Screwy Worldview

Once you have made the World an end, and faith a means, you have almost won your man, and it makes very little difference what kind of worldly end he is pursuing.   Provided that meetings, pamphlets, policies, movements, causes, and crusades, matter more to him than prayers and sacraments and charity, he is ours-and the more "religious" (on those terms) the more securely ours. 

Or so says Screwtape to Wormwood in C.S. Lewis' Screwtape Letters, Chapter 7.  But is it true?

If you have never read the Screwtape Letters, I would highly recommend it.   The book contains a series of imaginative letters written by a senior demon (Screwtape) to his apprentice, Wormwood.   Typical of C.S. Lewis' writings, the letters are closely aligned to biblical truths, with each chapter addressing a particular problem of Christian life.  Screwtape and Wormwood are trying to keep people from serving Jesus.

Read the opening paragraph again now, this time in context:

Once you have made the World an end, and faith a means, you have almost won your man, and it makes very little difference what kind of worldly end he is pursuing.   Provided that meetings, pamphlets, policies, movements, causes, and crusades, matter more to him than prayers and sacraments and charity, he is ours-and the more "religious" (on those terms) the more securely ours.  I could show you a pretty cageful down here,

Your affectionate uncle

Screwtape

Have you met people who are involved in "churches" but they are totally focused on programs, good works, social justice, political agendas or petitions?   These things can be good but if they are done in the wrong way, with the wrong heart or for the wrong purpose, they are useless.  In fact, they are worse than useless because they actually work against the very business that we should be about - building Jesus' church.   But building the "church" must be numerically based; that is, numbers into the eternal Kingdom of God, not people sitting in pews, filling church office roles or promoting programs in order to increase giving.

So what is the application for us as well-meaning, sincere evangelicals who want to serve God?   Firstly, one application is to be aware of the enemy and guard our hearts:

Be self controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  1 Pet. 5:8-9

Secondly, recognise the solution:  you can resist the devil and his schemes by standing firm in your faith (that is, faith in the blood of Jesus).

Finally, look for those who Screwtape calls the "religious" folk.   They might even be lurking in your church circles!  Help them to recognise that religion is based on works - man trying to get to God (which man can never achieve) but that true faith - Christianity - is God coming down to man.  Help them to understand that salvation is through faith alone, by the grace of God.   

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith - and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God - not by works, so that no one can boast.  Eph. 2:8-9

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."  Jn. 14:6

Image from http://existenceofgod.org/screwtape-letters-real-life-dont-let-him-ask/

Sheep in Dakar

Stage 10 of the 2018 Dakar Rally is one stage that a few riders would like to forget.

Kevin Benavides started the day looking promising for an overall win, and so did a few others, like Australia's Toby Price.   It didn't go well though, as Benavides and others took a wrong turn and followed a river bed 10 km off the route.  By the time they retraced their steps, they lost almost 50 minutes to the new leader Matthias Walkner from the KTM Factory Team.

How did it go so wrong?

One rider took an incorrect turn into a desert river bed, and the others followed him like sheep.


There's a biblical principle at work here:

All of us like sheep have gone astray,
Each of us has turned to his own way;
But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all
To fall on Him.  Is. 53:6

Dirt Rider magazine said it tongue-in-cheek like this:

"Former MX3 world champion Matthias Walkner used an old enduro rider’s trick in winning stage 10 and jumping to the top of the overall standings by almost 39 minutes. He slowed down to verify that he was going the correct way."

He slowed down to verify that he was going the correct way!

Walkner told reporters that he felt uncomfortable not following the other riders, but he was confident that he was going the right way.  Sometimes it is hard not following the crowd, but the long-term outcome is better!  In the bible, Matthew describes it as the broad way and the narrow way:

The gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.  Matt. 7:13(b)-14

Is life going so fast that you miss an important turn?   Are you deliberately ignoring the map and following the crowd?  Are you failing to read the road-map of life that is the Word of God?

