Unless you live under a rock, you’ve probably seen the “Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus” video circling YouTube (At least 16+ million have and continues to climb). Well, it stirred all kinds of controversy about whether or not it’s okay to hate religion and still love Jesus. Jay Bakker hates religion, Mark Driscoll hates it, Andy Stanley encourages you to lose it, so does R.E.M.
It’s interesting. There are plenty of things done in the name of “religion” that are hurtful. I’ve even said “…it’s not about rules and regulations, but a relationship.” People hear religion, and they go running for the hills. It’s scary because of the stigma and social injustices that have happened in the name of God, faith, the church, etc.
But, I’m also a bit torn. I read passages like James 1:27, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” So, there is a religion that is pure. In the NIV, it’s put this way, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless…”
So there is religion out there, untainted by you or I, that God looks down at and goes, “Man, they finally got it.” I pray I get there one day. I don’t think I’ve arrived- there’s plenty to learn in this journey of faith. This dialogue doesn’t look to be going away any time soon. Many different people are putting out responses (I’ve included one below), but what should our response possibly be in all of this?
As we search after God, let’s not strive to talk poorly of the church (which Jesus died for and will come back for one day), or religion (because anything can be tainted and abused by messed up people), and instead search out to honor God, share our faith, and build one another up in love.
Over the past few weeks there has been a flurry of people posting photos like these, or catchy little meme photos with the saying,
“Never regret anything, because at one time it was exactly what you wanted.”
In junior high I stole things.
In the third grade a girl touched me & I her. It was in a bad way, and we knew it.
In ’89 I lied to my parents about getting beat up & threw my bike in a ditch so I could get a new one.
In high school I used girls & tossed them aside like Post-it Notes.
In college I broke the rules because I hated the system.
In my early years of ministry I struggled with porn.
In my adult years I entertained my ego and gave in to pride.
In my life, I’ve…
hurt people.
let down my wife.
been absent when my girls needed me.
lied.
stolen.
abused.
chosen addiction.
stood before a judge and deserved a penalty.
Never regret anything?
When faced with a question, I wonder what God has to say about it?
Just as you used to offer the parts of your body in slavery to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer them in slavery to righteousness leading to holiness. When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 6:19-23
Shame and regret are some of the very emotions and heart conditions that lead my heart to repentance. My heart feeling heavy from the sin I’ve committed brings me to a place where I realize my need for forgiveness, redemption, God’s grace, etc. Adam & Eve were ashamed after eating the apple, Jonah was ashamed after running from God, the woman caught in adultery was ashamed in front of Jesus, and the Bible paints the disciples shame and regret numerous times as they fall short and let God down.
When I think about my past, and the stupidity I knowingly walked into on so many occasions… did it make me smile or happy? Absolutely. Sin is fun, and if you don’t think it is- you’re not doing it right. Satan doesn’t tempt us into something we wouldn’t enjoy. He entices us with things we’d LOVE to grab at. But, when I think about these things, it breaks my heart. The people I injured. The hearts I broke. The friends I destroyed. Never regret anything?
I’m growing into the man God is working on me to be with each stride and day that goes by. As I look forward, I love what I see. As I look back, I’m saddened by my past. While I’ve learned from it, there are some things I would love to go back and change. Knowing what and WHO I know now…
Shame and regret can bring us to a place where our hearts are ready to experience true love, grace, and redemption.
I love buffets.
There are so many different choices.
I never utilize them to their full potential (usually only getting two plates max).
But, it’s nice to pick what I want.
It’s even better to bypass the items I dislike.
Brussel sprouts? Pass.
Liverwurst? Pass.
Lima beans? Pass.
Mama isn’t there to force me to eat collard greens and squash. So I zip right on by for more appetizing endeavors like steak, grilled chicken, potatoes, green beans, steamed broccoli, and more! It’s everything I want, that brings me joy, on one plate. MMmmmmm! But, that approach to the Bible is deadly and can have dreadful results.
The Bible is God’s heart revealed to us, in it’s completeness.
It shows us what love and grace are.
We explore themes of redemption, forgiveness, and reconciliation. There are plenty of hard topics in the text as well.
Turning the other cheek.
Releasing people from the pain of their debt.
Letting go of behaviors that don’t aim us towards holiness.
Submitting to God, authorities, church leadership, etc.
Following God isn’t a walk in the park.
Our human nature fights against the very precepts of the Bible.
It’s easier to ignore your neighbor, than it is to love them and be friends.
