Identity Crisis #3 - A Generation of Anarchy

On January 30, 2017, President Trump fired the acting Attorney General, Sally Yates, for failing to carry out his instructions. You can call it disrespect, insubordination, defiance,or even betrayal (as Sean Spicer called it). Whatever you call it, Yates failed to realize: "The boss may not always be right, but he's always the boss." This simple and most basic concept appears to be lost across this generation. We saw it in the NFL as Mike Tomlin fired Legarrette Blount for his insubordination evidenced by walking off the field and taking off his uniform in 2014. We saw it with Edward Snowden and Bradley Manning (now Chelsea) who defied orders and their oath by selling USA secrets to Russian spies. We see the public defying law enforcement officers; students defying teachers; and employees defying managers. It appears we are living in a generation of anarchy.

Whether in the NFL, corporate America, the Church, the classroom, or Washington, DC; it's as though respect for authority is a thing of the past. It appears all semblance of loyalty and integrity have been flushed down the toilet. The church is in part to blame, because it has placed so much emphasis on feelings that it has failed to teach obedience to Christ. I also attribute some of the anarchy to the empowerment that Facebook has given cowards to criticize from the comfort of their couch and to base their beliefs on their feelings. President Trump is right in his belief that opinions now trump facts and fake news is running rampant. People often take firm stands on their opinions, whether they have any facts to back them. Sadly, this situation seems to be growing worse in both the church and the world. It is the basis for much of the anarchy that we are witnessing in our world today.

Call me crazy, but I believe this world is in chaos. Consider 2 Tim. 3:1-5 and compare it to the evening news: "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!" I believe the only hope for this world is Jesus! I believe 2 Chronicles 7:14, "If My people who are called by My name (the Church) will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." Our hope can only be found in bowing to the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ and living obediently to Him.

If we don't begin to teach respect for authority at home, at work, and in the church; then how can we expect this generation to have respect for Divine authority! It boils down to the fact that when we don't respect God, we don't respect others. I respect President Trump for firing AG,Yates... I respect Jerry Jones (owner of the Dallas Cowboys), for saying that his players worked for him and if his players didn't stand during the National Anthem, they could work for someone else... I respect a Pastor who teaches people about the Omniscient, Omnipotent, and Omnipresent God; by Whose authority the world is sustained. I respect and function under the authority of God and genuinely believe that one day "every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord!" The identity crisis of today's church has left it striving for numbers, but not teaching the most basic and foundational principles of Scripture. Obedience to God is not an option and our respect for God will reveal our respect for others. It is the obligation of this generation to teach that principle to the next. So, what kind of example are others seeing in you?

Why are anti-Christian bigots so eager to prey on Tim Tebow?

You have got to read this commentary by Todd Starnes. He points out that we would never be permitted to treat a Muslim, or a minority, the way that people are treating Tim Tebow due to his Christian faith. Click on the following link to read the post http://radio.foxnews.com/toddstarnes/?s=tebow&x=3&y=4

Funeral Etiquette

In my profession, I have to attend many funerals. Over the past several months, I’ve observed a disturbing trend and have discussed it with funeral directors who are noticing the same issue. The trend is shifting toward a lack of respect shown toward the family of the deceased. I’m assuming that people either do not know or are blatantly ignoring basic funeral etiquette. With that in mind, I want to list several points that might be helpful for those desiring to honor the memory of the deceased and respectfully offer comfort to the family.

At the visitation:

• While the family appreciates those coming to express their condolences, it is an emotionally draining and physically exhausting event. A simple way to help the family, and respect the other guests in line is to keep your comments brief, and to keep the line moving.


• Attire at the visitation has relaxed, but not to the point of casual. It is no longer required to wear black, or a suit. Modesty and respect are the two key words, and you can never go wrong by overdressing


• Speak to everyone in the receiving line and introduce yourself to those you do not know. Simple, brief expressions of sympathy are usually best. Use kind words, share fond memories, listen, and sometimes you won’t need to say anything.

During the service:

• Arrive early - The joke about being late to your own funeral really isn’t funny.


• Turn off your cell phone. (And no texting.


