For the Skeptic

  (The following is an article I wrote for our local newspaper, the Mail-Journal) 

I am an admitted skeptic. It feels naturally ingrained but maybe I took all the “critical thinking” exercises too seriously in my education. Maybe life has taught me it is more fun to play the “devil’s advocate” role. 

This character trait can certainly make living into my vocation as a pastor interesting for sure. My own natural skepticism certainly makes me sensitive to those outside my Christian faith – and our world does not lack for critics and doubters of Christianity. Unfortunately, we Christians can provide them with plenty of ammunition unnecessarily with our failures, our stupidity, and our hypocrisy. On that front, my goal is to simply do my best to avoid those kinds of mistakes myself.

In cases of skeptics who question more fundamental aspects of the Christian faith, my goal is to listen to their questions and consider how I might answer or how the Church has historically responded to those issues.

Some Christians seem afraid of hard questions or apparent inconsistencies or irrational claims Scripture poses. I mean, walking on water? Who’d believe in that?

Instead of being afraid or avoiding skeptics, I find encouragement in the story of James in the New Testament. I’m not talking about either of the disciples who had that name, I’m referring to Jesus’ brother (Matthew 13:55). James goes through a pretty fascinating transformation if we trace his story through the New Testament.

source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James%2C_brother_of_Jesus

He and Jesus’ other siblings are described as concerned about Jesus’ early Messianic activities in Mark 3:31-35. They are even described as unbelieving in John 7:5. Yet as the story of the early Church unfolds in the book of Acts, James appears as a main leader of this new Christian movement (Acts 1:14, 12:17, Acts 15:13-21, see also Galatians 2:9-12).

So what do we make of the change? How did that happen?

We are not given all of the details, but it is pretty obvious what the inflection point was.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:7 that after he rose from the dead, Jesus “…appeared to James, then to all the apostles”. We are not given any recorded details about it, just that it happened.

Incredibly, encountering the risen Jesus changed James from being a skeptic to a committed follower. He, along with the rest of his family are identified as participating in the disciples’ gatherings in the days after Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1:14). His writings made it into the canon of Scripture (see the book of James). His character earned him the privilege to be the overseer of the church in Jersualem until his death in the early 60’s AD. Church tradition shares that he was such a prayer warrior, he was known to have “camel knees” – calloused from spending so much time in prayer.

Jesus’ resurrection may be the most “unbelievable” of miracles for any skeptic. But what if it is true? James’ testimony sure supports its veracity.

So for any skeptic out there, let me encourage you to look into Jesus’ death and resurrection. It won’t solve all your problems or answer every difficult question. But it will introduce you to the One who knows and cares about your problems and understands your questions. And he’s done something quite miraculous about those things.

Jesus Changes Things

 (The following is an article I wrote for our local newspaper, the Mail-Journal) 

One of the most powerful books in the Bible is also one of the shortest books in the Bible.

There are several short books in Scripture I could be referring to, but the one I have in mind is Philemon. It is a letter that I have grown to love, written by Paul to a friend named Philemon.

I call it one of the most powerful books for a few reasons. First, it contains the seed principles that led to the abolition of slavery in the modern world. Second, it deftly navigates a complicated and potentially combustible situation. And third, Paul navigates this successfully because he maintains a focus on Christ and what it means to follow him.

If you don’t know the background, Philemon had a slave in his household in Colossae named Onesimus who apparently stole from his master and ran away. Onesimus connected with Paul who was imprisoned in Rome. Onesimus came to faith in Jesus and was now returning with one of Paul’s representatives back to Colossae and his master.

Can you feel the tension of that situation?

Philemon could demand harsh punishment of Onesimus. Paul could demand Philemon obey his instructions. But we don’t get any sense of authoritative pressure or ultimatums from this letter.

Instead, we see Paul calling Philemon to remember the faith he professes and the Christian community he is a part of. Paul graciously highlights how Jesus completely changes how we relate to one another. Any demands he might make, any entitlements Philemon may assume – they are all set aside because of the unity and love we have for one another as followers of Jesus.