It can be a more natural thing to complain, instead of looking for the joy in things.
The world inundates us to live for numero uno, but God tells us to be servants to everyone and live humbly.
Our human nature is to skim through the Bible and take what we want, toss out the rest. My prayer for you is that you take God at His word, pray over what He’s telling you through the life of the pages, and begin to put it into practice- one day at a time.
I was not expecting this question in my inbox a few weeks ago.
Opened up my Gmail, and sure enough- there it was:
“Can I celebrate halloween & love Jesus too?”
Let me say first, this is something you have to decide as a family. There are plenty of people who love God and completely disagree on this issue. But, before I give you my thoughts, let’s just look at a couple things on Halloween…
Halloween, has roots, as a prominent witchcraft holiday.
Witchcraft and Wicca are real religions people follow.
There are a handful of holidays celebrated in these religions, Halloween is the most widely celebrated.
The history goes back to a celebration known as Samhain. This festival marked the end of a season. The shift of this to incorporating the dead happened rapidly in pagan culture. Rituals like pumpkins to scare off spirits or remember the dead and dressing up to not be noticed by the dead walking among us are just a couple of those rituals that were brought into common practice.
The main point of Samhain was to find protection from the evil spirits of the dead roaming the earth.
Halloween, at it’s core- celebrates death (i.e. ghosts, skeletons, graveyards, ghouls, zombies, etc)
That isn’t a definitive list, but a glimpse into some of the Halloween highlights. So, back to the question, “Can I celebrate Halloween & love Jesus too?”I would say yes, and thank you for asking this question. It made us think a bit more as a family before we jumped into this. Here is where we are at:
As Christians, first off- Carrie and I need to recognize that Halloween has roots in a dark, anti-Christian realm that looks to glorify death. The Bible explains that death is the enemy. It wasn’t something God wanted for us. So, to treat it lightly is a misnomer and we need to understand where it’s roots are found.
Second, we need to be aware that just because halloween has it’s roots in this, it does not mean the modern “candy and parties” are celebrating Satan. This practice has morphed into something much different for a majority of society. Just like the use of a piano in a church service was viewed as “unholy” simply because it got it’s start in saloons. Now it’s widely accepted as an instrument to bring attention to God in a good way. Things can be redeemed or rejected. Your family needs to choose where that line is concerning the celebration of Halloween.
Third, we need to be smart in how we move forward with our family in light of Halloween and it’s roots. Here are some boundaries we’ve set as a family to help guide our time during Halloween:
You can dress up, just not as anything dead or evil.
Halloween parties are fair game. If the theme of the party is celebrating death, we’ll find a different one to go to.
We can go trick or treating. Candy is great! But, we talk about the “trick” side of the trick or treating. We let our girls know we don’t do mean things to people. This is a night for us to meet our neighbors and have fun.
As our kids get older, we will talk about Halloween’s history. We want them to know so they can begin to understand and make choices about it. It is serious, and our goal is for them to be informed.
If the girls don’t like our stance on something Halloween related, we will hear their side, discuss it, and consider their point of view. As they get older, we want to be open to possibly being wrong. If they can sell us on a side we haven’t considered, we are open to discussion. But Mom & Dad have the final say.
Ultimately, we want to honor God with our lives as a family. If something surrounding Halloween draws that into question, we will always side with honoring God.
We choose to let our girls be a part of the Halloween celebration, but with boundaries. It’s part of parenting for us. We could ban them from Halloween. We could just let them trick or treat and never have these talks. But, we want an open dialogue to talk about faith, love, grace, and our surrounding world. It’s a tough spot. But we believe as a family we can love Jesus and celebrate Halloween within these boundaries. We don’t judge people who think otherwise. It’s an area where it’s alright to agree to disagree. We have a freedom in Jesus to make these choices.
I suggest sitting down as a family and talking it out. Looking at the history and making a decision. For the Bedell’s, we’ve researched and talked, and we’ve chosen to celebrate. You may come to a different conclusion. And that’s okay.
Casey Anthony. Many people still hating on her for the trial.
Even though she was found innocent. Darth Vader. One of the most iconic villains of our day.
He just encompasses evil, right? Mike Tyson. A boxing machine who wrecked people.
He also hurt many people in his personal life. Klan Member. Yeah, it’s weird even typing it.
Seeing the hood and those eyes stir up emotions in me.
But, day to day- you get hurt. People let you down.
They speak harmful things in to being, towards you.
Your self-esteem gets wounded.
You’re offended by a hateful act.
