Fool for Christ

What’s blood got to do with it?

I have a fellow laborer in the Lord – a man who preaches the Gospel – and he sent me the outline of a little class he gives. I think the outline is pretty good – but I would like to have a recording of him teaching it sometime – I think I would get more from the class if I heard him teach it.

Whenever we were talking about eternal salvation and eternal security – the question comes up, “Well, if Jesus is going to forgive me for any sin, and if I get saved and then sin again and I will be forgiven each time – then what is the point in being good. Can’t someone who is saved then do wicked things and “get away with it”?

The short answer is – you don’t have to be good, you can still “sin” and yes – Jesus will forgive you when you ask Him to and you can still go to heaven.

Most of us are OK with that answer as long as the “sin” we are talking about is a minor sin in our eyes – like maybe telling a lie, or stealing something small, such things as that. However, that answer doesn’t sit well with most of us if the “sin” becomes something major, like murder, rape, extortion, or a continued life of wickedness. In that case, we all pretty much question whether or not the “eternal security” holds any water.

The deep answer, the real spiritual answer may be so complicated – as varied as the human experience and the human spirit and soul – that only God Himself can really understand it and decide. Nevertheless, the hypothetical answer is troubling for most of us.

There are a few reasonable answers to the dilemma, and I will attempt to touch on them here.

First of all, once we receive Jesus as our Saviour – and He comes in (Rev. 3:20) – we now have a balancing force within us. Jesus, unlike other great teachers and searchers – is the high priest and the King of Kings – and when Jesus comes into our hearts at our request – we not only receive salvation – but we receive power to become the sons of God.

This power is manifest in our lives – and although it is possible to fall and commit terrible sins – this is not a reflection of the ability of God and Jesus to save us – it is evidence of the depths to which the human spirit can fall – it is the evidence that our “frame is dust”. Cases of people who have received Jesus Christ into their hearts and then going out to commit terrible sins are probably numerous – but who among us can understand God’s dealings with the individual human soul. Even the great apostle lamented, “O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from the body of this death?”

Part of the problems is that most of us see little sins as being of little consequence, when in reality – any sin separates us from God – and as such, they are not little at all. All sin needs redemption.

We all do have access to the power to overcome though – and in all cases, if this power is not realized to the transforming of our lives here and now – it is still powerful enough to deliver us from death and hell. The prophet Daniel was talking about the saved when he wrote, “Some will be raised to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”

Secondly – there are different rewards in heaven – and this can be found throughout the Bible – from the parables of the talents to storing up treasure in heaven, to the precious things vs. those consumed in the fire of trial mentioned by Paul. 1 Cor 3:11-15 “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”

Living and acting in a way as to store up treasure in Heaven is just a damn good idea.

Not only that – Heaven will have levels of access, and those who get in by the skin of their teeth will be missing a lot – whereas the true brides and lover’s of Jesus will enter into a kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world – starting with the Marriage Supper and continuing with more exciting relationships, responsibilities and opportunities then we can imagine. “Eye hath not seen nor ear heard the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.”

But believe it or not – most of us are already wicked enough – even when we get saved, that the reasons above are not enough to keep us motivated and walking the straight and narrow. We fall because we are human – we get covetous, we get lustful, we get hateful, we get down and in despair – and we sin.

The next deterrent to sin is fear, the loss of joy, the emptiness of sin – the fruit of sin. Dad talked about it and here is a quote from him.

BACKSLIDERS BEWARE!–The Hotel Marshal Dream! DBBFO 1045 29/6/81

1. I HAD A DREAM WHERE I WENT OUT TO SOME SHOP & was trying to find a kind of a little extension piece for a curtain rod. So I went into this one shop & I was in the back of the shop rummaging around through their stuff & I found this set that had the very little end piece that I needed.
2. But I decided, “Well, they’re not going to want to break this set, they’re going to insist on selling me the whole set to get this one little tiny piece, so I’m just going to slip it in my pocket & they’ll never know the difference!” So I did & walked out & walked down the street feeling guilty & worrying.
3. It really isn’t worth it to risk your life & liberty for a little thing like that! Why it happened in the dream, I don’t know, but I did it in the dream. In fact, that sort of thing keeps you living in constant fear that you’re going to be found out, & it’s hardly worth the trouble. It’s like the saying that “the coward dies a thousand deaths, the brave but one!”
4. The thief, robber, criminal & fraudulent character is always worrying night & day that he’s going to be discovered & apprehended! He lives in constant fear, & this is a state of torture & torment. You pay a big price if you get caught & you pay the price of fear & apprehension if you don’t. And besides, it’s not love & it’s unscriptural & it’s against the law & it’s not consideration for others & it’s stealing, it’s theft, it’s shoplifting, it just isn’t right & you shouldn’t do it! (Backsliders Beware!–The Hotel Marshal Dream! [#1045])

