Integrity in Athletics, Religion and Beyond

When I planned this, did I do it lightly? Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, "Yes, yes" and "No, no"? But as surely as God is faithful, our message to you is not "Yes" and "No." (2 Corinthians 1:17-18, NIV)

College Football is not as big in North Carolina as it is in Alabama. That’s an understatement! College Basketball is not as big in North Carolina as college football is in Alabama. This is why Cam Newton’s front-page stories – on and off the field – have caught my attention. I was raised an Alabama fan, and we are taught to hate Auburn University. It is a rivalry! Right now, the year after Alabama won the National Championship and Mark Ingram won the Heisman, Auburn has the best team thus far this year (no apologies to Oregon) and the best player, QB Cam Newton – not good for this Alabama fan!

However, the story lines have moved from Cam Newton’s on the field success to questions of impropriety during his recruitment. It is alleged that Cam Newton’s father told Mississippi State University that potential suitors must pay $100,000 to $180,000 to gain his son’s services – a blatant violation of NCAA rules. No one knows if these allegations are true. And, it is likely that no one will know until years after this season is in the books. I hope that they are not. Cam Newton is an incredible athlete who has also tried to amend for his past. Nevertheless, trouble follows. Furthermore, the problem in college athletics is much more widespread than Newton. My favorite, Alabama, has been on probation three times in the past seventeen years and has forfeited or vacated twenty-nine wins due to impropriety. North Carolina’s football program is facing major sanctions and has already dismissed six players from this year’s team. Florida State vacated wins in ten major sports, including football, due to an academic cheating scandal.

Why am I writing about sports in this column (besides the fact that this is all I can think of at the moment)? I am writing because children are watching. Children are watching, immolating and idolizing athletes, entertainers, leaders and corporate executives. They want to be like them. They want to believe in the possibilities, cheer the team to victory, and be a part of something that simply does not happen everyday. For me, the lack of integrity is painful because I once was a child who cheered an athlete, sat under a preacher, got a coach’s autograph, and admired the Presidents. Integrity is essential because children are watching and growing. They are tomorrow’s athletes, leaders, ministers, and entertainers. They are tomorrow’s parents who must break the bad news.

When Paul wrote what is known as Second Corinthians, Paul and the church at Corinth had a major falling out. Paul had intended to visit on a journey and he was unable to make it. Not only that, but Paul had a painful relationship with the Corinthian congregation, as his first letter already indicates. Paul’s integrity was questioned, and he was compelled to defend it, or the church might lose its faith in the message because of the lack of integrity of the messenger.

I wish that I could say that all ministers are people of integrity – but we are not. We are human. But, that is really no excuse. I do not have the space to write all the reasons why people may compromise their integrity, but I can say this: our decisions, habits, attitudes and actions effect the development of children for good or ill. I have made lifestyle choices simply because I care about the people who are watching. Do we care about those whose lives are affected by the decisions we make?

Integrity is critical to the Kingdom of God and to the decisions of those who aspire to enter it.  Maybe the most important thing that the church can and should offer the world is an environment of integrity.

Grace and peace,

Tim

For All the Saints

Dean Timothy George of Beeson Divinity School introduced me to this powerful hymn of faith. Many are familiar with some of the verses. I thought that it would be appropriate to share all eleven on All Saints Day. William Walsham How composed the hymn as a processional hymn for All Saints Day (November 1). Its words are rich in theology and an expression of the Divine Drama in which all Christians participate. May all Christians realize their testimonies and stories are part of the story of God's redemption of His Creation and the eternal hope to which we live and yearn.

"For All the Saints"

For all the saints, who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


Thou wast their Rock, their Fortress and their Might;
Thou, Lord, their Captain in the well fought fight;
Thou, in the darkness drear, their one true Light.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


For the Apostles’ glorious company,
Who bearing forth the Cross o’er land and sea,
Shook all the mighty world, we sing to Thee:
Alleluia, Alleluia!


For the Evangelists, by whose blest word,
Like fourfold streams, the garden of the Lord,
Is fair and fruitful, be Thy Name adored.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


For Martyrs, who with rapture kindled eye,
Saw the bright crown descending from the sky,
And seeing, grasped it, Thee we glorify.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


O blest communion, fellowship divine!
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
All are one in Thee, for all are Thine.
Alleluia, Alleluia!

O may Thy soldiers, faithful, true and bold,
Fight as the saints who nobly fought of old,
And win with them the victor’s crown of gold.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave, again, and arms are strong.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


The golden evening brightens in the west;
Soon, soon to faithful warriors comes their rest;
Sweet is the calm of paradise the blessed.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


But lo! there breaks a yet more glorious day;
The saints triumphant rise in bright array;
The King of glory passes on His way.
Alleluia, Alleluia!


From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast,
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
And singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:
Alleluia, Alleluia!






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Top Ten Reasons Why Men Should Not Be Ministers (For a Laugh!)

I owe this to one of our college students at FBC Taylorsville, Christian Clack. I thought it was pretty funny, if not for the grains of truth scattered throughout.

10. A man’s place is in the army.

9. The pastoral duties of men who have children might distract them from the responsibility of being a parent.

8. The physique of men indicates that they are more suited to such tasks as chopping down trees and wrestling mountain lions. It would be “unnatural” for them to do ministerial tasks.

7. Man was created before woman, obviously as a prototype. Thus, they represent an experiment rather than the crowning achievement of creation.

6. Men are too emotional to be priests or pastors. Their conduct at football and basketball games demonstrates this.

‎5. Some men are handsome, and this will distract women worshipers.

4. Pastors need to nurture their congregations. But this is not a traditional male role. Throughout history, women have been recognized as not only more skilled than men at... nurturing, but also more fervently attracted to it. This makes them the obvious choice for ordination.

3. Men are prone to violence. No really masculine man wants to settle disputes except by fighting about them. Thus they would be poor role models as well as dangerously unstable in positions of leadership.

2. The New Testament tells us that Jesus was betrayed by a man. His lack of faith and ensuing punishment remind us of the subordinated position that all men should take.

