1. the Physical persecution of Christ’s followers in Nigeria by Islamic militants
2. the execution of Christians in Iran
3. the censorship of ads promoting those who have converted from homosexuality
4. the hunting down and harassment of a politician who will not change his belief

There is a huge and unapologetic double standard in the ‘diversity narrative’ at the moment.   In banning ‘Core Issues’ Christian ad from buses, conservative London mayor Boris Johnson declared ”London is one of the most tolerant cities in the world and intolerant of intolerance.”   It is the moral thing to censor Christianity, but abhorrent to censor sin and hedonism.  The world has also decided it is wrong to offend Islam but ok to mock Christ.  The non-Christian world is angry my friends and its rage appears to be boiling towards a crescendo.  But what is the non-Christian world angry at?

- Is it that we don’t believe what they believe?   I don’t think so.  There are so many different beliefs within the non-Christian world.

- Is it that we harrange them with fire and brimstone?   I don’t think so.  The general ‘Good News/Christian message’ is promoted in such a ‘seeker-friendly’ way these days.

- Is it that our existence reminds them of God and the truth of accountability to Him?

I believe so.   The Jews have been object of the world’s hatred for thousands of more years than Christians have.   All in the name of being known as ‘God’s People’

While many in the non-Christian world may not be able to articulate the gospel clearly, their behaviour demonstrates an inner understanding of who the true God is?  Why else would they attack a belief system with such ferocity if they believed it was just fairytales?    It seems that they hate the idea of absolute truth so much, that their conclusion is ‘if can shoot the messenger, then we can ignore the message.

Jesus tells us not to be surprised when they hate us, because they hated Him first.   It is easy to dispair and give up hope for this world.  Yet, Jesus did not give up hope on us.   And God has not given up hope of this world yet, because He has not returned yet.   This is why Paul exhorts us to not foresake the assembly of Christians together and so much more so as we see the day approaching.

My challenge is to not return their hate with hate.  It is easy for me to think like the self-reighteous man who prayed “I thank the Lord that I am not like that man…”   But we must pray for strength.  Absorbing the hate and returning love is not natural for our old nature.  But we have received a more powerful example of love in Christ.  As we gaze into His love, we will be less dispaired by the hating world.   And in the end, this world is not our home.   So let’s long and look forward to the day when we will enter the age that is 100% hate-free.

Blessings

-JC

In the Christian ministry realm, this blaze of glory is often more ugly.   Not only do professional disagreements and personality clashes occur, but they are then often couched within spiritual or moral positions.   This elevates the nature and stakes in any ministry split and often makes reconciliation and future working relationships impossible.   Worsening the situation, many ministry ‘fall-outs’ create collatoral damage.  Like a divorce, surrounding relationships are tested often subtly forcing church members to take sides.  (e.g. you can’t be friends with both me and the other person).

Is this battle worth fighting?

Just because you believe you are right, does not mean that you must convince everyone else that you are right.   Learning to agree to disagree is an art most of us have not mastered well.  We too often take an ‘all or nothing’ approach into ministry and relationships.   Is it any wonder that so many ministries split or remain small?   A good question to ask is  ”Will this personality dispute or minor theological position matter much when we are both standing before Jesus in heaven?”   The answer to that question helps put many things into perspective.

If you must fight, fight the issue, not the person.

The reality is that we do live in a fallen world.  Sometimes there are issues that arise over which we cannot remain silent.   It would be a sin to ‘fail to speak out over some issues’.   In these cases we must fight.   However, let’s not make it personal.   I know many people who denigrate the pope as a person.   My issue is not with Pope Benedict (or his predecessor John Paul).   My issue is with the position of the pope.   So when addressing areas where we disagree, let’s keep the issue the issue and not make it personal.

Sometimes a persons’ behaviour is such as issue that the issue seems to be the person themselves.  I don’t have the perfect answers to all of life’s disagreements.   But if we can disagree a little less on the minor issues, then it may make the important issues have more focus.    And that would be a good thing.

