Think Before You Post: A Plea to Christians

Tuesday is officially Election Day. I don't care who you vote for. I early voted and already made my choice. I care about how you treat others. I care about you respecting their right to their own opinions, no matter how much you disagree.

Christians, I hate to say it about my own brothers and sisters in Christ, but many of you have been the most hateful, antagonistic, slanderous, downright nasty people during this election season. You've disrespected those who disagree with you. You've been passive aggressive towards your neighbor, instead of loving your neighbor.

You've wished ill on other people, whom you should have been praying for. You've been so vocal with hatred towards "the other side" (whether left or right) that you've damaged the faith, and given a bad name to those Christians who took Christ's advice and loved those with whom they disagree.

Am I over-exaggerating? If what I've read on some Christians' Facebook walls, and comment sections is true, then I'm not over-exaggerating at all. Either they are in the camp of not actually being believers, or they are believers in need of some rebuke.

If you follow Christ, it doesn't matter who is in the White House after Nov 8. Christ is ruling and reigning in the Heavenly kingdom, and we are citizens of that realm as much or more, as we are of the earthly kingdoms of men.

Historically, when Christians have tried to merge these two kingdoms (kingdom of man and kingdom of God), only bloodshed and turmoil has resulted (remember the Crusades and the Inquisition?). When we put down our crosses and pick up our swords, trying to gain power, we become a religion of oppression. We must preach Christ-not the Civil Christianity so many wish to impose. 

I disagree with a lot of what the world is doing, but I take heart in the Apostle Paul's words to both Timothy and Titus on separate occasions.

To Titus, who was ministering in Crete, a worldly place if there ever was one, he said,

"1. Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:1-7)

And to Timothy he says, 

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:1-4)

Did you read that? Avoid quarreling, show perfect courtesy to others, pray for kings (leaders) in high positions (including current and future presidents). Lead peaceful and quiet life. 

Your social media posts have certainly not been peaceful or quiet as of late. You have not shown perfect courtesy to one another, but have taken to slandering those who disagree with you. Are you Christian in name only? Where is your faith in Christ? Where is your love for those around you, no matter how badly your world views may clash? I'm disappointed in the name some of you are giving Christianity. The world hates us enough already without throwing wood on the fire.

Christ is ruling and reigning, holding all things together by his power. He is sovereignly in control, and it is part of His ultimate plan that various rulers come to us for a time. If we truly delight and trust in him, what do we have to fear? 

If the economy crashes, Christ is on the throne. If more women continue to have abortions, Christ is on the throne. If illegal immigration runs rampant, Christ is on the throne. If our leaders shut out the sojourner or refugee, Christ is on the throne. If more is required to own a gun, Christ is on the throne. If we burn oil instead of cleaner energy sources, Christ is on the throne. Any issue you can name, on any side of the political fence, is of no worry to us, because our savior is on the throne. So, why are we fighting one another? Why are we trying to convince people of our opinions, when we know we would never be convinced of theirs? Just stop it. Antagonistic or passive aggressive just stop it. You're hurting the body of Christ!

"For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. 19 For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:16-20)

Nobody was ever won to Christ through antagonizing. Nobody ever saw a Christian behaving like an idiot and said, "that's the religion for me."

Historically, it's been the opposite. The church division pushes people away. If we are all part of the body of Christ, how can we expect to move, when half our parts are not working, or are refusing to work as a cohesive unit? Christians do not all have to vote the same. 

Brothers and sisters PLEASE think before you post. Please remember you are talking badly about real humans, whom God may have called to a kingdom purpose at some future time. We preach Christ in love and humility, not anger and hate. That does not mean we have to agree with everything the popular culture agrees with, far from it in most cases. But, we are to be a light on a hill to a dark world. If we dim our light by our attitudes and actions, no one will see, and opportunity for relationship will be lost.

Think before you speak. Think before you act. Think before you post.