1. Men can still be involved in church activities, even without being ordained. They can sweep sidewalks, repair the church roof, and perhaps even lead the song service on Father’s Day. By confining themselves to such traditional male roles, they can still be vitally important in the life of the church.See More

Living a Dream

And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth." (Revelation 5:9-10, NIV)


Now that John Alan is in first grade, I began to think back to when I was in first grade. I was nothing like John Alan, though I know you never believe me when I say that. It’s true. I was pudgy and wore glasses. Whereas he has always gotten along well with the girls, I have had only one serious relationship, and sometimes I consider that one a miracle!

Nevertheless, I have a wonderful memory. Today, I could tell you the names of every student in my class that year and remember my teacher like it was yesterday. One thing I remember vividly was fruit break. Every day at 10 AM, Mrs. Dunn stopped our lessons and gave us fifteen minutes to eat a snack since our lunchtime was not until 12:30 or so. Fruit break was an exciting time of the day. In 1984, the Fruit Roll Up was invented. Later, in 1985 the Fruit Bar came about. All kinds of bartering took place just to try a piece of these treats. However, by the second 6-week term, I was all the wiser and my mom began to pack Golden Delicious Apples (still my favorite), oranges or grapes.

However, to carry fruit to school you need a paper sack. So, my mom went out and bought some paper bags – Strawberry Shortcake paper sacks to be exact. And there I was everyday with my Strawberry Shortcake bags. Now don’t feel sorry for me – I have an over-inflated self-esteem that needs humbling every now and then. And, I never said anything about the paper sacks either. Every six weeks we sat by someone different. This particular term I sat by a little girl named Tisha Johnson. Sometimes Tisha did not have a fruit snack, so Mrs. Dunn would take out her pocketknife and cut the apple in half, and we’d share. Other times, I would share my grapes or orange slices. And, every day, Tisha would say, “Gimme your sack!” Of course, I did not want my Strawberry Shortcake paper bags. Nevertheless, every day, Tisha would neatly fold the sack, and take her wooden jumbo pencil and slide it over the sack. Then she would take her sack, place it in her folder and take it home. So, I never complained about taking the white paper bags with the red picture of a girl’s doll on the front. I knew Tisha wanted them. I never asked why.

“I have a dream that one day,…one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.” Those were the words of Martin Luther King, Jr, spoken in Washington, DC, in one of the most tumultuous times in the history of the United States of America. Little did we know, when Tisha, a little African-American girl, and I shared a fruit snack and a Strawberry shortcake paper bag, as well as our worktable, we were a part of the fulfillment of a dream. However, it was not just the dream of Dr. King, or the many who heard his sermon that day. It was the dream of a people who had been changed by another visionary, one who knew intimately Israel’s God, and the intentions of his will. Jesus of Nazareth, inspired by the prophets who came before him, led a movement that taught that God loved all people and had a place for them at his table, in His kingdom.

What are the dreams that you dare to dream? You may not be living your dream. Maybe, without knowing it, you are living the dream of those who have come before you who did not accept things as they are, but dared to dream how different they could be.

Grace and peace,

Tim

Why Arguments against Women in Ministry Aren't Biblical - Ben Witherington on the Bible and Culture

Why Arguments against Women in Ministry Aren't Biblical - Ben Witherington on the Bible and Culture

Great article about women in ministry that actually engages constraversial texts!

For those of us at First Baptist Church, who are looking for some exegetical answers to our friends objections to women serving in "ordained" capacities, I recommend Witherington's article wholeheartedly.

Do You Have a Quiet Time?

You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. (Galatians 5:4, NIV)

If anyone else thinks he has reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for legalistic righteousness, faultless. But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ-- the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. (Philippians 3:4-9, NIV)

Do you have a quiet time?

If you were raised a good Southern Baptist, like me, you have probably heard of the term. It is a daily time that we are taught to spend with God in devotion, Bible reading and prayer at the beginning of the day. If you were like me, you were taught that this was a good thing to do if you wanted to be a good Christian.

Let me give you my testimony. From the spring of my seventh grade year to my first semester in college, I had a quiet time every day, except one. That day was July 29, 1993, when, coming back from our church choir tour to Alaska we departed the airport at 10 PM Alaska Time to fly overnight to Atlanta, and then take a bus back to Birmingham. My routine was to pray and read a daily devotional magazine in the morning and then, before bedtime, to read chapters of the Bible as part of a plan to read the Bible through in a year. I did that – five consecutive years, to be exact!

Now before you judge that I am tooting my own horn or before you say “I wish my teenager would do that” let me tell you the pitfalls. I never understood why I was doing it. When I prayed, I prayed according to my needs and my little world. When I read a daily devotion, it rarely illumined a portion of scripture and helped me to understand God’s purposes in the world. Rather, I got bits and pieces of nice thoughts for youth. At least those devotions were written in solid prose rather than the “cool” language of youth today (I could not stand to be patronized as a youth). And, while reading my 1977 NASB (the most literal, but most difficult of the modern English Translations – I did not own an NIV until Christmas of 1994), I had nothing to guide me through the history of Israel, the prophets, the writings or the book of Revelation. Nevertheless, I read it. That was what I was supposed to do.

I imagine that many of you my age or older were taught in church that you are supposed to perform certain religious acts because that is what you were supposed to do. We are to worship each Sunday and Wednesday, give ten percent of our money, read our Bible and pray daily, and avoid certain vices like cursing, drinking, and sex outside of marriage. Rarely was it communicated why we are to do it. When people would ask why, either we were told not to question or we were told that God would bless us – meaning that God would twist our circumstances for our benefit in this life. As we get older, we realize that this is often not the case, yet we still are left with no answers to our questions.

God uses these habits to mold our character so that we can survive and thrive according to His Kingdom Vision in the midst of this chaotic world. We do not pray, worship, read scripture or brag about our private devotional lives so that others can see us. What they are to see are not our religious practices, but the fruit of them. They are to see people from all walks of life who have been changed by Christ and committed to His vision of the Kingdom of God coming together in community to use their gifts, talents and resources to transform society in word and in works.

