Christian Dialogue (on Terrorism, Immigration, etc.)

The terrorist attacks in Paris have heightened discussions on how to deal with ISIS, immigration, and other national security issues. These very subjects are already dominating the G20 Summit.

As you read various blogs, tweets, etc. on social media, you'll notice that widely divergent views exist even among conservative evangelical Christians. That's because the Bible does not give us black-and-white answers on national security issues, at least not explicitly as it does on other matters like abortion or same-sex marriage. The fact is, a number of biblical principles come into play, and they must all be given due consideration. The wise person will seek to formulate his or her views based on the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 20:27).

With this in mind, I'd like to suggest three ways to promote and profit from Christian interaction on these issues:

1.  Appreciate the value of dialogue.

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines dialogue as "a discussion between two or more people or groups, esp. one toward exploration of a particular subjects or resolution of a problem." Based on this definition, dialogue is a good thing - and we must not lose sight of that. Rightly done, dialogue increases understanding, strengthens relationships, and increases critical thinking and decision-making. On the other hand, "a fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion" (Proverbs 18:2).

2.  Ask questions.

The previous point concerns our attitude; this second point has to do with our actual approach. If we truly value dialogue, we will look for opportunities to ask questions rather than merely to spout off answers. I already hold my present perspective on an issue because of certain information I have or assumptions I've made. Since the goal of dialogue is to explore an issue more thoroughly to improve our understanding and/or to resolve a problem, then we are best served by seeing the issue(s) from another person's vantage point.

Dr. Russell Moore, President of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, provides a good example of looking at an issue from two different sides in his recent blog article, "Should We Pray for the Defeat of ISIS, or Their Conversion?" Therein he writes, "we sometimes forget that we are called to be a people of both justice and justification, and that these two are not contradictory."

We have much to learn by listening. "Even a fool who keeps silent is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is deemed intelligent" (Proverbs 17:28). That is to say, even if we don't get where another person's coming from, we'll still appear perceptive and wise simply because we were willing to listen!

3.  Communicate graciously.

Scripture calls us as believers in Christ to "walk in wisdom toward outsiders.... Let your speech always be seasoned with salt..." (Colossians 4:5a, 6a). If this is how Christians are to interact with nonChristians, how much more should we treat our fellow believers with courtesy and respect? "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). Specifically, we are called to "speak the truth in love" (Ephesians 4:15). Even after we ask questions, and it's time for us to share our thoughts on a given matter, we must make sure that we do so in a manner that is consistent with Scripture - not only in terms of our content (what we say) but in terms of our tone (how we say it).

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

- Ephesians 4:29

Let all that you do be done in love.

- 1 Corinthians 16:14

I saw two well-respected Christian brothers exemplify such a spirit earlier today in their conversation on the refugee crisis. Trevin Wax (Managing Editor of The Gospel Project) and Denny Burk (Professor of Biblical Studies at Boyce College and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) engaged in a helpful dialogue over Trevin's recent article in The Washington Post titled, "Should We Really Close the Border to Refugees? Here's Why Fear Drives Out Compassion." At the bottom of this post I've pasted a copy of their dialogue on Twitter. I would encourage you to read it.

Furthermore, in closing, I invite you to share any comments you might have on this whole subject of Christian dialogue. Why not take this opportunity to put these principles into practice?

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   Denny Burk ‏@DennyBurk  11h11 hours ago
   @TrevinWax Could "prudent compassion" include a moratorium at least in the short term?
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   Trevin Wax ‏@TrevinWax  11h11 hours ago
   @DennyBurk Depends on how feasible. For some it is already life-or-death. I want prudence for security & compassion, not an excuse for fear.
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   Denny Burk ‏@DennyBurk  10h10 hours ago
   @TrevinWax 20 refugees apply to US for asylum. 10 are women and children. 10 are single men in their 20's. Let them all in on their word?
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   Trevin Wax ‏@TrevinWax  10h10 hours ago
   @DennyBurk Of course not. That wouldn't be prudent or wise. If terrorists use hospitals and civilians as shields, they'll use refugees too.
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   Trevin Wax ‏@TrevinWax  10h10 hours ago
   @DennyBurk But we don't shut down our hospitals or close off compassion completely out of fear of what might happen. Prudence + courage.
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   Denny Burk ‏@DennyBurk  10h10 hours ago
   @TrevinWax What our govt must not do is allow a policy that says, "We accept all refugees on their word and release them into the homeland."
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   WCV ‏@wcvjude3  9h9 hours ago
   @DennyBurk @TrevinWax I agree with Denny. Accepting refugees solely based on thier word, how is that showing compassion to Americans?
   