Sin and Jesus don’t abide well with each other – and when we have Jesus in our hearts – and we sin – then we will suffer the turmoil of that kind of life – and the Holy Spirit will come and do all she can to restore us – and when we are restored and happy again, and full of joy, and the blessings fall – then eventually we learn to “flee youthful lusts” and to cease from our sins and embrace living for Jesus and endeavoring to “walk the walk” and not just “talk the talk”.

But there is one deterrent that is greater than them all. It is the real “bottom line” – the end of the rope, the final point of no return. This may not be true of you, but in my life I can say it is true of me – and that is that the Word of God convicts me of the reward of sin, and I am filled with a fear of God.

How many of us can live with ourselves when we know we have failed the ones we love, when we know we have stumbled a child, or hurt those we love the most and who have loved us – when we know that our own wicked ways have brought pain and suffering to others – even if it is to others that we don’t know. We all suffer, and suffering – if it bears the right fruit teaches us that we would not want to be the source of suffering for others – suffering is just too difficult – and to be the cause is almost a worse pain then suffering ourselves.

Jesus warned, “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and [that] he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh! Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast [them] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast [it] from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.”

It is at this point where those who have been exercised by the reproofs for sin, and the chastisements of a loving heavenly Father – and been repeatedly rescued by a loving and powerful Saviour can sing, “Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.” – (John Newton, former slave trader)

When I see the goodness of God in my life – and the Lord’s blessing are around me, and I know that He will deal with me if I sin – and I know that it can cause pain for those I love, and destroy my testimony so as to stumble those whose faith is not as strong, or those who are looking to me for an example – then I want to flee sin – however difficult it is for me to do so, even being the wretch that I am.

We endeavor to walk in the ways of the Lord for one reason and one reason only – the goodness of the Lord.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Ted Haggard on Oprah

What ever the outcome of this former pastors “moment in the sun” on the Oprah Winfrey show – the long term ramifications can be nothing short of dubious. This does not portend well for true believers.

Whenever the children of God seek out solace and comfort – and approval from the princess of an earthly kingdom – it always involves compromise.

If his redemption rests in the arms of Oprah Winfrey – then what we are looking at is the process of redefining the political correctness of the Christian faith for the American public.

And who better to serve us in this pivotal role than former pastor Ted Haggard? Remember, this is a man who sat on the National Association of Evangelicals board – and represented the faithful in some important and controversial documentary venues – including Dateline NBC, ABC’s 20/20, “The Anti-Christ” on the History Channel, “The Root of all Evil?” – a British documentary featuring Richard Dawkins, the HBO documentary “Friends of God” with Alexandra Pelosi (yes, the Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi’s daughter) – and “Jesus Camp”. Alexandra Pelosi also made the film, “The Trials of Ted Haggard” which was recently aired on HBO.

And his role would be pivotal if it all stopped there – but it doesn’t.

During Ted Haggard’s tenure at the New Life Church, which he founded – one of the most horrific shootings in America took place when sisters Stephanie and Rachel Works, ages 18 and 16, were gunned down by Matthew Murray, “a loner with emotional problems” who carried a book by Aleister Crowley in his front pocket.

Having such an incident take place in the parking lot of your church might have sent a strong warning message to Pastor Haggard. These are the kinds of things that make us check our hearts – that bring the fear of God on believers in not only a congregation – but to an entire city – even a whole nation.

We might not be able to ask God why certain tragedies occur – but like King David of old we can cry out, “O Lord, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me.”

All of these honors and tragedies apparently didn’t do the trick for Pastor Haggard – he still had one trick up his sleeve – Mike Jones and methamphetamines.

The Ancient Texts admonish, “Pride cometh before a fall.”

It would be unfair of me to sit in judgment of Pastor Ted – he has had his appearances before the councils – and suffered the removal from his former office – and has been banished from those he tried to love and serve.

Pastor Ted’s standing with the Almighty is between him and his Maker.

What we are attempting to take a critical look at here is his continued place on the public stage.

