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Jump Start # 2854

Posted on May 28, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2854

Titus 1:13 “This testimony is true. For this cause reprove them severely that they may be sound in the faith.”

 NOTE: Monday is a holiday. There will not be a Jump Start that day.

One thing that has come out of this pandemic is better hygiene. We’ve washed and washed our hands so many times in a day. Hand sanitizers are found just about everywhere you go. I keep a small one in my car and have a nice glass dispenser that sets on my desk. Restaurants are finding out that handing everyone the same menus are not the healthiest thing to do. Even in our worship services, everyone touching the bread and passing the plates is not the cleanest way to do things. We’ve learned how to be more sanitary in our everyday life.

Our English word ‘hygiene’ comes from a Greek word that is defined as ‘uncorrupted, well, pure, healthy.’ In our Bibles that Greek word is translated “sound.” Sound in the faith is the way our verse says it. In Titus, the word sound is used five times. Paul refers to sound doctrine, sound in the faith, sound in speech.

To be sound is to be healthy. A sound Christian is a spiritually healthy Christian. A sound church is a spiritually healthy church. Much too often we have used a limited definition for sound. The word sound is often defined as the opposite of progressive or institutional. A sound church, using that limited definition, would be a church that is conservative. Now, that conservative church may not be healthy. It may be very sickly. In fact, it may even be dead, yet, because it is not progressive, folks will say, “that’s a sound church.”

I like sticking to the language of the Bible. A sound church is a healthy church. So, when you read about Sardis in Revelation, they were not progressive, yet they were not healthy. God called them ‘dead.’ Sound in faith. Sound in speech. Sound in doctrine. Healthy, is the meaning.

What are the signs of a healthy church:

First, let’s take away the obvious things that have nothing to do with the health of a congregation. The size doesn’t matter. Big or little, a church can be sickly or healthy. It’s not about the church building or how well they are using technology. In the first century, technology was writing a letter. In the first century, the congregations met in someone’s home.

Second, a healthy church is not absent of problems. Churches have problems. And, the reason they have problems is because they have us in them. People have problems. We have issues, baggage, histories, and are on this journey together. Sometimes we bump each other. Sometimes we get selfish. Sometimes we don’t want to forgive. And, all of that will cause stress, strains and problems within a congregation.

Third, a healthy church is not one that does not need to improve. We all do. We all could do more, grow more, include more, help more, and walk more closer to the Lord. If we didn’t need to improve, we could reach a certain level and cancel Bible classes. Why have them, if one doesn’t need to improve. But that’s not the case. There are always things we can learn and improve upon. Developing more leaders, teaching others how to function in the kingdom, these are all on-going aspects of a healthy congregation.

So, what does a healthy congregation look like:

First, it’s made up of healthy Christians. Within the congregation are those who are sound in faith, in speech and in doctrine. You can’t make a healthy church out of unhealthy Christians. The church is a picture of all of us. If we are sickly, so will the church. If we are cold, indifferent, so will the church.

Healthy Christians—not perfect, but sound. In their daily lives, they are making choices that reflect the kingdom. They are thinking about the Lord and ways to teach and encourage. Healthy Christians are growing. That are not stationary. They are not stuck. They are not stagnate. They are growing in faith. They are growing in love. They are growing in service. Young and old. Rich and poor. Big families and small families. Single and married. Newly married and grandparents. What a mixture. What a group. But healthy as they continue to more closer and closer to the Lord.

This is where a healthy church begins. Not accepting old, tired attitudes that are judgmental and critical. Not being satisfied with doing as little as possible. A healthy plant is a growing plant. A healthy child is a growing child. And, a healthy church is a growing church.

Second, it is made up of those who are looking into the future. A healthy church isn’t satisfied with where they are, but what’s next. Who’s the next leaders? Who’s the next teachers? Developing. Mentoring. Legacy. The difference between planting posts and planting trees is that in five years that post will be the same. In five years, that tree will have grown and will provide shade for others. A healthy church allows young men to get some experience by allowing them to preach and teach. With guidance, those young men become stronger and more confident in what they do. Planting posts or planting trees? There is a difference.