Actually, sometimes people just suck and forget how to live life. I’m one of those people. If you’re being honest, so are you.
We all hurt people, cause pain, do stupid things, and mess up. We all are in need of second chances.
We all have the opportunity to grant second chances.
We have a moment to extend grace and love like Jesus.
So, in the midst of pain…
Are you going to move through your pain and take the step to give a second chance to someone this week? It’s time to drop the grudge.
I. Love. Harris. Teeter.
They treat kids like royalty.
Cart just for her (and in her size)? check.
Free balloon when you leave? check.
What? You want a free cookie too? Chiggity check!
All the employees are so nice to the kids and make them feel special.
While walking through, Chloe turns with a smile, “Daddy, is this Disneyland?”
I couldn’t contain my laughter.
“No baby, it’s a grocery store.”
“Oh, I like this place. It’s the best.”
For a brief moment, all that separated a grocery store from Disneyland was costumed characters. She was overwhelmed with joy from the moment we entered until we got in the car. Actually, she was upset we had to leave. Seriously, she was upset to leave the grocery store! What in the world?! They made it such an experience, not by going over the top, but by simply letting her know she’s special. She felt taken care of.
I wonder, how many people encounter your life,
Your attitude,
Your actions and think: “I feel taken care of. I feel special. I feel loved.”
Being around you and the church is like Disneyland!
Not because of the lights, characters, and music.
But… because they felt cared for.
When was the last time you were taken care of and made to feel loved?
Well, it’s not just a catchy lyric from C+C Music Factory.
It’s what I believed I had, with my X-Ray Specs.
I loved superheroes.
Every kid wants to have special powers and save the day.
Leap buildings with a single bound.
Be invisible.
Turn into something that’s super human.
I wanted to see through walls… and other stuff.
Yeah, um, it was the mischievous young man I had become.
What special superhero power have you always wanted?
Seconds into the verdict, Twitter, Facebook and all of social networking is in a frenzy.
A few posts from people I’m friends with or follow on social networks included…
“I cannot believe it?!” “WTF!!!!!!!!!!! Are they crazy???” “Way to go, another G@# Damn OJ set free…” “OMG!!! i just threw up in my mouth. I cant believe this.” “Can I just grab my gun and shoot her now? Who is with me…?” “I hope the jurors can sleep at night knowing they let a child killer loose.” “I AM F*#@IN’ ANGRY! WHO DOES THIS AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!!??” UGH!”
I don’t know all the facts of the case.
I’m not her lawyer or the states lawyer.
If she did kill her child, by law, she deserves a penalty for that.
She admitted about lying to the police, she will be penalized for that.
Do I think a mother who cannot find her child should be out partying? Absolutely not.
Does her story comes across shady at times, needing a lot of clarification? Yes.
As a parent, I’m pretty certain I would do anything for my girls.
I mean swim oceans, climb mountains, battle reptiles…
Nothing short of beg, hitchhike, and grovel to keep them safe.
I’m their father. It’s my job. It’s my duty and promise to them.
So, I get a bit of the outrage people feel when they watch a case like this.
Parents want justice.
Crimes are deserving of a punishment.
But, before we start chanting “IT’S ANOTHER OJ!” (which is ridiculous to begin with)
Let’s just step back for a minute…
As a Christian, I’m reminded of a couple of truths:
I have crossed the line God has set (too many times), and because of that deserve a penalty. Romans 3:23
Though I deserve a penalty, God saw fit to save my sorry tail and show me love. Romans 5:8
Because I’m thankful for that love, I show that love to others. Actually, I’m commanded to. Eph 4:31-32
When things arise, I’ll listen way more than I talk. Being angry accomplishes nothing. James 1:19-20
I’m not sure where you’re at in your journey with Jesus.
This isn’t about rules and regulations to follow, it’s about a personal relationship with the Creator of the Universe. In that relationship, I’ve learned that I never have the whole story. Even when I think I do, it’s usually tainted with bias, emotion, and turmoil. As a Christian, my role is to love others, help lead people to Jesus, help hold my fellow Christians accountable when I am in the position to, and if someone walks through the doors of Forefront or I pass by them in the community… I’m to be Jesus to them. Period.
So what if a pedophile walked into service next week?
A prostitute? A murderer?
Casey Anthony? OJ Simpson?
What if it was someone who just lied a few times?
The guy that just had a little side action without his wife knowing?
The woman who just needed a fix to calm her down. But she promises it’s the last time?
