Real Faith Knows Only One Way

The following is from A. W. Tozer, as quoted in PsychoHeresy: The Psychological Seduction of Christianity by Martin & Diedre Bobgan.

    Many of us Christians have become extremely skillful in arranging our lives so as to admit the truth of Christianity without being embarrassed by its implications.  We arrange things so that we can get on well enough without divine aid, while at the same time ostensibly seeking it.  We boast in the Lord but watch carefully that we never get caught depending on Him.  "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?"
    Pseudo faith always arranges a way out to serve in case God fails it. Real faith knows only one way and gladly allows itself to be stripped of any second way or makeshift substitutes. For true faith, it is either God or total collapse. And not since Adam first stood up on the earth has God failed a single man or woman who trusted Him.
    The man of pseudo faith will fight for his verbal creed but refuse flatly to allow himself to get into a predicament where his future must depend upon that creed being true. He always provides himself with secondary ways of escape so he will have a way out if the roof caves in.
    What we need very badly these days is a company of Christians who are prepared to trust God as completely now as they must do at the last day.

Father God, may it be so in me, and among us, in Jesus' name.

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Confession and Prayer

James 5
¹³ Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. ¹⁴ Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. ¹⁶ Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.

It's so good when we ask for prayer as the Lord commands in the verses above.  When we ask for prayer, however, we need to be willing to also think about our lives in the light of God's Word, and then admit our sins before God.  Sometimes it's helpful to actually let those who are praying for you know how it is that you believe you have sinned, that is, have not followed God's commands.  This requires deep trust, but in shedding our defenses we open ourselves fully to the amazing and healing grace of God.  No matter what your sin, you are forgiven for Jesus' sake.  Jesus shed his blood and died for you!  And in his suffering death and glorious resurrection, there is power for healing in every way.

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Dayenu!

Father God, you have brought us thus far.  You have protected and kept us safe.  You are greatly to be praised.  If you had but given us only one sign of your grace and mercy, it would have been enough!

With the Hebrew people, who celebrate Passover every year with the refrain "Dayenu" (It would have been enough!), we give you the glory, Lord God, and live thankfully.  And knowing Jesus, risen from the dead--O God, that is so wonderful and glorious there is nothing else we need!  Thank you Lord!  Praise you Jesus!

"Dayenu (Hebrew:דַּיֵּנוּ) is a song that is part of the Jewish holiday of Passover.

The word 'Dayenu' means approximately, 'it would have been enough for us', 'it would have been sufficient', or 'it would have sufficed' (day in Hebrew is "enough", and -enu the first person plural suffix, 'to us').

This traditional up-beat Passover song is over one thousand years old. The earliest full text of the song occurs in the first medieval haggadah, which is part of the ninth-century Seder Rav Amram.

The song is about being grateful to God for all of the gifts he gave the Jewish people, such as taking them out of slavery, giving them the Torah and Shabbat, and had God only given one of the gifts, it would have still been enough.

This is to show greater appreciation for all of God's saving gifts as a whole. The song appears in the haggadah after the telling of the story of the exodus and just before the explanation of Passover, matzah and the maror."

(For more about "Dayenu" as a part of the Passover celebration, go to this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dayenu.  To hear music based on this ancient truth, go to http://www.chabad.org/multimedia/media_cdo/aid/255530/jewish/Dayenu.htm.)

This video is a Christian version of the traditional Hebrew song.

We have been given so much!  If all we have is the promise of resurrection and the knowledge of Jesus' love, how he purchased our pardon on the cross, if all we have is the presence of the Holy Spirit, DAYENU!

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This One Day (2)

Back home after a full day.

Here are a few notes from today's "Psychology and the Church" seminar:

In the 1950s-1970s Christians like Norman Vincent Peale, Robert Schuller, Tim LaHaye tied simple psychological themes to theology.  On the other hand, Christians like Jay Adams (and his "Institute for Nouthetic Studies"), Jimmy Swaggart and Martin & Deidre Bobgan stood against them, saying that there was no need to add any psychological theory to the truth of God's Word--any Christian who knows Scripture is "Competent to Counsel."  Our teacher, Dr. Daniel Nelson (PhD, LP) also touched on Prayer Counseling and Spiritual Warfare.  Fascinating stuff. 

The next thing we'll look at in class, if I continue, would be psychologists and teachers at the other end of the spectrum--those who reject Christianity totally--among them Sigmund Freud, B. F. Skinner, Marlene Winell.  After those we'll consider Christians who find varying degrees of validity in each other's perspectives. 

(I need to decide, by tomorrow morning, whether or not to continue the class.  If I drop the class now I can get a refund--and it will save gas money too.  But the class is so good...  Please pray that I'll be wise in that choice of how to spend the resources God has given.)

