Help! Someone I love is Gay! (Part 1)
Sep 28Mon,2009 / Category: Evangelism / 3 Comments » /
I remember the tears in my wife’s eyes when we found out that one of our closest friends, a person who had introduced us to each other, was dying from HIV. I also remember how foolish and hard-hearted I had been towards him since the first day he shared with me that he was gay. This was a guy who I grew up with. We meet each other in our church’s youth ministry, hung out together, we even went to Florida during spring break in high school for our senior trip. Now, at only 27 years old he was dying from HIV.
I didn’t have a clue on what to say, how to pray or even how to interact with him. So many times I picked up the phone to dial his number and my pride, or fears, got in the way and prevented me from reaching out. I finally mustered up the courage to go and see him when I got a call from his mom telling me that he was in the hospital. The sad thing is that by the time I arrived, he was so weak and medicated that he couldn’t talk. All I could say was “I’m sorry!” The most difficult and convicting part of the whole experience was being asked by his family to preach the eulogy at my friends funeral. I felt like a hypocrite. Here, for the past 5 years, I had shunned him, and did everything I could to demonize him in my mind and now I must eulogize him. I stood up to speak and I broke. The tears of personal shame over my inability to show Christian love to a brother in Christ who had fallen into homosexuality overwhelmed my heart. Eventually, I found my composure and did the best I could to speak for the word of God to a room of friends, family members and some of his gay companions who were in attendance.
I have learned a lot since that difficult experience 4 years ago. A lot about my own phobias and insecurities and a lot more about God’s love and grace. For me, the topic of homosexuality in the church is more than just a hot button, stimulating and controversial issue. For me homosexuality in the church has a face and a name. He was my friend and I missed the chance to minister to him in the time when he needed it most.
I think there are two great mistakes that we as Christians make when it comes to dealing with homosexuals. First is the mistake of compromise. The Bible is very clear on the fact that homosexuality is a sin. Passages like Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:24-27, 1 Corinthians 1:6:9 and Jude 7 paint a very vivid and clear picture of the Bible’s undeniable condemnation of all sexual perversion, including homosexuality. We must proclaim the truth of God’s word and declare that homosexuality, like all other sexual sin is wrong. But, I believe the other mistake we often make is that fact that we lack compassion. We have failed in our love toward homosexuals by condemning the sinner along with the sin. The Bible is replete with passages that tells us that God loves sinners and backsliders and we all better thank the Lord that he does, because if he didn’t none of us would be saved.
So the question I would like to deal with over the next several weeks is how to we minister to homosexuals in a way that is both uncompromising but yet compassionate. Stay tuned.
Why Ask Why?
Aug 25Tue,2009 / Category: Answering The Challenge / 1 Comment » /
Raising a two year old is a full-time job. My respect for parents, especially stay-at-home and single parents has increased tremendously as my daughter has grown older. I have come to realize that the greatest aspect our job as parents during this stage of my daughters development is to teach her manners and morals. The daily lessons seem to center upon things like saying “Yes sir”, and “Yes Ma am” when speaking to adults, sharing with children, showing patience when told to wait, not yelling or raising your voice, and the all important - be nice to others and do what you are told the first time. Recently, things have gotten more interesting and at times more difficult as my daughter has learned to express herself. As she approaches three it seems as if she is entering into the infamous “Why” stage. I have a nephew who is eleven and is smack dab in the heart of the “Why” stage. This is a normal part of childhood development (at least that’s what the experts say rather I like it or not! lol).
The questions “why” seems to come as frequently as the commands for good manners and proper moral behavior. Questions such as “Why do I have to share daddy?” or “Why can’t I have it now mommy?” or “Why is it wrong to point at strangers?”, “Why do I have to be nice to others?” or “Why must I do what I am told?” These are all very plausible and thought provoking questions if you really consider them. The normal tendency as a parent is to simply say “because I told you so”. But when you assess the question our children are asking in a deeper way you realize that there is a deeper quest in their hearts. I believe that our children, as well as, you and I, are searching for the underlying, unifying principle of objective morality. What I mean by this is that we all are looking for the ultimate justification which undergirds all moral teaching.