We do not practice religious habits because God arbitrarily wants us to or because they “witness” to the world. Rather, God’s Spirit works through these habits to produce what the world is to see – fruit, and lasting fruit at that.

Grace and peace,

Tim

Public Prayer

"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him." (Matthew 6:5-8, NIV)

Recently, at one of my community's non-profit board meetings, a member had made the suggestion that we begin our meetings with prayer. Taylorsville is a community that is largely protestant Christian, with Southern Baptists, Fundamentalist Baptists, and Lutherans, both conservative and moderate, making up an overwhelming majority of the religious landscape. Because of that overwhelming majority many in our community fail to seperate church and state issues. Rather, we meld them into one. It is another example of how we use the state to secure our religious agenda.

Be all that as it may, I was a little struck by this. In fact, the other non-profit that I serve does open its meetings with prayer. The other non-profit board is smaller and we know that everyone is a Christian. However, I cannot say that is the case for this particular non-profit.

However, I guess I am not concerned about public prayer as a political issue per se. I really could care less, though I will stand up for a minority if I could tell they were uncomfortable or intimidated by such a request. Yet, I want to talk about this as an issue for a follower of Jesus Christ. Would Jesus request that we begin a meeting in prayer? If so, why? If not, why not?

Citing the scripture above in regards to public prayer, I must say that Jesus probably would wish that we would not begin our civic meetings in prayer. However, I doubt that it would be a big deal to him if we did. May I explain?

Jesus offered his teaching on prayer in contrast to two groups. We know that he is taking a jab at the Pharisees and other religious leaders or would-be exemplars of his day. We fail to recognize that he is also taking a jab at the pagan culture, that prayed to many gods.

First, the religious leaders prayed so that others could hear. They preach a sermon as they talk to God. They pray so that others would hear them, and be marveled by their prayer lives. They pray so that others would hear and submit to their understanding of the will of God. They pray for show.

In contrast, the pagans pray so that their gods would hear them. Their gods did not love them but rather used them for their own gain. If their people would pray loud enough, long enough and fervent enough, then they would answer by providing for their needs. Think of the Native American rain dances as an example. They believed that they must offer the divine their passion and souls so that their gods would provide something that Jesus had said the Father provides for the just and the unjust - rain.

For the first group, Jesus said that they had their reward in full. They were motivated by recognition of their spiritual resume and fame before the masses. In response to the hypocrites, we are to pray privately. That means were are to do business with God privately. Our quiet times with God, in which we speak to God and hear from God, are not meant to become fodder for Facebook posts. Nor are they for others to recognize us as spiritual masters. As Jesus reminds us, we are known by our fruit. The real test of prayer is whether or not prayer is transforming our lives into lives that are focused on God's kingdom agenda.

For the second group, prayer is a superstition. Jesus said that they do not believe that God is benevolent, but distant and apathetic towards human needs. When we pray to God, we simply make our petitions known to him, like children to their parents. Jesus then instructed his disciples to pray a prayer that petitions God for everything humanity needs, and to trust that God would provide it as a good parent would for a child. Prayer can be brief.

If we Christians (not Americans) are to pray publically at a  civic meeting, it need not be for the purpose of a witness. Our character, not our religious practices, is the only witness others should see. May our lives be such that, like those at Antioch, who were so reminded of Jesus in the lives of the Apostles, that they received the nickname Christian. As Stanley Hauerwas said recently in an interview, "I am a  Christian because my friends say that I am." If we Christians are asked to pray publically, may it be brief and well thought out, pertaining to the well-being of those we serve or the purpose of such a gathering.  May we be Christians in ways that others identify us, through deeds that are the outpouring of our character. May we never need T-shirts or public displays of religious ritual to identify ourselves. May the prayer be to the Father of Jesus Christ, whose Spirit is with us and creating in us the character of his Son.

Furthermore, may we never pray to generic creator God (like the one who blesses America). If the possibility does not exist to pray to the God we worship who is Trinitarian, the Father of Jesus, whose Spirit calls our heart His temple, and who is the author of the Christian narrative we call the Bible, then we, as Christians, should abstain from such a prayer. And, if we are the leader of such a meeting, or a Christian who votes at such a meeting, we should never put a minority in a position of discomfort or intimidation. Christians forget that at one time we were the persecuted minority. Baptists forget, that at one time we were the minority in Christian nations that persecuted us for our dissension. American Christians forget that in many nations today that our brothers and sisters are persecuted for their faith in Jesus. May we never persecute anyone for the sake of expressing our faith. May we never condone persecution, bullying or even the act of shunning those of different faiths or different denominations of our own.

So, I would prefer that we do not pray at the beginning of a civic meeting. For me, such prayer is meaningless and vain. However, I am not worried in instances that we do. The real test is whether or not I have prayed through the agenda, the minutes, and the responses to each issue in a way that is faithful to God's kingdom agenda, and the means by which he works according to that agenda. Then, and only then, will prayer bear fruit that testifies to the Trinitarian identity of our God and his saving work.

Associated Baptist Press - Christians demand apology for anti-women teaching

Associated Baptist Press - Christians demand apology for anti-women teaching

I thought that this was a wonderful article. Yes, all the comments by "tmarsh0307" are mine. I guess I got a little ugly in some places. However, I am concerned about the connections from patriarchal teachings and domestic violence.

What do you think?

Reverence for the Name of God

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" God also said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'The LORD, the God of your fathers-- the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob-- has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation. (Exodus 3:14-15, NIV)

Recenlty, I heard a song - a contemporary one, be that as it may - that struck my ears, as it referred to YHWH in the lyrics. While I am thankful that many have come to realize that the correct pronunciation of God's name was probably closer to "Yahweh" than "Jehovah" I am concerned that Christians have so quickly come to incorporate the name of God in our praise and worship lyrics.