Listen, I’m not saying it’s easy.
Things like this get me all worked up.
And right before I’m about to shoot out with my emotions in a heated conversation or post all over social networking and fuel the fires of the American way, I’m reminded…
5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:5-8
Sometimes I need to just slow my roll… and realize I put just as many nails through the body of Jesus as the next person. It’s time for us to stop throwing daggers at people and start passing out shoulders to cry on and arms to embrace those who are hurting. When I was at my worst, that’s when Jesus died for me.
Let’s show the world Christians can behave better, show love more, and be compassionate.
I for one and glad that Jesus stands as my advocate, because even though I deserve death, I’m going to be in Heaven for eternity.
Oh, and I definitely do not deserve it.
Is Heaven real?
Would a good God really send people to Hell?
Who gets a ticket into the “big show” for eternity?
These questions are not new. Theologians, philosophers, pub crawlers, and the average Joe & Jane have been prompting this discussion for hundreds of years. It’s part of our design to wonder, dialogue, and discuss these questions. Fear of opening Pandora’s Box on these issues seems to stem from people’s fear of hurting feelings, leaving someone out, and/or misinterpreting the scriptures. There are all sorts of reasons to bring the topic up. It’s good for the soul. We begin to think on eternity. It raises our awareness to share our faith with everyone we come into contact with.
Recently, the web has been in a sort of “upheaval” with the soon coming release of Rob Bell’s newest literary piece “Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived.” I’ve received numerous emails from friends and people at Forefront asking, “What do you think about all of this? Is Heaven real? Is everyone going to be there?” The video that publisher’s Harper Collins released, has many Christians waiting with eyebrows raised. Here is the video (embedded below):
It’s Not New: First off, Rob Bell isn’t asking anything new. Remember- this dialogue has been going on for hundreds of years. There isn’t anything He can ask, say, do, or teach that someone hasn’t come up with already this side of Heaven.
The Bible As The Authority: The Bible is the final authority, not Mr. Bell, or any other author for that matter. When we begin to raise up the the early theologians like Calvin, Stone, & Lewis or well-known church leaders such as Warren, Driscoll, Piper, Chandler, Chan, Noble, Hybels, etc… above God, Jesus, and His word- we’re headed in a dreadful direction. God holds the power and eternity, let’s keep it in perspective.
Questions Are Good: Our faith is challenged, provoked, and stimulated by questions. You learn about God and decide if you believe it’s true based on…? Questions. Study. Searching through His word and deciphering what it means and how to apply it. When we stop asking questions, we’re also hitting a dangerous slope. It’s a sign we’ve arrived (or we at least believe we have). We’re told in scripture that some things are a mystery. Deuteronomy 29:29 states “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever…” If anyone claims to know everything about God and have it all figured out, be aware and keep a distance.
What Does Forefront Believe?: It’s always the question that comes up. What does the church believe about Heaven, Hell, and Who’s Going? Well, here is what we’ve come to know, understand, and believe (based on our study and research as a leadership)…
Heaven is real. Heaven is for eternity. And followers of Jesus have a hope that they will spend eternity there with Him. Heaven is a place where those who have followed Jesus will share community with Him for eternity worshiping the one and only Creator, God of the Universe. On the day of judgment, Heaven will come to earth for God to create a New Heaven and a New Earth. (on *Heaven: Matt. 5:12, Luke 6:23, Deut. 26:15, Matt. 10:22-23, Rev. 21:1-27, Rev. 22:1-21, Luke 23:43, Acts 7:59, 2 Cor. 5:8, Phil. 1;23, Rev 6:9-11, John 14:3, 17:24, 1 Thess. 4:14 & 17, Isa. 65:17-25, 66:22, Rom. 8:19-22, 2 Pet. 3:10-13, Gen. 1-14-16, 26:4, Pss. 33:6, 19:1, Gen. 1_20-22, Pss. 2:4, 11:4, 103,:19, 110:1-2, Dan. 7:9, Acts 2:34, 3:21, 7:56, Heb. 8:1, 9:24, 1 Pet. 3:22, Rev. 4-5, 2 Cor. 12:2, 1 Thess. 1:10, 4:16, 2 Thess. 1:7, Matt 24:29-31, 26:64, Acts 1:11, Acts, 7:55-56, 2 Cor. 12:1-4, 1 Cor. 2:9)