Third, a healthy church is a busy church. Lots of things going on. Many of those things are behind the scenes and few know about them. Cards being sent. Food being taken. Rides given. People calling one another. Lots of connections. Lots of love shared. Lots of hope expressed. Not all from the shepherds. Not all from the preacher. But from healthy Christians who just want to help others. Busy, busy, busy.

As I write this, I have tape on my arm. I’ve been to the doctor today. Lab work. All routine. He looked me over and look at the numbers. He teases me because it’s all routine. He doesn’t get to lecture me about what I ought to be doing. In fact, today, he told me, if all his patients were like me, he’d be out of business. I guess that’s his funny way of saying I was healthy. And, when one isn’t healthy, very often, one doesn’t feel well. A course of action has to be taken to try to turn things around. And, sometimes it just can’t be done. I know the day is coming when my doctor will not be smiling. There will be a time when things may be seriously wrong. That’s the nature of lives. We are all headed toward death. But for now, I am thankful and I enjoy health.

For a Christian and for a church the same expressions need to be uttered: thankfulness to the Lord and enjoying what is found among us. Health. It is so important. There are things we can do that will ruin our health—that is true physically and that is true spiritually.

Sound in the faith—it means to be spiritually healthy.

Roger

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Jump Start # 2853

Posted on May 27, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2853

Psalms 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

Reading between the lines—that’s an expression that is based upon the impression one gets from reading a person’s writings. The author wrote such and such, but “between the lines” he was really writing about something much greater. Movies and music are the same way. A simple catchy tune from the ‘60s turns out to be a protest song against the Vietnam war. Reading between the lines. Here is what is said, but between the lines we learn what was really intended. The author masked the real meaning in a cute story or in metaphors and only those that know, know. And, in search of what is between the lines, often becomes much more important than what an author actually wrote.

Now, all of this brings us to God’s word. Are there things between the lines in the Bible? Does God intend for us to find simple things that have much greater meaning than the obvious? Great questions.

First, in some ways that is what the parables are. They are simplistic stories but they have a much deeper spiritual meaning. The story of the prodigal is not about dysfunctional homes, run-a-ways and the problems of giving young people too much wealth. It’s about God, grace and forgiveness. There isn’t a lot of “between the lines” digging one has to do to see that. The context brings that out. Jesus wasn’t a story teller. He was leading people to God. He was showing His audience what the Kingdom of Heaven was like.

Second, we must be careful with the “reading between the lines” concept. It can become an obsession and we go digging for the hidden and the unknown and miss the obvious. We can be on the hunt for what no one else finds and run through the weeds of speculation and ideas that God never intended. This can be true in the parables where we try to determine what every bird, every rock and every tree means. A person asked me once, what I thought the pigs in the Prodigal story represented. I told him, “pigs.” It’s easy to assign ideas to things that the text never intended.

Third, God’s word, as our passage reminds us today, is designed to be a light. The purpose is to illuminate and show, not conceal. The problem with “the reading between the lines” concept is that not everyone sees those things and not everyone walks away with the same impressions. Art is that way. Go to a major gallery and listen to the experts tell you about the artist’s struggle with the injustices of the day. The picture becomes a major thrust against the political systems of the day. That’s what we are told. I see red lines and green paint and oceans and I don’t see those “between the lines” lessons. I don’t know the artist. I don’t know his story. All I see is a painting. Either I like the colors and the image or I don’t.

God’s message is intended for all. There is a historical context that helps to understand what’s going on, such as the destruction of Jerusalem in Lamentations or the rise of persecution in 2 Peter. Even symbolic language such as Revelation, points us to a central idea. It’s not fuzzy. It’s not ambiguous. There are not multiple possible meanings.

Fourth, God’s book isn’t to be read like other books. Some authors purposely try to trick the reader. Mysteries are written this way. Some do have hidden meanings that are not revealed. God wants to be clear. When the Ethiopian was reading Isaiah he was not sure who the section of Scripture was talking about. The preacher Philip explained to him what was going on and how the passage was describing the Messiah. Clarity, understanding is what the readers of God’s word were after in Nehemiah’s day. It’s hard for a group of people to be of one mind, one heart and one voice, when they do not understand the message the same. We can find ourselves in real danger when we begin to “read between the lines” of God’s word. “God says this, but actually, He meant this.” Before long, the words do not carry much importance.

