

Corban's first love. July 4.

I hope you are all having a wonderful summer. God truly blessed our week off with our family.

God Bless,

Daniel

"Liberal or Conservative?"

2008-04-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

I may be naive, but I don't remember this discussion in scripture. Lest we think there were not differences between congregations in the first century, we need only look at the diffrences between individual churches within the New Testament; very different churches with extremely different backgrounds and memberships.

In Galatians, Paul is boiling about some people who have come from Jerusalem (a church of Jewish-Christians) to a place in Asia minor (churches mainly comprised of Greeks, and some Jews) trying to tell them how to evangelize within their local context. The Jerusalem brothers who were "of the circumcision group" did not know how to contextualize in Galatia. Why should they? And so they had no business telling them how to run the church there.

Rather than liberal/conservative, what I see in the New Testament is the churches throughout the world with strengths and weaknesses; the churches in Judea, Galatia, Macedonia, Asia, Bythinia, etc., with separate groups of leaders. Each had the responsibility to reach out with the gospel to the people in their respective communities.

Why do we need to be concerned about the practical decisions of leaders in other congregations in other parts of the country/world? Is not our responsibility to reach out with the gospel to the people within our local context? I have no business telling other elderships and congregations how to be salt and light in their contexts, and they have no business being judgmental on ours as well.

Please don't ask me if we are a liberal or conservative church. Those designations and their possy of accompanying issues are so petty and often more coloquial than scriptural.

Ask me, rather, if we are being salt and light. Ask me if we are reaching people with the transforming message of the gospel of grace and truth - communicated in love for God and our neighbors. Ask me if we are a church who is in a constant process of renewal and discipleship. Ask me if are committed to the God who reveals Himself in the Bible.

I will gladly answer those questions:
"May God bless bless us as we continue striving to become so."

Am I naive?

The Last Sacrifice

2008-02-21T08:02:00.000-08:00

It’s a hot day in Jerusalem as you stand in line with other sweaty Jews. In your right hand is a rope attached to a ring in the snout of the best bull you have ever seen. He is your prize. Your not taking him to show off at the county fair, you are taking him to an alter to be sacrificed for your sins.
You could sell him for several hundred dollars. You could butcher him and feed your family for months. But instead you are going to give him to the priest, to be killed and offered up to God. The blood of this bull will be mixed with millions of gallons of animal blood flowing through one of the most advanced drainage systems in the world of 30 A.D. As you marvel once again at the architectural masterpiece of Herod’s temple, you take a step forward and feel a squish as your sandaled foot sinks into the warm droppings of the bull in front of you.
The stench of fresh cow dung is so strong it makes you dizzy and reminds you of the stench of your own sin in the nostrils of the Almighty God. As you pass through the gates of the temple with your mooing sacrifice, you realize you are coming closer and closer to the presence of God. Your sin and the guilt-pain that comes with memory fresh on your mind you can’t help but marvel at God’s mercy. “Why me, Lord. Why offer mercy to me?”

You stand in line all day and finally make it to the priests who help you tie up and slaughter this innocent animal whose trust you have won over the years. It reminds you of how many times you have betrayed God’s trust with your own life. The priest makes his cut and you watch the life slowly ebb from your prized bull. You can’t help but remember your own sin and how that life should have been yours. You deserve this death, but God has allowed you to use this unwitting creature to postpone the punishment of your own wrongdoing. It is a part of God’s Law. You’ll have to do this again. Maybe you can use a goat next year. But for now a sigh of temporary relief. It’s time to go home and get ready for next year’s sacrifice for the sins your family will commit this year.

Heb. 10:1-14
1The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming--not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. 2If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. 3But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, 4because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
5Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said:
"Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but a body you prepared for me;
6with burnt offerings and sin offerings
you were not pleased.
7Then I said, 'Here I am--it is written about me in the scroll—
I have come to do your will, O God.'"
8First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made) 9Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. 10And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
11Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. 13Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, 14because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

If you have been clothed with Christ, you have been made perfect. Paul says in Galatians that we are clothed with Christ when we are baptized into Christ. Like the blood through the ancient temple drainage system, Christ’s blood cleans out your sin and carries it away. The result is that we are heirs according to the promise; able to approach the throne of grace with confidence!

When you woke up today you were pure, and when you wake up tomorrow, no sacrifice has to be made for the mistakes of today. If you are a Christian, you wake up a holy child of God. No more holding on to the sins of yesterday, they are gone. No more worrying about the mistakes of tomorrow, they are taken care of. And so when you wake up the first thing you should do as a Christian is hit the floor and cry out a prayer of thankfulness to him who took your guilt away – forever.

The sacrifices of bulls and goats under the law reminded the Jews of their sin and God’s mercy. But they were only a shadow of the true reality. The true reality is that in Christ, there are no more sacrifices, no more guilt, no more remorse about the past; only a hopeful longing for the future (How are you going to live for God today? What is God preparing for you tomorrow?).

If you have not yet been clothed with the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, you are missing out on the greatest hope you can have, the greatest peace known to man. Your life will never be complete and your guilty conscience can never be cleared without Christ.

If you come to Christ and make that commitment to him, the angels in heaven will rejoice at your acceptance of the most precious gift in all eternity. Don’t delay, put the old life down. Put the old ways behind you and embrace a hope that will live forever. Whoever you are, don’t stand in the guilty line of those under the Law waiting to sacrifice. Instead, give your life to the one true, Once-and-for-all.

He Won't Let Go

2008-02-06T11:30:00.000-08:00

Helping me grab a few things on a short errand to Target the other day, my three-year-old son, Corban carried an armload of merchandise. I noticed him struggling to get all items he was holding under one arm. So I helped him get things situated and secure. Then, I found out why he wanted the free hand. “Daddy, I want to hold your hand.” I was elated that my three-year-old son wanted to be close to me, feel that connection with his father, bond for a few moments as we made our way to the checkout. “I’d love to hold your hand, buddy.” He grabbed two of my fingers and held tight. Enveloping his hand in mine I asked, “Why do you want to hold daddy’s hand, Corban?” He promptly replied, “Because I don’t want anybody to take me.” “Neither do I, son. Don’t worry, I won’t let go.”

My son offered evidence that he had learned a lesson we have striven to teach: “There are people out there who want to take you away from mommy and daddy, so stay close.” Rachael and I don’t want our children to grow up afraid of people they don’t know, people who will one day be the objects of their love, service and evangelism. Instead, we want them to have a healthy fear of the ability of people with evil intentions to snatch them up and carry them off. I can assure you, as cautious as Corban may become, his fear of being taken pales compared to my fear of losing him.

So with our heavenly Father who uses Luke 15 to articulate this personal fear. A shepherd loses one sheep from a flock of a hundred. His love for that sheep compels him to take drastic measures to find her and bring her home. A poor woman loses one of her 10 silver coins. She turns the house over to look for it and gathers friends when it is found. A father loses a son who wanders into the cruel distant country. Hungry reality gnaws on the boy’s heart and he returns to find his father’s open arms running to greet him weeping, rejoicing.

