I just finished David Anderson's book on inclusion called, "Gracism." He introduces a new term which, he believes, will help people understand a biblical perspective on the race concerns of our culture. In many ways, Anderson's book is a practical and honest consideration of Christian love.
Anderson has an agenda, of course, and uses grace to communicate his concerns. His idea of grace is that believers have been given something we neither deserved nor earned and we ought to give in the same way. He encourages us to reach out to those who are not included in our normal circles of affluence or influence, to deliberately cross any boundaries that have kept some people separate and disadvantaged. This reflects, in his mind, the grace of Christ.
While I wholeheartedly agree with the general thrust of the book, I found it to be too narrow in focus and too preachy for my enjoyment. I believe that grace teaches us that there are no barriers of race, gender, or life situation. I believe that the love of Christ is equally given to anyone. I believe that Christians ought to be the most inclusive and least bigoted people on the planet. A great deal of evil has been perpetuated in the church because of the narrow and unkind prejudices of believers.
Yet, I think Anderson steps into something less than grace when he suggests that we should actively seek out people who fit our definition of disadvantaged. It is a racial issue, for him. He admits that racial prejudices exist in all ethnic groups, but the message is clearly one of socialistic equalizing rather than simple love. Jesus welcomed all people and His welcome to the lesser esteemed people was noticed, but He was just as open to a Pharisee as to a prostitute. He found very few open hearts among the Pharisees or other advantaged people but His grace was equally available to them.
One interesting example near the beginning of the book is used to illustrate a "gracist" attitude. A woman standing in line at the airport sees a family from another culture trying to get into the line. She assumes that they do not understand the concept of lines because they are from a culture other than hers. They have children and are tired. The line has been established for some time and people have been very protective of their positions. So the woman allows the family to go ahead of her and she is lauded, in the book, as an example of selfless grace.
We might ask whether the people behind the woman were as blessed as she was by her action. We may ask how she knew that this family didn't understand that they should get in line like everyone else. We may also wonder why this woman didn't simply give her place in line to these strangers and go to the back herself, since that would have come closer to blessing both the family and the people behind her. But, instead, she decided that all the advantaged people in the line should be gracists.
I was hoping for something more than what this book offered when I considered the title. Racism, in any form, is abhorrent to the mind of Christ - but not because some can't get into the special clubs at the airport. Racism is abhorrent because it allows a person to consider himself better than another when, in truth, all that we have is what we have received. I am not better than anyone else, no matter whether I have more things or opportunities. If Jesus leads me to share with others, I should; but I will not fix the problem of racism by sharing. I will simply communicate love.
All that I have and all that I am have come from the Lord who loves me - who gives to me in spite of what I have deserved. I should remember that when I consider others.
That's grace!
Logic
Suppose I were to posit that all dogs eat dog food. What if I then suggested that you could become a dog by eating dog food? Would that work for you? Of course not. We understand that many things can eat dog food. Crows will eat it. Kids will sometimes eat it. Skunks will eat it. But eating dog food doesn't make someone or something a dog.
Simple logic. Most of us use it every day to keep us from foolish errors.
But if I go to church and hear a sermon my logic defenses may break down. Paul was a great man for God. Paul served with great sacrifice. Therefore if I serve with great sacrifice, I will be a great man for God. God loved Moses and Moses accomplished great things. Moses left the comforts of life. Therefore if I leave the comforts of life, God will love me and I will accomplish great things. Many preachers are guilty of making these connections and many listeners eagerly accept this kind of teaching as being helpful in living the right kind of life. After all, why are we told about these people if not for us to use their lives as examples? Right?
Well, not that kind of examples. Paul was a great man for God - because God chose to do great things through him. God loved Moses and God chose to work mighty things through Moses' life. These things are not the result of effort or wisdom from these men. The amazing events of their lives are the result of the choice and activity of God.
That's grace!
Simple logic. Most of us use it every day to keep us from foolish errors.
But if I go to church and hear a sermon my logic defenses may break down. Paul was a great man for God. Paul served with great sacrifice. Therefore if I serve with great sacrifice, I will be a great man for God. God loved Moses and Moses accomplished great things. Moses left the comforts of life. Therefore if I leave the comforts of life, God will love me and I will accomplish great things. Many preachers are guilty of making these connections and many listeners eagerly accept this kind of teaching as being helpful in living the right kind of life. After all, why are we told about these people if not for us to use their lives as examples? Right?
Well, not that kind of examples. Paul was a great man for God - because God chose to do great things through him. God loved Moses and God chose to work mighty things through Moses' life. These things are not the result of effort or wisdom from these men. The amazing events of their lives are the result of the choice and activity of God.
That's grace!