• Don’t talk during the service.


• Stand as the family enters and exits.


• Pastors: be biblical, be personal, and be brief.
  Nothing grates me more than hearing a pastor imply that all good people go to heaven, or watching a “pastor” read from a Minister’s Funeral Manual and/or prayer book. Make the service personal and realize that people came to pay their respects -- they did not come to hear you preach your finest (and longest) sermon.

At the graveside:

• Joining in the funeral procession is simply a point of respect. Sadly, some feel they have to beat everyone to the cemetery. If you arrive at the cemetery before the procession, please park away from the tents and away from where those in the procession will be parking.


• Wait away from the tent, until the family is all seated and the funeral director invites the guests to move in closer. Sadly, I was at one funeral where some family members ended up standing further away than the guests.


• It is perfectly proper for elderly guests or those with health issues to sit in any of the extra family chairs that are vacant after all of the family has been seated. It is not proper for anyone to sit in the family chairs before all of the family is seated.


• I am a patriot at heart and have a great respect for those who have served our country. Many people do not realize that each fold of the flag has a specific meaning. Talking during the military tribute is rude, and soldiers not knowing how to fold a flag is inexcusable. I’ve observed both recently.


• There is a specific order for guests to follow in greeting the family at the close of the graveside service. After the closing prayer, the minister will walk across and speak to each family member. Whichever direction the minister goes, the guests should follow. Following this pattern is easier for the family, than guests pushing in from both directions and/or every angle.

Overall, the rule of thumb is that the funeral service is to pay tribute to the life of the deceased, and to offer comfort to the family. Any action that shifts the focus away from what is best for the family and refocuses it onto the guests is both rude and inappropriate.

What Happened to Common Sense in America?

Why are those patriotic Americans who are outraged by recent anti-American displays being labeled as intolerant, racists, hatemongers, etc.? Could it be that plain old common sense is not as common as it used to be in America? Consider the examples that follow:

• On July 4, 2010, the day America celebrated her Independence, Mexican flags were flown and prayers offered up in Spanish in the city of Hyrum, Utah. While there is nothing wrong with the Mexican flag or the Spanish language, there is something terribly wrong and offensive about the timing of such displays during an Independence Day parade. That showed a terrible lack of common sense.
  
• At Ground Zero in New York City, a mosque is being proposed. Those speaking out with patriotic concerns, and/or with respect for the 9/11 victims and their families are being branded as predjudice, intolerant and racists. Such comments reveal poor judgment, a lack of sensitivity, too much effort to be politically correct, and a terrible lack of common sense.


• Muslim Day has been hosted annually at Six Flags since 2000. This year, the celebration will be held on September 12 -- the 9/11 weekend! According to a report on Fox News, the group setting up the event (ICNA - Islamic Circle of North America) is suspected of contributing financially to the 9/11 attacks, has anti-American sentiment posted on their website, and is known to have contributed financially to Hamas. So, why are those opposing Muslim Day at Six Flags being labeled intolerant? It sounds like their concerns are simply a display of common sense.


• Giving illegal aliens the same benefits as tax paying citizens is ludicrous. This kind of stupidity enrages hardworking Americans. Let's help them file the paperwork to become legal, then let them work for the American dream. Giving free benefits to illegals makes as much sense as paying unemployed people almost as much to stay home, as they would make working for two years. Simple common sense will tell you that unemployment is going to rise under those conditions.

Common sense reminds me that I had no part in selecting my place of birth, but I am proud and blessed to be an American. I thank God for the freedoms that I enjoy and for those who fought for them. While America is hated by some, common sense reminds us that we are a nation that others will risk everything to be part of. Many Haitians and Cubans risked everything, on small boats and homemade rafts just for a chance to live in America. Mexicans cross our borders daily for the chance at a better life. Jamaicans, Guatemalans, Puerto Ricans, and so many others "choose" to live in the USA. In fact, common sense reminds me that my ancestors, like most of your ancestors, "chose" to live here and can be traced back through the lines of Ellis Island.

