Motivated by Love

Like the picture on the box cover of a jigsaw puzzle, Mark 2:1-12, gives a picture of what the Church should look like here on earth.  It shows the love, concern and compassion the Church should have toward those who need to encounter Jesus. This passage tells the story of four friends whose love drove them to overcome a variety of obstacles in their journey to bring a paralyzed friend to Jesus.

The story in Mark 2 is a very familiar one; but we often read it so quickly that we miss the fine details. Consider some of these gems:

• Jesus preached the Word (vs. 2),
• Crowds came to encounter Jesus (vs. 3). They were not drawn by the theatrics of the church.
• The 4 friends encountered obstacles; but used innovation, found a ladder, found tools, tore through a roof, and found some rope to lower their friend into the presence of Jesus (vs. 4).
• Jesus rewarded their faith (vs. 5).
• The religious people did not even recognize God the Son right in front of them (vss 6-7),
• Jesus not only showed-up; but He also showed-out by healing the lame man (vss 8-9),
• Spiritual healing took place, before physical healing (vss 10-11), as Jesus accepted the man in the condition in which he came, but loved him to where he needed to be.
• The man, after being healed, IMMEDIATELY got up! He refused to lay there any longer (vs. 12). I am perplexed that so many who experience salvation, still choose to continue in their sin.
•  Jesus’ actions cause people to glorify God (vs 12). Preachers would do well to follow Jesus’ example, rather than trying to build fan clubs to themselves.
• When people truly encountered God, rather than religion; they said, “We never saw anything like this!” (vs 12) 

These are just a few of the amazing things that we see in this picture of what a church “on mission” should look like.  In all of this, one major thing stands out – LOVE.  The men loved Jesus and they loved their friend. Their love drove them to bring their friend to Jesus and it made an impression on all who witnessed the event. 

John 14:34-35 states, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”  Tertullian wrote, “See how these Christians love one another.” A mark of the early Church was their love and it should still be a mark of the Church (true believers) today.

As I close, l encourage you to ask yourself, "How well am I loving others – inside and outside the Church?" If you have time, listen to and think about the old song, “They Will Know We are Christians by Our Love.” --  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo4ijOIs6as

 

Abortion is a Biblical (Not Political) Issue

On January 22, 1973, the United States Supreme Court issued a 7-2 decision in the case known as "Roe vs. Wade." Their decision was in favor of Norma McCorvey (alias "Jane Roe") and held that women in the United States have a constitutional right to choose whether or not to have abortions without excessive government restriction. Their decision struck down an abortion ban in the state of Texas. Interestingly, in 1998, Norma McCorvey (Jane Roe) revealed that she had experienced a religious conversion, which resulted in a change of heart and her ultimate opposition to abortion.

Abortion continues to be a "hot" topic among politicians and political groups today, but abortion is NOT a political topic... it is a biblical one!  Only God is the Giver of life and no man has the right to end a life whether by abortion, infanticide, genocide, senicide, suicide or any other means. Former President, Ronald Reagan understood the balance of religion and politics. He stated with great wisdom, "We cannot diminish the value of one category of human life - the unborn - without diminishing the value of all human life."  We must see the sacred value in ALL human life.

Each year, around the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade, churches across America take time to remember those people who never experienced life outside the womb, due to abortion.  It is estimated that 6 million Jews were exterminated in the Holocaust by Nazi Germany and 30 million people died under Stalin's tyranny in the Soviet Union; but America surpasses their combined total with over 60 million lives having been lost to abortion since 1973. 

Many women claim they have the right to decide what happens to their body, but Mother Teresa said, "It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish." Ronald Reagan noted that, "Abortion is advocated only by persons who have themselves been born."  The former US Surgeon General, C. Everett Koop, stated that not once in his entire medical career, did he ever see one instance in which an abortion was necessary to save a mother's life. The truth is that abortion is not a medical issue, it is a biblical issue. It is not a medical decision -- it is a selfish one. 

The following bumper sticker slogans give cause for contemplation. "Aren't you glad your mother was pro-life?" "Abortion doesn't make you unpregnant, it makes you the mother of a dead child." "If it's not a baby, then you're not pregnant." "Abortion stops a beating heart." And one of my favorites, "As a former fetus, I oppose abortion." 