Why ask the question why? We ask the question because we assume that there is a foundational, concrete non-subjective reason for all morality. It is as if we are internally wired with this assumption and the human search is to discover the unshakeable absolute that unites all moral teaching. But yet many in our society have tried to argue that there is no such thing as moral absolutes. They argue that each man or woman should simply do what is right in their own eyes. This concept of relativism has crept into every aspect of our culture, from morals and ethics to art and learning. Everything is merely subjective and all is is equally valid. Asking “why” ultimately becomes an invalid question, but yet we all still ask, and are hearts are not satisfied with the answer that relativism provides.
But the problem with moral relativism, as I see it, is that there are no grounds to say what is right or wrong if their is no absolute standard. How can I tell my daughter that being mean to others in wrong, if there is no absolute standard. What if she decides that “being nice is ok for you daddy, but i prefer being mean.” What if our children’s response to our ethical teachings is to say, “Mom, Dad, who are you to impose your views of right and wrong onto me? After all everything is relative, even morals, and I will simply do what is right in my own heart.” This is exactly what this generation is saying to us. The problem with relativism is that it creates a moral system of chaos. If there are no absolutes than anything goes. I can steal from you and should not be punished because, who are you to say that what I did was wrong. Someone could harm you and never be convicted because, after all you cannot judge me. Things like racism, rape, and robbery are all individual choices that have nothing to do with the concept of right and wrong.
The fact is, there cannot be a response to the question of “Why” unless there is a God. There are many approaches to ethics which have been proposed over the years, individualistic relativism, utilitarianism, social-contract theory, but the only approach which provides us with a unifying, concrete foundation for right and wrong is seen in the existence of God. This approach to ethics, has been called by some, divine command ethics. It basically teaches that the reason why something is right or wrong is based upon the fact that their is a higher moral agent, than any of us in humanity, who has established a code of ethics which we all must adhere to.
My response to my daughter questions of “Why should I be nice to others daddy?” or “Why should I share my toys?” or “Why should I be obedient when mommy tells me not to do something? is easy, it is because God has command us to live morally and He has told us what is right and what is wrong in the Bible! Recently a good friend of mine shared with me that his concern for America is that we have stolen the ethics of God, while at the same time tried to remove the existence of God from our society. The fact is that everything seems to be holding together and working well on the surface and this is because Judeo-Christian morals work. But if you look underneath the surface our nations moral fabric is falling apart at the seams and is doomed for destruction because their is no answer to the one question all of our children are wired to ask. Our nation is destined for moral chaos, because we don’t have a proper answer to the question “Why”. If we don’t have a proper answer for the question “why” our children will simply do what feels good in their own hearts. God help us!
Well I have to go now because my daughter is waking up and I have to get back to the job of raising a morally ground child in the midst of a generation who is trying to stand on the wind. I pray that I’ll be ready today when she asks me “daddy why?”
Pastor Chris
Jackson vs. Calvin!
Jul 22Wed,2009 / Category: Personal / 6 Comments » /
Let me ask you a question, who has had a greater impact on your life - Michael Jackson or John Calvin? Now, I know that by this time many of you are saying to yourselves “John who?” And therein lies the problem. Over the past several weeks I have seen tons of people mourning the death of the King of Pop. Some have cried, others have been glued to their tv’s watching documentaries and old interviews, many have rushed to the music store and purchased Jackson’s greatest hits cd in order to preserve and relive their favorite Michael moment. I have even seen Pastors who have changed their preaching schedules to incorporate a Jackson centered sermon with catchy titles like “The Man in the Mirror”, “It’s Time to Make a Change”, or “Heal the World.” His eulogist described Michael as a saint “who taught us all how to love.” I must admit it has been hard not to get caught up in the wave of emotion over the loss of Michael Jackson. But when you really stop and think about it, as Christians, what did Michael do to benefit any of us spiritually? I don’t mean to be harsh or insensitive but I must admit that I am concerned that this generation of believers are in danger of violating 1 John 2:15:
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world
the love of the Father is not in him.”