Be concerned, not fearful. Have faith, not doubt. Trust Christ in all things, and let the light of His salvation shine through you.

Vocal Evangelism as an Essential

"How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him [of] whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, 'How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!'" (Romans 10:14-15)

Christians need to be vocalizing the Gospel. I'm not the best at this, but I'm working on it. I tend to do it better in writing. But, as the verse above suggests, how will those who do not believe hear the message of Christ if Christians are not vocalizing that message?

The kingdom of God tarries while the number of those chosen from eternity past are brought into the faith in Christ. We do not know how many that will be, except that as long as we are here on earth, that number has not been reached. Therefore, evangelism (the vocal, sometimes uncomfortable kind) is really a Christian essential, despite often being treated as a non-essential.

If we treat it as non-essential, we ignore Christ's own words in His commission to the disciples to spread the Word to the ends of the earth. Christ died that men and women from all nations and tribes across the earth might believe and be saved. Though, not everyone on earth will be saved, and many will still reject Christ.

Yet, we do not know God's mind, or the heart of the unbeliever. How will they call on Christ if they have not heard the good news? How will they hear the good news if someone doesn't preach it? And, if it is the pastor's job to equip and make disciples, it is really the disciples (Christians) who are meant to be the hands and feet reaching out to the lost on a day-to-day basis.

So, let us treat evangelism as an essential. Some will say, "it is better to live the gospel by our actions," but who has ever come to saving faith in Christ by watching someone live a moral life, yet not hearing the message of Christ? No one. We can be compassionate, kind, and representative of a moral life, and in fact should as followers of Christ, yet we must also be vocalizing the gospel message to the lost.

Preach the true Gospel of Christ crucified for our sins as propitiation to satisfy God's wrath against sinful man. And preach the grace and mercy found in that sacrifice, as any who call on the name of the Christ will be saved. Those who repent of their sin, and put full faith in the finished work of Christ, are saved. Without the sacrifice, there could be no mercy- no forgiveness. We must establish the tough news of everyone having a sin problem, before we can explain the good news found through salvation in Christ.

I'll work on my vocal evangelizing confidence, and I hope my Christian brothers and sisters will too. It is essential that we tell the world of the coming King.

Let us fulfill our essential Christian calling and reach the lost for Christ.

Focused on the Truth

Let me share my heart.

In 2012 I was theologically on fire for God and focused on writing to share His truths as best as I was able. Often in my life I have hit these "seasonal highs" for lack of better terminology. It seems every time though, it gradually gets stolen away. My focus shifts, or someone challenges something I say, and being unable to persuade my cause, I lose heart.

In 2013, one of my toughest years so far, I still began with an intense focus on God. In the midst of our heartache, I confirmed my commitment publicly by being baptized and acknowledging Christ as Lord formally (though I would argue my justification in Christ had come before this time).

As I learned more about the Bible and Christ, I drew ever closer to God. Yet, somewhere along the way I again lost focus. I hit a dry patch and stopped writing and studying. 

It's been said, and I would argue this is Biblical, that the closer we draw to God, often the more attacks we experience spiritually. Paul says in Ephesians 6 that we wrestle not against flesh and blood but spiritual powers. Satan has managed to snatch My focus a number of times in my life.

A few years back, I helped lead a lecture on false gospels, and had done immense prep beforehand, as it was my first public teaching of God. Almost immediately after, though, I still recall I hit another dry period. All the intense focus leading up to that lecture disappeared, or I'm inclined to see now, was snatched.

I have been in positions of service within various churches (often on praise teams or through missions) over the years, and it seems after a season each time, my focus is again snatched.

I do not believe it is evidence of not having been saved, as I have that assurance, so diligently sought over the years. I know my purpose in life is to glorify God. Yet, I wonder sometimes why I have not been more bold in speaking of the Gospel.

In writing, with time, I present ideas that upon re-reading often seem as if someone else was holding the pen (typing in this age). I look back on some of what I wrote and I can see God was working through my writing to help convey His message.

