I'd like to add yet another voice to those who say that television shows are becoming more and more immoral over the last __ years. (Fill in the blank as you see fit: 5, 10, 20, 40 years.)
The show "Two and a Half Men" makes constant sexual references including nitty-gritty details. "Big Bang Theory" is mostly about the pursuit and capture of casual sex. "Friends" doesn't have quite as much casual sex, but it has a good bit, and the characters routinely lie and mislead each other. Through some inexplicable quirk, I was watching "That 70's Show" with my mother-in-law recently. (I still can't remember how that happened...) Up to then I had not realized how bad this show was. And, don't even get me started on "Family Guy," which makes the shows above look like choir practice.
Now, don't jump to conclusions about me. I'm not a fundamentalist, hang 'em high, Pat Robertson-hugging conservative. I'm not a prude. But, these types of shows, and similar cultural influences, gradually and almost unnoticeably eat away at the fabric of society.
"The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron." -I Timothy 4:1-2
"For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you." -I Peter 4:3-4
"Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." -Romans 1:28-32
I remember a sermon in which the preacher said that our consciences are like an alarm. The first time we commit a certain sin, the alarm goes off loudly. The next time, it goes off, but a little less loudly. If we continue the sin, eventually the alarm will no longer go off. At that point, we begin believing the sin is no longer wrong, but acceptable. And in time, some people go on to believe that it is not only acceptable, but favorable, and they must enlighten others to do the same.
I really do believe that these cultural influences are gradually pulling our nation down. And they are especially deceptive, because most of these shows are funny and "cute." Might these influences be the reason for the behavior of people like Lindsey Lohan, who went from being a talented, beautiful, young actress and singer to a disaster? I don't think there's much doubt.
I'm a strong enough believer in free speech that such shows have the right to be on air, as long as the censors don't stop them. But, we Christians should not support and approve them by watching.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Friday, May 21, 2010
True Christianity?
There is a trend among Christians that I have been noticing in recent years that I think is harmful. I've been seeing it even more lately, and I've even been observing it at the Christian university at which I teach.
The trend is to deny the central importance of Jesus. A lot of it tends to emphasize some very important things, such as love, tolerance and service to our fellow humans. You hear Christians quoting Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Taoist sources to make their religious points. They say things like there are many paths to God and each one must find his or her own way. They talk about the brotherhood of man.
But, this is missing the whole point of Christianity. The basis of Christianity is that humankind chose sin over God, thus separating ourselves from the fellowship of God. No matter how hard we try, we cannot earn our way back. We had to have someone stronger and better than us to pay the price, namely Jesus. And, if we accept this free gift, we are back in fellowship with God - God has wiped the slate clean.
Of course, love, tolerance, service to our fellow humans, compassion and forgiveness are very important, and Christians should do those things in response to the free gift of salvation and in devotion, love and obedience to God.
But, Jesus is pretty clear:
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' " -John 14:6
and
"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." -John 3:18
Paul wrote:
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel - which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!" -Galatians 1:6-8
Another passage:
"The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.' " -Acts 16:29-31
As Christians, we should not be afraid to assert and defend the truth of Christianity!
The trend is to deny the central importance of Jesus. A lot of it tends to emphasize some very important things, such as love, tolerance and service to our fellow humans. You hear Christians quoting Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist and Taoist sources to make their religious points. They say things like there are many paths to God and each one must find his or her own way. They talk about the brotherhood of man.
But, this is missing the whole point of Christianity. The basis of Christianity is that humankind chose sin over God, thus separating ourselves from the fellowship of God. No matter how hard we try, we cannot earn our way back. We had to have someone stronger and better than us to pay the price, namely Jesus. And, if we accept this free gift, we are back in fellowship with God - God has wiped the slate clean.
Of course, love, tolerance, service to our fellow humans, compassion and forgiveness are very important, and Christians should do those things in response to the free gift of salvation and in devotion, love and obedience to God.