Now back to this John Calvin guy. If you are a Christian, Calvin has deeply affected your life whether you realize it or not. Calvin may just be the greatest theologian of the protestant reformation period. Calvin, along with his contemporaries, helped to rescue the church from the gross sin and corruption which it had been engulfed in during the 1500’s. The Lord used them to bring Christianity back to being Christ-centered and to relay the biblical foundation of such truths as salvation by faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone. It was on the backs of these great reformers that the Bible was translated into the language of the common people and the barriers that kept laymen from learning the word were removed. The reformation changed everything from government to education, from economics to marriage and family. By the time he was 27 years of age, Calvin had written an 1100 page volume entitled “The Institutes of Religion” which helped to provide one of the clearest systems for understanding the major teachings of the Bible. Calvin’s works have helped to illuminate the word of God for Millions of pastors, teachers and Bible students for the past 500 years. And last Friday, while the world mourned the death of Michael Jackson, small groups of Christians scattered around the world quietly commemorated the birthday of this theological giant. The sad thing is that many of us don’t even know his name.
Jackson and Calvin are simply symbols of a greater metaphor. They represent the battle between the world and the word for our hearts and minds. Just think about it for a moment, odds are that you have memorized more lyrics to Jackson songs than you have scriptures in the Bible. Doesn’t that bother you a little? More of us know the slogans to our favorite commercials than the sayings of our Lord and savior. Maybe the problem is that Jesus needs a better marketing firm or advertising campaign. But wait a minute, let’s not forget, he’s depending on us to be his mouthpieces and to get the word out to the world about all that he has done. But how can we do it if we are so enamored with the world and pop culture that we no longer have the time or motivation to read the Bible or share our faith with others. Now I’m not suggesting that you rush to the book store to buy Calvin’s greatest hits, or change your hairstyle or the way you dress to match Calvin’s form of fashion. But maybe we do need to ask ourselves a simple question, “Is my heart more attached to the world or to the word?” Even better, ask yourself, “Who am I more impressed with, the King of Pop or the King or Kings?”
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Leave a comment and let me know what you think!
I’m Back
Jan 15Thu,2009 / Category: Personal / 3 Comments » /
Sorry, that I have been away for a while. Between travel and family time over the holidays things were crazier then ever. But the joy of the Lord has graced every area of my life. It has been a tremendous blessing seeing my daughter Zoe growing and becoming a beautiful young woman. I have also been overwhelmed as I have seen God’s blessings upon Evangel Ministries and Equipped for Life. We have a great team of leaders and an awesome group of supports. Thanks to everyone for making 2008 a wonderful year, but now its time to get back to the Father’s business in a new year. With that being said, we are planning a great year of strong biblical preaching, apologetic training and global missions. Our programming calendar for the broadcast should be the best it has ever been. We will have numerous special guests and discuss relevant topics which are shaping our culture and faith.
Make sure you tune in to the radio program next week. We are calling it our “Listener Appreciation Week!” You will be our special guest and we will spend the entire week taking your phone calls, answering your questions and most of all praying that God bless you and your family. Also mark your calendars for the following week, beginning on Tuesday, January 27 we will dedicate an entire week to “Understanding Judaism.” We will have some great guests who are experts in the beliefs of Judaism. We will discuss the jewish roots of Christianity, the keys to evangelizing Jews and the Messianic Jewish movement. So make sure you join us.
Finally, we are currently planning for our next Answering the Challenge Event. We are calling it “No Other God”. We will be hosting this powerful outreach on the campus of Wayne State University and will tackle the question “Is Christianity the only way to God?” We will then field questions in an open forum format from college students ranging in beliefs and spiritual backgrounds. Please be praying that God will be glorified and that many will come to a saving faith in Christ.
As always I invite all of your comments and feedback. Whether you agree or disagree I would love to hear your thoughts. I look forward to hearing from you and until the next time always remember that grace and truth come through Christ alone.