You are that important to God. His fear of losing you dwarfs your fear of being lost. Hold tightly to our Father’s hand so nobody will take you away. He swears he won’t let go.

Big Steps

2008-02-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

This weekend I built the main structure for our children's swingset. I started from scratch, with a plan in my head. It's turning out okay, except one thing. I made the ladder rather hastely Sunday afternoon only to realize that the steps are too far apart for my almost two-year-old daughter to climb. The slide remains out of her reach. How did that happen? I think this afternoon I'll be working on another ladder.

I'm reminded of a quote I read in high school. "Set your castle in the clouds. Then, build steps to reach it." Fortunately, God is the contractor on my castle in the clouds. Unfortunatly, there is no way I can build steps to reach it. Heaven is to far.

So God sent his son to make human-sized steps to a heaven-sized castle.

"To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." (1 Pet 2:21 NIV)

"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" (John 14:6 NIV)

May God bless your journey as you follow him to your castle in the clouds!

A Spiritual Calling

2007-11-27T07:38:00.000-08:00

(1 Sam 2:29) Why do you scorn my sacrifice and offering that I prescribed for my dwelling? Why do you honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by my people Israel?'

(1 Sam 2:25) If a man sins against another man, God may mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?" His sons, however, did not listen to their father's rebuke, for it was the Lord's will to put them to death.

(1 Sam 3:12-14) 12At that time I will carry out against Eli everything I spoke against his family--from beginning to end. 13For I told him that I would judge his family forever because of the sin he knew about; his sons made themselves contemptible, and he failed to restrain them. 14Therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, 'The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.'"

I am forced to contemplate my own use of God’s resources. I hope that I would never be involved in the grievous sins of Hophni and Phinehas; extortion against worshipers, stealing their meat before they could sacrifice it and sleeping with women trying to give themselves to the Lord (or any women besides my wife). However, I still see how serious a sin God considers it to use any spiritual position or trust God has given to take advantage of others influenced by our words and actions.
Eli’s words are so wise in 2:25. Especially hopeless is a priest, who serves as a kind of mediator between men and God and offends God. Thankfully, today we have Christ as a mediator who will never extort, mislead, or take advantage for personal gain. So, should those who minister before the lord in a specific way still be held to a higher standard? (Luke 12:48, James 3:1) Yes! We are also only human, but God takes very seriously the actions of those who have spiritual influence.
Eugene Peterson wrote, “Culture has a fairly high regard for pastors as custodians of moral order.” If there is a large contrast between the message and the messenger, the message will be rendered null and void. How tragic if messengers of God’s word portray His message void! If we are going to preach it and teach it, we should live it. I fear some are afraid to proclaim the radical life of Christ because they are not willing to live it out. Is this me?
Intimidating? Yes! Paul asked, “…who is equal to such a task? (2 Cor. 2:16b) Then, he answers his own rhetorical question a few verses later, “...but our competence comes from God.” (2 Cor. 3:5b) If God has called you to this, He will give you what you need to accomplish His purpose. He will give you the tools to live the message He wants proclaimed. Albeit not perfectly, but consistent enough as to enhance the message and not hinder it. He asks for a willing servant.
What a commentary that the sins of Hophni and Phinehas were so heinous before God that He proclaimed, “Therefore, I swore to the house of Eli, 'The guilt of Eli's house will never be atoned for by sacrifice or offering.'" (1 Sam. 3:14) God will fight for His own, even if we are the ones in the way.
May all those given a spiritual calling in any capacity take that task seriously. Ministers, parents, elders, teachers, deacons, older siblings – all Christians have been given this calling. “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.” (1 Peter 1:15)
God bless you in your calling.

A Simple Commission

2007-11-08T13:53:00.000-08:00

I think a lot of people are intimidated to evangelize because you have to know the next step. It may be easy to engage a non-Christian in a conversation about Christ, but then what? What if I don't know the answers?

Jesus gave a very simple outline for simple evangelism in Matthew 28:19-20.

First, He said "Go."
If we are truly salt and light like he commands (Mat. 5:13-14) then when we go, people will see Christ in us. To be salt and light we need to first live the example of Christ out in the open. Second we need to talk about how Christ makes the difference in our lives.

Second, He said "Make Disciples"
The word for disciples in the original language means "students" or "pupils." I wonder, "students of who?" Of Christ! Point people asking questions to the Word. Some non-Christians what to ask calculus questions or challenges when they don't yet know arithmetic. Before we should try to answer questions about complicated doctrines - there should be a foundation of Jesus. I find it effective to start by directing them to the book of Mark or another of the four Gospels. Mark is the shortest and so often the least intimidating. The story of Jesus is convicting. Since "evangelism" is sharing the "good news" and the "good news" is about Jesus - point to him. Do whatever you can to get them into the word - therein lie the answers.

Third, He said "Baptize"
This is a call for commitment. Most people come to a point when they simply need to be asked "Are you ready to commit your life to Christ?" Even Paul required the nudge in Acts 22:16. Baptism requires more than just water. As Peter says in Acts 2:38, baptism is preceded by repentance (a redirection of the mind and life). Later, in 1 Pet. 3:21 he describes baptism as a pledge of a good conscience toward God. Baptism is the culmination of a process - giving one's self to Christ. When someone is ready to make that commitment, look through Acts with them to see how believers give themselves to Christ - keep it in the word and out of opinion.

Finally, He said "Teach"
"Teach them to obey everything I have commanded." We all need follow-up. In Matthew 12:43-45 Jesus said that when an evil spirit leaves a person, it returns. All Christians are attacked by the demons of temptation. It is okay to hold each other accountable. When we became Christians we said "I want to live the way Jesus wants me to live (He is Lord of my life)." Therefore, it is right and good for Sisters and Brothers in Christ to help protect each other from temptations. We can't do that if we are not involved in each other's lives. If you have been through the "Great Commission" process with someone, you have likely discussed things in their life (and in yours) that need to change. You have the foundation to follow up with accountability. Also, this is a great time to discuss more complicated doctrinal issues as we all grow in our understanding of the finer points of Christianity.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:29 to learn from Him. We don't have to have all the answers. We can simply go back and read the gospel with someone and let it speak for itself. Every time I go to scripture with a non Christian (and Christians too) I ask the questions 1. What does this passage teach me about God and Christ?, 2. What does this teach me about myself and God's relationship with me?, and 3. What changes do I need to make to be more like Jesus?

Jesus said "Go," "Disciple," "Baptize," and "Teach." It's a pretty simple formula.
Do you have the courage to carry it out?

Lifehouse skit

2007-11-01T07:07:00.000-07:00

The link below is for a skit that has been reproduced in youth groups across the nation. The message is so clear and confrontational. I have shown it to grown men and watched them sob at the reality of its message.