Now, what’s behind this Jump Start? Trouble brewing at the congregation I worship at? Someone tried to read between the lines of a recent Jump Start and accused me of something? Reading between the lines. It’s none of those things. Actually, this idea came from an interview I listened to about the song, “Puff the magic dragon.” For years, “reading between the lines,” have assumed that this song was about smoking dope. It does mention strings and sealing wax and puffing that dragon. It sure can look like that. The songwriter said it’s nothing more than a song about a little boy and his make believe dragon. That’s it. That got me thinking about the Bible. Reading between the lines in the Bible. No trouble with Jump Starts. No trouble at the congregation. Just an idea about a song that got me thinking about the Bible. That’s it.

God told his chosen to preach the word. They told others, like Timothy, to preach the word. Jesus said you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. God’s word is understandable. It is clear. It is precise. What’s between the lines? Just white space…that’s all.

We need to focus upon what the Bible says rather than what it might say or doesn’t say.

Roger

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Jump Start # 2852

Posted on May 26, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2852

2 Corinthians 10:10 “For they say, ‘His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and speech is contemptible.”

Paul was really getting nailed by his critics in this second letter to the Corinthians. Unimpressive. Contemptible. Other translations use the words: weak, no account, amounts to nothing. Words sting. They have a way to sticking to us. We tend to forget compliments but always hold on to the complaints.

And, when it comes to preaching, the worst thing that can be said is that the sermon stinks. One may not like the sound of the preacher’s voice, but if he can deliver God’s word in a passionate and practical way, we overlook that. We may not like the outfit the preacher wears. Look beyond that. What’s he saying. But when the Corinthians said his speech was of no account, contemptible, that hurts.

When one does things in the public, although he wants everyone to like him, he must have some thick skin. These days, every politician that runs for office, goes through the grinder of public criticism. It’s so bad, most wouldn’t want it. Mean things can be said about the candidates position, his family, and his character. It can be brutal.

But it’s not just politicians that have to endure this. In our climate today, many Christians are looked at through the microscope of judgment by family and co-workers. Every action, every word, every detail is analyzed, scrutinized, criticized and brought before the judges of condemnation. It can be brutal. Some have quit their jobs simply because they could not take all the things being said about them.

So, how do we deal with criticism?

First, take it to the Lord in prayer. Whenever we are hurt, we need the Lord’s help. Prayer will help us to stay in our place. It will keep us from lashing out and making things worse. God knows. God knows whether Paul was impressive or unimpressive. It was the Holy Spirit that was inspiring Paul to preach. So, to say his speech is contemptible is really an attack upon God and reveals how little his critics knew.

Second, often silence is the best response. Solomon tells us that there is a time to speak and a time to be silent. Knowing those times is essential. What doesn’t work is for you to counter attack. That’s the way wars begin. One side sends missiles. The other side sends more back. In verbal discussions, the issue at hand is lost in all the missiles that are launch to destroy the opponents character. We must remember when Jesus was reviled, He uttered no threats in return. He put His trust in the God.

Third, consider what is said. Often critics say things in a mean and hateful way. However, what they say, might be true. Look through your soul. Is it possible? Are they seeing things that you fail to see? If so, change. If so, do better. But also, remember, just because someone says something doesn’t mean that it is true. Some can say things loudly and forcibly but that doesn’t mean they are right. Paul’s critics weren’t right. I doubt Paul could preach like Apollos. Paul is never called an eloquent man. Most today would probably like to hear Apollos more than Paul. However, this wasn’t a contest. This isn’t the VOICE where the best one wins. God had chosen Paul for what He was doing. To think that Paul wasn’t up to that task questions the judgment of God. God is never wrong.

Fourth, there is a tendency when criticized to give up, toss in the towel and quit. This happens to many young preachers. This happens to us in our engagement in the kingdom. Someone doesn’t like a class we taught. So, our reaction is, “I’ll never teach again.” Someone does like some food you took to a family. The immediate thought is, “I’ll stop taking food.” Critics may be wanting you to quit more than anything else. Where would we be today, had Paul run home because the Corinthians thought he was unimpressive? Paul didn’t quit. He left us an example to follow. Stay with what you know is right and keep doing it. Our focus must be on trying to please the Lord more than trying to get everyone to like us. Everyone who has been on a public stage, whether a school play, a politician giving a speech, a singer preforming, a preacher preaching, has had those who did not like them. The first record company that heard the Beatles, wasn’t impressed. The statement was, “Guitar groups are on the way out.” Hang in there in spite of what the critics say.