First of all, in response to the Third Commandment, the post-exilic Jewish people took great care as to reverence the name of God. They would not pronounce his name publically, which is why there remains some uncertainty as to how YHWH is to be pronounced. When reading scripture, instead of pronouncing the name of God, they would read adonai, which is translated "my Lord." In English translations YHWH is translated "LORD" in the text, written in all caps to identify it with the name of God. In the later Hebrew manuscripts of the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, scribes added vowels to words to help preserve their pronunciation. However, for YHWH, the vowel points were not those of God's name, but those of adonai, reminding future generations to the read the name of God as "Lord" and not "Yahweh". In college Hebrew classes, our professor instructed us to read adonai when we came across YHWH in the Hebrew text. Out of respect for the name of God, let us acknowledge the name of God is YHWH, but let us follow their great care and use LORD when we refer to God.

Furthermore, even today's adherants to Judaism, whether nominal or as believers, refer to the Divine in writing, they remove the vowels in reverence to God. You may see "God" written as "G-d". Their respect for the name of God reminds us that God is never to be taken lightly or flippantly. I feel like using the name of YHWH is a disrespect to Jewish people, who took and continue to take great care when using the name of God. Paul stressed that Christians are to remember we are branches grafted onto the tree. It was through Israel that God began his great plan to redeem a lost world. Therefore, out of respect to our Jewish cousins in the faith, we ought to refuse to pronounce the name of God in our worship.

Finally, taking the name of God in vain is more than merely saying God's name as a part of a curse word. Rather, it is taking God's name as a blessing to our goals and endeavors. We need to take great care when we say "God bless (you fill in the blank)." We are not to ask God to bless our endeavors. Rather, we must ask if our endeavors match those he considered to be priority in scripture - namely, His Kingdom.

I would ask that we take great care when we tack God's name onto anything that is not a part of His Kingdom project to bring all things under his rule. I would ask that we remember our Jewish neighbors around the globe who took great care when using and refusing to pronounce the name of the God who initiated a relationship with their people to begin his great redemption project. And, I would ask that we follow traditional patterns of worship and substitute "Lord" or "God" in place of the name of God when reading scripture, when singing or addressing God in prayer, or in any public or private venue.

May we say His name in our hearts as we submit our lives to his kingdom project to redeem this world. "From the rising of the sun, to the going down of the same, may the name of the LORD be praised!"

Wrongly Reached?

Saving the 'Wrongly Reached' in the South Christianpost.com

This was a thought-provoking article. Have we sold, as Bonhoeffer would put it, "cheap grace" rather than the call to follow Christ and join God in His mission to reach the world? What happens when many people respond to "cheap grace" rather than the costly grace that costs us our life, but the costly grace that gives true, abundant and eternal life?

SBC and CBF: Different, but Same

Associated Baptist Press - Opinion: Baptist battles and Christian graces

Serving a church dually aligned with SBC and CBF is an interesting charge, considering that in North Carolina each side is moving closer to total divorce rather than unity. However, David Gushee shares a heartfelt testimony how both responded lovingly to different crises in his life. Do SBC and CBF churches and organizations have more in common than they are willing to admit? At least the author of this article and I agree that they do - love for one another.

Associated Baptist Press - J.C. Watts says Christians should repudiate extremist groups

Associated Baptist Press - J.C. Watts says Christians should repudiate extremist groups

Christian are called to respond to their enemies with love. Why are we even referring to extremist groups as "fundamentalist" Christians? It is time that churches denounce pastors such as Fred Phelps, whose followers protest military funerals, and the like, who participate in organizations that plot violence against others in the name of Christ.

Great article!

Associated Baptist Press - Opinion: The God we share

Associated Baptist Press - Opinion: The God we share

My response to this article:

Carra Hughes Greer articulates important thoughts regarding the mission of God and Christian dialogue with Jews. I think both are important. Though I believe that Rev. Greer was reacting to Baptist ideology that says that preparing the soul for eternity is most important, at the expense of the needs of others, I believe that we need to be careful making absolute statements in favor of social justice at the expense of evangelism.

I agree with Xenophon, who argued that these ends should be one in the same and not mutually exclusive.

As I understand the mission of God in scripture, His New Creation is breaking into the midst of the fallen world. How people respond to Jesus (not misguided preaching about Jesus) is of the utmost importance. However, His followers are called to embrace a lifestyle change and a life mission to embody Christ in the world. The resulting communities of faith are to put their resources to work to use real needs as opportunities to demonstrate God's love, love that should come forth from the depths of their Spirit-filled character. We are communities of citizens of the New Creation (2 Cor. 5:17 and Phil. 3:20) who are called to live a new lifestyle in light of these realities in the midst of a fallen world.

They should never rely on government as the only means to secure their agenda. Question for the religious right: How do you end abortion without securing the support of your government? Question for the religious left: How do you secure justice for the poor without securing the aid of the government?

These are questions that the church should ask. Christian communities should be far ahead of the government in these aspects, before going to the picket lines demanding the government to do what they have been unwilling (not unable) to do all along.

A Thought

"Having a foot in both the religious left and the religious right, it seems that they have much in common. Both believe that the United States Government is the means by which they promote and secure their agenda."

Presuppositions and Reading Scripture

"Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long!" Psalm 119:97, NIV

When reading the Bible, selecting a translation, choosing a study Bible, or listening to a "favorite" preacher/teacher, it is important to consider presuppositions that affect interpretations of scripture.

Factors that influence interpretation:

1. Gender
2. Socio-economic status
3. Nationality or Ethnicity
4. Life experiences or circumstances
5. Whether or not the interpreter is Christian
6. The historical location of the commentator, preacher or translator.
7. Denominational affiliation
8. Seminary Training
9. Pet "issues"

Regarding translations of the Bible, never assume that the translators are unbiased in their translation decisions. Though the process of translation (I believe) is guided by the Holy Spirit, translators are fallible individuals. They may make unintentional mistakes or intentional translation decisions based upon their presuppositions. Some translations (like the Jehovah's Witness translation - I cannot recall the name) are translated to reflect their own theological issues. Thus, never assume all translations are equal. It is important to use several translations, and understand the presuppositions that underly a particular translation. Thanks to the world of publishing and marketing, most translations include a preface that reveal each factor.

Regarding study bibles and commentaries, it is important to realize that the study notes and commentaries are not simply giving the meaning of the text. Again, commentaries and study Bibles reflect a particular reading of the text based upon presuppositions above. It is important to "know where the commentators/editors are coming from" when selecting a particular study edition.