The one I've linked to is not the original, but I think one of the better adaptations from the original.

God Bless

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=d5facecd0a4039c6494e

The Lord's Day

2007-10-10T06:07:00.001-07:00

This is an exchange I had with a friend and sister in Christ last week which I thought would be helpful for anyone else who might have this question.

Her Question:
Thanks Daniel, When I actually get a moment to sit and write out some thoughts and questions I will but for now, one that is on my mind is in reference to "The Lord's Day" (not a Greek question). When those in the church refer to this they mean (and I did too until I started looking into scripture for a reference for it) The first day of the week; or Sunday if you will. However, when looking up scripture for it, I find that all I have found so far refers to The Day of the Lord or The Lord's Day as a day of reckoning or judgment between God and man. See: II Thess.2:2,3; Joel 2:1, 2:11, 3:14; and Amos 5:18; and Malachi 4:5. I'm sure there are more references but I cannot find any that refer to The Lord's Day as being the day we meet together each week. It is bothering me because I think we are using it from tradition as scriptural reference and I hear it used all the time in the pulpit…I understand what is implied, that we as Christians meet upon the first day of the week for worship and communion with God just as the disciples met with Christ and one another upon the first day of the week; however....where is the scriptural text that says that is "The Lord's Day"? If you could be of help in this area, I'd greatly appreciate it. Talk with you soon…

My Response:
Hey, great question. The "Lord's Day" is a term John used in Rev. 1:10. I believe - along with many scholars that Revelation was written in about 95ad. The term was used to describe Sunday in other Christian, non-scriptural, texts. For example, Ignatius, an elder in Antioch made reference to the "Lord's Day" rather than "the Sabbath" being the day that we celebrate (c. 115ad) Another widely circulated early Christian document, the Didache (c. 120ad) instructs that Christians should meet every first day of the week called the "Lord's Day." The helpfulness of these references is that they assist us in understanding what John meant in Revelation 1 with this reference. There would not have been a need for John to clarify what he meant by the reference if it was something that his whole audience would have already understood. Therefore, when we look at use of the term in the early church, we find early Christians using this term for Sunday. It also makes sense. This is the Day Christ rose from the dead, the day the apostles established as the day we remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ through the "Lord's Supper" the day Christians from earliest times met to worship and the day money was (is) set aside for the Lord's work. It has been called "The Lord's Day" ever since the first century and the reference is used at least (only) once in Scripture to designate Sunday.In the Old Testament prophets, the reference to "The Day of the Lord" referred to the time period when all things would be made new, when the messiah would come. I think the clearest reference is found in comparing Joel 2:28-32 with Acts 2:17-21. Peter is saying that this "day of the Lord" has now come. The way people would know that the time had come would be the presence of the working of the Holy Spirit.The construction in Greek between the "the Day of the Lord"(Acts 2:20) and "the Lord's Day" (Rev. 1:10) is actually different. The way they are translated helps to clarify the difference.Still another term is used in the New Testament to refer to a different "Day of the Lord" which is the judgment to come. Every time you find the "Day of the Lord" translated at least in the NIV, the term for "Day" comes before the term for "Lord" and is in what is referred to as the "genitive" case. The genitive shows possession. However, in Rev. 1:10 it is actually in the "dative." The dative shows "personal interest." In this case it is used as the "dative of possession" which puts emphasis on the possessor rather than the genitive which puts emphasis on what is possessed. Therefore, the "Day of the Lord" references emphasize the day. The "Lord's Day" emphasizes the Lord. This is appropriate, since it is upon this day that the Lord is our focus.
See you Sunday! Daniel

Our Town not like Heaven

2007-09-27T07:47:00.001-07:00

Often in a comfortable, safe, prosperous culture we don't spend much time thinking about heaven, longing for a different place. However, recently, I've been reflecting on how Heaven will be different from our town. In Heven there will be no:
- Cemteteries because there will be no death
- Hospitals because there will be no sickness
- Prisons because there will be no crime
- Nursing homes because we will never grow old
- Funeral homes because there will be no need to mourn
- Street lights because we will be in the precesnce of Light
- Housing projects because there will be no poverty
- Fire stations because there will be no emergencies
- Police stations because we will all be safe
- Court houses because there will be no lawsuits or paperwork
- Pharmacies because there will be no pain
- Orphanages because we will all have family and a home
- Church Buildings because we will be worshipping always in the presence of God

(Heb 11:16 NIV) Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.

What do you see as you drive down the road that will be missing in Heaven?

Nighttime Struggle

2007-09-17T08:42:00.001-07:00

My son is discovering, for the first time, fear. We are careful about what we let our children, watch, but "scary things" are inevitable. Corban recently used a b-day gift card to purchase a Buzz-lightyear with a lazer beam that also casts an image of Zurg (Buzz lightyear's evil nemesis from Toy Story) on the wall. Corban carefully places Buzz just outside his bedroom door before going to bed each night. He must sleep with a book in his bed. However, he will not sleep with a book with the word "monster" or a picture of a scary person anywhere in the book. He can't read, but he can tell you which books contain the "scary" words or pictures. Corban's strangest fear is a fear of the sun coming up. Rachael and I haven't figured out where the fear is in that yet. But it is evident that he is well aware that there are some things in life that cause fear.

I fear this trend of realization will never cease. However, I know from experience what Corban does not: that some things are not worth fearing. In Mark 4 the Apostles are stranded in the middle of a storm with Jesus. The waves are threatening, boat is small, Jesus is asleep, Apostles are afraid. They wake Jesus and voice in v. 38 their dread of drowning. Jesus rebukes the storm, and then he rebukes his apostles. "Why are you so afraid?" You see, they feared creation and Jesus has that under control. What gets me is that in v. 41 the apostles had been afraid of the storm, but now they are "terrified" of Jesus, the creator. First, they feared what was not worth their concern. Then they learned a Godly fear. And with that kind of fear, we don't have to be afraid.

What do you fear?

Why are you afraid?

Images of God

2007-09-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

My wife and I recently experienced a revelation from our 1-year-old daughter, Anna. She has been calling her pacifier "sea-saw." We thought this was just a cute mispronunciation of pacifier. However, while recently teaching her how to pray we have realized that her word for Jesus is likewise "Sea-saw!" What have we done? How did this connection between Jesus and a pacifier occur?
Before bed each night, Rachael and I sing a personal lullaby I have written for each of our children. Anna's song begins with the words "Anna look to Jesus, never will he fail you." We realized that the last thing we do before singing this song is give Anna her bear and pacifier. Then we sing about looking to Jesus. To confirm this connection we asked Anna before bed what her teddy bear was called - she said "sea saw."
At first I thought about how we could undo this grave misunderstanding. Then I thought of Matthew 11:28. Jesus says "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy burdened, and I will give you rest..." Her teddy bear and pacifier are the most comforting things Anna understands. When all is going wrong, when her black and white world is spinning around her little toddling body, her weary eyes become heavy, and she just needs some familiar comfort, she turns to sea-saw.
In time we will augment her understanding of Our Lord. However, I think for now we will allow our little girl to receive comfort from her Sea-Saw.