Pastor Chris
Answering the Challenge Pt.2
Oct 31Fri,2008 / Category: Personal / 2 Comments » /
Hey, everyone! I am currently in Chicago, IL with Min. Yodit attending the Ravi Zacharias Founders Week Event. This is a conference which Dr. Ravi holds each year to discuss how his ministry can have greater impact and reach more people with the gospel. This year I have been asked to talk about the work we are doing the area of evangelism and apologetic training in Detroit and other urban areas. And I can’t tell you how proud I am to be able to search about the overwhelming success of our recent Answering the Challenge (ATC) event. Hundreds of you supported this 3 day conference as we made the case on “Why the Bible is Reliable”. I want to especially thank Dr. Peter Williams for joining us from Cambridge. I hope that each one of you who attended were blessed and even more importantly I pray that you left with a deeper passion to study and know God’s word. You can be confident that the Bible is trustworthy and divine and that it possesses the power to transform your life. Finally I want you to know that over the next several I will continue to answer some of the questions that you submit to us through my blog. So make sure you check in with us often. Later this week I will respond to the question “Will we know each other in heaven?”
My team and I want to hear some of your feedback. We would love to know how you felt about ATC. So please share some of your thoughts in our comments section. Your remarks are truly valued and welcomed.
May God’s best be yours! - Pastor Chris
Why Are There So Many Translations?
Oct 21Tue,2008 / Category: Answering The Challenge / 1 Comment » /
Recently, while preparing for our upcoming bible conference, I received a series of questions concerning why there are so many different bible translations. Even now as I write this blog I can look over at my book shelf and finding upwards of seven different translations. As a collector of bibles I own a number of translations ranging from the Interlinear Greek/English New Testament (3rd edition) to the Jerusalem Study Bible to the old faithful King James Version. Each one is beautiful from a literary perspective and a valuable study tool for my teaching ministry. All of the translations I have mentioned are considered, by most conservative bible scholars, as trustworthy. This is not to say that every translation is reliable or should be trusted as a credible account of God’s word. Bibles like the New World Translations (used by Jehovah’s Witnesses) or The Book of Mormon (used by the Latter Day Saints) should be totally avoided because of their heretical nature. But in order to answer the question more directly let me give 2 simple reasons for the number of different translations:
1. Updates In Language: One of the major reasons for newer translations is the need to update our bibles to reflect modern day language. Many people love and swear by the King James Version of the Bible, however many more find it difficult to read. Words like, thou, smote, whatsoever are simply not used in our modern vernacular and act as impediments to understanding the message of scripture. Therefore many bible scholars work diligently to make sure there are translations available on the market which use and reflect words that are still in existence, thereby making it easier for the reader to understand the text.
2. Differences In Approach: Without being overly technical I think that it is important for us to understand what a translation is. A translation is an attempt to convert the bible from its original language (Hebrew/Greek) to another user language (i.e. english, german, russian or swahili) in order to make it possible for people to get God’s word in their own language. Now certain translations attempt to translate the bible word for word from the original language to the user language such as is the case for the King James Version or the New American Standard Bible. While other translations seek to convey the original message, thought for thought, without doing any harm to the text such as is the case for the New International Version. Both approaches have their pluses and minuses. Word for word translations are focused solely on staying true to the original text in a didactic way, but are often times awkward in certain passages and difficult to read. Thought for thought translations are more focused on the reader being able to understand the message being taught in scripture and although easy to read, they have an added layer of interpretation built into the text because the translator had to make some assumptions about the original meaning of the text in order to update the wording. Neither is wrong they are just different. It is important for you to know what you are getting when you read different translations. Again word for word like a KJV is focused on maintaining the word order of the original text even if it makes it harder on the reader and NIV is focused on the readers understanding even if it means adjusting certain word order, as long as the heart of the text is not compromised.
All of this can be somewhat challenging to understand, but here is the bottom line. Most translations are reliable and will give you a pretty accurate reflection of what was in the original. But my recommendation is to try your best to seek to conservative translations like KJV, NKJV, NASB or NIV. Another tip that I recommend is to read from multiple versions when you are studying. I often will refer to KJV, NASB and NIV when I am preparing for a sermon. Different translations are extremely helpful for getting a full picture of the text.
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Is Barack Obama the Messiah or Satan?