But, Jesus is pretty clear:
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.' " -John 14:6
and
"Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." -John 3:18
Paul wrote:
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel - which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!" -Galatians 1:6-8
Another passage:
"The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, 'Sirs, what must I do to be saved?' They replied, 'Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.' " -Acts 16:29-31
As Christians, we should not be afraid to assert and defend the truth of Christianity!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Easter!
Christmas is a big time of celebration for Christians. And why not? The gift of Jesus is the greatest gift humankind has ever received.
But, I always thought Easter was somewhat overlooked. Of course, it does get some attention. The church service on Easter is usually well-attended and bigger than usual, and we all love the festivity of the Easter egg hunts and Easter baskets. Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are getting more attention these days from more Christians and Christian denominations.
Easter should be a really big deal. This is when we celebrate The Event, The Big Event, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Bible says:
"If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." -I Corinthians 15:13-14
But, Jesus was raised from the dead - it's a real, historical fact which has been documented carefully in the Bible and witnessed by many people. Jesus has reconciled God and humankind, despite humankind's choice of sin and rejection of God.
" 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -I Corinthians 15:55-57
Jesus has paid the price, and became the first to be raised from the dead. And so we will be raised from the dead also, to join God and the other believers in eternal happiness in Heaven.
Easter is a really big deal!
But, I always thought Easter was somewhat overlooked. Of course, it does get some attention. The church service on Easter is usually well-attended and bigger than usual, and we all love the festivity of the Easter egg hunts and Easter baskets. Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday are getting more attention these days from more Christians and Christian denominations.
Easter should be a really big deal. This is when we celebrate The Event, The Big Event, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. As the Bible says:
"If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith." -I Corinthians 15:13-14
But, Jesus was raised from the dead - it's a real, historical fact which has been documented carefully in the Bible and witnessed by many people. Jesus has reconciled God and humankind, despite humankind's choice of sin and rejection of God.
" 'Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." -I Corinthians 15:55-57
Jesus has paid the price, and became the first to be raised from the dead. And so we will be raised from the dead also, to join God and the other believers in eternal happiness in Heaven.
Easter is a really big deal!
Sunday, January 24, 2010
small group studies
This isn't my usual kind of post, but I thought some of you might find this helpful. We've been studying starting a small group ministry at my church, and here is a summary of what we've learned so far. I feel like the first five are the most important points.
SOME LESSONS LEARNED FOR GROUP LEADERS
Each group should include prayer, fellowship, Bible reading and service in some way. Your group might choose to emphasize one or more of these features.
Stress the importance of attendance and making the group’s activities a priority.
Give each person in your group a sense of ownership. Allow them input into your group’s activities and direction - listen to their suggestions and complaints and make changes where needed. Rotate responsibilities for managing the group’s activities (leading in prayer, Bible reading, etc.).
Have a regular meeting time, day and place. Give reminders by telephone or e-mail, even if you’re “sure” they know.
The group members should pray for each other, and provide care where needed.
********************************************************************
Clarify to yourself and to your group members what your group’s mission is. You might want to consider a written covenant.
Identify the specific talents and skills of your group’s members, and make use of them.
Make sure everyone in your group is involved. For example, if someone seems left out of the discussion, pull them in by asking them a question or asking for their opinion.
Follow up with people who miss an activity. Make sure they feel missed, but not chastised.
Don’t be upset if things don’t go as you plan – make plans and then just go with the flow.
You don’t need to be the group’s “teacher,” unless you consider that a particular skill or interest of yours. Your job is to organize the group, keep it going and with the group members’ input, set the direction for the group.
Create an environment in which everyone feels free to be themselves and feels they can voice their opinions and feelings without being criticized or ridiculed.
If you try something that doesn’t work, don’t get discouraged - learn from it and move on. Not everything you try is going to work well.
Be reasonable in your demands on your group members’ time commitments.
Food always encourages fellowship!
SOME LESSONS LEARNED FOR GROUP LEADERS
Each group should include prayer, fellowship, Bible reading and service in some way. Your group might choose to emphasize one or more of these features.
Stress the importance of attendance and making the group’s activities a priority.