In the afternoon a friend and I spent time (in prayer and conversation) with a group from Prayer Transformation Ministries.  This ministry is going through a change since their former director, Steve Loopstra, moved to his current position with the Sentinel Group in Washington state.  They are now focusing on developing a culture of prayer.  They've invited me to join them on Thursday at 11:30 a.m.  Let me know if you'd like to come along.

After those more spiritual encounters, it was off to see the insurance agent.  Yes, practical things do need to be taken care of.  And I need to get things organized for our upcoming move out of the parsonage too.  I'd better stop blogging and get to that.

Peace to you in Jesus' precious name alone.

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For a bit more about my time at North Central and the seminar I'm auditing, see One Thing I Know, This One Day (1) and Psychology and the Church (seminar update).

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This One Day

I'm jotting this as I'm standing outside the mailroom at North Central University, where I'm auditing a seminar called "Psychology and the Church."  This afternoon a friend and I will be meeting for lunch, then we'll go together to Prayer Transformation Ministries.  After that, I'll go to another meeting, this time with an insurance agent.

Life is fascinating and hugely challenging.  It might seem to difficult to make sense of.  But, hallelujah, we are not alone!

Our Lord God, the amazing creator, loves us no matter what.  We know this because of Jesus, who gave his life as a sacrifice, dying in our place because of our sin.  The Holy Spirit guides and inspires most clearly as we get to know Jesus in the Bible, but also out in the world, no matter where we go.

I trust the Lord to make good to work his will through this particular day in my life.  You can do the same.

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For a bit more about my time at North Central and the seminar I'm auditing, see One Thing I Know, This One Day (2) and Psychology and the Church (seminar update).

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Safe in the Temple of the Lord

One thing have I asked of the LORD;
one thing I seek;
    that I may dwell
    in the house of the LORD
    all the days of my life;
to behold the fair beauty of the LORD
    and to seek him in his temple.
For in the day of trouble
he shall keep me safe in his shelter;
    he shall hide me
    in the secrecy of his dwelling
    and set me high upon a rock.
Even now he lifts up my head
    above my enemies round about me.
Therefore I will offer in his dwelling
an offering
with sounds of great gladness,
    I will sing
    and make music to the LORD.  (Psalm 27:5-7)

Tomorrow I have the privilege of leading a Bible study on this Psalm, a song of great confidence, hope and joy in the midst of danger.  The beginning of the Psalm speaks of evil and enemies and war--dangers that lead us to seek safety--safety that does not come in self-defense but, instead, to the temple of the Lord, where the faith-filled find safety and joy.

Where do we find that safe place today?  Where is this temple?  Because the New Testament interprets the Old, we look there to find the answer:  The temple, where we can find safety and peace, is found wherever you and I are gathered together in Jesus' name.

Here's what it says in Ephesians:

"You are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God." (Ephesians 2:19-22)

Don't look for safety or security by yourself.  Scripture makes clear that we find the "fair beauty of the Lord" as we gather together in Jesus' name.  Whether you get together with two or three or several hundred, it's in together with one another and the Lord that we find what we need.

For more on this topic, see this sweet article by my friend Jon Zens:  The New Testament Is Plural (Us) Not Singular (Me)

It's those who are alone--either by choice or because they can't get together with other believers for some reason--it's those who are alone who end up in the most painful and dangerous circumstances. Let's do all we can to bring those we know out of hiding. We are truly called to gather, to share God's Word and pray together in person. That's where safety, and healing in Jesus' name can truly be found.

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Emerging on Campus

From my son Dan's blog -- Indagatio Veri

"...There is another transition occurring within the church; and at a time like this it is important to look at scripture to try and understand God's intended purpose for it. This understanding has become very important for me. Here at Concordia College I witness a strange dichotomy when it comes to ministries on campus. The campus ministry itself, led by the pastors on campus, has become very bland. Sermons and teachings revolve around us instead of around God. This 'church' seems to be more influenced by the World than it does God, and it is reflected in where they search to find truth and how this changes the interworkings of the community.

"On the other hand there is an 'emergent' church on campus as well. These student led bible studies and worship services have a different character than the more common 'Campus Ministry.' Here it seems the students are more willing to look deep into themselves. There is a yearning for not just more of life, but more of God (which of course are inextricably connected but not always recognized as such.) However neither group is perfect, nor do they completely fulfill the purposes of the church as outlined in scripture. I believe that every church body should strive to conform to the will of God; and in order to do that, we must look towards scripture for our guidance and direction..."