7:57 AM | Filed Under grace, logic, Moses, Paul, performance spirituality, preachers, sermons | 0 Comments
The Purpose
"Performance Spirituality" is the idea that spirituality is obtained and maintained by the performance of good works and the avoidance of sin. From time to time you will hear people refer to the kind of activity a "real Christian" will avoid. No real Christian, for example, could get a divorce. No real Christian could look at porn. No real Christian could steal, or skip church to go to a football game, or smoke. A real Christian will love going to church. A real Christian will tithe and be kind and memorize Bible verses.
You get the idea. There's a book out there with the title, Lists to Live By. I don't know that the book is about this, but the title certainly serves the idea of performance spirituality. All you have to do to be spiritual is to do the right things and avoid the wrong things. Just like the Pharisees.
But we teach that spirituality is found only in a relationship with Jesus, not in a certain kind or amount of performance. Believers are made spiritual, reborn to new and spiritual life, when Jesus enters into them and gives them His life. We are spiritual because He is spiritual - and for no other reason. Those who were dead in their sins are made alive as Jesus is alive in them.
In that way, we understand that no person is more spiritual than another. All are spiritual only because of Jesus. The ramifications of this are important. If you are going through life comparing yourself with others and finding them to be more or less spiritual than you, perhaps you are operating under a wrong assumption. Instead, look to Jesus alone. He leads the others and He leads you. Trust Him.
You get the idea. There's a book out there with the title, Lists to Live By. I don't know that the book is about this, but the title certainly serves the idea of performance spirituality. All you have to do to be spiritual is to do the right things and avoid the wrong things. Just like the Pharisees.
But we teach that spirituality is found only in a relationship with Jesus, not in a certain kind or amount of performance. Believers are made spiritual, reborn to new and spiritual life, when Jesus enters into them and gives them His life. We are spiritual because He is spiritual - and for no other reason. Those who were dead in their sins are made alive as Jesus is alive in them.
In that way, we understand that no person is more spiritual than another. All are spiritual only because of Jesus. The ramifications of this are important. If you are going through life comparing yourself with others and finding them to be more or less spiritual than you, perhaps you are operating under a wrong assumption. Instead, look to Jesus alone. He leads the others and He leads you. Trust Him.
7:10 PM | Filed Under grace, Jesus, performance spirituality, Pharisees, Sin | 0 Comments
We're back!
They say that the worst thing you can do online is abandon your readers. I apologize. That's basically what GFTH has done for the past few months. I have tried to work with the ministry from several angles and blogging/website management has suffered. So let me tell you what has been happening and what the future seems to be.
I have continued to work with Exchanged Life Ministries on developing a relationship as adjunct staff and northern area counselor. That has gone reasonably well and it looks like we will actually have office space for working with clients in the fall. The church I serve has graciously provided seed money for beginning an on-site discipling ministry and that will be used for office space. I look forward to working with clients in the months ahead.
However, the type of counseling I plan to do will be quite different than most. Rather than becoming a counselor for anyone, I would like to lead them to receiving counsel from Jesus. Yes, I believe that is possible. No, it has not been a part of church teaching and will be hard for some. Rather than me telling someone whether he or she should do this or that, it would certainly be better for the person to be able to ask Him and hear an answer. I'll write more about this later, but it isn't particularly mystical or charismatic or anything weird, just simple faith in a loving and active Lord. So, my goal would be to teach believers how to listen to and trust the leading of the Lord.
Will I do marriage counseling, family counseling, addiction counseling, etc.? Yes and no. Yes, I expect to encounter these and other real struggles that believers go through, but no I don't plan to provide traditional counseling. My goal would be to guide a couple or an individual to the kind of relationship with Jesus where they can actually be led by Him (not by me or any other counselor).
I led a powerful conference in Green Valley, AZ, early this year. Without giving too much of the content away, it was basically a grace conference for men. We had three sessions, each building on the previous, designed to show men that they truly need and have the activity of the living Lord in their lives. It went very well and I hope to do the conference in other cities. Over 250 men attended. Contact me if you would like more information.
Writing has been an important part of the past few months. I am working on a book to help grace teachers/students understand the problem and place of sin in the Christian life. So far the working title is: "I love the grace message, but what about sin?" In the book I gather many of the questions I have received over the years concerning sin. In fact, the general topic of sin is probably the most questioned area for grace teachers. Having a good Scriptural understanding is vital. The book will be practical and encouraging.
I also continue to communicate with people from around the world as they write and ask questions. Some of the questions are very personal; others are very general. These email conversations have been challenging and, apparently, very helpful to those asking. Please feel free to write me with your concerns.
Well, watch this space for much more over the coming months. The Lord loves you and provides all you need for your relationship with Him.