Isaiah describes us like sheep always going astray, making our own journeys and ignoring the map.  Peter continues the sheep analogy, pointing out that we even have a Shepherd who guards our souls!

For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.  1 Peter 2:25

Isaiah teaches that even though we go astray like sheep, the Lord has caused our sins to be punished through Him; that is, God.  God took our sins and dealt with them.   He did it by sending His Son, Jesus to die on the Cross.   That is how our sins fell on him.

So even though we have each gone astray, God has dealt with it.  

How do we return to the Shepherd and Guardian of our souls, as Peter describes? Believe and confess!

If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.  Rom. 10:9

This verse in Romans is a promise.  It's closely followed by another promise:

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.  Rom. 10:13

If you have been a sheep and gone your own way, is it time to return to the Shepherd?   It's the only way to stay on track.

Reference:
https://www.dirtrider.com/dakar-2018-day-11-results#page-2 


 

Ministering in Season

Do seasons frustrate you, or do you embrace them?

We have seasons in our weather patterns.  Today is our first day of summer, and it's 26 degrees celsius and raining cats and dogs.   Not what I expect for summer, but it does give our vegetable garden much-appreciated water!   Our tomatos, strawberries and corn will be especially happy.   One might say that this is un-seasonal rain!

We live an hour from the best beaches, and I love to hit the surf as the cold southerly oceans warm up a degree or two, and living an hour from healthy Sambar deer hunting mountains, I also love to hunt just below the snow-line in the winter.   The Sambar themselves prefer to descend below the snow-line for comfort when they can too.  They read and adapt to the best of the season's conditions.   I too make every effort to embrace the seasons.

There are also seasons in our lives, and these vary from individual to individual, and family to family.   They also vary within communities.

I've been puzzling over why sometimes Christians apparently fluctuate in their commitment to the local community of believers and I stumbled across this video of Todd Morr from Soma which examines this phenomena and seeks to explain Seasons in a Missional Community.  In fact, Todd goes some way to describing his team's method of managing these seasons.  Todd's discussion lacks the backing of scripture, so I've added some narrative:

In the context of Leviticus 26:4, seasons are a good thing provided by God for our wellbeing and security, and His Glory.   This passage (Lev. 26:1-6) is a cause and effect passage.

Job 5:17-27 shows a different angle of seasons:  through times of trial, pain, relief, famine, war and peace, God uses seasons for good.

Psalm 1:3 is one of my favourite word pictures in all of scripture:

He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers.

This passage likens a faithful man to a tree firmly planted by streams of water:   he will be fruitful in season (that is, the right season!)  First the tree has to be planted, watered, grown to maturity and then in the proper season will be fruitful.

2 Timothy 4:2 presents an interesting question:

preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction

What does "out of season" mean?   I believe it refers to all stages (or seasons) of our lives; times when it's tough like Job speaks of in Job 5, and times when it's great; times when we feel close to Jesus and times when we struggle.   The season relates to us, not others.  So even whilst we may draw back for various reasons, God exhorts us to remain faithful throughout all these seasons.

This video clip helps us to rationalise some questions that we often have as leaders, and how to embrace those we have been called to shepherd, throughout the seasons.

If you are involved in a missional community, leadership of a local church, or even discipling others then this might be a concept worth exploring a little further.

Stream Todd's video here:  Managing the Seasons of a Missional Community

Photo: http://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/~/media/AC3FC80C986D44CCA4A86BE1DD3FB22A.ashx



 

Chuck Swindoll's 10 Lifetime Leadership Lessons

 

1) It's lonely to lead. Leadership involves tough decisions. The tougher the decision, the lonelier it is.

2) It's dangerous to succeed. I'm most concerned for those who aren't even 30 and are very gifted and successful. Sometimes God uses someone right out of youth, but usually he uses leaders who have been crushed.