Read the rest at Indagatio Veri: The Purpose of the Church (1)

Searching Together

When you are in the mood for some spiritual "meat," check out searchingtogether.org.  I got to to know Jon Zens and Cliff Bjork when I lived in Taylors Falls.  I've found their Biblical "searching" to be faithful, challenging, fascinating and carefully done. 

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Custom Designed

On Saturday I mentioned the scripture from Matthew 4:19 where Jesus calls fishermen with words they can understand--words that transform their lives as they obey the words "Follow Me!"

But what does it mean to be called by Jesus today?  How do we clearly and certainly hear God speaking, guiding, calling us through the expectations, social pressures, busyness and “noise” that are so much a part of 21st century reality?

I don't know about you, but in order to do that myself, and in order to help others hear Jesus' call, I need help!  I need help through a book like the one written by my friend and "sister" pastor, Wendy Berthelsen.  Here's a review I've written -- maybe it will encourage you to order a copy for yourself.

Don’t let the small size, the friendly approach or the low price deceive you—Custom Designed: A Life Worthy of the Call is not fast food. It’s a five course spiritual meal, meant to be read slowly and prayed over with care, section by section.

Like the first disciples of Jesus heard Jesus calling them, this book by Wendy A.W. Berthelsen was written to help its readers hear our risen Lord calling them to know, follow and serve him in the way that fits each one personally. Using scripture and dozens of real life examples, the book guides readers to hear God’s “custom designed” call through considering the talents, personality, spiritual gifts, dreams and passions God has given them and through the experiences God has allowed in their lives. The book brings Biblically faithful spiritual truth to 21st century Christian lives that are so often trapped by the expectations of others, guiding readers to deeper prayer, open conversation with loved ones, quiet contemplation and small steps of faith. In this way the Holy Spirit speaks, leading toward the “calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 3:20-4:1).

In today’s Christian world, believers often feel pressured to take on (or continue with) tasks or roles that really don’t fit them personally. This leads to grumbling, negative attitudes, ineffectiveness and/or plain boredom. Wendy has known the “restlessness” that can come even in the midst of a good career, a restlessness that pushed her to re-vision her life. Now, as a pastor and president of “Call Inc.,” she shows us how to break out of a “so-so” life by simply paying attention to God’s Word and acting on it. As I slowly read this little book, as I’ve taken time to pray and then put into practice just a few of Wendy’s Biblically faithful suggestions, I heard God speaking to me more clearly, calling me and those I live and work with to more faithful, more effective and more joy filled lives-—simply because they are more “fitting” to how we have been made and gifted by God.

I’ve served as a pastor for 24 years. One of the challenges in my ministry so far has been to help people know the freedom and joy of that is ours through Jesus while at the same time doing my best to help the “programs” and “plans” of the local church move forward. Sadly, churches sometimes sacrifice joy and freedom and encourage believers to simply “do what needs to be done.” Oftentimes people then feel like they are simply interchangeable parts in the church machine rather than living freely as members of Christ’s body. Reading this book has helped me respect the ways God is calling every church member individually in every area of life—in the family, at work, out in the world—and also in the church. Church leaders need to respect every aspect of their members’ calls, allowing them the freedom in Christ to give a confident “yes” or “no” to the things that church leaders want them to do.

I have found growing freedom and joy since I learned the principles taught in Wendy’s book. I believe the same can be true for you.

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A Wonderful Call

Follow me!  I will make you fishers of men. (Matthew 4:19)

I'll be preaching on Jan. 23 using that text as a basis.  Jesus speaks these words to fishermen as he calls them to a new life.  That new life he calls them to, however, is not entirely different from the life they knew before.  Yes, they leave the tools of their former profession behind.  But when he speaks to them and calls them to follow, he speaks to them in a way they can understand.  Before, they had been catching fish.  From then on, they will be catching people.

Jesus speaks their language.  Jesus knows them.  There are probably several ways of understanding this, some of which are just "normal."  They lived in the same area, knew some of the same people, may have even connected professionally--as a carpenter in Galilee, Jesus may have done some work on wooden boats like the ones the fishermen used.  But Jesus doesn't only rely on what we think of as natural or normal knowledge.  He knows them deeply, spiritually, way down in the depths of who He--the Son of God--created them to be. 

Each one of us can hear and obey Jesus' call.  Jesus is risen from the dead and He speaks to us today through the Holy Spirit.  Jesus sees you way deep down inside and wants you to use everything you are to serve him.  He knows you just as well as he knew those fishermen.  He knows your positives and negatives and can deal with you perfectly.  So we pray and ask Him to speak in a way we can understand.  We listen for him as he speaks directly to our hearts, as we read his Word, as we trust others to help us discern his call.  When we hear and obey that call, it's wonderful.  It's as if we find a way of life for which we have been custom designed.