Blessings

- JC

With the aid of drugs and other medical equipment, we have extended our ability to live longer than naturally intended.   While not avoiding death, we can sometimes postpone death’s arrival for a few months or years.    Quality of life is rarely improved, but we do artificially extended our existence for a period of time.   50% of our medical bills are incurred in the last 12 months of our lives.   It is amazing that as a society, we can justify spending that much money to avoid something that is coming anyway.   Maybe that speaks to how society silently fears the unknown of eternity.    As someone who knows Christ, I say ‘bring it on’.

I do not have a death wish, nor am I going to go and jump off the Gap, but I really identify with Paul when he says, to live is Christ and to die is gain.   I would rather die suddenly at 70 than slowly die into my 80s’.

But this brings us to an interesting point.   What are Christian ethics regarding end of life issues?   Let me say from the outset that I am not an expert here, but this is my current thinking based on both theology and my application of it in today’s complex world.

“Pulling the Plug”

Many families face the heart-wrenching pain of watching an older relative grow towards death.   At some point the family needs to make life/death decisions for their family member who becomes incapacitated.   I see no theological problems with ‘pulling the plug’ or ‘removing a certain drug prescription’.   If God wants the individual to live, their he will sustain their life without human intervention.   I am in no way trivialising the scenario, but I think we must debunk the idea that it is murder to deny life sustaining medical assistance.

“Suicide”

This is a bit of a grey area.   I don’t hold to the traditional Catholic view that suicide is a mortal sin.   Suicide is not something that I would recommend or justify.   However, for many people with ‘incurable diseases and pain’, suicide is an ever present temptation.   Many succumb to that temptation.   If someone takes that way out, then they will answer to God for that.  However, let’s not judge their action as any worse than our failings.

Voluntary Euthanasia

Often times, a suffering individual, cannot bring themselves to suicide.  This could be for multiple reasons, religious or internal fortitude.   They then ask a friend or relative an extremely obnoxious question.  ”Will you help me kill myself?”  It is hard to say a blanket no, but I lean that way.   Thousands of moral dilemma’s can be raised here (e.g. the mortally wounded soldier in battle etc).    I am sure there are examples galore out there in which we could make an argument one way or the other.   I would like to think that if someone is in the situation of knowing the number of minutes/days/months they have left, that they would spend time considering Jesus.   My approach would be to bring him into their thinking.  I believe then, a correct decision will become clear.

Involuntary Euthanasia

In no way do I support this.  We may as well call it murder.   This already happens frequently in our nation under the title of ‘abortion’.   I pray that we as a society will reject involuntary euthanasia for the elderly and wind it back for the unborn.

It is hard to put a positive spin on this topic.  But I do like to remind us that the solution to all our our problems is Jesus.   Death is a depressing topic, but when we focus on Jesus we are reminded that death is not the end.  For us followers of Jesus, it is merely the portal through which we will meet Jesus face to face.   When we focus on him, the ugliness of death does fade.   And this truly is a blessing.

- JC

By looking and the allegiance of our hearts and minds today, I wonder if Americans and Australians are not some of the most idolotorous people  on earth.

Consider some of the common idols in our land and lives today.

1. Materialism – How much time and energy do we spend thinking about and pursing items?  Whether it be the house or car or seeing the latest released movie, our consumption appetite for things seems never ending.   To that end we spend thousands of dollars on insurance every year just to ‘secure’ the future of our things.

2. Family – A more acceptable idol – particularly in Christian circles – is the family.   Making decisions for our kids sounds pious, but often our children come before the Lord.   Looking after ‘Mum and Dad’ also qualifies.  Family relationships and events can stiffle a desire to follow the Lord.

3. Career – Again, under the guise of ‘providing for our families’ we have create a way to idolise career progression.  It is amazing just how much people will put up with and the lengths we go to in order to climb the pecking order.