I am proud to be an American and agree with Aaron Tippin ..."I pledge allegiance to this flag, and if that bothers you, well that's too bad." Common sense tells us that no one is forced to live in the USA and the door of freedom swings both ways.

Sunday Summary 5.16.10

Yesterday, I started preaching through some things that our staff and deacons began discussing during our recent retreat. I started by laying some ground work for measuring success in the local church. Too many simply look at numbers to gauge success, but I've found that drawing a crowd and building a church are usualy two different things and each decade had its own "bag of tricks." In the 70's & 80's, churches swallowed goldfish, cut off ties, and ran busses. In the 90's, the seeker driven mentality told us to camouflage Christ, until we had them hooked. In this new millenium, we focus on music and the concert mentality. Nothing wrong with drawing crowds and anything alive and healthy should be growing. In June, we will be removing our attendance numbers from the Sunday bulletin and move away from the numbers equal success mentality.

Based on Matt 28:19-20, we've determined that the measure of success in a church is whether or not the church is making disciples. Are people being saved, connected, serving, and learning to disciple others? If not, then a crowd of 20,000 is a large crowd, but it's not a successful church. We've developed a process for producing disciples and that will be the focus of my sermon series in the days ahead.

Last night, I focused on the topic of divorce and remarriage. Statistics now tell us that "Christian" homes are experiencing more divorces than those outside the church. My focus passage was 1 Cor. 7, but I also used many others. Bottom-line... unless your spouse died, was unfaithful, or deserted you because of your Christian faith; you should remain married and work out your differences. Scripture is clear that God hates divorce!

If you were the victim of the items mentioned above, you are free to remarry. If you were the offender, you are to remain unmarried or be reconciled. True repentance will lead you to restore your marriage... if your former spouse is still alive, and has not remarried. There are many different views on this, but I believe mine is biblical. Too bad there isn't room to expound in a blog. Remember, some of the best counseling comes by sitting under good preaching.... so be faithful in the services.

Why is a "spiritual" Worship Leader so hard to find?

Worship leaders appear to be "a dime a dozen" these days, but "spiritual" worship leaders have become difficult to find. We posted our church's open position twice on church staffing websites and received over 150 resume's each time. Sadly, most candidates had a shady past, were unhappy where they were, had been released from their previous position, had no experience, received an unfavorable reference, etc. Out of all the resume's we received, we only seriously considered about 12 of them each time. There are some good worship leaders out there, but most of them are already involved in a church, and the others seem scarce.

I've talked to numerous pastors who have experienced the same difficulty in finding "spiritually minded" worship leaders. Our search started when our last full-time worship leader engaged in adultery. Sadly, this seems to be the norm among worship pastors, rather than the exception. The church in which I grew up experienced this same situation 30 years ago. One of the churches in which I served had the same experience... with several worship leaders. In another church, the male worship leader ran off... with a man. Sounds unbelievable, but pastors across the country are sharing the same sad stories -- it appears to be an epidemic!

What happened to the days of the music "minister?" What ever happened to leading people into God's presence, rather than whipping them into an empty emotional frenzy? What happened to those who served in the background, rather than today's prima donnas who love to be in the spotlight? What happened to using music to prepare people for preaching, rather than making music the main event? What happened to those worship leaders who were godly examples... soul winners... true ministers?

How do we change the trend? How do we repair the damage imposed on onlookers? How do we teach people to trust "spiritual" leaders again? Something MUST be done! My suggestion is that we start by focusing on God as the object of our worship; rather than worshipping worship.

By the way, our church is still looking for a spiritual worship leader. Interestingly, the best worship leader we've had in my 7 1/2 years at EBC was a layperson, a lady that God brought into our congregation. She understood the importance of balancing styles, emphasized spiritual lyrics, loved people, and developed others. She was humble, and anything but a prima donna. She would move over to play the piano and allow others to lead publicly, she would share the responsibility of leading our choir, and she understood that her role was "ministry" through music. We brought her onto our staff and thought that would be a long-term relationship, but God had other plans and relocated her family to Myrtle Beach. So... we're looking, again, and praying that God will send us a true "minister" of music, who can truly lead people into authentic God-focused worship.