The topics of abortion & adoption have prompted several projects by pro-life / anti-abortion film makers:

• Bella (2006)
• Meet the Robinson's (2007) - Theme based around adoption
• Horton Hears a Who (2008) - Theme is "A person's a person, no matter how small"
• October Baby (2011) - Powerful story of an abortion survivor
• Crescendo (2011) - Powerful short film - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CafJJNETvqM&feature=youtu.be
• Gosnell (2018) - Based on true story of abortion doctor Kermit Gosnell
• Unplanned (2019) - Based on the true story of Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood employee
• AKA Jane Roe (2020) - Interview with Norma McCorvey about her journey from pro-choice to pro-life
• Final on my list is The Silent Scream (1984) in which a former abortionist teaches about the specifics of the suction abortion.

Realizing that the Bible has been proven to be supernatural by archeology, history, science and prophecy; take time to see what it says on the matter. The absolute truth of Scripture trumps any argument based on moral or cultural relativism. I've included a few pro-life Bible verses below and a link to many more:

• Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart..." 
• Ps 139:13-16 - "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made...15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place... 16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." 
• Ex 20:13 - "Thou shalt not kill (murder)"

Click the following link to see more Scriptures - https://www.focusonthefamily.com/pro-life/scriptures-advocating-for-the-pre-born/

It is our prayer that Christ-followers would put their politics and political correctness aside to consider what God's Holy Word says on this matter of abortion. We pray that your view regarding the "sanctity of life" will be shaped by the truth of God's Word, rather than politics and culture.

On this anniversary of "Roe vs. Wade," let's take some time to pray for those women who are still struggling with grief and guilt following their decision to abort; for those women who are currently deciding between life, death and/or adoption; for children & families who have experienced adoption; for those medical personnel that care for these women; for Christians to have the courage to follow the teaching of Scriptures; and for our nation to truly understand that ALL LIVES MATTER.

Jesus Prayed for Unity Among the Disciples

Last week, an angry mob stormed the Capital building in Washington, D.C.  The political provocations over the last 4 years reached a boiling point and the political pressure cooker exploded! I won't address the motives, as I cannot answer for each individual; but their actions I do condemn as wrong. Some of the 2020 protests had good reason and intentions; but mobs, looting, riots, vigilante justice, defacing of statues & Federal buildings, destruction of cities & businesses, or overtaking the Capital can never be condoned. No matter how warranted your cause or what issue/decision you might disagree with, anarchy and chaos cannot be endorsed or justified by a follower of Jesus Christ.

It is time to call the Church of Jesus Christ to repentance and seek to restore unity in the House of God.  Dr. Tony Evans said it this way, “

Simultaneous to our medical pandemic, we’re in a cultural pandemic – a devolution of our society caused by a spiritual pandemic. We have wondered away from a value system that was established by God for how human beings were to live and act and relate to one another.”

Dr. Evans added, "Before change can take place in the White House, it must take place in God’s house.”

Today, I call your attention back to what is known as the High Priestly Prayer:

John 17:20-23 NLT - I am praying not only for these disciples, but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one -- as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.  I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one. I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.  

This is one of Jesus' last prayers here on earth. In this prayer, He is asking the Father to make the Disciples (then & future) to be as one. He was praying for unity.  Jesus could have asked His Father for anything, but He asked for unity among the Disciples (the Church). So, allow me to share a few thoughts about unity...

1. Unity is imperative for the sake of the mission!

The Church has been commissioned to carry the message of God's unconditional love and forgiveness both locally and globally (Matt.28:19-20) . When an unsaved world sees believers who are unforgiving, hate-filled and cannot get along with each other; that pushes them away. Why would anyone desire to have a relationship with God, if His people are so angry?  We are ambassadors for Christ and what others see in us, they assume is true of the One we represent!  Jesus said it is by our love that people will know we are His disciples (John 13:35).  Division destroys our credibility and hinders this mission!

2. Unity reveals God's glory.

"Glory" is symbolic of the tangible presence of God. You see it mentioned when Moses came down from Mt. Sinai, when the angels appeared to the shepherds, etc. God's glory was given to His Church, so let us live and act like we are in His presence. We are to be lights shining eternal hope into the darkness of this world.

3. Unity should be the standard for Christ-followers.

• Pursue it

 Rom 14:19 - Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.

• Maintain it

Eph. 4:1-3 - I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, ² with all lowliness and gentleness, with long-suffering, bearing with one another in love, ³ endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

• Glorify God by it

Rom. 15:5-6 - Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, ⁶ that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Our world is in chaos and looking for direction. Let us unify behind our one, God-given mission of making disciples and put all of the other "distractions" aside. The church was never called to engage in politics, denominationalism or social activities -- we have been called to impact eternity by sharing the Good News of the Gospel. Let's rally around that cause in such a time as this!