So, what would it look like if we did truly destroyed our idols and put the Lord Jesus on the throne of our hearts?   Here are some of my generalisations as to how this would change our lives and communities.

1.  Less Debt –  Our desire for things would lessen and so the level of debt would also decrease.   Our desire for retail therapy and wordly possessions will decrease and fewer of us will be voluntarily signing ourselves away into slavery.

2. Increased Connection – Despite the increase in social networking, we are less ‘connected’ in our relationships.  True friendship and discipleship would increase and would be built upon the foundation of Jesus’ love.

3. Contentment (Less Stress) – Being content with our wages is rare.   One we find our security in God, then we are liberated to be content with our financial circumstances and physical possessions.

Ultimately, these are all externals.   The biggest change from destroying our idols, would be a greater and deeper love for our Saviour Jesus Christ. It is this love which causes all of the a fore mentioned behaviours.   Let’s pray that we will once again establish Jesus on the throne of our hearts.

Blessings

- JC

Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV) As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.

What is the ultimate difference between duty and delight within the realm of Christianity? How is it that there are times in our Christian experiences where maintaining a prayer life is burdensome, reading the Bible is onerous and exemplifying Christ in all we do seems like an obligation rather than our supreme pleasure? It is my contention that duty supercedes delight in our spiritual life when we cease ‘panting for God.’ When I reflect upon the years of my Christianity, I find instances where my relationship with God is formal, mechanical and religious and it as at those times that I am not passionately pursuing God.

In the opening words of this wonderful psalm, the author portrays three metaphors in the Hebrew which cannot be extrapolated from the English text, but which have profound impact upon every believer.

1. The Need for Refreshment

The first illustration is of a fainting deer in the midst of a severe drought running from place to place in pursuit of the streams which will quench its thirst. Like the deer, the Believer must run to God for refreshment. It is not simply enough to run to Him for salvation, we must daily run to God for sustenance and strength. A Christian cannot survive in this land which is void of spiritual food and in darkness; he must daily, moment by moment return to the well-spring of Salvation.

In our day, Christians are encouraged to turn to psychologists, counsellors, self-help tapes, step-by-step programs, pastors and church leaders when the only place they can find nourishment for their spiritually fatigued soul, is GOD! How many times we forsake the fountain of living waters for the self-made cisterns which cannot satisfy.

‘Be astonished, O ye heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be ye very desolate, saith the Lord. For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.’ Jeremiah 2:12-13

Another consideration in this illustration is that the deer is not meandering along the path in search of this life-sustaining water; it runs with every ounce of vitality knowing that it must drink or die. It searches high and low, beyond the forest, upon the mountain tops, in the woodlands and the desert places. Finally it finds not a stagnant pond or declining brook, but a full-flowing watercourse, a gushing stream where its thirst is fully quenched. What a tremendous picture of the thirsty Christian and his God, who is not akin to some trickling creek, but the fountain of living waters that will always satisfy our souls.

2. The Need for Refuge

The second illustration is of a hunted deer which instinctively seeks after the river where it may find refuge and immerse itself in the cool waters, thereby removing the trail of its scent.

Tuberville summarises: ‘The deer that is spent and sore run will commonly descend down the stream and swim in the very middle, steering clear of all boughs and shrubbery lest the hounds should catch the scent. Sometimes the deer will lie under the water with all but its nose submersed and remain in this position until all danger is passed.’

Like the deer, the believer must run to God for refuge. There are times when the battle is too fierce and the enemies encamp against us and we must run to the water for refuge. It is at these moments that we learn what it is to abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Why when we are pursued by the enemy, when the dogs are almost upon us do we turn to friends or family when we MUST hie to God for refuge?