Finally, the same is true for any pastor/teacher. We are fallible human beings who each bring our own presuppositions to the table. Though authority is nice when preaching and teaching, humility may be most important.

For me, I firmly believe that the Bible is God's Written Word and should be regarded as such for matters of faith, worldview and subsequent applications of these. Therefore I am committed to continually ask how the presuppositions I bring to the text affect my reading of scripture. Moreover, as more tools to aid interpretation become available, I am committed to rethink the specifics of doctrines that may at one time have influenced even translation decisions. I feel that, with integrity, to teach the Bible as God's Word to any congregation, my first and foremost duty, out of love for my congregation and people in my life, is to continue to ask the question of how to interpret the text, regardless of how it affects beliefs that I hold.

Non-violence, Peacemaking and Enemy-love

38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 43 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:38-48, NIV)

Pacifism is interesting, to say the least. Though all Christians do not agree on the logistics - including the definition of violence, the people who are called to be non-violent and the ends of non-violent activity - those who have committed their lives to Christ must re-think traditional modes of violence and warfare, as well as self-defense based on the above verses. All Christians may not come to the same conclusion. Nevertheless, these verses compounded with the example given in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus and the early church's attitudes toward violence ought to shape our thought and conversations about violence. I have reflected at length on these issues. Below are a few conclusions that I have made.

First of all, the Bible never promotes non-violence as a moral rule. Murder is never to be tolerated. Yet, the LORD commanded Israel to take arms against nations as they conquered the Promised Land. King Saul was rebuked by the LORD through Samuel for failure to slaughter the enemy completely. Though violence is absent from the New Testament and God's people, the call to non-violence is never a command. In fact, this would be counter-intuitive to the Spirit given to the community to bear spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22ff). Arbitrary rules are whittled down so that through the Spirit's work in the life of the Believer, the believer will begin to naturally exhibit the character and virtues God intended for his people. Therefore non-violence can not be taken at the level of a moral rule, such as the love commandment or the Ten Commandments.

Second, non-violence and peace-making are two different things. Communities committed to non-violence as a rule usually withdraw from society, either voluntarily or under coercion. Non-violent communities emphasize the imminent return of Christ and God's vengence on perpetrators of violence. However, those who are committed to peace-making may never withdraw from the world but are actively engaged in the politics of the world, working for reconciliation between nations, religions and world-views. They are actively involved in securing justice. To accomplish their goals, many believe that violence can and will be used. Though there are many examples of non-violent resistence and though peace-makers may be committed to pacificism and pacifists to peace-making, it does not mean that the two are one in the same. Non-violence means no war and no self defense regardless of the result. Peace-making assumes that there is violence and conflict in the world but that the goal of accomplishing peace may require using some of the means of a fallen world. Non-violent Christians believe that God will judge this world and set things right. Peace-makers believe that they are the instruments through which God will set this world to rights.

Third, I believe that a pacifist position can only make sense in light of the Christian narrative. For me, knowing what little I know about other faiths and worldviews, it does not make sense for other faiths or worldviews to be pacifist. Many Jews admit that the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) are ambivalent at best on the subject of meaningful life beyond death. (Many Christians who go to show proof texts in the OT regarding life after death fail to realize that those texts can only be taken as such in light of the revelation they have received in the New Testament). Islam offers a view of God that states whatever Allah commands is right. I have read (well, skimmed) much of the Koran only to find many contradictions at the level of moral rule and a "heaven" that is all too "worldly." Other faiths indicated that ceasing to exist is the goal of all living things and that the cycle of reincarnation is a punishment for lack of good Karma. Atheistic, agnostic and secular humanist worldviews promote a view of life that requires no accountability in another life. Therefore, securing justice, acquiring power, enjoying pleasure, and gaining wisdom are reserved for this life alone. Therefore one must fight for these causes now. Islam could be taken as an exception. But, reading from the Koran, it is difficult to come to the conclusion that Allah would forbid violence.

Christianity is different. It promotes resurrection in this world. It promotes resurrection when God's world is free from corruption and decay. It promotes a resurrection into an age when death and suffering are eliminated. Looking to Jesus' example on the cross, God raised Jesus because Jesus was righteous and suffered. This is God's righteousness. God is greater than the world and will always redeem the righteous martyr, as well as those who, by His Spirit, participate in Jesus' death and resurrection as a sacrifice of atonement. Therefore, Jesus' words in Matthew 5:38-48 make sense only to those committed to a world-view in which God vindicates those who participate in Christ's death and resurrection. It makes no sense for Christians to call non-Christians to non-violence when they do not accept the world-view that would make non-violence possible. Though pacificism makes sense only in light of a Christian world-view that both takes literally the bodily resurrection of Jesus and the belief that this will happen for His followers at the end of time, does this mean that Christians are called to be non-violent as a moral rule? This brings me to my fourth conclusion regarding non-violence.

Non-violence without love  is impossible. Thus, Jesus never prescribed non-violence as a moral rule. Jesus called his followers to love one's enemies because that is what God does. The righteousness of God surpasses the righteousness of the scribes and pharisees because God indiscriminately provides for all people, whether they are His or not. We are to exhibit God's righteousness, not merely claim that God is doing what we cannot do (as some popular teachings of God's righteousness imputed to sinners indicate). We are to be a people that reflect his character, embody his virtue and live them out before the world.

Fifth, we are called to visible. We are called to be in the world and never to withdraw from the world. Therefore pacificism as a rule to withdraw from the world is never the command of Christ, who was in the world living God's light of a new age in the midst of this present, fallen age. Though I have learned much from the Anabaptist tradition(s), I cannot condone a withdrawal from the world and a lifestyle that refuses to engage the world.

So how does this play out? In a world filled with violence it is hard to imagine refusing to renounce violence when the threat of violence is all around. However, the key is love. Jesus taught us that God was a God who loved all indiscriminately and we are to do the same. Love wills the best for the beloved regardless of the beloved's response and at the risk of getting hurt. Love always involves a risk (some would argue that God could not love all in this manner because it will involve 'risk.' At the 'risk' of being heretical, which I am never worried about anyway, what could love be without the beloved's freedom to say no? Love is not love unless the beloved is free to respond). Love always grants the freedom for the beloved to respond.