Hell is a real. Hell is for eternity. Jesus taught many people will see it first hand because the road leading to it is broad and our selfish nature (sinful nature) draws us to the wide road. It’s easy, self-fulfilling, and makes us feel good- for a moment. We have every opportunity this side of life to accept God’s grace (a gift we don’t deserve), and come into a saving relationship with Him. (on *Hell: 1 Tim 2:24, 2 Pet. 3:9, Matt. 13:42 & 50,, 18:8-9, Rev. 19:20, 20:14-15, Matt. 25:30, Jude 13, Rev. 14:10-11, Matt. 7:23, 25:41, Luke 16:19, 2 Thess. 1:9, Rev. 14:11, Rev. 2:11, 20:6 & 14, 21:8, Matt. 13:42 & 50, 22:12-13, 24:51, 25:30, Luke 13:28, Matt. 25:41. Rev. 14:10-11, Rev. 20:10, Dan. 12:2, Matt. 25:41 & 46, 2 Thess. 1:6-9, 2 Kings 16:3, 21:6, 2 Chron. 28:3, 33:6, Jer. 19:56, 32:35, Matt. 5:22, 10:28, 18:9, Mark 9:43, Matt. 13:42 & 50, Matt. 23:15 & 33, Matt. 25:41, Rev. 19:20, 20:10, 14, 15, Isa. 66:24, Mark 9:47-48)
Salvation is real. Salvation comes through Christ Jesus and Him alone. It’s by grace, through faith, at baptism, for good works. My prayer is that you hear it, seek it, find it, and thank God for it. God’s gift of grace (a gift we don’t deserve) is open to everyone, but the Bible parses out through the teachings of Jesus and Paul that not everyone will decide to follow, obey, and live according to His will and precepts. (on *Salvation: John 3:16, Acts 2:38-39, Eph. 2:8-10, Col. 2:12, Acts 16:30-31, Rom. 11:6, Gal. 3:27, 1 Pet. 3:21-23, John 3:5, Titus 3:5, Acts 22:16, Romans 6:3-4, Mark 16:16, 2 Cor. 5:17, Rom. 3:20,24,28, 4:5, 5:9, 10:17, John 6:45, 12:32, 20:31, Rom. 1:16, Heb. 4:12, Jam. 1:18, John 12:32, Matt. 23:37, Acts 7:51, 2:41, John 1:12, John 6:44,65, Eph. 1:5, Rom. 8:29-30, 2 Thes. 2:13, 1 Peter 1:1-2)
Let’s not be afraid to ask questions. Also, let’s no be quick to throw stones at people who don’t feel the same way as we do. Lay off the Rob Bell’s of the world for a moment. If you feel someone does or does not believe the same as you on God’s word: pray w/ them, talk w/ them, and allow yourselves to have an honest discussion free from social networking. Just because technology has given you and I a platform, doesn’t mean every discussion needs to stay there. Some are better left face to face in our homes, pubs, and meeting places. We’re forever learning, coming into new understandings, and allowing God to teach us.
What I understood about God’s love at age 13, is much different than what I understand about God’s love at 31. Let God’s word marinate in your system, cover you, and transform your heart. As you do that, share it with others. Because eternity is at stake and the road is broad. Chances are, unless you’ve been living under a rock, you have friends on the broad road. It leads to destruction and eternal separation from God. Let’s share our faith. People are dying without Him.
Jason
(Comments on this post have been turned off. We all have better things to do than to have virtual discussion here. I hang out on occasion for lunch during the week. Wanna talk about this stuff? Let’s get together for lunch. Amen.)
I am a big fan of the Post Secret series by Frank Warren.
People share things they’ve never shared before.
Deep. Dark. Hurtful realities.
It’s the pains of a life they are scared to talk about.
There is something freeing when you get to share your secrets with the world.
As a leader/pastor, I try to take moments to reveal by pains and struggles.
Transparency is something to be celebrated.
Which is why I am loving “Permission To Speak Freely” by Anne Jackson.
It’s a very similar concept to Frank Warren’s series.
But from a perspective that I believe could help you, me… well all of us.
It’s confessions about God, the church, and some of the hurt that comes from people who follow God, yet confine His work into their own definition and hurt other followers of Jesus in the process. It’s an honest take on the wounds people have in serving God- from their mouths to your ears (or really to your eyes, since it’s a book). But it’s powerful. I love that discussions like this are going on. I included a few of the confessions people sent in for you to view (and check out the bottom of the post after the photos for a question…)
“What’s the one thing you wished you could confess outloud, but have been scared to do so until now?”
You can post anonymous, if it will at least help you take that first step…