3) It's hardest at home. No one ever told me this in Seminary.

4) It's essential to be real. If there's one realm where phoniness is common, it's among leaders. Stay real.

5) It's painful to obey. The Lord will direct you to do some things that won't be your choice. Invariably you will give up what you want to do for the cross.

6) Brokenness and failure are necessary.

7) Attititude is more important than actions. Your family may not have told you: some of you are hard to be around. A bad attitude overshadows good actions.

8) Integrity eclipses image. Today we highlight image. But it's what you're doing behind the scenes.

9) God's way is better than my way.

10) Christlikeness begins and ends with humility.

http://images.army.gov.au/fotoweb/archives/5003-All%20Army%20Imagery/DefenceImagery/2015/AIA15_S028/20150226raaf8227810_0320.jpg.info (18/10/17)

Article from http://www.christianitytoday.com/pastors/2009/october-online-only/chuck-swindolls-10-lifetime-leadership-lessons.html (18/10/17)

What I'm Reading: Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus

Written by Nabeel Qureshi, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus is the written journey of a zealous and devout Muslim seeking to know the truth.

Raised in a fundamental Muslim home by sincere and loving parents, Nabeel Qureshi learns the Islamic faith thoroughly.  As a young man transitioning to tertiary study, he sets out to passionately defend his faith amidst new life challenges, an education system that challenges his faith, and alongside his two best and most faithful friends; a Christian and a Buddhist!

Qureshi's book sets out three purposes which he outlines in the introduction, summarised here:

1.  To tear down walls by giving non-Muslim readers an insider's perspective into a Muslim's heart and mind... to help Christians understand Muslim neighbours and love them as Jesus loves them...

2.  To equip readers with facts and knowledge, showing the strength of the gospel contrasted with the case for Islam...

3.  To portray the immense inner struggle of Muslims grappling with the gospel...

Clearly a highly intelligent man, a Doctor of Medicine, Master of Christian Apologetics and a deep thinker, Qureshi narrows his investigation of Christianity down to three questions:

"If we can determine that Jesus claimed to be God, that He died on the cross, and that He rose from the grave, then that would be a good case for Christianity."

"And now I had found the path of my pursuit: assess the historical case for Jesus' death, His deity, and His resurrection."

Qureshi took an evidence-based approach to researching his Islamic belief system.  What he found stunned him:

"I was shocked motionless... I stared at the book in disbelief.   Far from a noble call to prophethood, Muhammad was violently accosted by a spiritual force that terrified him, driving him to contemplate suicide on multiple occasions.  And this was not just any book, this was Sahih Bukhari, the most trustworthy book of hadith."

"The mental dissonance was too much to bear.  I could not process it, could not think, could not even get myself to move, in fact."

"Where was the truth?  Why did no one deal with the difficulties in Muhammad's past?"

Qureshi writes in a relaxed but informative style and includes definitions of Muslim words and phrases that help non-familiar readers understand the basis of Islam.

He explains how people from Eastern Islamic cultures generally assess truth through lines of authority, not individual reasoning like in the west, but Qureshi himself had a leaning to reasoning.  He did not subscribe to blind faith.  He also explains how Muslims believe that being Christian is a cultural identity, not a faith; he was told that there are Christians who simply do not believe in God.  He says,

"If they were to intimately know even one Christian who lived differently, their misconceptions might be corrected, and they might see Christianity in a virtuous light."

Nabeel Qureshi's journey is an exciting and intriguing story and I would encourage you to read this book, Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus.

Qureshi can have the closing word:

"As I studied Islam carefully, what I learned shook my world:  there is no good reason to believe that either Muhammad or the Quran speaks the truth about God"

I bought this e-book on Amazon.com.au.   At the time of publishing this blogspot, it was $12.99 sold by HarperCollins Publishing Australia.  Qureshi also wrote other books including No God but One and Answering Jihad.