Finally, we must be careful that we are not the ones saying “Unimpressive” to Paul. Some things should not be said. The goal if you are going to critique or criticize is to build up and make better, not destroy. The words you choose, the tone of your voice, and when and where you do this can make all the difference in the world. Put yourself into the golden rule. How would you want someone to address you?

Unimpressive…I’ve seen movies that were not very impressive to me. I know I have preached many sermons that were not impressive. The goal in preaching is not to be impressive, but to lead people to Jesus. The goal is to connect to the Lord. Maybe those Corinthians started with the wrong expectations. Maybe the fault wasn’t with Paul, but with them. It may well be that God wasn’t very impressed with those Corinthian critics.

Sure is something to think about…

Roger

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Jump Start # 2851

Posted on May 25, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2851

Matthew 25:31 “So when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.”

I was driving home the other day. It was a nice sunny day and the sky was layered with white puffy clouds. A couple of the clouds caught my attention as I was looking through the windshield. What if Jesus appeared right then? Before I got home, before I went through the day’s mail, while driving in my car, He appeared.

I tend to think that we intellectually know that Jesus is coming in the clouds. We’ve heard enough lessons that reminds us of all that will take place. The dead will be raised. The righteous will be caught up with the Lord. The living will be changed in an instant. The earth and all the elements will be burned up. Classes on the second coming and sermons on the judgment often remind us of these divine truths. But I wonder if that’s all it is for us. We understand it factually, but we go about our day and our lives as if it most likely won’t happen any time soon. In fact, there may be within us a wish that He won’t come anytime soon. We’ve got plans. There is vacations that we want to take. There are weddings that we want to go to. There are babies to be born. Some are adding on to their house and they’d like to see it completed and enjoy it. Some are looking for a new home. Life is good and we enjoy it and we know He’s coming, but maybe it will be a few centuries down the road so we don’t have to deal with it.

Our verse comes from a series of lessons about the Lord’s coming. The chapter begins with the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. The groom was gone. When he returned, the foolish were not ready. Next follows the parable of the talents. The master was gone for a while. Each servant was given some money with the expectation that he would do something positive with it. The master returned. The one talent man didn’t have much to show for what was given to him. Then comes the gathering of the sheep and the goats. This takes place when “the Son of Man comes.”

Jesus is coming. That’s the thought. He’s coming whether we are ready or not. He’s coming whether we want Him to or not. He’s coming, not on our schedule, as the wedding virgins found out, but on His timetable. It’s good to every once in a while, to tap the brakes of life and remember that Jesus is coming.

Some thoughts:

First, remembering that Jesus is coming helps me keep the Lord and His kingdom at the top of my list. My Dodgers are struggling this year. Too many injuries. They are not in first place. They are not in second place. But if indeed, I actually saw Jesus the other day, would any of that matter? Would those thoughts even enter my mind? Clean houses, weed free yards, balanced checkbooks, and everything in it’s place may make us feel good, but are we in the right place for Jesus to come? He is coming. There is no doubt about that. Are there things I have been kicking down the road because they are hard or I simply don’t want to do them? Am I still flirting too much with the Devil? Do I still have anger in my heart? Am I still holding on to hurts and refusing to forgive? When do I plan to deal with these things? Another day, and still kicking those cans down the road.

Second, remembering that Jesus is coming reminds me that God doesn’t forget His promises. That’s an old, old promise, told throughout Matthew 25 that Jesus is coming. Years have passed by. Decades have passed by. Generations have passed by. None of us can trace our family ancestry back to the first century. Far too many years. Yet, this promise remains. And, this reminds us that God keeps all of His promises. His promises to forgive us. His promises to care for us. His promises to be there for us. We make promises and either break them or forget them. Not God. Jesus is coming.

Third, that day, when Jesus does come, will be like no other day. Can you imagine? Have you put some thought to that? The sky filled with angels. Everyone stopping what they are doing and be looking skyward. People running out of their homes and stores. Cars stopped on the interstate and people getting out of their cars. Some will wonder what it is. The faithful will know. Jesus has come. Everything changes. No time to get back home. No place to run to. Many will be scared. I think tears would roll down my cheeks. Politics won’t matter. Stock markets won’t matter. Ball games won’t matter. Jesus has come.