Revolutionary Parenting

2007-09-13T08:35:00.001-07:00

Participating in specific ministries at every age level, one lesson has been reconfirmed many times; life is a process that cannot be properly divided into clear-cut stages (even though this is necessary at times). However, I want to spend a few minutes discussing one of these "stages": parenting.

Parenting education is a huge need in our churches for many reasons. Here are a few: First, adults who have been raised according to Godly principles tend to be more involved in Kingdom work during later stages of life. And the most effective place to lay a solid Christian foundation for our children is at home (and church secondarily). Second, our mobile society has taken us, in many cases, away from the family in which we were raised. Daily connection is most-often lost with those who have raised us. Third, there are so many differing sets of parenting advice machines that it is difficult to discern which is best. Fourth, effective, Biblical, parenting education helps disciple parents into a discipling ministry with their children. This serves to develop "discipling disciples". Fifth, effective, Biblical, parenting ed. stresses the importance of the parents' personal spiritual development. Becoming an effective parent may be helpful motivation for jumpstarting one's own Spiritual awaking.

George Barna's Revolutionary Parenting is a unique book that presents facts from parents who have been successful in raising what Barna terms "spiritual champions." In it he reinforces the wisdom that raising children on Biblical principles is truly (and statistically) effective. I highly encourage anyone who works with parents and/or children to secure a copy of this brief (158 pages) book on effective Christian Parenting. His insights are timely, biblically and statistically based, and helpful for parents who want to develop a well-rounded, intentional parenting strategy.

May God bless you in this sacred task!

The Exodus

2007-08-21T07:57:00.000-07:00

[Take a moment to reflect on your own anxieties in light of the Israelites' experience in Exodus 14]

Rushing, carrying babies, driving livestock, looking over shoulders at the army pursuing. How far will they chase us? Keep following God – He keeps leading us – it seems like victory is the Lord’s! He’s doing it! He’s saving us! We’re on our way to a land flowing with milk and honey; an inheritance from God – life is good – our children will have a better life than us – just keep following God – things are working out – keep our eyes on the cloud and the fire, keep putting one foot in front of the other and there is a reward in the end.

But the cloud is stopping. No! We can’t camp here, the enemy will overtake us – has God lead us to a dead-end sea? Where can we go? The torrential waves on one side, an angry army on the other, War trumpets sounding. Pressure building, stress mounting - tension increasing. Why are we pitching our tents with the enemy in hot pursuit? God, where have you lead us? Why have you taken me here? What about your promises? Has God blessed me so much in order to lead me to nothing? I can hear shouting – I can hear the clamor of armor, the drumming of horses’ hooves and the thunder of chariot wheels. The cracks of whips. The cries of war and pillaging swords ready to thrash - hands ready to snatch children and belongings.

I become suddenly aware of myself – Fear. Heart is heavier and its beating increases momentum. I can’t swallow and the moment stands still. I turn my head to see what is around me. With the crack of every whip I realize that all of this will be taken away. My children whom I’ve bathed and clothed coddled and soothed. The subject of so much hope of future – the objects of my love. A whip cracks. My head turns – I see sheep and goats. The work of my hands, the sweat of my brow. They represent the risks I’ve taken to build an inheritance for my children. Livestock are food, they are sacrifices for God. A whip cracks. My head turns…I see my wife, my beautiful pride and joy – generations nestled in her womb. A whip cracks and the enemy is closer to taking it all away. I will not be buried with my fathers in Egypt. I will not be buried with my sons in the promise land. I will be buried in the desert, in the middle of nowhere, in a pile of rubble created by the Egyptian war machine. No one will visit our graves. Is that why we’ve been brought here? So that there will be room to bury us all? Heart pounding, head spinning, hope ebbing away.

We need to follow God, but the cloud and fire have stopped. Wait, they are moving, over our heads, now behind us - between us and our enemies. Creating a barrier, shielding us for a time from the angry army. But will it last forever? I see God’s hand at work, but this ploy won’t last. A day, maybe two and our pursuers will burst through the cloud and destroy us.

Moses is motioning us to pack our tents, fold our clothes and stuff our bags, load our donkeys and pick up our children. I don’t get it. There’s no place to go…there’s no place…what is Moses doing? He’s raising his hands…wind begins to blow. Dust is flying in the air as the waters begin churning…I can’t believe…the crashing of waves against waives as the waters are driven apart and a corridor is carved through the sea.

Directly in front of our camp a path of dry sea floor stretches through a canyon with cliffs of water on either side. Moses motioning us to move forward. The staff of God in the hands of a man. Moses walking ahead of the camp – marching through the dark valley in faith. God, you want me to go out into the middle of that? My children, my livestock, my wife, my life – amidst millions of tons of bone-crushing water being suspended by what? You want me to go through this? God, if your going to lead us on, why don’t you lead us another way? Perhaps you could build a bridge over this torrent. I’ve seen that work before. What about a big boat? We could ferry across the sea to safety. I know a boat would work much better. Why on foot?

As we enter the chasm forged by the finger of God we are slow and timid. Like the huge fish on either side my head swims in circles. Why, God? Why this way? A trumpet sounds, the enemy army shouts, horses whinny, whips crack and the thunder begins. We start to run in fear. The barrier is gone and they are charging toward us in full force.

I knew it! We couldn’t even have the dignity of a desert burial in the middle of nowhere. We will be lost at the bottom of the sea, slaughtered by the Egyptians. No! What am I thinking? Not my children! Not my wife! We must press on. We must make it to the other side and then stand and fight like men. God, if you tell me to go through it, I’m going to go. We will make it to the other side.

The other side comes as the last of the Israelites climbs up the embankment on the other side. I look up and there is Moses with that staff raised high. A crashing sound and screams from the army. Not screams of battle, but screams of fear and confusion. And suddenly the loudest sound is a deathly silence as horses hooves no longer pound, the armor no longer clangs, the army no longer pursues. Our enemies no longer live. But our God, our God, our amazing God is still leading us onward! Toward hope, toward peace, toward safety, toward a land of promise...

Psalm 124
1A song of ascents. Of David.
If the LORD had not been on our side
—let Israel say—
2if the LORD had not been on our side
when men attacked us,
3when their anger flared against us,
they would have swallowed us alive;
4the flood would have engulfed us,
the torrent would have swept over us,
5the raging waters would have swept us away.
6Praise be to the LORD,
who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
7We have escaped like a bird
out of the fowler's snare;
the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.
8Our help is in the name of the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

Can We Trust Eyewitness?