Lest I sound arrogant, I am not meaning to imply that my words are "God breathed" or "Scripture," only that God seems to have given me a gift of teaching, that I tend to display better in writing.

Over the years some things that have held me back are, increased distraction from Television, video games and other entertainment. Also, fear of upsetting the family balance by challenging some of the preconceived notions my family holds towards Christ. And, wishing to see many friends understand the truth. For there is no denying the truth of the Gospel.

My commitment to its truth is strong, yet I fear conversations with those who don't believe. I fear conversations with family members who claim belief, but show none of the fruit of true belief.

The term Christian is already being used in many apostate churches, and congregations which have long since fallen asleep. God's pressing on my heart has been to earnestly seek to make sure my brothers and sisters claiming Christ really understand what that means, and really have given their lives to Him. But, they call me arrogant. They ask how I know that "my way" is correct, as if I was preaching some Gospel I made up! I preach Christ and Him crucified. I preach repentance and faith in Christ as the only means by which anyone can be saved from the wrath of God. I wish Christians understood that they are saved from the wrath of the very creator of whom they sing. Had He not come among us and died the sacrificial death required for our sin, we would all be without hope, destined for separation and hell. But God, in His great mercy, put on flesh and willingly laid aside some of His power to live a sinless life, that he might be presented on the cross before Holy God as a sacrifice that could cleanse our sins once and for all. God's wrath was upon Him at the cross, yet He saw it through to completion, that we might become His adopted sons and daughters. That we might have His righteousness credited to us, so that our lives made up wholly of sin, storing up wrath against ourselves for judgment day, could be created anew, born again, and be covered by the righteousness of Christ, second person of our triune God, the agent of creation who now holds it together by His power and majesty, the King above all Kings.

I do not want to lose focus. May the enemy not steal away my passion in this hour, or those to come. May I be a vessel to bring the Gospel to those who have not heard it, and even to those who claim to know it and do not. So, that on the day of judgment, I might stand before Him and hear, "well done good and faithful servant..."

May I be bold, without fear or wavering spirit. May I not be caught up in the distractions of this world. May the Holy Spirit call His elect by words given through me,that those who were called might be chosen and that the conviction of the Spirit might renew their hearts for Christ.

May those whom I love as family and friends have willing ears, and may their hearts be opened to the truth, as the blind man regains his sight, so may they see God's truth anew.

Would that those closest to me not deter me from whatever God will place before me to accomplish. Would that they support me and offer what comfort the Spirit doesn't already provide.

For I am convinced, though day jobs may be needed to eat and get by, that no man or woman can have any greater calling than to live for the Lord and seek His will and the service which He has prepared for them from the foundation of the world. 

As the enemy's hold gets stronger on this earth, as governments topple and churches go apostate, may Christ's true body rise up to proclaim the good news to the ends of the earth, until the number of chosen has been fulfilled.

May we wish for His kingdom to come, even in our own lifetime. What a joyous day to be carried off in the Lord. Yet, even as those who hoped for that day before us did not live to see it, may we not give up on our earthly work in the meantime.

May I heed the Spirit's direction, and speak boldly the good news of Christ's resurrection. May it all be so. No more distraction, no loss of focus, and no fear of those who have no power over my body or soul, in Jesus name, join with me please. Amen. 

Christians and Salvation

A quick word on salvation.

My Christian brothers and sisters are aware that we are saved by grace alone, not of works correct (Ephesians 2:8-10)? I would hope so. The Bible tells us that if we want to be saved by works of the law, of our own effort, then we will be judged by that same standard (Romans 3:28; Galations 3:10). If we wish to be saved by the law, we must keep every point of the law, for if we stumble on even one point, we have not kept the whole law, and cannot be in fellowship with God (James 2:10).