We are called to love in this manner as a command. Moreover, we are called to love as a virtue that gives evidence of the Spirit's presence and power at work in our lives. We are called to love not like the world, which puts qualifications on the beloved, but like God, who would even allow human beings the freedom to ultimately say 'no.' Even then, God's love is never broken.

So, can we use violence or not? That's what we are asking isn't it. Well, what is the loving response to a victim when we stand between that victim and the perpeptrator? What is the loving response to the burglar, the thief, the one who inflicts suffering on the innocent. We are never to called to withdraw. Yet, in that intervention, what is our intention? Are we hungry to kill and looking for an opportunity to use self-defense as an excuse. Do we sleep with our gun next to our pillow, anxiously awaiting the burglar? Or, are we poised to love, to act as God's agent to preach his saving word? And, like Bonhoeffer, is violence only a reluctant means to act with love to the victims of a perpetrator who can never be reformed? Love is the key to this all.

Are our hearts filled with hatred toward the enemy or love? Only one is the Christian response.

Lessons to be learned from American Idol

Has 'American Idol' jumped the shark? - CNN.com

When American Idol first launched in 2002, Rebecca and I caught the tail end of the first season's show. We enjoyed watching Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini battle to the end for the show's first $1 Million record contract, singing the show's anthem "A Moment Like This." We were taken aback by Simon's sharp and sometimes crude criticism of the show's contestants. We marveled at how the contestants reacted to Simon. And, we were re-introduced to Paula Abdul, the pop-singer who caught the hearts of many in the 80's, returned from the celebrity has-been's and totally re-invented herself for a generation who probably never knew she was a singer, much less one of her songs. And who cannot like Randy Jackson? We loved the show and loved the story-line about this down-to-earth waitress from Texas coming out of nowhere to immediate stardom from the show.

With eager anticipation we tuned in from the get-go in 2003. And, on one of the rehearsals I noticed a large African-American young man named Ruben Studdard, or "Big Stud," as his teamates used to call him. He sang and made it through. I played against Ruben in high school, as Ruben started at tackle for Huffman High School. Being a member of Huffman Baptist Church, I had met him and knew many of his friends. So, Rebecca and I watched with eager anticipation as Ruben, wearing his famous '205' jerseys, united the state of Alabama like nothing since the 1925 Alabama football team won the Rose Bowl. We found out we were expecting our first-born during the course of Idol Season 2, and tuned regularly. We loved Ruben, voted many times, especially after his duel with Clay Aiken. And when they announced the winner, Ruben was not the only one flying without wings!

Of course, Idol's popularity could not last forever. Until season eight, it seemed as if the show would go on forever. But with the addition of Kara Dioguardi last year, and now, Paula Abdul's absence, along with the knowledge that Simon Cowell is leaving after this season, the show has taken a hit. Furthermore, Simon surprises no one. We know how to take him. Paula is no longer there to soften the blows Simon deals. Randy is still Randy, and I like that. And Ellen, well, I have really not watched the show enough this year to form an opinion. In the course of two years, what was once America's top show has taken a nose-dive. And, I don't think that any one will miss it once it's gone. However, what happened?

Drama. Yep, that's right. Some people wanted more money. Others wanted more of the spotlight. And, it got old and predictable.

Is there a lesson to be learned?

From reading the Bible and studying in college and graduate school, kingdoms come and kingdoms go. The vast Roman Empire that thrived for hundreds of years looked as if it would last forever to those of Jesus' day. Ten generations after Jesus, St. Augustine lamented the sacking of Rome.

Before that it was the Greeks, the Persians, the Babylonians, the Assyrians, the Philistines and the Egyptians. All dominated their known worlds, enjoyed prosperity and seemed to be destined to rule forever. Yet, things change. Values are questioned. People want a piece of the pie. Some believe that they are owed a living and are entitled to have it all without sacrifice. And, whether overnight or over the course of centuries, empires crumble, kingdoms fall, and democracies splinter.

Is there a lesson for the church? Is there a lesson for the United States? Is there a lesson in the demise of American Idol?

Biblical Recorder - Haiti volunteers have saved ‘hundreds of lives’

Biblical Recorder - Haiti volunteers have saved ‘hundreds of lives’

Good work!

Here is a wonderful quotation from the article by Richard Brunson, the director of North Carolina Baptist Men, originally attributed to Mother Teresa:

"You don't do great things; you do little things with great love."

Two Years

(This is a copy of my weekly article in the church news letter for today)

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3-6, NIV)



But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. (Luke 12:31-32, NIV)

Dear Church Family,

Rebecca and I were just recalling yesterday that it had been two years since we moved to Taylorsville, though, as time seems to fly for a full-fledged adult, it feels as if it should only be six months. Though you made us feel at home with your warm welcome, care and concern for our transition, it has been only recently that it has felt like “home.” Rebecca said yesterday how much she loved it here, and that we are thankful for the wonderful people at First Baptist and in the greater Alexander County community. However, it takes time for a home to be a home. We’ve gotten to know many people, seen our little girl, who was just a newborn infant when we met you, blossom into a beautiful and unique little girl. John Alan began kindergarten at Sugar Loaf Elementary School, and he loves his home in Taylorsville. We’ve shared many joys with you in baptisms, weddings, homecomings and Christmas celebrations. Too, we’ve shared in heartbreaking times of saying goodbye to loved ones. It seems as if we have had more than our share. However, through all this, God has been faithful.

We are thankful for our church family. While we are “different” members of the congregation in that we serve the church as pastor, we have been made to feel like part of the family, rather than an outsider on an extended stay. And, we are thankful to share in your journey, at this stage in the church’s history and ministry to the Alexander County community and beyond.

Where will this all lead? The end result of all our labor is in the hands of God. We are part of a bigger plan, a plan greater than anything God can and will do in the life of one congregation. We are part of God’s plan through His Son Jesus Christ to defeat sin and evil wherever it might be found through the unconditional love only possible through His Spirit. Just as a drop of water could take many routes to the ocean, we are part of a winding journey that could go many paths, but still will one day arrive at the ocean.