   
   
   Trevin Wax ‏@TrevinWax  9h9 hours ago
   @wcvjude3 @DennyBurk I never argued we just accept refugees based on their word.
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   Denny Burk ‏@DennyBurk  8h8 hours ago
   @TrevinWax @wcvjude3 I don't have a solution. But I do think our government has to take responsibility for every refugee that it receives.
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   Trevin Wax ‏@TrevinWax  8h8 hours ago
   @DennyBurk @wcvjude3 I don't disagree with you on the legitimate security risks. Prudent compassion, though, not fear as motivator.
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What Christians Can Learn from Senator Cruz

After a long day of ministry, I was looking forward to kicking back and watching the GOP debate on CNBC. Given the liberal tendencies of the mainstream media, I was expecting the moderators to take somewhat of an adversarial stance toward the Republican candidates.

The moderators exceeded my expectations. Rather than focus on the critical issues facing our nation, they chose instead to incite conflict among the Republican candidates. 

At first, their ploy seemed to be working. The GOP debaters threw a few jabs at one another. But then, at an opportune moment, Senator Ted Cruz pummeled the moderators with a series of verbal blows that sent them reeling. 

The senator's rebukes were both justified and effective. The audience cheered. The moderators were were left shamed and defenseless. The candidates pulled together as a team and spoke to the issues facing our nation at this critical time. Even where they disagreed, they displayed unity as they championed the same essential values and principles that brought them together in the first place.

As I watched this play out on television, I saw this as a good lesson for the church. Too often trouble-makers are allowed to create division in the body of Christ. They sow discord among the brethren, thereby weakening the unity of the church and crippling its witness to the world. The Great Commission gets replaced with great conflict and confusion. This is a telltale sign that the enemy is at work.

What the church needs are Christians who take a Cruz-like stance against the trouble-makers who pit God's people against each other and undermine the unity and mission of the church. Indeed, this is precisely what the Lord tells us to do:

2 Timothy 2:23-24: “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.”

2 Timothy 2:14: “Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words. It is of no value and only ruins those who listen.”

Titus 3:10: “As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” 

Proverbs 6:12-15: "A worthless person, a wicked man, goes about with crooked speech, winks with his eyes, signals with his feet, points with his finger, with perverted heart devises evil, continually sowing discord; therefore calamity will come upon him suddenly; in a moment he will be broken beyond healing."

The Bible tells us all these things "so that we may not be taken advantage of by Satan. For we are not ignorant of his schemes" (2 Cor. 2:11). Christians in general, and pastors in particular, are called by God to promote the unity of the church and to protect it from Satan’s greatest weapon – disunity. It's not an easy task, but with the Holy Spirit's help, we'll be up for the challenge.

Don't Just Congregate. Participate!

This past Sunday I woke up, poured myself a cup of coffee, and opened up my Bible to Psalm 107, which begins with this hearty exhortation:

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
Let the redeemed of the LORD say so,
whom he has redeemed from trouble....
- Psalm 107:1, 2

The psalmist then goes on to describe four accounts of people in distress whom God rescued:

• Some were homeless, hungry and thirsty
• Some were confined to prison or hard labor
• Some were suffering as a result of their own sin
• Some were on ships caught in a deadly storm

In each case God delivered them in a miraculous way, thereby demonstrating his steadfast love. Thus each account ends with this refrain:

Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love,

for his wondrous works to the children of man!

(vv. 8, 15, 21, 31)

After the fourth and final refrain, those whom God has rescued are called on to express their thanks to the Lord publicly, when the whole worship community is gathered together: 

Let them extol him in the congregation of the people,

and praise him in the assembly of the elders.

(v. 32)

According to this psalm, the primary way we express such thanks is through congregational giving and singing: "And let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving and tell of his deeds in songs of joy!" (v. 22). The psalm closes with this appeal: "Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the LORD" (v. 43).