Sep 02Tue,2008 / Category: Personal / 7 Comments » /
As you know we are heavy into the heart of the political season. The gamesmanship has already begun. People from the right and the left have bunkered down for what appears to be one of the most ferice and explosive Presidential race in history. As a Christian and a parent who cares deeply about the future of our country I will watch with great attention hoping to be able to gather a few strands of truth amongst the myriad of lies and spin. My prayer is that God will speak to my heart about who He would have me to support and that I wouldn’t be too influenced by individuals who have biases and ulterior motives for who they endorse. I must admit it is becoming more and more difficult to find news that is fair and honest about either Obama or McCain. Don’t get me wrong we all have our own convictions and connections to one or the other Presidential candidate, myself included, but I feel that it is wrong and out of line when anyone deifies or demonizes the other party. This probably won’t sit well with some but the fact is over the last few months I have heard both Christian and Non-Christian, conservative and liberal, Democrat and Republican broadcasters alike say some of the most extreme, unfounded and inflammatory comments I’ve ever heard. Now it is not my job to critique non-Christians, but as a Pastor, I don’t think that it is responsible for anyone to imply that either McCain or Obama is the Messiah or Satan. The fact of the matter is that both individuals are mere men, who I believe, have sincere desires to see our nation do well albeit with completely different views on the direction our country needs to go in the future. I strongly agree with both men on certain issues and I strongly disagree with both men on certain issues. I don’t believe that you somehow have violated your faith by voting for either nominee as long as you have earnestly attempted to allow your convictions to govern your decision. The fact of the matter is that as Christians we are instructed in scripture to trust in the sovereignty of God concerning the selection of our leaders (Romans 13:1-3). This means God will appoint whomever he chooses, this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t champion those causes that we feel are critical to the health of our families and communities, it simply means that we should not be so presumptuous that we proclaim whom God has anointed and whom he has condemned. The greatest question that I believe you and I need to wrestle with is, no matter what the result of the November 4th election is, what will we as Christians do on November 5th. If your candidate is elected I hope you don’t sit back and think the the Messiah is in office and he’ll take us to the promised land. And if the candidate you oppose is elected I hope you don’t withhold your prayers while showering him with criticism proclaiming him to be the anti-Christ. This is the type of foolish pettiness that limits progress and distracts believers from our primary calling as it pertains to our governmental leaders and that is to be there intercessors (1 Timothy 2:1,2). I would love to hear your thoughts on this topic or on the campaigns at large. God Bless!
How to Witness to a Muslim
Aug 06Wed,2008 / Category: Answering The Challenge / 13 Comments » /
As many of you know I am currently hosting a week of radio broadcasts which focuses on understanding Islam. I have been very concerned about the extremism that I often find in Christian circles concerning this religion. On the one end of the spectrum are those who are totally passive about the radical differences between Christianity and Islam believing that for the most part both religions are fundamentally the same. On the other end of the spectrum are those who are so paralyzed by irrational fear that although they recognize the stark differences between the two faiths they won’t dare evangelize those beautiful Muslim people who they know lack saving faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior. My hope is that through my radio program Christians will become more informed and increase in both their courage and compassion as it pertains to witnessing to Muslims. In my personal experience I have had some success in sharing my faith with those who I love which are a part of the Muslim faith. I have found most of them to be very reasonable and open to intellectual dialogue. However, I believe that, like most Christians, many of them do not properly understand what there religion teaches and therefore often argue on the basis of emotion and not doctrinal beliefs or absolute truths. Even worse is the fact that far to many of them have a totally distorted view of Christianity and therefore fall prey to the stereotypes and false perceptions of popular culture. For me the key to witnessing to a Muslim is to be informed, courageous and loving. I am convinced that when a Muslim encounters a Christian who possesses a knowledge of the teachings of the Bible, a commitment to the rational interchange of ideas and a genuine desire to see them come to the knowledge of the truth of God’s love they are very reachable. There is one more thing that I believe is crucial to our effectiveness to understanding how to witness to Muslims and that is the fact that they are a highly relational and community oriented people. This means that cold tactics like street witnessing or track evangelism typically won’t work when it comes to reaching them with the gospel. Ideally Christ should be shared in the context of genuine relationships and intimate friendships. I find the closer the relationship the more open they are to honest criticisms of their beliefs. Without these sincere connections disagreements can easily escalate to hostility. My prayer is that more Christians would have the boldness to share their faith with Muslims with whom they share a relationship. I would also love for some of you to leave comments on tips and recommendations for witnessing to Muslims. Thanks and let’s keep the conversation going!