Christians Should be Uniters; Not Dividers

The world has lost its mind, but that does not mean the Church should follow suit.  2020 was like a rerun of the early 1960's with racial tension, political aggression, and much social unrest. Add to that COVID-19, differences of opinion regarding a vaccine, and a presidential election; and you have a powder keg just waiting to blow. So, is there any hope for our seemingly broken, polarized and fractured nation? Let me answer it with an illustration.

Have you ever been in an auto accident?  I have. I was hit in the backend, while sitting still at a traffic light. You could look through my trunk and see my dashboard. Long story made short, I thought my Toyota was totaled! The insurance adjuster thought otherwise. The body shop tech (my brother-in-law at Pro-Quality Collision) said, "I can fix it." He is great at what he does, but I had some doubts. A couple of weeks later, I picked-up my car and it looked brand new. The insurance adjuster and the technician could look beyond the damage and see what was required to fix my car. In comparison, God can not only "fix" our broken nation and world; but HE said, "Behold, I make all things new."

In Ephesians 2:11-18, the Apostle Paul was addressing division in the Church at Ephesus. The Jewish converts believed circumcision was required for salvation and the Gentiles objected. The issue was settled by the Jerusalem Council in AD 49 and should have removed the division, but Paul still had to address it in the Book of Ephesians, written in AD 64. It was 15 years later and they were still divided and arguing. Finally, Paul states in Ephesians 2:8-9 that salvation is by grace through faith and not of works.  He states that God has reconciled all people to himself, into ONE body, through the cross! That statement should end all division in the Church; but sadly, Christians still struggle with it today.

Let's consider a few types of divisions that harm the Church (and families)...

- Preferential divisions

• Cars - Ford or Chevy
• Sandwiches - cut horizontal or diagonal
• Peanut Butter - creamy or crunchy
• Toilet Paper - over or under
• Pizza - thin crust or thick
• And don't forget sports teams!

Preferences should never be allowed to divide a church, a family, or be used to draw lines in the sand.

- Political divisions

• Republicans vs. Democrats
• Conservatives vs. Liberals
• Capitalists vs. Socialists 

One of the most faithful men I know served as the Sheriff in Darlington County, SC for 24 years. He ran on a Democratic ticket (I'm a registered Republican), but we had a mutual love and respect for each other. In fact, I was honored to serve as his Pastor for 14 years and we still remain dear friends today. Another friend of mine is a Democratic State Senator in SC. We disagree on politics, but we both love Jesus, we love each other (and that man can preach)! I have a long list of people that have different views than me regarding politics; BUT most on that list love Jesus, so that means we love and respect each other. 

Rather than focusing on our differences, we choose to focus on the mission that unites us! Christ-followers should put our trust in God, We should never let the kingdoms or earth divide the citizens of heaven!

- Theological divisions

• Baptists - Independent, Southern, Cooperative, American, General...
• Baptism - Immersion, Sprinkling, Pouring...
• Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian & more.
• The list of differences goes on -- Worship Styles, Bible versions, and more.

Bottom-line -- As long as we agree on the "7 Fundamentals of the Faith," nothing else is really significant. Far too often, Christians focus on what divides us, rather than on the mission that unites us. 

Allow me to make a few key points for your consideration on the topic of unity:

1.  Unity is powerful! 

• 1 drop of water can't do much; but put those drops together and they form a river than can carve through the rocks.
• 1 termite can't do much; but a colony of termites can take down a house.
• 1 person can't move a large fallen tree; but many people can push that tree with ease.
• 1 person can make a difference; but a united Church can impact the world for eternity!

2.  Unity is NOT uniformity!

• Bodies have many different parts; but joined together, they form & function as a whole.
• Brides & bridegrooms are very different, but you can't have one without the other and together they form a marriage.
• Families have a moms, dads, kids, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, etc. They are all very different, but together they make-up a family.

3.  Unity is NOT optional!

• An organization that does not work together will become defunct.
• A dismembered body cannot function.
• The Body of Christ must be unified.
• A Church that is divided is a terrible representation of Christ to this world.
• 2 Cor. 5:20 - ...we are ambassadors (representatives) for Christ... imploring people to be reconciled to God.

So, what am I telling the world about my God, by the way I respond to politics, racism, violence, hunger, refugees, etc.?  We must be united in our mission, rather than divided over our differences!

God, help me to see people as you see them and to love them as you love them -- UNCONDITIONALLY!