The question begs asking, “Is Pastor Ted being used – in his present fall from grace, as a pawn by powerful and influential people – to bring more confusion and exposure to homosexuality and its place in the public’s acceptance of what constitutes “proper religious faith”?

Don’t misunderstand me – I believe that homosexuality is a personal decision. Some people believe that it’s just the way they were made.

What I have difficulty with is in publicly setting the boundaries for what is acceptable for me to believe when I practice my religious faith – because I believe it is purely between me and God.

The learned Apostle affirmed, “The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but peace, joy and righteousness in the Holy Ghost.”

When the sexuality and sexual encounters of such an influential person become the focus of public discourse – then I just think that there is more going on here than meets the eye.

One thing to remember is that Pastor Ted is the one who the media has chosen to pursue.

You might want to speculate what the characteristics of a “politically correct” leader of the Christian faith would be.

Where would such a “leader” stand on the most controversial issues of the day?

What would his viewpoints and experiences most likely include?

Throughout history – the leaders of the most powerful nations have attempted to set these standards based on what they themselves considered to be in the best interests of the public – and they proscribed, even persecuted those that did not comply.

In some cases, what was at first politically expedient degenerated into an enforcement nightmare.

Anytime you endeavor to regulate the speech, opinions, observations, attitudes, or religiously held beliefs of one group over another – you can expect some major difficulties.

In the documentary “Jesus Camp” Pastor Ted is seen making fun of – almost mocking the film’s protagonist Levi. (for comments from the films producers see http://www.jesuscampthemovie.com/haggard_response.html)

In a conversation Jesus of Nazareth warned his disciples about the coming destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Legions of Rome – he prophesied, “(They) shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another – because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation”.

Pastor Ted missed his – let us hope that we don’t.

Beautiful Feet

“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.” – Paul, formerly Saul the Murderer

All too often we get sidetracked when we speak of religion, or the gospel, or spirituality, or mysticism. More often than not, when we are talking of these we descend into a confrontation of practices, or initiation rites – compulsory hurdles for the adherents or initiates into a group.

These hurdles or requirements often have little, if anything, to do with the reality of the understanding and application of the teachings. In fact, these boundaries and requirements are usually set up for the sole purpose of the control of the members of any particular body or persuasion in much the same way institutions, businesses, team sports, or any other cohesive unit sets standards of participation.

What was Paul talking about then, when he stated that the feet of those that bring glad tidings of good things were beautiful? Did their feet become beautiful as a result of them joining a group who set forth requirements of membership – or by walking around preaching?

Although it is possible that after we begin to walk with the wise, we will become wise – it is not unusual for people to become members or congregants without any perceptive changes in their manners, their aspirations, or their inner selves. The reason for this is that the standards of participation are usually set low enough to encourage new members to join, and only high enough to keep the most undesirable outside the circle.

There is in existence a belief that our overall health and well being can be stimulated by the massage of our feet and hands. Today it is called reflexology. I call it a belief because there is some controversy surrounding it, as there is no clinical or scientific data to support it. However, it has been practiced for millenniums around the world.

If the tenants of reflexology are indeed true – then it follows that those that have “beautiful feet” are representatives of good health and a stable intellect, and are most likely good examples of the “higher” self – the moral and spiritual nature of our being.

Although our use of the word gospel is largely in association with the Christian belief – the general meaning of the word is “the good news” – or something accepted as a truth or guiding principle. In the latter case, someone with “beautiful feet” preaching the “gospel” could describe a variety of persuasions – but always with the same formula – and that is, those with beautiful feet are the obvious representatives of the good news that they, by the very nature of their being – bring with them in their interactions with others.

We all know the old adage – “Don’t judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes.” The implications are obvious – unless you can experience that individual’s unique challenges – then you will lack understanding in your judgment of them. Also, it is our feet that carry us forward into the world, and it is our feet that transport us to and from our interactions with those around us.

It follows then – that our feet, and how we enter into the relationships with those around us – determines our influence, our example, and in the end, our legacy.

The word “feet” occurs 256 times in the Bible – and the statements found there paint a vivid picture of this idea, that our feet are the instruments of our influence, and of our success.

These statements range from the dangers of letting our feet carry us in the wrong direction, “For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare.” – Job 18:8; to their being the basis of our every endeavor. “I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.” – Psalm 119:59

But none is more poignant than, “Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.” – The Preacher of Jerusalem

Finally, we are admonished, “And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.” – The Writer of the Book of Hebrews