“I could order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love” is what Paul says in verses 8-9. Philemon shouldn’t view him as a servant any longer, “but better than a slave, as a dear brother…as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord” (vs.16). In verse 21 he adds, “confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.”

Jesus changes how we relate to one another. We should not demand all the rights we are entitled to over and against others. We should respond to offenses with forgiveness rather than revenge.

Warning: forgiveness like what is being called for here is NOT EASY. In theory everyone affirms forgiveness as a virtue. But to give grace to people who’ve materially or emotionally hurt us? That takes a work of God in our hearts and minds. And it usually takes time to process.

Justice may still be called for and consequences may still be necessary to enforce. Forgiveness and justice are not mutually exclusive. Notice Paul promises to repay Philemon for anything he has lost in vs. 19. But when sincere repentance is present, restoration and reconciliation can rebuild what has been lost or broken.

Jesus changes how we relate to one other. The labels the world applies, the records people keep, the rights others demand – all can be set aside when the transforming redemption of Jesus makes its presence felt in our lives.

 

 

Not as it seems...

"Don't judge a book by its cover."

"Appearances can be deceiving."

"Things are not always what they seem."

We have all heard those those common platitudes for a variety of reasons and in a variety of ways. I think I found a new context for them though: Easter.

We are working through Luke's Gospel at our church and the way Luke has been portraying Jesus' final days - and even his death - has reminded me of how with God's plan, things aren't always how they appear to be. 

A couple parts stick out to me as "seeming" to be one thing but a totally different reality is true. 

Jesus' Trials - Who is in control?

This is certainly true of Jesus' arrest and trials (Luke 22:47-23:25). The Sanhedrin lead the way to apprehend Jesus and they do their best to trump up charges against him. Pilate and Herod also get their chances to evaluate him as political authorities. While they find him innocent, it is the crowds (compelled by the religious leaders) who stir things up so much that Pilate finds no other choice than to go against his judgment and send Jesus to the cross. 

In all of this, Jesus remains steadfast. He quickly shuts down Peter's attempt to fight the arresting party in the Garden. He affirms the truth even when it makes things worse for him. And as he hangs on the cross, it is Jesus himself who gives up his own spirit. His life is not taken from him, he relinquishes it on his own accord. 

He wrestled with his destiny in the Garden. Now, when his end draws near, he willingly and willfully completes his agonizing mission.

Appearances can be deceiving. The political powers may seem to be controlling these events but God is the one pulling the strings. As John records Jesus saying, 
"Jesus answered, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above."

Jesus' Death - An Unjust, Tragic Loss of Life?

From just the facts of this case, Jesus' execution by the Romans seems to be an awful travesty of justice. Herod and Pilate all find him innocent. One of the criminals hanging next to him recognizes his righteousness. And the centurion in charge of the crucifixion realizes Jesus was the guiltless Son of God. 

Even in the death scene itself, Luke describes a scene actually filled with grace, hope, and life. Jesus comforts (and warns) the mourners on his way to Golgotha (23:26-31). He forgives those who are killing him and grants salvation to the penitent thief dying next to him (23:32-43). 

Beyond the physical event, we know that spiritually his death purchases our redemption, satisfies God's justice, and provides eternal life through faith (Mark 10:45, Rom. 3:25, John 3:16). 

The cruel injustice that he endured provided our salvation. 

Saturday and Sunday - Dark Times of Sorrow?

Luke ends the Crucifixion account by mentioning the women disciples who were observing his death and his burial. He pivots immediately to the resurrection by describing these same women as they prepare to anoint Jesus' body after the Sabbath has ended.

Their actions/reactions are normal and honorable. And yet their grief is about to be transformed. 

For it was over Saturday and the early morning hours that God was vindicating his Son and redeeming humanity. By the time the women get to the tomb, Jesus was raised - and when he was raised, he once for all conquered sin and death. 

What seemed like a terrible loss was actually an occasion for the greatest victory God could have accomplished. 