Adapt or Die

Does it ever concern you that the local church is not moving with the culture?   If the local church is not relevant, it may die out.  It's not unhealthy for a local church to fulfil its purpose and die, just like any other organism, but it needs to give birth to new life first!

Moving with the culture is a biblical concept, as long as it is done without compromise of God's Word.

In the Steve Martin version of the famous movie, Pink Panther 2, we see a striking parallel:  the incompetent, bumbling, bungling but brilliant Detective Inspector Jacques Clouseau is confronted with a changing world when he sees media contingents excited to report the theft of the Pink Panther Diamond:

Clouseau says in his French-accented English, 

"Why are they cheering?  This is a national tragedy."

His faithful partner, Detective Sergeant Ponton replies, 

"We live in a media age.  You must learn to adapt."

A quick learner, Clouseau replies, "Then adapt I shall", and proceeds to do a very animated media release, looking straight down the TV cameras and speaking to the thief, "Tornado, I'm coming to get you", then to the media, "There's your one!"

Do we actually embrace the opportunities in our culture to further our commission of Matthew 28:19-20, or do we resist the culture itself?

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.  (Mt. 28:19-20, ESV)

Embracing culture does not mean we have to compromise.   Paul embraced culture:

Although I am a free man and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win Jews; to those under the law, like one under the law—though I myself am not under the law—to win those under the law. To those who are without that law, like one without the law—not being without God’s law but within Christ’s law—to win those without the law. To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, so I may become a partner in its benefits.  1 Cor. 9:19-23 (HCSB)

Paul himself considered the angle of compromise and addressed it in verse 21 - reaching out to those without the law, he could be like them, yet within Christ's law himself.

What distinguishes the 21st century from previous centuries?  What distinguishes this generation from others?  How can we embrace these changes in a positive gospel-embracing way?   Here are a few very limited observations to think about:

• We live in a world of idolatry.  Love of self, self fulfilment.
• Sensuality; we are bombarded with sensuality.  Sex sells.
• Self absorption; addiction to technology, gizmos and gadgets
• This is a generation of entitlement:  "You deserve it!"
• Media-driven political agendas, Facebook and Instagram
• False-assurance.  Children are rewarded for coming last.  Failed parenting.
• Tolerance.  Anything goes.  Do what you like.  Whatever feels good.
• Travel:  it's easy to travel anywhere in the world.
• Millenials:  born 1984 onwards.  This generation has a high sense of entitlement.

What does the gospel offer that the culture is missing but desperately needs?  Here is the missional opportunity.
 
Churchleaders claims there are 8 reasons why the local church isn't reaching people.  Although I don't entirely agree with their reasoning in factors 2,3 and 7, there are some valid points in the article.  The article focuses on ministries of the church, but as you read this excerpt, I encourage you to think in terms of personal ministry too:

#4 – Your ministries don’t match the needs of your community.

Across the nation, communities are changing.   Wise churches pay attention to these changes and make sure their ministries match.  As the community changes, the ministries of the church need to change to adapt. It’s possible your ministries meet the needs of the community 20 years ago, not today. Listening to the community may not be as important as listening to God, but it’s right behind...

On one hand, we bemoan the busyness of our culture, but on the other, we keep planning events... Are those really the needs of the community?
If they are, then by all means, move forward.
But it’s possible you might need to do more homework.
If you want to know the needs of the community, ask people.   (my underlining!)

Ask people.  That's a fair point.  Observe the needs of the community.   Consider your strengths; your spiritual gifts; your interests and skills.  Ask yourself how these can all combine to present ministry opportunities.  Think strategically.  Pray strategically.  Be intentional in your mission.  Get involved.  Work within the culture to achieve these things.