The Church's Response to Homosexuality

I'm sure some of you have preconceived notions about what this post will sound like. I hope you're wrong. I preached on this topic last Sunday night in my sermon series "Biblical Ethics in an Unbiblical World." With several Christian singers "coming out" in recent years: Ray Boltz, Kirk Talley, Jennifer Knapp, etc.; with the development of homosexual friendly churches; with the political and religious ruckous surrounding this topic... I felt like I needed to address it. The basis of my sermon was "What is the church to do?"

I personally believe that Christians point out homosexuality because it is a relatively "safe" sin to attack. Since the majority of Christians won't ever participate in homosexuality, it makes them feel somewhat safe to rant against it. No mistake, I did call it sin and won't debate that point, since the Bible is so clear about it in both the Old AND NEW Testaments. In addition, the Bible is the only absolute truth, so I refuse to be drawn into debates based around moral relativism. By the way, it is easy to find someone (including a preacher) who will agree with your opinion, but that doesn't change absolute truth.

So, what did I preach? I preached intolerance... for every sin. I shared that we should not tolerate gossip, discord, gluttony, or any other sin in our lives. True Christ-followers should be broken-hearted over ANY sin, and quickly drawn toward repentance. You shouldn't try to justify gossip, neither should you try to justify homosexuality. The fact is that God abhors all sin... even the socially acceptable sins. Realizing our sinful condition makes us more appreciative of God's forgiveness and grace. It also makes us more tolerant, loving, and patient toward others who are caught up in a variety of sins.

I preached that we should gain our identity in Christ, rather than being identified by what sin we are struggling with. We examined whether homosexuality was a condition or a choice. Finally, I reminded our church that we need to preach God's model of one man and one woman for a lifetime. God's plan was established in Genesis, and reiterated in both the Old and New Testaments. While some will argue that grace eliminated the OT Law, I remind you that grace always exceeded the expectations of the Law. The only thing that changed was the motivation..

So what do we do? The church needs to love those who are caught up in homosexuality. We need to accept them where they are and love them to where God wants them to be. We need to realize that nasty comments or antagonistic confrontations will only fuel the fire; it won't result in change. We need to see the plank in our own eye. We need to be as bothered by our own personal sin, as we are about the sins of others.

So, I dare you to look at your own sin, with the same distain that some of you look at the sin of homosexuality. I dare you to honestly ask God if He is okay with your sin? Sadly, some reading this post will miss the whole point and fail to recogize their own sin struggles.

Racism

I just started a new Sunday night series entitled, "Biblical Ethics in an Unbiblical World." Our first topic was racism. In the Deep South, it is alive and well. Sadly, the most segregated places that I've noticed are the churches. People work, shop, and play together; but they do not worship together. Thank God we've broken through that barrier in our school, and we're working toward it in our church.

Let me share a few points from last Sunday night:
1) I want to thank my friend, Senator Gerald Malloy, for having a part in our service and sharing his thoughts on racism in Darlington County. Gerald keeps encouraging me to swap pulpits with some of the black preachers in our community and I hope to do so soon.

2) God only created one race -- the human race. Gen. 1:26-27 says both male and female (not red, yellow, black, or white) were created in God's image.

3) God gave instructions for people to care for foreigners. (Lev. 19:33-34) Jonah preached in Ninevah, Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman, Philip baptized the Ethopian, and Paul carried the Gospel to the Gentiles. God loves all people.

4) We know that King Solomon had a black wife. (Song of Solomon 1:5-6)

5) God did prohibit interracial marriage (Gen 28:6), but not due to skin color. This mandate was to protect His people from worshipping the gods of those outside of Israel. Notice His fury when they did (Num. 25:1-5).

6) While man focuses on skin color, God focuses on the heart. Sadly, many believers are more worried about skin color than doctrinal purity. Too many professing Christians are marrying unbelievers. Others marry "believers," but then attend churches of unsound doctrine. I could actually make a better case against interdenominational marriage than I can about interracial marriage.

7) Having said all of that, there are still many bridges to cross in America (especially in the Deep South), so many who choose an interracial marriage will encounter opposition.