2006-11-15T11:29:00.000-08:00

So what do we have to go on? We Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead. That there is a God - a no brainer. That Jesus lived and died - undesputable. That he rose from the dead...now this is the crux upon which our faith is founded. Are we a bunch of gullible Garys?

That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. (1 John 1:1 NIV)

Can you trust such eywitness accounts about Jesus? Trust is a difficult thing these days. It seems like everybody lies to get ahead. However, though we doubt our ability to trust people, we all drive. We trust the other guy is going to stay on his side of the road. We eat out and trust that the food was not scraped off the bathroom floor. We take medicine from the pharmacy without performing our own in-house substance analysis - we trust the pharmacy is being truthful.

Let's take the pharmacy example and apply it to eyewitness accounts of Jesus. Why do we drust the pharmacist?

1. He will not gain from giving false medecine. Sure he may make some more money in the beginning, but as soon as people find out that his medecine doesn't work, he loses his business.
The eyewitnesses of Jesus had nothing to gain by lying. No one gave them money, the apostles never ended up with power or position because of the message about Jesus. There was no promise of success here on earth - only examples of failure by other groups that tried to lead revolutions.

2. He will not get away with fraud. We live in a country with a strong FDA regulating what is sold in pharmacies. Sooner or lator, the officials would produce evidence that this was a fraudulant opperation.
The eyewitnesses could not have gotten away with fraud. There are no first century claims of evidence agianst the resurrection of Christ, or against the facts of the story that the eyewitnesses were spreading. Both the Jewish authorities and Roman government had much to gain by proving this sect wrong, but no such evidence was produced. No one gets past a Roman guard sealing a tomb. This is not a possible explanation. If the eyewitnesses had been lying, they would have been shot down - quickly.

3. The pharmisist will face punishment by selling fraudulant medicine. There would be lawsuits, government fines and prison time - not to mention a revocation of his liscence and the ruin of any hopes of practicing pharmacy again.
The eyewitnesses actually told their story in the face of punishment. They must have believed the punishment for preahing against the resurrection was greater than the punishment for preaching for it. History records all the apostles (accept John who was tortured) being put to death rather than change their story.

John was sure about what he proclaimed. There was no mistake. He knew it enough to be tortured for it. John was never a rich or powerful person. Instead, he stood with the other eyewitnesses for the resurrection of Christ. Can you trust people? Can you trust eyewitness? If you can take medicine that might make you better at the risk of being killed if it is fraudulant, can't you partake of the water of life Jesus provides through faith?

I still believe those who saw and heard, felt and knew him who is the Resurrection and the Life. They carry more reason for believability than modern doubters. Those who listen to the athiests today are the gullible Gary's (no offense to anyone named Gary out there) who believe without evidence.

You'd better believe it!

Is Hell Still Valid?

2006-11-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

After a break from the blogging scene, it is time to begin the process again. I hope to add a post once per week.

In a couple weeks I will preach a sermon on the reality of Hell. It is not a plesant topic. It is not a topic upon which I want to focus. But Jesus had a lot to say about it. It has been an unpopular subject to preach on for a long time, but it still holds the intimidating power I believe the Bible intends for it to have - Eternal Fire? No thank you. Lake of burning sulfur? I'm running. The one place where God is not present? Get me as far away as possible!

Is it still valid to preach on Hell? Is it a cheap scare tactic used by crazy fundamentalist Christians to minipulate the gullable into the pew? A Pentacostal church in Cedar Hill, Texas spends thousands on a haunted house that portrays Satan's prison using hellish imagry as an evangelistic tool. A Baptist church in Chicago where the youth minister dresses up as Satan and people try to beg their way out of eternal torment convinces young people.

WWJD? (What Would Jesus Do?)

Jesus used both fear and hope to call people to him.

Fear
"...It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell." (Mat. 5:30)

"...where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth" (Mat. 8:12, 13:42, 13:50, 22:13, 24:51, 25:30)

Hope
"In my Father's house are many rooms...I am going there to prepare a place for you..that you also may be where I am." (John 14:2,3)

Paul said that because of the fear of the Lord "...we try to persuade men." ( 2 Cor. 5:11) He said that he would use "...all possible means...[to]save some." (1 Cor. 9:22)

Hebrews both warns of destruction; "For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" (Heb. 2:2-3) and pulls with hope; "Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest..." (Heb. 4:1)

James uses fear addressing the rich; "Your gold and silver are corroded. their corosion will testify against you and eat you rflesh like fire." (Heb. 5:3) He also uses hope; "You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near." (Heb. 5:8)

Peter uses hope of our inheritance in 1 Peter and fear of destruction in 2 Peter both to encourage faithfulness to the truth and endurance through earthly suffering.

Revelation might be considered the ultimate fundamentalist propoganda. The overriding theme is that those who do not remain faithful to Jesus will end up in the lake of burning sulfur with Satan, but those who remain faithful will be with God in heaven, forever.

If scripture carries such a balanced presentation, I believe it is incumbant upon Christians to also preach a balanced message of fear and hope. However, this means that both need to be loud and clear.

Are the methods of churches like the "Hell House" concept to frighten people valid? They report that 2/3 of the people who go through it want to become Christians. If that helped them to respond to the good news - praise God. The good news of salvation is truly good news if we realize we are saved from something undesirable. Salvation is incredible in light (or dark) of the alternative.

Peter listed love as the highest stage of Christian development (2 Pet. 1:5-7) May we all grow from fear to love.

And may we all be faithful to the truth even when it is unpopular.

The Gift of Ministry

2006-08-28T11:24:00.000-07:00

I want to express how blessed I am to be in ministry, full-time, and paid for it!

I cherish the moments I have with people in hospitals and nursing homes. To know that through Christ, I can offer a word of encouragement, or a prayer for healing, a reaffirmation of hope, or a comforting presence is a great privelage.

It is such a gift that I can get away from everything during my work-day and spend focussed time in prayer and meditation. In what other job is an employee encouraged to spend an hour in prayer?

I don't need to take time out of work in order to study God's word and ways to help apply it to mine and other peoples' lives. That is my work.

Through Christ's empowerment, I can dream and plan and organize ways for God's kingdom to be strengthened in Spirit and in Word. I can't wait to see what God has in store for his people!

Of course there are frustrating aspectives of ministry. Welcome to the realm of humanity. But, "our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all." (2 Cor 4:17)

May God be glorified through what he has entrusted to me, the gift of ministry.

The Church as Christan Agar for Family - Glorfying God as a Church part 2

2006-06-21T09:08:00.000-07:00

I love the role of petri dish agar in microbiology. My lay understanding (non-scientific) of the gelatinous substance is that it is a nutrient-rich foundation for encouraging intense and accelerated growth of small organisms in a controlled environment. What if churches were seen this way?