As God's people, we should constantly be meditating on the many ways in which God has blessed us, and looking for ways to express our thanks, particularly through our singing and our giving in the public worship gatherings of the church. John Piper asserts,

... the realities of God and Christ, creation and salvation, heaven and hell are so great that when they are known truly and felt duly, they demand more than discussion and analysis and description; they demand poetry and song and music. Singing is the Christian's way of saying: God is so great that thinking will not suffice, there must be deep feeling; and talking will not suffice, there must be singing.

As church leaders (pastors and elders), we should structure the worship service in such a way that encourages congregational participation, especially when it comes to singing. In an article entitled "My Congregation Barely Sings; How Can I Help?", Mark Dever and Matt Merker offer several helpful suggestions, like:

• Occasionally sing a cappella
• Model enthusiastic singing
• Look for a balance between new and old songs
• Vary the way a song is sung
• Use songs that represent a broad range of human experience and emotion

Probably the most helpful suggestion of all was to choose "congregational" rather than "performance" songs.

Here is a general (not absolute) principle: the more a song depends on the musical accompaniment and cannot be sung by a couple of children in the car on the way home, the more performance-oriented and less congregational it probably is. Congregational songs tend to have singable and memorable melodies. Just because a Christian artist has created something wonderful does not mean it is appropriate for the congregation. The melody may not be very melodic. It may be too high, too low, or wide of range. It may be too rhythmic, perhaps syncopated in a way that’s difficult for untrained singers. It may be too complex through bridges, tags, or multiple keys. Such music might sound wonderful with the recorded accompaniment. Maybe the praise band can perform it just fine. But the more a congregation needs the musicians up front to get through a song, the more you can expect them to mouth the words while watching the band do its thing.

What else can we do to promote better congregational singing? How can we promote better congregational participation in other aspects of the worship service? I'd love to hear your suggestions!

Shofar, So Good!

This morning I showed up early to Webster Christian School, to partake in our annual Senior Class Breakfast prior to the start of the first day of school. As I walked down the hall, I heard a strange sound, like a ram's horn.

My guess was on the mark! Our newest staff member, Benjamin Rogers, was playing a shofar throughout the building! When I asked him why, he was happy to tell me, and I was pleased to share his answer with the TruthWalk readership. Here's what Ben said:

The Shofar is a biblical instrument used for communication.  God commanded Israel to sound it every year at Rosh HaShannah (the biblical new year! 9/13 of this year).  There are 3 traditional calls that are sounded at this time: a call to attention (awakening), a cry for help, and a call to battle!  As we sound it then it is a spiritual prayer that God would awaken our hearts and spirits to His presence, that we would humble ourselves and look to Him for our help, and then that He would prepare us to battle for His kingdom!
I thought this would be fitting as we begin our New Year as the school!

Amen, Ben. I agree! I love the uniqueness of our opening day at Webster Christian School.

Shofar, so good!

Spiritual Pride: Is It In You?

Is it in you? A "yes" answer is good if we're talking Gatorade, bad if we're talking spiritual pride. The great 18th century theologian Jonathan Edwards called spiritual pride "the main door by which the devil comes into the hearts of those who are zealous for the advancement of Christ."

That's a scary thought. What Christian would ever want to roll out a red carpet for Satan? Yet that is precisely what we do when we think too much of ourselves. Worse still, we're not even aware of it because of the nature of pride itself. Because we hold ourselves in high esteem, we're convinced that our view of ourselves is justifiable and more accurate than anyone else's assessment of us.

Jonathan Edwards was a deep thinker and spent much time in meditation on this issue. He knew the Bible well and taught it for the benefit of himself and others. Looking through the lens of Scripture, Edwards was able to distinguish the difference between proud people and humble people. Here is a basic summary of his conclusions:

A prideful person is a know-it-all who is more apt to instruct others than to ask questions. Such a person puts on the airs of a master. He is quick to bark orders but hates to be told what to do. He is not easily entreated. He is convinced that his way is always the best way.  Whereas a humble person is sees himself as needing help from everyone, the proud person is convinced that everyone else needs his help.