‘Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.’     Psalm 62:8

‘The Eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms…’ Deuteronomy 33:27

3. The Need for Rest

The third illustration in this text is of a deer experiencing the sore heat of summer, longing for the cool water where it may bathe its smoking flanks and rest a while. Like the deer, the believer MUST run to God for rest. The Christian race is long and hard at times and our weary bodies need to bathe in the water of life. Our wounds, sores and blisters can be soothed by immersing ourselves in God. The believer cannot find his rest in the pleasures of this life. He cannot bury his sorrows in alcohol or entertainment as do the heathen; he must dive into his Heavenly Father and find rest in the everlasting arms. The pleasantness, peace, fulfilment and rest that the believer found in Christ at the moment of his conversion is the same that he will find upon his return. The weather-beaten garments, the stains of the day, the stench of the world are totally removed when the Christian plunges into the fountain afresh. Dear brother or sister in Christ, come to the well and rest a while. Bathe in His virtues, drink of His kindness and immerse yourself in His infinite character!

‘Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him….’ Psalm 37:7

‘Be still and know that I am God….’Psalm 46:10

Summary

The author of this Psalm was thirsty for God. He did not seek ease, plaudits of men, but the enjoyment of communion with God was the urgent need of his soul! One might ask ‘How do I escape the ritualism of my Christianity?’ The answer is simple; develop an insatiable, unquenchable desire for God. Not for His Word only, nor for fellowship with His people, but for Him, only Him! ‘How can I develop this insatiable desire for God?’ Run to Him, Approach Him, Learn of Him, commune with Him, not using all the spiritual jargon, but in sincerity and truth. Perhaps the great need of the hour is for God’s people to lay aside all their ministries and church commitments which can distract, and devote time to developing a genuine walk with God.

‘Give him his God and he is as content as the poor deer which at length satisfies its thirst and is perfectly happy; but deny him his Lord, and his heart heaves, his bosom palpitates, his whole frame is convulsed, like one who gasps for breath, or pants with long running. When it is as natural for us to long for God as for an animal to thirst, it is well with our souls, however painful our feelings.’ ~Spurgeon

A Passion For Thee

Written by Joe Zicherman © 1994 by the Wilds.

Set my heart, O dear Father, on Thee, and Thee only, give me a thirst for Thy presence divine. Lord, keep my focus on loving Thee wholly, purge me from earth; turn my heart after Thine. A passion for Thee; O Lord, set a fire in my soul, and a thirst for my God. Hear Thou my prayer, Lord Thy power impart. Not just to serve, but to love Thee with all of my heart.

Because of Calvary

CS Lewis wrote about death for his character Reepicheep in the Chronicles of Narnia:

“This,” said Reepicheep, “is where I go on alone.”  They did not even try to stop him, for everything now felt as if it had been fated or had happened before.  They helped him to lower his little coracle.  Then he took off his sword (“I shall need it no more,” he said) and flung it far away across the lilied sea…”  Voyage of the Dawn Treader (185)

CS Lewis in The Last Battle:

“But for them it was only the beginning of the real story.  All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on forever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.  The Last Battle (172)

John Bunyan in Pilgrim’s Progress:

The pilgrims then began to inquire if there was no other way to the gate. To which they answered, Yes; but there hath not any, save two, to wit, Enoch and Elijah, been permitted to tread that path since the foundation of the world, nor shall until the last trumpet shall sound. The pilgrims then, especially Christian, began to despond in their mind, and looked this way and that, but no way could be found by them by which they might escape the river. Then they asked the men if the waters were all of a depth. They said, No; yet they could not help them in that case; for, said they, you shall find it deeper or shallower as you believe in the King of the place.  Then they addressed themselves to the water, and entering, Christian began to sink, and crying out to his good friend Hopeful, he said, I sink in deep waters; the billows go over my head; all his waves go over me. Selah.  Then said the other, Be of good cheer, my brother: I feel the bottom, and it is good.  Pilgrim’s Progress, Tenth Stage

~ JK

The Catholic Church has long been known for its ability to manipulate its members through fear and threats, allowing those in leadership to effectively control the people and their commitment to the cause. The power associated with the pope is beyond belief. Masses submit to his every wish, convinced that to disobey or even disagree, is to fight against God Himself. A similar ploy has entered into the conservative churches of our land. A pastor will exalt himself to a place of power and demand the allegiance of his people instead of turning their hearts toward God and exalting His power and authority.