We are privileged to be a part of the Kingdom Story and to serve with you as we contribute to God’s purpose for the world. Thank you for two wonderful years. We are looking forward to many more with you.

Grace and peace,

Tim, Rebecca, John Alan and Natalie Marsh

Well, What Did Chile Do?

Massive quake, aftershocks hit Chile; at least 122 dead - CNN.com

All right, I know this is not the most important thing right now, but I know that there will be some "preacher" who is going to prophetically proclaim that Chile sinned and God is punishing them for what they have done.

Who will it be? And, what will this individual say?

I challenge whoever to post it first on my blog. I guarantee you that God will hold you accountable for what you say.

Please pray for the people of Chile, for the families who have lost loved ones, and the many whose lives have been shaken. May God's love shine bright on this dark day. May the church be ready to communicate with simplicity and substance the Love of God found in Jesus Christ.

Remind Them That I Love Them

"The world has become such a frightening place. There's so much anger and not enough love. Deep in the hearts of so many people there's an emptiness that nothing in this world can fill. And that emptiness makes it impossible for them to love...

"Remind them that I love them, that I died for them. Tell them that my love for them is real and that if they open their hearts to it I will fill that emptiness and they will be able to love one another. That's the message. It hasn't changed. Tell them."

What's Missing?

A few weeks ago my wife made Kool-Aid while I was at work. When I got home, I saw the Kool-Aid in the fridge and immediately it sounded good to me. I poured a glass, salivated at the thought of the cool, tangy drink and turned the glass up to gulp it down, and...

It was tangy all right! In fact, Rebecca had not put any sugar in it. She was adding sugar as she gave it to the kids so that they would not be hyper.

I have really thought long and hard about Christianity in the history of the west and in America and compared it to things that I have read in the book of Acts. The Book of Acts is titled "Acts of the Apostles" but in reality, it should be called "Acts of the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit is the central character in the book of Acts. In its prequel, the disciples were scared, dull and slow to understand Jesus, who was right there with him. Though they witnessed his power to change lives through miracles and teaching, they were unable to do those things themselves, accept when Jesus allowed them to. However, in Acts, following Jesus resurrection and ascension, the disciples received the Spirit on the day of Pentecost.

And, they were changed. Peter, an ordinary, though bold, member of the Twelve, preached the first Christian sermon at the Temple as he unpacked Israel's narrartive and re-interpreted it in light of what God was doing in Jesus Christ. He proclaimed the resurrection as Jesus' confirmation that he was both Lord and Christ. Then, as the Apostles scattered, along with their followers, they began to do things that they had seen Jesus do in His ministry. They were empowered and endwelled by the same Spirit who empowered and endwelled Jesus on His mission to save the world. Their works and lives gave evidence of a life-changing encounter with the Holy Spirit.

When I think of the sugarless Kool Aid, and how sour it was, I think about how sour a faith that neglects the Spirit's presence and power must be to God who gave us His Spirit and to a world who so desperately needs to see God at work today.

Biblical Recorder - Thoughts on weather cancellations

Biblical Recorder - Thoughts on weather cancellations

Here is an interesting article regarding worship cancellations for snow. I was not prepared for the numerous snowfalls this winter, which were out of character even for the Brushy Mountain foothills of Western North Carolina. For the record, our church postponed worship on Sunday, December 20, until 4 PM. On January 31, we cancelled services entirely. On February 7, we still had services, even though snow is on the ground. My personal opinion regarding weather related cancelations has to do with the purpose of worship itself. Is God more concerned that we are present with the community of faith on a particular day at the risk of health and safety? Or, is God more concerned with living a missional lifestyle that impacts the world for his Kingdom on a 365 day basis. According to this logic, the church doors should be opened for one person to be held accountable on one day of the year that could risk the health of many. According to that logic, then God wants us in church if we are sick, injured, or anything like. The purpose of worship is to be transformed into the image of Christ to take His Spirit and Word to a world in need. Sometimes I think of a snow day as a test of faith - like the Sabbath practices of Jesus' contemporaries, are we mean to serve the Sabbath or is the Sabbath meant to serve us?

Would God not rather have us make a decision to cancel one day of services and be a people who are not affected? Would God rather have us be missional disciples who daily live a life of worship? Could we just not give our offering next week (I know FBC Taylorsville came through)?

Check out the article? What do you think?

Associated Baptist Press - Opinion: Why 20- and 30-year-olds are leaving the Baptist church

Associated Baptist Press - Opinion: Why 20- and 30-year-olds are leaving the Baptist church

This is a very telling article regarding 20's and 30's ministry in churches. Please take the time read. I would love to hear your feedback. God bless!

Bringing Joy to the Lord

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name." He replied, "I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure." (Luke 10:17-21, NIV)

One of the blessings of being a parent is experiencing the happiness and joy of children. John Alan and Natalie both greet me with excitement when I come home. And, they love to share their accomplishments. Whether it is a picture, a toy, or a hug, they love to give with joy. In John Alan's case, he is learning to read and write. He loves to share when he learns to write a new word. Last night, he made Rebecca a card that said, "I Love You" and was excited to share.

We are sinners. We know that. Preachers, writers, and evangelists constantly remind us that our works before the Lord are like "filthy rags." Yes, that is the case. Nevertheless, Jesus received the joy of the Seventy-two as they returned from their brief mission into the neighboring communities. They saw things that we would love to see. They were instruments of God's grace and instruments of God's power over the forces of evil. They visably demonstrated the things that they had only before accepted by faith. And , they were excited. They radiated joy.

Jesus did not condemn their joy. He did not ask them whether or not they understood that it was God who was working. He received their joy and then gently reminded them that their destiny was more important than the things that they saw on their mission. And, then, Jesus gave praise to his Father who loves it when his children greet him at the door, excited about what they have learned, what they have seen, and what they are able to do.

Just Preach the Word!

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage-- with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. (2 Timothy 4:2-3, NIV)

"Just preach the Word!" Boy, have I heard that one before - many times, in fact.