A prideful person tends to talk about other people's sins. But a person who's humble is silent about the sins of others. Or, if he does discuss such sins, he does so out of necessity, with much grief and pity. The spiritually proud person is quick to find fault with others, but the humble person is so concerned about the prevalence of evil in his own heart, that he is not apt to be very busy with other hearts. He mourns over his own spiritual coldness and hopes that other people have more love and gratitude to God than he does.

A prideful person denounce the faults he sees in others in the harshest, most severe language. The way he speaks about other people or to them in a moment of anger or irritation can be downright shocking. It is utterly mean-spirited and full of contempt. In contrast, the humble Christian is so taken with his own sins and shortcomings, that he is quite patient in dealing with others. He treats them with the humility and gentleness of Christ, who, though infinitely above us, is ever kind and gracious toward us.

A prideful person acts in such a way so as to make himself the focus of others. If they show him deference or respect, he is glad to receive it. Indeed, he comes to expect it and is easily annoyed when others do not show him what he feels he deserves. A humble person, on the other hand, does not care to be the center of attention and to have others cater to him. His goal is not to make much of himself but to make much of Christ. 

A prideful person takes great notice of opposition, insults and injury. He is quick to retaliate and give others what they have coming to them. But a humble person seeks to be like his Savior, who when he was reviled did not open his mouth but continued entrusting himself to the One who judges righteously (1 Peter 2:23).

A proud person expect others to wait on him, while he himself neglects others. He has an entitlement mentality and shows little to no thanks for the kindnesses and favors that others show him. He is insensitive to the needs of those around him. In contrast, the humble person is quick to perceive the needs of others and readily serves them. His desire is to be like Christ, "who did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).
__________

The above article was adapted from a piece entitled "Spiritual Pride," which appeared in Revive, a publication of Life Action Ministries, Volume 46, Issue 2. The Revive article in turn was adapted from "Some Thoughts Concerning the Present Revival of Religion in New England" from The Works of Jonathan Edwards. Published by Banner of Truth Trust, Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Modern-Day Barnabas

Our church has been going through the book of Acts for our Sunday morning sermon series. A week ago last Sunday we covered this closing section of chapter four:

32 Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. 33 And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. 34 There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold 35 and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 36 Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, 37 sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

- Acts 4:32-37

"Great power" + "Great grace" = A Great Church!

The unity and generosity of the church as a whole was modeled beautifully in a man called Barnabas. His real name was Joseph, but everyone called him Barnabas, which means "son of encouragement." Nobody remembers Barnabas by his real name, but only by his nickname, because he was such an encourager! And Barnabas expressed his encouragement through generosity. He sold a piece of land and laid the proceeds at the apostles' feet, thereby indicating his desire for this money to be used to meet the needs of others in the church.

Exactly one week after we studied this beautiful passage, we got wind of a modern-day Barnabas! Let me explain. One of our young men, Andrew, is in pilot training school at Moody Bible Institute for the purpose of becoming a missions aviator. He was raised on the mission field in Papua New Guinea, where his parents continue to serve as missionaries. Recently they had shared a prayer request that God would provide for their son's tuition needs. Pilot school is expensive - about $4,000 per month.

Well, this past Sunday, this precious couple shared the following news:

God miraculously provided for Andrew’s first tuition payment due July 1st ON THE DAY with a love gift from a dear friend to cover that bill entirely and the next month’s as well.  We stand in awe!!  We know as God has done this… He will continue to provide step by step until Andrew completes his missionary aviation training.  God has promised and continues to prove his hundred-fold blessing upon our family as we have put him first, and He continues to meet each and every need.

As my wife and I had lunch with Andrew and his girlfriend the following day, he shared with me how this financial gift came about. A dear Christian lady who has been a long-time supporter ended up selling her house and gave thousands of dollars from the sale to meet Andrew's tuition need - on the very day that the first payment was due.

It's wonderful to read about Barnabas in the Bible. But it's even more exciting to see such generosity continue in the church of the Lord Jesus Christ to this very day. The Holy Spirit that moved the people of God to give generously to meet the needs of others then is the same Holy Spirit that moves in the hearts of God's people today. Praise God for each and every modern-day Barnabas!

Are you one of them? How might God use you to encourage his people and further the work of the gospel?

... remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

- Acts 20:35