Fourth, to see the face of the Lord, what a glorious honor that would be. Revelation says every eye shall see Him. I can’t figure out how that would happen. When we are seeing the sun, the other side of the planet isn’t. They have darkness and stars. When we have night, the other side has day. How can every eye see Him? But how could God part the Red Sea and the bottom be dry and not muddy? How could God make the sun stand still or move shadows backwards? How could God create all that we see by simply saying “Let there be”? There will be some that do not know Jesus. There will be some who have given up on Jesus. But for those who have stayed alert and watchful and ready, what a glorious, glorious time to see the Lord.

We sing, “There’s a great day coming, a great day coming.” It’s great if you are ready. It’s great if you are alert. What if today was the day?

Roger

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Jump Start # 2850

Posted on May 24, 2021 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2850

Romans 1:16 ‘For I am not ashamed of the Gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”

 

  This verse is needed now more than ever. Our times preaches diversity, but they certainly do not practice it. Unless one agrees with the loudest voices, they are shamed, ridiculed, mocked and called all kinds of offensive names. The weak and the timid follow along meekly because they don’t want to called out. They don’t want to be different. It’s easier for them to hide their convictions and be accepted than to stand alone.

 

 I am not ashamed.

 

  I am not ashamed to be called a disciple of Jesus. I am not ashamed to admit that I follow the N.T. I am not ashamed that I draw a line in the sand where the Bible does. I am not ashamed to admit that I love the Lord. I am not ashamed for the what the Bible says. I am not ashamed to say, “No,” when saying “yes” causes me to disobey what God says. I am not ashamed of the congregation where I worship. I am not ashamed for the way we Biblically worship God. I am not ashamed to use the words that God does and not the words that our culture tells us to use.

 

  I will not change when those that disagree toss mean words my way. They may view me as narrow. They may view me as a legalist, even though most do not understand that word. They may think I am judgmental because I do not believe a person can do whatever they want and go to Heaven. Opponents may think that they are right because more people are with them. That doesn’t move me. Remember Noah?

 

  I am not ashamed to bow my head in restaurants and pray to the God I love. Some may stare. I am not ashamed to carry a Bible in the pubic and even read it on airplanes or other places. I do not try to blend in, fit in, or get along with those who are going as quickly as they can from God. I am not interested in who kissed who in Hollywood or what celebrities are dating and divorcing. I am interested in the people of God. These are my people. We have a kindred heart and a common hope. We are headed the same direction and we hold dear the same principles of God.

 

  I am not ashamed to admit that I follow the Bible. I am not ashamed that my life is shaped by God’s word. I am not ashamed of the life that has been built and reshaped because of God’s word. I am not ashamed to talk about God. I am not ashamed to give God the glory He deserves.

 

  I am not bent on trying to change God’s word. I am not interested in departing from God’s word. I am not in favor of picking and choosing what commands I will follow. I do not defend the sins nor the mistakes of brethren. My allegiance belongs to Christ. It is the Lord who will save us. My hope is not in the church where I belong to, but in the Lord who is merciful.

 

  More and more, we will be seeing modern churches caving in, selling out, and bowing down to the loud voices of our culture. Pressure, intimidation and fear are the tactics of bullies. And, modern churches that have very little convictions and no Biblical backbone, will do what ever culture tells them. And, when pressure arises to accept those that our culture demands we include and accept, I will as far as God does. Where God stops, I will stop. That will anger progressives. That will send those stuck in liberal theology into a tailspin. The fangs, claws and daggers will come out. For the Lord, they brought out whips and nails. The Lord didn’t bend. The Lord didn’t back down. He was kind to the core. He was gentle to all. But, he was uncompromising in His views. So must I be.

 

  Some will threaten lawsuits. See you in court. Some will spray paint the church building. Call a work party and clean it up. Some will trash talk on social media. But, I remain unashamed. I will not stoop to senseless name calling and spreading lies about others. I will not try to retaliate or hurt others. However, I will not stop speaking what I know is true.

 

  Unashamed of the Lord. Unashamed of His word. Unashamed of what He expects.

 

  These are the days for unashamed brethren to let their lights shine.

 

  Roger