The Passion Week and Easter itself offer so many examples of how God's plan included reversals, upended expectations, and reality not being how things appeared to be. 

Paul has this in mind when he says in 1 Corinthians 1:

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption."

I am used to the changes of moods that accompany this Holy Week. Christians appropriately transition from somberness, to lament, to celebration as we remember what Christ went through. However this year, these highlights from Luke's Gospel have given me a more consistent joyful perspective. We can be eternally grateful that in the apparent "defeat", God was working out our redemptive victory.

Bragging...about what God has done

 * The following is an article written for our local Mail-Journal newspaper this week as part of the "Church" section of which I am a regular contributor.

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Boasting and bragging are not typically traits Christians seek to be known for. And having lived my entire life in Indiana and Ohio, I certainly know that boasting is not something our Midwestern culture appreciates.

Yet I would like to take this opportunity to do a little bragging, bragging in what God has done. A few months ago, our church secretary mentioned an idea regarding honoring all the people who volunteer and serve in our church. It seemed like a worthwhile concept and so we started planning a dinner celebration. In the course of our preparation, we went through our regular attenders and members at Milford First Brethren. Low and behold, after going through the list, we discovered that EVERYONE who regularly attended and/or was a member served in some capacity with our church’s ministries.

That was both surprising and not surprising. We are not a large church by any means, so to an extent, we need everyone to pitch in at times. But it is an incredible blessing that both the old and young have found ways to serve.

As the pastor, I cannot take credit for this even if I wanted to. Instead I find myself echoing the apostle Paul’s words in a couple of his New Testament writings. In 2 Corinthians 10:17, he quotes Jeremiah when he says, “But ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’”. And in Romans 15:17, he says, “Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.” I find myself in full agreement with his perspective. I can’t brag about my own achievements or even about my people’s service per se. I can brag about the work God has done in their hearts and lives to lead them to this kind of service as a community of believers to the community around them.

Our celebration was a delightful evening. We catered some BBQ and had some terrific desserts. My good friend, Pastor Tim Sprankle from Leesburg shared a word of encouragement and we were also treated to a country music concert by Jim Olson, brother of one of our deacons who has recorded several albums as a solo artist.

I will remember that evening for a long time, not just for the event itself, but for what it represents – God working among his people to invest in His Kingdom in simple, tangible ways.

Happy Anniversary to me!

Twelve years ago, January 1, 2013, I officially started as pastor at Milford First Brethren Church. 

If my memory serves me correctly, I did go into the office that New Year's Day. A few days later, I started this blog. As you can see from that link, I was much more active back then with my blog posts.

Many things have changed with me, my family, and our church for sure. Through it all, God has been faithful and good. We have seen him at work in some special ways here in Milford. 

Today, I thought I'd share some reflections that have been sitting in the back of my mind for quite awhile but have only probably recently thought about connecting all the dots.

And they truly are reflections - looking back at God's hand in guiding and preparing me for these last 12 years. See, if you've ever read this blog before, you know the influence Christian music has had on my life. It's a favorite subject of mine - and while I am no longer someone who is on top of every new act or group, it is still an interest of mine.

And as I've reflected on God's guidance on my life to this point, I've realized that there were some particular songs that prepared me, almost subconsciously, for serving here in Milford. I was thinking about this awhile ago and realized there were 3-4 songs (plus one honorable mention) that were not big hits, but caught my attention in my college and seminary years where I was studying for pastoral ministry. Several months ago I wrote out my list and subsequently lost it but I rewrote it and will share it below. I feel compelled to say that I think my original list included another song that I just can recall.

But here are some Christian pop/rock songs that honor small-town ministry and being faithful in relative obscurity. These have always encouraged me lest I get envious or coveting greener pastures.

A Sermon Snippet about a Music Monday

 Ok, it's not Monday. But this blog started with two themes. I originally wrote either about stuff I found interesting in my sermon prep or about music.

Today, I dust off the mothballs of both of those subjects in a special combo post.