The whole purpose of the law up until Christ was to prove that no one could ever achieve God's standard by the law. And, even those under the law, were saved by their faith in God's promise of the coming savior (Romans 4:3-8, Hebrews 11:1-40). Therefore, if that is the measure by which one chooses to be judged (as many world religions do), we will never attain fellowship with God, and will be condemned by our own works, which the Bible says are as "filthy rags" to God (Romans 2:12-16; Isaiah 64:6; Galatians 5:2-6).

We must both repent of our sin, and put our faith in Christ as our atoning sacrifice, and propitiation of our sins (1 John 2:2-6). In common terms, Christ paid the penalty on the cross so that by His blood we might be saved, through faith, by God's mercy, but not of works, lest any should boast. Yet, by His blood we are saved, and as a product of that saving grace, we are compelled to be obedient to God, and follow His commands. Not, to earn our salvation, but as a product of His adoption of us as sons and daughters, wishing to please our Father.

But, trusting on His sacrifice, and still trying to somehow earn God's favor, negates the purpose of His sacrifice. We can't have 90% faith, and still try to squeeze in 10% works of our own doing. It must be 100% trust on Christ's atonement, or we are setting ourselves up to be judged according to the law, of which, as mentioned above, no one can successfully meet the standard.

Therefore, brothers and sisters, do not lower Christ's sacrifice by thinking anything we could ever do on would amount to anything in God's sight. We are saved by grace alone, in Christ alone. Yet, James tells us faith without works is dead (James 2:14-18). Do our actions seek to honor God and follow His command? If not, then we do not actually have Christ, for by faith in Christ, the product of that faith is manifested in good works, and a kingdom focused mindset.

This is basic Christianity, but I get the impression that many of those who would call themselves Christians, do not fully believe this. It is a doctrinal essential, so to ignore this truth, one might as well call themselves something other than Christian (in the sense that we are saved by Christ).

We must test our selves to see that our salvation is true, and work out our salvation with fear and trembling (2 Cor 13:5-7). This makes it apparent that it is not as simple as just signing a card, praying a prayer or walking an aisle.

In our hearts we must turn from our sin, and let the Holy Spirit renew us, justified by our faith in Christ alone. Thus we are then a new creation, the old passed away, and the new desires only to please God, and seek out His will for our lives. For what better purpose on this earth could there be than to do the will of God, and be in His service for the kingdom? Though our rewards are often found on the other side of the curtain, we can have great assurance of our place with God by seeking His will and bearing fruit (1 Corinthians 3:12-15).

Bearing fruit of good works is the product of a renewed life in Christ, not the method by which any can earn salvation. 

We do not want to be false Christians, thinking we are saved, when in fact we are not. (Matthew 7:21-23 contains one of those most frightening passages for Christians, and we must read it as a cautionary tale that there are clearly some who think they are of the faith, and actually are not.) Test yourselves brothers and sisters, and work out your salvation (Philippians 2:12-13). Understand why you believe what you believe, and be ready to give an answer with gentleness and respect to any who would ask of the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15).

Let that be an assured hope, and let our lives bear fruit as much as 100 fold (Luke 8:8), for we seek to run the race to the finish, and receive the prize on the other side (1 Corinthians 9:24; 2 Timothy 4:7-8). Paul speaks to this as the goal of the Christian life. We must endure to the end to show our faith was true.

Test yourselves brothers and sisters. Are you a butt in the seat on Sundays and nothing more? Or, do you honestly seek to honor Christ, and seek His will in your daily life? If not, you may still be in the faith, but not maturing as one should. We must desire to mature in the faith, seeking "meat", not milk (Hebrews 5:12-14; 1 Corinthians 3:2). As we grow, God often test us to see that our dedication is true. Though nothing we can actually do would earn salvation, we know that as we grow in our renewal through Christ Jesus that God will develop us and causes us to grow, thus bearing more fruit for the kingdom.

May we continue assured in our salvation, bearing fruit unto righteousness, and let our actions for Christ as loud as our words.