When people ask me to preach the word, I have my suspicions. Usually, it stems from the fact that they did not like something that I said. Sometimes, this comment is delivered in context that a value has been challenged, or even better yet, the core of their worldview.

In 2002, I interviewed at a church that declared itself to be an "Independent Bible Church." They were located in an Alabama county adjacent to Jefferson County. At the time I was working at the United Methodist bookstore in Birmingham and completing seminary at Beeson Divinity School. One of the questions I asked this particular church was whether or not they welcomed and cooperated with people of all races. Racism disgusts me and I was determined not to serve a church that promoted racism. The pastor search committee assured me that they were not.

So, on the Sunday of my first trial sermon, I preached on the parable of the Good Samaritan. In that particular sermon I told the story of a time that I invited a good friend and neighbor of mine to my home church. He was African-American. I did not get a warm welcome at the door as the people left. I returned Wednesday night for an interview with the congregation and concerns were raised that I would integrate the church. Needless to say, I did not allow the call process to come to a vote, but withdrew my name. However, after the interview time with the pastor search committee, the chair of the committee said that I needed to "just preach the word!" That was God's way of saying that this was not the right church for me.

Over the years I have learned that "just preach the word" means:

1. Offer an invitation to accept Christ and repent from sins such as cussing, drinking, and sleeping around>

2. Confirm the political and social values that make us who we are. Assure us that God is pleased with who we are already.

3. Tear down those who are different than we are.

4. Confirm our doctrine or interpretations of scripture.

The problem is that all four of these violates Paul's charge to Timothy. Our interpretations of scripture must be challenged, especially if they promote a value or belief that leads to the seperation of people based on prejudice. Preaching the word may highlight those who are different than we are denominationally, politically, socially or culturally. Remember, it was the Samaritan who came to the aid of the man in the ditch. Preaching the word will always challenge the status quo. Until the Kingdom is established in its fullness, we have work to be done. And, finally, our Sin runs deeper than cussing and drinking. I wish that this was all there was to it, but there is much more. Until relationships of unconditional love are established between people who are otherwise fundamentally different, then we have work to do.

I am convinced that no denomination's tradition is totally biblical. I am convinced that many denominations read scripture to confirm their traditions rather than to be transformed by them. And, I am convinced that I don't have all the answers either.

The greatest lesson I have learned is from my theology professor at Beeson. In print he wrote, "My theology is corrigible, i.e., open to correction." We must approach the Bible with humility, willing to be transformed by it.

She Said Yes

No, it is not our wedding anniversary, but close enough. Ten years ago I asked Rebecca Lee Burks if she would spend the rest of her life with me and she replied, "Yes."

We were young, both in our early 20's when she accepted a diamond ring and made the commitment to be my wife, and I her husband, for the course of our lives. I cannot say that it has always been easy. We have faced our share of difficulties, but have been blessed with countless joys since that day, including two healthy children.

Through it all, the greatest blessing about Rebecca is that she is consistent, stable and dependable. She is a rock on the good days and the bad ones, and all the average ones in between. She is honest with me when she needs to be, and compassionate when she needs. More than that, she is my best friend and a true friend as I serve in one of the loneliest vocations.

I am forever greatful that on the sanctuary alter of my home church, Huffman Baptist, alone, with just a dozen peach roses, bread and grape juice to commemorate our faith, a diamond ring, and the presence of God's Spirit in our midst, that she said yes to a lifetime of love, of challenges, of joy and of faith.

I love you, Rebecca. Thank you for saying yes.

A Thought on Worship

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23-24, NIV)

Honestly, I struggle with worship. Since I was a little boy I have had this struggle. Why? Worship in my tradition is equated with singing. Though I love good singing like most, I cannot participate because I cannot sing well. Having been somewhat tone-deaf throughout life, and being raised in a church that emphasized excellence in music, I have always participated quietly. Too, I have no rhythm. Being raised in the age of contemporary music and worship, and having connections with African-American worship, I have assumed that you must clap during upbeat songs to express worship. But I cannot do this. In order to clap during songs I have to watch someone else who has rhythm so that I can stay on beat. But when I do this, I lose my place singing and the experience is somewhat draining, rather than uplifting.

My rhythm is so bad that I added a closing chorus to First Baptist's order of worship because I could not walk to the back of the church to shake hands while praying. The closing chorus gives me a clear aisle to walk while the others sing. When the congregation struggled to remember this the first few Sundays, I came clean and confessed why I have added the chorus. I got a good chuckle, and no complaints since!

It is a blessing to see others engaged in worship both reverently and passionately, under whatever style that they see fit. Whether it is gospel, revivalist, traditional, liturgical, contemporary or even pentecostal, I am always moved to be a part of a worship gathering in which worshipers are pouring their hearts and energy before the Lord.

Yet, what is it that God really desires in worship? Jesus said that God is spirit and desires worshipers, who, in turn, worship in spirit and truth. Jesus said this in the context of the Jewish and Samaritan dispute over the proper location for worship. Were the worshippers of God to worship in Samaria or Judea, on Mt. Gerizim or Mt. Zion? We ask similar things regarding the content of a worship service, the style of music, the day, the time and whatever other traditions that influence how we express ourselves before God.

Yet God is not interested in those things. He is interested in truth. He is interested in the worldview through which we give our energy and expressions of praise. He is interested to in worshipping in the core of our being. Not that we come to a certain place to meet God, but that God's Spirit has come to the core of our lives, desiring intimacy and our personal transformation. God wants the things that are important to Him to naturally become important to us. And, thus, our lives to engage the world as if God's priorities are really our own.

Worship is an instrument through which we are transformed so that we naturally direct our energy to the things of God.

Just a thought...

My resolution for Lent - I vow to give up "Not Blogging"

Yes, that is right! I am ashamed that I have not blogged since the beginning of the New Year, and my last post was somewhat sarcastic, elitist and meaningless. Though I do not officially "recognize" Lent (yet), I thought that this would provide the opportunity to write something meaningful on a daily basis every day until Easter. They may not be the most well-written ideas or awe-inspiring thoughts, but they will be mine.

So here goes...