Pastor Chris
Should Christians Be Tolerant?
Jul 30Wed,2008 / Category: Answering The Challenge / 3 Comments » /
Lately I’ve been watching the political news coverage of the Presidential race. What I have found to be very interesting is the pressure that is placed upon each candidate to demonstrate the virtue of tolerance. It seems as if tolerance has become the supreme virtue of our culture. Don’t get me wrong I see myself as a pretty tolerant person, but I guess my concern is with the unspoken change in the way we define tolerance. Webster’s Dictionary defines tolerance as the act of enduring opposing opinions. My personal research shows me that tolerance historically has meant the act of disagreeing civilly with those of opposing viewpoints. This seems to be something that Christians have promoted and role-modeled very well for the most part. However, the popular cultures definition of tolerance seems to be accepting and submitting to viewpoints that you personally disagree with or see as being dangerous. So I guess my question is where is the room for being able to disagree civilly and respectfully. Can I hold on to my convictions and feel that yours are wrong. Is it intolerant for me to say that Christianity is a better belief system than Islam? Am I being intolerant if I say that homosexuality is wrong? Am I being intolerant for teaching my congregation to avoid certain Pastor’s preaching because their message is heretical? If I am than I guess I question whether or not we as Christians should be trying to live up to the popular culture’s definition of tolerance. Now I know that these opinions of mine my get me in trouble with some but I am tremendously concerned with the watered down message that I feel far too many Christians are embracing in order to not seem as if they are being intolerant. I feel that we are called to speak the truth in love and I believe love doesn’t mean that truth has to be sacrificed. So what do you think should Christians be tolerant?
Thanks,
Pastor Chris
Maybe Image Isn’t Everything!
Jul 10Thu,2008 / Category: Personal / 3 Comments » /
Recently I’ve completed reading a very powerful book by Os Guinness, entitled “A Time For Truth”. Among other things, the book chronicles America’s moral decent from prioritizing character as being the critical virtue of its leaders to adopting the mantra “Image Is Everything”. It seems like for most people, Christians included, the goal is no longer to maintain our inner goodness as long as we look good on the outside. All that matters is what people think about you and how you are viewed by the public, not who you really are in the quietness of your own conscience. It’s almost as if we are all actors on a stage putting on a performance for the watching world who thinks that our lives are the sum total of what they can see played out before them. But the fact is that God seems to be far more concerned with who we are when the curtain drops and no one is looking, than when it is time for lights cameras and action.
In 1 Samuel 16 the Lord challenges the Prophet Samuel to look for a King to replace Saul, whom He had rejected. Like most of us Samuel no doubt was looking for a man of stature who exuded strength, skill and leadership, however God’s evaluation of our greatness is measured by a much different standard. In one of the most memorable quotes from the Old Testament God says to Samuel in verse 7 “…Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” This highlights the stark contrast between God and man on how we measure such things as righteousness and unrighteousness, failure and success. In our generation, however, the greatest sin is not being bad, but rather it is looking bad. So with the help of make-up, spin, lies and deception leaders and non-leaders alike can mask the true condition of their hearts and lack of moral character like never before.
This is unfortunately, being played out all around us as seen in local politics, day to day church life and the number of broken families in our community. As a Pastor, husband, father but most of all as a Christian I fear that danger of falling into the shallowness of believing that image is more important than internal character. I realize that my wife, daughter, church and community need for me to demonstrate real moral character and not just a fake external image. I have worked hard to avoid this pitfall and have searched for safeguards for protecting my heart against Satan’s subtle deceptions. I would humbly request your prayers in this area and would love to hear your comments and recommendations on how we as Christians can avoid prioritizing outer image above inner holiness and how we can make sure we are keeping character first.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts,
Pastor Chris