I'm writing this from Texas.  We're at our friends Wendy and Joel Berthelsen's home for the weekend.  Wendy is the author of a wonderful common sense book that will help you hear Jesus' call in your life now.  I'll write about that next--stay tuned.

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One Thing I Know

Before Philip called you, I saw you. - Jesus

Like Jesus saw Nathaniel in John 1:48, the risen-from-the-dead Jesus sees you.  He sees you today.  He sees you, knows you, totally loves you, and he knows just how he wants to work in and through your life. 

Even if you are far from the Lord today, he calls you now to a remarkable life that you might not even be able to imagine.  All he asks is, when you hear the call, that you respond by coming to see just what it is Jesus can do in you and for you--today, and for the rest of your life--and then letting him take control.

You can do that now, in prayer, or, better yet, by inviting a Christian friend or mentor to pray with you and for you, to ask God to fill your heart with dreams direct from God.

This I know because God has done it for me.

This was the basis of the message I heard today at chapel at North Central University.  My son Jonathan is a student there, and, now, so am I--though just for one class, and that not even for credit.  The class is a senior "400" level "Seminar on Contemporary Issues in Psychology and the Church."  There are eight students in their early 20s, the professor, Dr. Daniel Nelson, and one old guy.  Me.

During the seminar, we'll be comparing Christian views of our personalities and secular views.  We'll take a look at how Christians can benefit from scientific research and psychological practices and what they have learned about the human brain.  We'll look at various views of counseling, psychology and psychiatry.  Then we'll be challenged to put what we learn into practice.

As you can see if you'll read back in this blog over the past three years, there are many times when, in one form or another, questions related to healing, mental health, prayer ministry and even spiritual warfare have been addressed.  I've been doing quite a bit of study on my own on some of these subjects, especially during the past year, but I've been looking forward studying with others.  I've considered going on for an advanced degree.  Before I plunged in to that extent, I talked with professor Daniel Nelson (PhD, LP) in the psychology department at North Central.  I thought talking with him, and now taking a class there, would be particularly fitting because, as an Assemblies of God related university, it takes the supernatural seriously; the supernatural meaning the direct action of God in our lives.  I'm looking forward to what I'll be learning, and I'm sure I'll be sharing more about it on this blog.

One thing, though, I do know even before I begin the class.  There are glorious gifts we can receive from Jesus no matter who we are, no matter how "balanced" or "healthy" our minds may be.  Jesus can begin that work now.  He can go to work in your life right now, no matter who or where you are.  Jesus, through His Word and Holy Spirit, can begin a transforming work today.  All He needs is access.  All He needs is an opportunity.  When we surrender to God's Will as we know it in Jesus Christ, miracles can happen.  I've seen it in my life.  You can see it in yours.

We do have much to benefit from with the scientific and psychological advances we've come to know over the past hundred or more years.  Harmful brain chemistry can be balanced and destructive patterns of thought and behavior can be made less controlling.  I believe we should receive these psychological and psychiatric helps with thanks, just as we do with modern medicine for the rest of the body. 

Nothing, however, can substitute for personal surrender to the Lord.  That's where your blessed future really begins.

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For a bit more about my time at North Central and the seminar I'm auditing, see This One Day,  This One Day (2) and Psychology and the Church (seminar update).

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A Lutheran Sermon

Even if you are not Lutheran, I'd encourage you to listen to this a scholarly Lutheran sermon from Pastor John Christopherson of First Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls, SD.  It was preached on October 31, 2010, a day many protestants call Reformation Day. 

In his Reformation Day sermon, Pastor John speaks to the struggles that members and leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) continue to face on a daily basis. Please pray for Pastor John and for all who are affected.

You can go to this page (click this link) on his church's website you can find a place to listen by downloading the audio file.  Or, simply click here for a direct link to the mp3.

(Unfortunately it seems that the end of the sermon is cut off.  I could only listen to the first 15 minutes or so.  I'll call his church a bit later and see if it can be fixed.  I'll also see if I can find a copy you can read.)

His sermon is based on Jeremiah 6:16-19 -

¹⁶ Thus says the Lord: Stand at the crossroads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way lies; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, "We will not walk in it." ¹⁷ Also I raised up sentinels for you: "Give heed to the sound of the trumpet!" But they said, "We will not give heed." ¹⁸ Therefore hear, O nations, and know, O congregation, what will happen to them. ¹⁹ Hear, O earth; I am going to bring disaster on this people, the fruit of their schemes, because they have not given heed to my words; and as for my teaching, they have rejected it.

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Some of my own sermons can be found at "Preaching Links and Etc."  I am not as scholarly as Pastor John, nor do I put as much emphasis on specifically Lutheran doctrine.

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