The Bible describes family as the basic building block of community and individual growth. However, “family” in scripture is defined more broadly than we define it today. Briefly, scriptural family is basically relational connections that tie people together socially, economically, emotionally, biologically and/or geographically. God is described in family terms (Father-Son). Adam and Eve, the twelve tribes of Israel, Ruth and Naomi, Jesus and Joseph (adoption), Jesus and church (bride and groom), church family (siblings) etc.

What if the church community was seen a “agar” for families – a nutrient-rich environment of interconnected relationships that encouraged spiritual growth for all members (married, single, young, old, rich, poor, etc). People living in effective, godly relationships “naturally” grow into families. People in “family” are healthier and their needs are met better. People in spiritual families, connected and active are spiritually healthier.

If the church encourages family relationships among members, the church is glorifying God by reflecting what it means for God to be in “family” with Himself and with His people.

In what ways can the church be “agar” – developing everyone in families – reflecting the nature of God?

Glorifying God as a Church

2006-06-02T11:43:00.001-07:00

I appreciate the input of the anonymous contributor to my last blog. The idea of representing Christ to the world is vital to the church. In 2 Cor. 1:3-4 Paul says “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.” For some reason, God has chosen to work through human agents (us) to bring His comfort – to represent Him through godly compassion.

Later, in the same letter (2 Cor. 5:20) he writes, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us...” What? God communicates to the world through us humans; through the church? Yes – and so it is essential that we learn to represent him accurately.

Jesus said "If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19) In essence, if the church is like the world, she will be attractive to them. If the church is like Jesus she will be hated by the world, just like him.

So what are some practical ways the church can maintain this vital separate-from-the-world Christ-likeness that accurately portrays the grace and the truth of Christ? Here are a few suggestions.

1. Talk about the love of Christ openly and how much he has done for us. (Mat. 10:32)
"Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.”

2. Have compassion on the lost, the sick, the hungry, the orphans, widows, etc. (Mat. 9:36)
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.”

3. Act out that compassion in very physically involving ways. (Mat. 25:40)
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

4. Be up front about the moral standards God expects of his people. (Luke 14:28)
"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?”

5. Let outsiders act like outsiders instead of imposing Christ’s morals on them without a relationship with Christ first. (1 Cor. 5:12)
“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?”

6. Expect and allow Christians to have a past. (1 Tim 1:13)
“Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.”

7. Drink deeply and daily from scripture to know God better. To reflect him we must know him. (2 Tim 3:16-17)
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

8. Base what we do upon scripture - keeping cautious, as a church, to not go beyond what is written (1 Cor 4:6 NIV)
"Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, 'Do not go beyond what is written.' Then you will not take pride in one man over against another."

These are just a few examples of ways I believe the church should reflect Jesus accurately. It is not a comprehensive list. What other ways can we reflect Christ to the world in grace and truth?

What does it mean to "glorify" God?

2006-05-23T12:32:00.001-07:00

Is the purpose of “glorifying” God to make Him attractive to the world? What I see in scripture is that to glorify Him means to represent God accurately.

Paul makes his argument pretty strongly in 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 when he writes that the message of Christ is foolishness to the world. To those who accept the truth, the message is beautiful, refreshing. To those who reject it, it is loathsome and foolishness – it becomes a thing they try to destroy.

When the “glory of the Lord” appeared on Sinai, it looked to the Israelites not like a dazzling white gown, but a terrible, consuming fire (Exodus 24:17) In Numbers 14:21-22 it is the “glory of the Lord” that wreaked havoc on the Egyptians; not an attractive sight if you are Egyptian.

However, the “glory of the Lord” also causes his people to fall down on their knees and worship Him, declaring His goodness (2Chronicles 7:3) God’s glory is displayed in His wonderful works in nature (Psalm 104:31-32)

In scripture, God’s “glory” is reflected in His dreadful judgment of evil, His gracious love toward His people, and in his graceful beauty in the world. All of these things don’t necessarily make Him look “attractive” but they do show Him for who He is.

Paul said that “we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and to those who are perishing. To one we are the smell of death, to the other, the fragrance of life.” (2 Cor. 2:15-16) Christ came “full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) and, being himself was rejected by men – it wasn’t the grace part they hated, but the truth.

Jesus is defined as “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” (Hebrews 1:3) If we as a church, the body of Christ, are to “glorify” God, I believe our primary task will be to represent Him as accurately as possible.

Feel free to offer suggestions about what this means for us as a church. My next post will offer some suggestions.

A Celebration of Resurrection, Restoration, and Reunion

2006-05-10T07:25:00.000-07:00

Below is an article I wrote for an Arkansas publication that may or may not be published this month:

On Easter Sunday Spring Valley, a small church outside of Searcy, celebrated their first year of worship after a seven year slumber. The church met their first year on Fairview road in a brush arbor pavilion-type structure while their saw-mill lumber building was constructed in 1935. Many families have been a part of the Spring Valley congregation over the years and preachers such as J. D. Bales and L. A. Thompson have graced her pulpit.

The second building was constructed out of cinder blocks in the 1960’s and has seen a few improvements since. The church thrived in the 1940’s though the 1970’s consistently filling the building on Sunday mornings. The late Paul E. Smith, his brother Harlon, the late Troy Barnett and the late J. L. Helms raised their families in the congregation which have since spread out into other congregations within Arkansas.

Unfortunately, in the 1990s the church experienced some internal conflict which lead to a falling out and eventually a split. When attendance dwindled to two couples, they decided to close the doors in the spring of 1998.

But God had other plans. At the beginning of 2005 some of the families decided to open the doors to that old building on Fairview road for a one-time Easter-weekend reunion of all the families who had grown up in this small country church. To their joy, many of the wounds of the past were healed or healing and some who had been disenchanted by the previous struggles returned with hopeful dreams of Christian renewal.

As a result of the positive outcome of that Sunday, the group decided to worship together the following week. Another family came looking for a new start and the decision was made to revive the congregation and resume meeting on a weekly basis.

During the summer and fall of 2005 the church united together in a great restoration of the old building. Indoor plumbing was installed for the first time, a nursery was built on, a kitchen built in, new carpet, roof, pew upholstery, a new pulpit and Lord’s table were all a part of this joining of hands to restore an old familiar church home. The restoration of the building has simply been an outward reflection of an inward revival and a renewed commitment to unity and the gospel of peace. Additionally, within the next few weeks they will install new elders.

This Easter, the church which in its first year has more than doubled in regular attendance celebrated together the resurrection of the Lord with a new tradition of Easter-weekend homecoming. Every year, Spring Valley church of Christ will be reminded of the resurrection of Christ living in his people, the restorative power of the gospel, and the blessing of the great reunion of the saints to which we can all look forward with ever-increasing anticipation and hope.