Give each person in your group a sense of ownership. Allow them input into your group’s activities and direction - listen to their suggestions and complaints and make changes where needed. Rotate responsibilities for managing the group’s activities (leading in prayer, Bible reading, etc.).
Have a regular meeting time, day and place. Give reminders by telephone or e-mail, even if you’re “sure” they know.
The group members should pray for each other, and provide care where needed.
********************************************************************
Clarify to yourself and to your group members what your group’s mission is. You might want to consider a written covenant.
Identify the specific talents and skills of your group’s members, and make use of them.
Make sure everyone in your group is involved. For example, if someone seems left out of the discussion, pull them in by asking them a question or asking for their opinion.
Follow up with people who miss an activity. Make sure they feel missed, but not chastised.
Don’t be upset if things don’t go as you plan – make plans and then just go with the flow.
You don’t need to be the group’s “teacher,” unless you consider that a particular skill or interest of yours. Your job is to organize the group, keep it going and with the group members’ input, set the direction for the group.
Create an environment in which everyone feels free to be themselves and feels they can voice their opinions and feelings without being criticized or ridiculed.
If you try something that doesn’t work, don’t get discouraged - learn from it and move on. Not everything you try is going to work well.
Be reasonable in your demands on your group members’ time commitments.
Food always encourages fellowship!
Monday, December 7, 2009
dealing with death
Recently, I received the surprising and shocking news that a friend of mine had been murdered. She was just an ordinary person and wasn't involved in drugs or any kind of crime. She lived in a very safe small town and was not out late at night. From what we can tell, it was a random killing and particularly brutal.
An event like this can be faith shaking. Couldn't an all powerful God have prevented this? Wouldn't a good God have taken action? I did quite a bit of soul searching and pondered this carefully. Of course, these two questions are always before us, but this particular incident so close to home (both literally and figuratively) really caused me to ponder anew these issues.
The bottom line is that this is not heaven. God never promised it was. Humankind brought sin into the world by choice. Now, we live in a battlefield between good and evil. And in a battle zone, sometimes innocent people are caught in the crossfire. My friend was caught in the crossfire.
Shouldn't a good God step in and stop all of this suffering? Of course. And he will! Not in the time we choose, but in his time. And that's a good thing - God is infinitely knowledgeable and infinitely wise, and we are not. So, we must be patient for his perfect timing, and not foolishly think we know better than he does.
We can take comfort that my friend is now in a better place, a land of peace and good - not a battle zone. And when God steps in and puts a stop to all suffering, we will join her!
An event like this can be faith shaking. Couldn't an all powerful God have prevented this? Wouldn't a good God have taken action? I did quite a bit of soul searching and pondered this carefully. Of course, these two questions are always before us, but this particular incident so close to home (both literally and figuratively) really caused me to ponder anew these issues.
The bottom line is that this is not heaven. God never promised it was. Humankind brought sin into the world by choice. Now, we live in a battlefield between good and evil. And in a battle zone, sometimes innocent people are caught in the crossfire. My friend was caught in the crossfire.
Shouldn't a good God step in and stop all of this suffering? Of course. And he will! Not in the time we choose, but in his time. And that's a good thing - God is infinitely knowledgeable and infinitely wise, and we are not. So, we must be patient for his perfect timing, and not foolishly think we know better than he does.
We can take comfort that my friend is now in a better place, a land of peace and good - not a battle zone. And when God steps in and puts a stop to all suffering, we will join her!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Halloween
Like a lot of people who are nostalgic about their childhood, I have good memories of Halloween. It was a real kids' holiday. You could feel the excitement in the air as you scanned the neighborhood as it got dark and saw kids, front porch lights and flashlights everywhere. The candy was just a bonus. One of the fun things about the candy was you always got some stuff you had never had before, instead of the same old thing we got at the market every single time.
But, as I mentioned to a friend of mine not long ago, Halloween was a lot more fun before I realized that witches and the like were real. The forces and power of evil are real, and there are people out there who practice witchcraft, sorcery and devil worship, and some might actually derive power from Satan. While our society's practice of Halloween is generally innocent, I'm just not sure it's a good idea to "celebrate" evil, torture, fear, demons, etc. Even practices like Ouija boards and fortune telling might lead to things that are much more dangerous.