References:

Pink Panther 2, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Robert Simonds Company, 2009, USA

https://churchleaders.com/outreach-missions/outreach-missions-articles/310590-8-reasons-church-isnt-reaching-people-church-fuel.html

What I'm Listening To: Run Devil Run

David Crowder's 2016 song Run Devil Run is a crude transliteration of James 4:7 (b)

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you

It is no secret that sin corrupts us and distracts us from the new life of right relationship with God (Eph. 4:22), but we have this truth to help us put on the new self:  we are renewed in the spirit of the mind and now live in the likeness of God!  (Eph. 4:23-24).  In this passage in Ephesians, Paul encourages us to completely change, putting aside the old ways of doing things - anger, falsehood, stealing, unwholesome words and contrasts these with the new life:  good words for edification, kindness and forgiveness.

... and do not give the devil an opportunity (v.27)

It is not easy to resist when we are tempted, but we have a perfect example to follow:  Jesus was tempted in every way, yet was without sin.  

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Heb. 2:18 ESV)

So we have the example of Jesus going before us, being tempted but succeeding in His battle against the devil.  In fact, He was so successful that He died as the perfect, unblemished Lamb of God; death could not hold Him - he was raised to life on the third day after His death on the cross!   It is in Jesus that we have our victory over sin.

I previously wrote about the progress of temptation in "Gollum":  lust leads to temptation, conceives and gives birth to sin, then when it is fully grown, sin gives birth to death.  See https://twdthegoal.blogspot.com.au/2017/02/gollum_22.html

Many religious people are really trying to live good lives and avoid sin, but the problem is that without Jesus, they are doing it in their own strength.  Nobody is good enough for God's standard except Jesus.   Jesus is the only way to God; the only way to have victory over sin; the only way to resist the devil. 

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

In fact, the devil's fate is sealed.  It has been sealed since Jesus uttered His last words on the cross,

It is finished!  (John 19:30)

And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever. (Rev. 20:10)

Let's not forget the context of James 4:7 and what comes before and after the exhortation to resist the devil...

Being a friend of the world means we are an enemy to God, so we should submit to God.   Having submitted to God, we have the power to resist the devil and he will flee.   Then as things are in the right priorities in our lives, we can draw near to God, and He will draw near to us.

Notice the verbs, requiring our action:  Submit, resist, draw near.   There's an onus on us, but God doesn't leave us unequipped.  He provides the tools for us (I've highlighted the actions and underlined the tools):

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints.  (Eph. 6:10-18 NASB)

The lyrics of Crowder's song are,

I got somethin' make the devil gonna run
He been dancin' till the break of dawn
Devil gon' try to take a shot at me
He got none, but baby I got three

He tryna make a fool outta me
Y'all takin' out my sanity
He ain't nothin' but a silver tongue
I got somethin' make the devil gonna run

I got somethin' make the devil gonna run
I got somethin' make the devil be gone
Run devil, run devil, run devil run
You bet your bottom dollar he's gonna be gone
I got somethin' make the devil gonna run

Run devil, run devil, run devil run

I got somethin' make the devil go away
I've been dancing all night and day
Holy Ghost, filled with fire
Look out devil we got revival

Now people gonna move and say
Holy Roman murder scene
He ain't nothin' but a silver tongue
And I got somthin' make the devil gonna run

I got somethin' make the devil gonna run
I got somethin' make the devil be gone
Run devil, run devil, run devil run
You bet your bottom dollar he's gonna be gone
I got somethin' make the devil gonna run

I got the King of kings and the Lords of hosts
I got angel armies and a Holy Ghost
I got spirits here that are tied by fire
I got a valley of bones that came alive
I got a cross, a hill, and an empty grave
I got a trumpet sound and one sweet name
Shake the gate of hell, the sinners and dogs
I got my Jesus and the devil gotta run

I got somethin' make the devil gonna run
I got somethin' make the devil be gone
Run devil, run devil, run devil, run
You bet your bottom dollar he's gonna be gone
I got somethin' make the devil gonna run

Run devil, run devil, run devil run

You can stream Crowder's official music video on Vevo at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=US1-R-R9lYQ.  It's really quite good!