OCU Reaches Out

2006-04-28T09:34:00.000-07:00

Oklahoma Christian University recently hosted President Kagame from Rwanda. Below is an excerpt from an article about the event:
Oklahoma Christian University also announced that it is creating five scholarships for Rwandan students beginning in the fall of 2006, and will add two to that total each year for several years. One-half tuition will be available to additional Rwandans. Oklahoma Christian University president Dr Mike E. O’Neal visited Rwanda in 2004 and invited President Kagame at that time to visit Oklahoma. O’Neal said he was moved by President Kagame’s efforts to reunite the country.
My wife and I visited Rwanda in 2003 and were forever affected by the destruction that still lingered from the 1994 genocide, and the undominable determination of the Rwandan people to rebuild the country for their children. I'm so thankful OCU has made this partnership that will help breathe the true spirit of Christianity into a country seeking a firmer foundation. Praise God when his people reach out and extend the hand of Jesus to those for whom he came.

Read more about it at:
http://www.newtimes.co.rw/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4411&Itemid=1

Great job Dr. O'Neal and OCU!

Involvment Ministry

2006-04-21T08:24:00.000-07:00

In a few months I will be the involvement minister for a church in Florida. What is involvement ministry? I appreciate the description by one of my professors of ministry as "a resource person." Our job in professional ministry is to make connections. Most of our training at the graduate school in Memphis is dedicated to connecting people with God's Word. We help people connect with Christ.

Fred Craddock has said that often a minister's job is to say what the people have been wanting to say, but didn't know how. Bruce McLarty has said that A minister often must ask the questions that others don't want to or know how to ask. These are connections; between people and articulated questions and answers in our Christian walk.

As I reflect on involvement ministry I keep seeing the job as making connections between people. The involvement minster has the task of knowing everyone and helping them to connect to each other.

Help me out. What should an involvement minister do? What are ways to connect people to each other, the church and to God?

If you aren't able to make a comment (I have tried to make a comment and failed so maybe you have difficulty) feel free to email me at danielpcherry@gmail.com.

My Harding University chapel talk today

2006-04-17T09:34:00.000-07:00

My name is Daniel Cherry. I’m proud to be a Cherry. My great grandfather, Edward Gamble Cherry defended this country in WWI. My Grandfather, Paul E. Cherry made advancements in the field of Chemical Engineering. I’m especially proud to be the son of my parents, Dennis and Kathy Cherry who searched scripture with a passion and found Christ. My family isn’t perfect, but I’m proud to be a Cherry.

I’m also proud to be a Harding alumnus. I’m proud to be a part of an institution whose founding president preached on the weekends and used the money he received to pay his faculty during the week, just to keep this school going. I’m especially proud of this university’s commitment to pursuing excellence in Christian education. I’m proud to be part of a school whose faculty, staff and students strive to grow in their Christian faith. Harding isn’t perfect, but I’m proud to be a part of Harding University.

I’m proud to be the husband of my wife, the father of my children and the brother of my sisters.

I’m proud more than all things to be a Christian. I am proud wear the name of my savior who bought me with his perfect blood, who redeemed me from a place where I was so lost, only God could find me, only He could bring me home. I’m proud to be a part of the Christian family. What ties you who are Christians and me together is a blood that runs so deep, that all eternity cannot fathom it, nor can angels see into, though they long to look into these things.

I am also proud to be an American. Many of you are from other countries and proud to be; you should be. Every one of you come from a place where your nation’s history has added positive contributions to the global community of which we are all a part. Last year I was able to spend two days with some students from Panama. What a rich culture they have. My sister is in her second year working in China. I still marvel at how long the Chinese people have existed as a sovereign nation. I’ve spent four months in Uganda, Kenya and Rwanda and have always been impressed with ability of the African people to laugh in spite of incredible adversity. My family lived for three years in Germany. Germans have contributed so much to philosophy, theological studies and archeology.

It is okay to be proud of the place where you are from. No country – no group of people for that matter, is perfect. But we can be positive about where come from. I want to be positive for the next few minutes about the United States. There is a trend right now among people in our generation in this country to dog our country our church and our school. I think that trend is shameful. It doesn’t help anyone, it only breaks down the people who are trying to make them better. There’s a difference between constructive criticism to someone and just talking bad about them.

Every country has something that ties its citizens together. For many, it is an ethnic relationship. A common blood and history, certain facial features coming from certain family lines.

In the United States what holds citizens together is not ethnic make-up or even a common history. Many Americans came as immigrants in the last few generations. What ties Americans, citizens of the United States together is an ideal. That ideal is basically the pursuit of freedom. It is an ideal that our founding fathers procured from scripture.

They read passages such as:
(John 8:31-32 NIV) To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Our founding fathers were immigrants who wanted freedom to teach the truth, freedom to evangelize, freedom to worship God – Freedom to tell people that they could be
redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to them from their forefathers. (1 Pet 1:18)

In our first major founding document, the Declaration of Independence the following statement reads “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

This country was founded upon the notion that all people are created by God equal, and should be able make choices for themselves. We haven’t ever practiced it perfectly, but it has been our country’s constant pursuit. Is this a pursuit worthy of a Christian?

The statement in the Declaration of Independence consists of three basic tenets.
1. All people are given life by God
2. All people are created Equal
3. All people are free to make own choices

I think the first two are obvious to all of us. It is the third one we have problems with.

Once we were lost. Without Christ we didn’t have a choice between heaven or hell. We were all condemned in our sin. But because of his death and the glorious resurrection we celebrated yesterday, we are made free...you now have a choice.

I want to pursue freedom with a passion – Christ’s freedom. The United States government protects political freedom. But the only thing that gives spiritual freedom is when people know about the choice they have. When people know about Christ and that he died for them – then, then, they can be free - when they know the Truth.

I’m proud to be a Christian because I’m proud of my Lord
I’m proud to be an American, because my country pursues the ideal of freedom

And when I put those two together it means that I talk about Him, who is Truth - spreading Freedom.

Are you free? Are you truly free? Are you leaving people in the bondage of ignorance? Or are you passionate about bringing this freedom to a world that longs to be free?

What is the reason for the hope you have?

2006-04-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

On Sunday nights at church we have been discussing the qeustion, "How do you know?"

How do you know there is a God, Jesus rose from the dead, scripture is reliable. I'd like to generate some discussion on this question. If you have some thoughts, please share.

So, how do you know? What is the reason for the hope you have?

"Happy"

2006-04-05T11:17:00.000-07:00

My 22 month-old son, Corban, is extremely perceptive. He's learned the difference between happy and sad. We can point to a person and ask if that person is happy or sad and he will tell you pretty accurately which he/she is. He makes the facial expressions on demand.

For the past 4 months Corban will randomly look up at us with a huge smile on his face and proclaim, “Happy!” He does this when he has been blessed in a particular way. He’ll have candy juice dripping from his mouth, or sitting on a stair with “dadda” playing "bus" and look up and shout “Happy!” Its his way of saying, “Thank you.” Nothing makes our day like that simple expressive word.

Do you proclaim to God when you are satisfied with His gifts? Like Corban, I want to look up into my Father's face today and tell Him, “Happy!”