The Bible has much to say about this:
"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you." -Deuteronomy 18:10-12
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." -Galatians 5:19-21
"But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." -Revelation 21:8
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." -Ephesians 6:12
"I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people." -Leviticus 20:6
I think if you want to have a "candy day" or a "dress-up day" sometime in late October, it's OK. But don't associate with Halloween and other practices or traditions that glorify evil, even if it seems innocent.
But, as I mentioned to a friend of mine not long ago, Halloween was a lot more fun before I realized that witches and the like were real. The forces and power of evil are real, and there are people out there who practice witchcraft, sorcery and devil worship, and some might actually derive power from Satan. While our society's practice of Halloween is generally innocent, I'm just not sure it's a good idea to "celebrate" evil, torture, fear, demons, etc. Even practices like Ouija boards and fortune telling might lead to things that are much more dangerous.
The Bible has much to say about this:
"Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you." -Deuteronomy 18:10-12
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." -Galatians 5:19-21
"But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." -Revelation 21:8
"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." -Ephesians 6:12
"I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people." -Leviticus 20:6
I think if you want to have a "candy day" or a "dress-up day" sometime in late October, it's OK. But don't associate with Halloween and other practices or traditions that glorify evil, even if it seems innocent.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
health care reform
Health care reform is all you hear about on the news programs right now. We all knew this is something the Democrats wanted to do, and hopefully, everyone who voted for President Obama knew that. (Otherwise, they didn't make a very informed choice!)
So, what will we get? A full blown nationalized health care system, a modification or tweaking of the current system, or no change at all? It's the usual tug-of-war between the Republicans and Democrats, and it's anyone's guess who will win, but I would be surprised if we don't get at least a few changes this time around.
What should a Christian think about this? Well, I don't think there's a Christian position on how the government should be involved in health care. Often, many Christians will align themselves with the "less-government-intervention" side, but that doesn't mean that side is always the "correct" side scripturally.
Whatever you think about the views expressed in the paragraph above, ALL Christians should push for health care for all people:
"Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them." -Matthew 4:23-24
So, if you're a person who believes the government should stay of the health care business, then you need to support private initiatives to provide health care for uninsured and underinsured people. There are a lot of ways in which you can help, including providing money, volunteer time, or your medical expertise. Here in my town we have the Siloam Family Health Center. From their website:
"Siloam Family Health Center cares for the uninsured in Middle Tennessee by providing high-quality, affordable health care designed to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients. The clinic aligns staff, volunteers and donors to carry out this ministry of health, healing and hope for people who have few options for medical care."
So, let's get out there and get to work to follow Jesus' example of caring for the sick!
So, what will we get? A full blown nationalized health care system, a modification or tweaking of the current system, or no change at all? It's the usual tug-of-war between the Republicans and Democrats, and it's anyone's guess who will win, but I would be surprised if we don't get at least a few changes this time around.
What should a Christian think about this? Well, I don't think there's a Christian position on how the government should be involved in health care. Often, many Christians will align themselves with the "less-government-intervention" side, but that doesn't mean that side is always the "correct" side scripturally.
Whatever you think about the views expressed in the paragraph above, ALL Christians should push for health care for all people:
"Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. News about him spread all over Syria, and people brought to him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed, and he healed them." -Matthew 4:23-24
So, if you're a person who believes the government should stay of the health care business, then you need to support private initiatives to provide health care for uninsured and underinsured people. There are a lot of ways in which you can help, including providing money, volunteer time, or your medical expertise. Here in my town we have the Siloam Family Health Center. From their website:
"Siloam Family Health Center cares for the uninsured in Middle Tennessee by providing high-quality, affordable health care designed to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients. The clinic aligns staff, volunteers and donors to carry out this ministry of health, healing and hope for people who have few options for medical care."
So, let's get out there and get to work to follow Jesus' example of caring for the sick!
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