I have continued to work with Exchanged Life Ministries on developing a relationship as adjunct staff and northern area counselor. That has gone reasonably well and it looks like we will actually have office space for working with clients in the fall. The church I serve has graciously provided seed money for beginning an on-site discipling ministry and that will be used for office space. I look forward to working with clients in the months ahead.
However, the type of counseling I plan to do will be quite different than most. Rather than becoming a counselor for anyone, I would like to lead them to receiving counsel from Jesus. Yes, I believe that is possible. No, it has not been a part of church teaching and will be hard for some. Rather than me telling someone whether he or she should do this or that, it would certainly be better for the person to be able to ask Him and hear an answer. I'll write more about this later, but it isn't particularly mystical or charismatic or anything weird, just simple faith in a loving and active Lord. So, my goal would be to teach believers how to listen to and trust the leading of the Lord.
Will I do marriage counseling, family counseling, addiction counseling, etc.? Yes and no. Yes, I expect to encounter these and other real struggles that believers go through, but no I don't plan to provide traditional counseling. My goal would be to guide a couple or an individual to the kind of relationship with Jesus where they can actually be led by Him (not by me or any other counselor).
I led a powerful conference in Green Valley, AZ, early this year. Without giving too much of the content away, it was basically a grace conference for men. We had three sessions, each building on the previous, designed to show men that they truly need and have the activity of the living Lord in their lives. It went very well and I hope to do the conference in other cities. Over 250 men attended. Contact me if you would like more information.
Writing has been an important part of the past few months. I am working on a book to help grace teachers/students understand the problem and place of sin in the Christian life. So far the working title is: "I love the grace message, but what about sin?" In the book I gather many of the questions I have received over the years concerning sin. In fact, the general topic of sin is probably the most questioned area for grace teachers. Having a good Scriptural understanding is vital. The book will be practical and encouraging.
I also continue to communicate with people from around the world as they write and ask questions. Some of the questions are very personal; others are very general. These email conversations have been challenging and, apparently, very helpful to those asking. Please feel free to write me with your concerns.
Well, watch this space for much more over the coming months. The Lord loves you and provides all you need for your relationship with Him.
3:42 PM | Filed Under Christian counseling, Exchanged Life, grace, Jesus, Sin | 0 Comments
Just Follow Jesus!
I was asked recently to speak to a homeschool group as they begin the new school year. I've done this before and it is always a blessing and a challenge. In the past, at least, many homeschooolers have been particularly bound by performance spirituality. It is great to have an opportunity to challenge that thinking, encourage moms who are frightened or overwhelmed, and to share the primary message of GFTH, that Jesus is real and active and wants to walk in relationship with us.
The meeting went very well and the message was generally well received. Basically, I used the following outline:
Starting Out to End Well
Three concerns of homeschoolers
1. The continuing challenge from the state and the precarious privilege of homeschooling
2. Getting results - preparing our kids for college and for life
3. Coping with the variety of pressures and expectations
The one way to accomplish all of these is simply to follow Jesus!
Jesus is real and active in the lives of His people, and He cares about our daily lives. He loves our children more than we do. If He leads us to homeschool, then we can trust Him. But, we have to let Him lead. Pray, then do, rather than do, then pray. Trust Him for results.
1. The strongest argument for homeschooling is religious conviction. Is Jesus leading you?
2. Let the Lord accomplish His results and give Him the glory.
3. If He leads, He provides the strength, wisdom, and everything else we need.
If He leads, we can say no to:
Comparisons (Next to unbelief, the most dangerous spiritual problem most face)
Fear
Condemnation
Limitations
Failure
Finally, it is possible to enjoy rest while on the homeschooling journey. Rest is not inactivity, but the lack of burden. We can trust the Lord as we follow Him.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”Matthew 11:28 - 30 (NKJV)
The meeting went very well and the message was generally well received. Basically, I used the following outline:
Starting Out to End Well
Three concerns of homeschoolers
1. The continuing challenge from the state and the precarious privilege of homeschooling
2. Getting results - preparing our kids for college and for life
3. Coping with the variety of pressures and expectations
The one way to accomplish all of these is simply to follow Jesus!
Jesus is real and active in the lives of His people, and He cares about our daily lives. He loves our children more than we do. If He leads us to homeschool, then we can trust Him. But, we have to let Him lead. Pray, then do, rather than do, then pray. Trust Him for results.
1. The strongest argument for homeschooling is religious conviction. Is Jesus leading you?
2. Let the Lord accomplish His results and give Him the glory.
3. If He leads, He provides the strength, wisdom, and everything else we need.
If He leads, we can say no to:
Comparisons (Next to unbelief, the most dangerous spiritual problem most face)
Fear
Condemnation
Limitations
Failure
Finally, it is possible to enjoy rest while on the homeschooling journey. Rest is not inactivity, but the lack of burden. We can trust the Lord as we follow Him.
Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”Matthew 11:28 - 30 (NKJV)
6:02 PM | Filed Under education, Homeschooling, moms at home, rest | 0 Comments
More on Recommending Books
Considering the last post, about recommending books, I thought someone might be interested in an exchange I had with another blogger on this topic. The whole thing started because I wrote to support his statements. I agreed with him! Then he proceeded to take me to task about the books I have reviewed.
The exchange is somewhat typical. This guy doesn't think of himself as legalistic or even narrow, but his whole attitude is one that focuses on the differences between his views and those of other believers.
The thing that amazed me was his plan to write about these books and the "false teachings" in them - even though he had no intention to read them!!! He says that he is content to accept the reviews of others. I presume that means he would write from those reviews. Fascinating!
Here's the link: https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6043971967398769903&postID=1735327609351526368&page=1
Let me know what you think!
Dave
The exchange is somewhat typical. This guy doesn't think of himself as legalistic or even narrow, but his whole attitude is one that focuses on the differences between his views and those of other believers.
The thing that amazed me was his plan to write about these books and the "false teachings" in them - even though he had no intention to read them!!! He says that he is content to accept the reviews of others. I presume that means he would write from those reviews. Fascinating!
Here's the link: https://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6043971967398769903&postID=1735327609351526368&page=1
Let me know what you think!
Dave
7:40 PM | Filed Under | 1 Comments
Recommending books
Many years ago a man told me that he would never recommend a restaurant to a friend because he could not guarantee that the same cook would be there when his friend visited. My family has learned to be careful of recommendations friends give for movies they have enjoyed and we always give certain caveats when we recommend movies. You understand the problem. The motel you loved may change management before your friend gets there. The car mechanic you recommend may have a bad day when your friend comes in. Recommendations are risky.
So I recommend books. I have some people who have dismissed my website and message because of certain books I recommend. It's a risk I have decided is worth taking.
For example, I really like Brennan Manning's books. I have heard him in person and was truly blessed by his message. I fully understand that he and I would probably disagree on some important doctrinal issues. But that isn't the point. When I recommend his books, I am recommending the primary message of those books - that Jesus honestly loves people. The unity of God's people, after all, is in Christ rather than doctrine.
I do understand that some teachers have misused books and teachings of others. One person who visited my website has rejected the whole message because I happen to recommend Watchman Nee's The Normal Christian Life. The cultic church this lady used to attend took Nee's teachings and used them to manipulate and control followers. Therefore, in her mind, anyone who recommends Watchman Nee must be in sync with her former cult. Not true, of course; but until she is able to step past her pain and fear, she will continue to dismiss anyone who fits her criteria.
So, is it worthwhile to recommend books when some are offended by those books. Of course it is. Books can connect with people in ways nothing else can. John Eldgredge has been used by God to touch hearts in unique and wonderful ways. The Shack is a book that can break through when other books cannot.
Recommending a book, in my mind, is nothing more than telling someone that the book's ideas are worth considering. You might decide that you don't like the teaching, the style, or something else about the book. That's ok. I just appreciate the fact that you were willing to listen and think. We learn and grow from each other.
So I recommend books. I have some people who have dismissed my website and message because of certain books I recommend. It's a risk I have decided is worth taking.
For example, I really like Brennan Manning's books. I have heard him in person and was truly blessed by his message. I fully understand that he and I would probably disagree on some important doctrinal issues. But that isn't the point. When I recommend his books, I am recommending the primary message of those books - that Jesus honestly loves people. The unity of God's people, after all, is in Christ rather than doctrine.
I do understand that some teachers have misused books and teachings of others. One person who visited my website has rejected the whole message because I happen to recommend Watchman Nee's The Normal Christian Life. The cultic church this lady used to attend took Nee's teachings and used them to manipulate and control followers. Therefore, in her mind, anyone who recommends Watchman Nee must be in sync with her former cult. Not true, of course; but until she is able to step past her pain and fear, she will continue to dismiss anyone who fits her criteria.
So, is it worthwhile to recommend books when some are offended by those books. Of course it is. Books can connect with people in ways nothing else can. John Eldgredge has been used by God to touch hearts in unique and wonderful ways. The Shack is a book that can break through when other books cannot.
Recommending a book, in my mind, is nothing more than telling someone that the book's ideas are worth considering. You might decide that you don't like the teaching, the style, or something else about the book. That's ok. I just appreciate the fact that you were willing to listen and think. We learn and grow from each other.
12:06 PM | Filed Under books, Brennan Manning, John Eldredge, Watchman Nee | 0 Comments
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