"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Mat 7:9-11)

Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men. (Psa 107:31)

What has God done lately for which you can say to Him, "Happy!"?

What is your cover? part 2

2006-04-03T14:22:00.000-07:00

What is your cover?

In part 1 I laid a positive foundation of what our cover should be, Christ, our armor. This week, I want to discuss covers we Christians should destroy.

Conservative Christians rate similarly to non Christians on many moral issues. Divorce rates, for example are the same for both. Why?

One main cause is the façade we put before the world, the church, our family, and friends; hiding our real selves. Non-Christians realize it is okay not to be perfect. Christians often struggle with that concept.

I have never been to Landmark church of Christ in Montgomery, Alabama, but I’ve spent time with their preacher, Buddy Bell. People respond at Landmark virtually every Sunday with public confession, laying their burdens before the cross. They let go of the “I am a Christian, so I have to look like everything is perfect and I am no longer struggling with sin” façade.

It is amazing what kind of healing and purging affect public confession has on Christians. Landmark’s divorces have gone down, and conversions have skyrocketed (they are now an 1,150 member congregation and growing). People from the community come and see a church full of sinners on a journey. They say, “I can be a part of that group. They are like me.”

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Mat 11:28-30 NIV)

You can give Christ your burdens; confess your weaknesses, and find rest for your soul.

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed... (James 5:16 NIV)

Have you constructed a façade? What is your cover? For what burdens can I pray for you?

Open for comments

2006-04-01T13:44:00.000-08:00

New at blogging, I just realized that I had blocked everyone from making comments on my blog site. That would be totally counterproductive. I have changed that option, hopefully, so please feel free to make comments.

God Bless!

ACU Soulforce Visit

2006-03-31T09:07:00.000-08:00

I want to commend ACU for how they handled a potentially difficult situation. A group of Gays and Lesbians visited their campus recently to advocate their position on sexual relations. I am encouraged that the students and faculty that participated in the discussions were Christ to these people. They were loving, listening and yet firm in the Truth.

You can read more about it at http://acu.edu/events/news/archives2006/060328_soulforcefollow.html

Great Job ACU!

What Christians Do

2006-03-31T08:52:00.001-08:00

I am so proud of the hundreds of students who served on mission trips during Harding University's spring break. We emphasize to the students that they serve because of Christ. When people ask why they would give up their spring break to serve, the answer is Jesus.
Harding's student newspaper, The Bison just ran an article this week about four of our groups that went to the gulf coast region to help with hurricane relief. You can read the article at http://www.harding.edu/thebison/news15/students.html.
I'm so encouraged when I see Christians loving, serving, reaching out, touching, living like Christ.
That's what Christians do.

What is your cover? part 1

2006-03-30T15:27:00.000-08:00

What is your cover?

A common phrase from this generation is to “get real.” It is pretty natural to be one person in public, and another in private. It’s a cover. What’s your cover? Maybe a better question would be, “What are you trying to cover with?”

Wouldn’t it be a blessing to see the world through God’s eyes. What does He see? During my two trips to Africa, working with missionaries, I was able to see our culture a little more clearly. For three days my wife and I stayed with Asimwe and Angela, a precious Christian couple who have nothing in the world’s eyes and live in a mud hut. They sweep it clean every day (along with their dirt front yard). No pretensions. Nothing to hide. They were open about their struggles, their hopes, their sorrows, their victories. There is a realism, a genuineness that can only be experienced. The difference? – they had a different cover.

Without the distractions of so many things that complicate our lives, they didn’t have to protect themselves with as many pretensions. Yesterday Michael Medved shared a recent study that reported about 1 in 10 homes in America are inhabited by millionaires. America’s economy thrives; a blessing.

Materialsim?

Materialism is a blindness; a myopic lifestyle resulting from the combination of the accumulation of things, and the love for them. It is not the accumulation of things alone. How can our spiritual lives thrive in an environment saturated with things?

Some say the answer to that question is to take away the distractions of the affluent lifestyle. They become ascetics (monks and nuns). Others say the answer is in cultivating a mystical experience that helps you “rise above” the material.

I think the answer begins with an evaluation of our cover. Paul wrote that these earthly things with which we cover ourselves (our very bodies included) are tents; temporary. Our spiritual dissatisfaction does not indicate a need to shed the physical, temporary, but to “be clothed” with our spiritual dwellings. (2 Cor. 5:1-5) Ultimately, this will occur at the resurrection. In the meantime, how can we “be clothed” or “be covered” with a spiritual body.

The answer is in Christ.

In Ephesians 6, Paul told the Christians to “put on” the full armor of God. In other words, to “be covered” with it. There are six parts to the armor. By clothing ourselves with this armor we begin to put on the true cover.

1. “The Belt of Truth” (Eph. 6:14) What is Truth anyway? Volumes have been written to answer this question. Jesus probably answered it most succinctly, “I am the...truth.” (John 14:6) To know Jesus is to possess Truth. He is the “belt” that holds the rest of the armor together.

2. “The Breastplate of Righteousness” (Eph. 6:14b) Jesus has become our righteousness. (1 Cor. 1:30). Through the process of faith in Jesus we are considered righteous (Rom. 1:17) But that righteousness is further found in the example of Jesus Christ, an example we are commanded/privileged to follow.

3. “Feet fitted with readiness from the Gospel” (Eph. 6:15) The Gospel (good news) is all about Jesus Christ. Paul make is clear that the gospel is the fact that Jesus died, was buried, was raised, and proven raised by eyewitnesses all according to the prophecy of scripture (1 Cor. 15:1-8)

4. “Shield of Faith” (Eph. 6:16) That is, faith in Christ Jesus (1 Cor. 1:28)

5. “Helmet of Salvation” (Eph. 6:17) Luke recorded Peter saying that salvation can only be found in the name of Christ (Acts 4:12) We clothe ourselves with the saving power of Christ in faith and obedience through baptism (Gal. 3:26-27).

6. “Sword of the Spirit – the Word of God” (Eph. 6:17b) I love how John describes Jesus as the “Word of God” (John 1:1, 14) Jesus himself used “words” from God to battle Satan in the desert (Mat. 4:1-11) Jesus is the fulfillment of the “words.” He is the Word.

The metaphor of armor in Ephesians 6:10-17 has been used to talk about how to defend against spiritual forces we can’t see. But some of the biggest battles being waged in the “heavenly realms” we are blinded from by our temporary covers.

The temporary, material, physical distractions will cease to impede our being “real” when we are covered with Christ; when we clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Col. 3:12), truth, righteousness, good news, faith, salvation and the Word of God. It’s not about the things, its about the heart. It’s not about us, its all about Him.

What is your cover? What keeps you from “being real”?
What are some specific ways you can cover yourself with Christ, the armor of God?

2006-03-30T15:17:00.000-08:00

This is me