This coming Sunday I'll be preaching on Luke 14:1-24 which includes Jesus' parable about a banquet. The story he tells describes a man inviting his friends to a celebration. But the story takes a turn:

Jesus replied: “A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests. 17 At the time of the banquet he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’

18 “But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said, ‘I have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse me.’

19 “Another said, ‘I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and I’m on my way to try them out. Please excuse me.’

20 “Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.

The host then sends his emissaries out to gather up anyone and everyone to his banquet. Jesus then gives away some of the symbolism by concluding that "not one of those who were invited will be invited will get a taste of my banquet."

The story conveys God's fervent desire to bring in people to his future Kingdom banquet of blessing. But it also highlights the "good" excuses many employ to avoid committing to Christ and His Kingdom.

At face value, you wouldn't think this is a natural passage for a song. 

But you would be wrong. Thanks to my second and third grade education at Warsaw Christian School, I have this earworm permanently lodged in my brain:

It's catchy, memorable, and upbeat - even if the content isn't exactly truly happy-happy-joy-joy.

The cartoon animation artwork was not part of the presentation in the late 80's/early 90's but it's perfectly fitting to my memory. 

I have no deeper thoughts or comments, other than what I'll share in my message. But this is really 10/10, no notes. Cheers to the creative mind that took the challenge of putting this parable to music and authoring this little ditty. 

Book Review - A White Preacher's Memior: The Montgomery Bus Boycott, Robert S. Graetz, Black Belt Press

 

On a visit a number of years ago to the Henry Ford Museum in Detroit, I had a fascinating personal experience. In the museum are a number of notable cars, planes, and other vehicles of transportation that have historical significance. One particular bus caught my attention. It was the bus Rosa Parks was riding when she refused to give up her seat to a white passenger - an event that sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which in turn triggered fresh momentum into the broader Civil Rights movement. 

The bus is open for visitors to board and if my memory serves correctly, the museum has marked the seat she was sitting in that fateful day. I'm not entirely sure why, but I can clearly recall a sense of significance hitting me when I climbed aboard that modest bus and sat in her seat.

Fast forward to 2023 when I discovered that some new friends who had started a Brethren church in Marion Indiana had a special family backstory directly connected to Mrs. Parks, that bus, and that famous part of American history. Our friends David and Sarah Miller planted a house church several years ago after moving for David's job as a chaplain at the local VA hospital. Sarah's father is a retired highly decorated chaplain in the military. But as I got to know the Miller's more, I came to discover her grandfather had been a minister in Montgomery Alabama in the 1950's and personally knew both Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr!

Our families got together a month or so ago and Sarah let me borrow her grandfather's biographical account of his time serving a black church as a white pastor. 

Written and published 26 years ago, the account is comprehensive enough to get a good sense of Graetz's life and preparation leading up to his time in Montgomery but specific enough to keep the reader both glued to the story and more informed of the context of those times. It should be noted that Graetz does not filter out the language and racist mockery that was commonplace in that time and space. For instance, "N"-words are not abbreviated (though always used in quotations of the white supremacist opponents), and labels like "colored" and "Negroes" are employed in contextually-appropriate ways (at least in my judgment).

The Graetz's story is fascinating for a variety of reasons. How he as a white minister found himself called and accepted as pastor of an entirely Black church is interesting. His observations as a supporting participant in the Civil Right's movement are as well. The record shows that he was the lone white pastor who supported the bus boycott. He describes the threats and dangers his family and his community faced in frank transparency. I was also drawn to his description of the various arguments that were held up against the Civil Right's push. I couldn't help but recognize how many continue to espouse similar objections to social justice reforms that are being undertaken today. Told by another, this story could easily fall into the trope of a "white Savior" account. But at multiple points, Graetz has enough integrity to commend his African-American brothers and sisters as the true heroes and pioneers, deflecting any magnification of his role. 

This isn't a book one will easily find at Barnes and Noble, but I highly recommend seeking it out and exploring this part of our nation's past in general.