All Men are Sinners

It does not matter how ‘good’ your pastor or church leadership may appear, all have sinned. There are those pastors who would have their congregations believe that they have reached the state of sinless perfection, and therefore are a perfect example of holiness and wisdom, and that is simply bogus. The Pastor does not gain some ‘special’ entrance into the presence of God; He comes before the same throne of grace as all believers, and through the same person – Jesus Christ. The Pastor may preach from an elevated platform on Sunday but that is not an indication of a spiritual superiority in God’s hierarchy. Pastors who seek the praise and accolades of men are not fit to fulfil the shepherd’s role. Surely a man who is ever broken over his sin, and has an understanding of the holiness of God is the only suitable candidate for leading and shepherding God’s people.

‘…there is none that doeth good, no, not one.’ Psalm 14:3

‘Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?’ Prov.20:9

‘If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.’ 1 John 1:8

The Church is Christ’s

‘…Christ is the head of the church: and is the Saviour of the body.’ Ephesians 5:23

‘And He [Christ] is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the head of the body, the church…’ Colossians 1:17-18

‘And hath put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church.’ Ephesians 1:22

If Scripture were not so clear on this subject, I might look around today and be confused about who has the ultimate ownership and rulership of the church. The way some Pastors parade about, introducing bylaws and setting non-biblical standards and assuming the role of ‘Pope for the people’ is appalling, and is in total opposition to the clearly outlined role of the pastor. To assume a role of authority in the church that has not been given by God is theft. If I instruct my congregation to obey standards and practices that God has not commanded I become the ‘master of God’s people,’ and in turn teach them to follow me instead of the Lord. How many congregations in our land follow a confident, oratorical, dictatorial, ‘my-way-or-the-highway’ pastor instead of Christ and His Word as the final authorities in their lives?

It is the Message, not the Man

‘Remember them that have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the Word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.’ Hebrews 13:7

Commenting on the above verse, John Gill writes:

“Christ’s church is a kingdom, and He is King in it; pastors of churches are subordinate governors; who rule well when they rule not in an arbitrary way, according to their own wills, but according to the laws of Christ, with all faithfulness, prudence and diligence.”

The pastor, like you and I, is a man saved by grace. He has not been imbued with some special ability (albeit there are gifts dispensed by the Holy Spirit which differ – Romans 12:6), nor does he have some supernatural power over men which is of his own energies. The pastor finds his authority solely in the Word of God. His counselling and preaching must be grounded in the Scriptures if he is to exercise the authority that God has given him. The pastor is a man who is to be given to prayer and the studying of the Word. It is not his job to select the colour and pattern of the curtains in the auditorium. Nor should he concern himself with counselling men on the type of vehicle they should purchase for their family. I know pastors who busy themselves with all the tangible and temporal aspects of church life when they ought to be focusing on the urgent spiritual and eternal matters at hand. His job is to preach the Word and passionately pursue God thereby leaving an example for his people. The following ought to form the pastor’s chief ambition and desire:

‘He must increase, but I must decrease.’ John 3:30

‘For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.’ Philippians 1:21

The Pastor will fail you

Nobody is exempt from the effects of sin. One of the great dilemmas in church today is the expectation on the pastor to do everything right. If the congregation is not careful to remember that the shepherd is only a man, they will inevitably and subconsciously promote him to ‘perfection.’ This will be the great downfall of that church and will result in heartache and discouragement when it is found out that the pastor cannot meet those impossible expectations. This does not give license to the pastor to enjoy the pleasures of sin but it does remove from him the unattainable standard of perfection. A humble and honest leader will acknowledge his own inability to perform his God given role, and will openly admit that he is the chief of sinners, and unworthy of such a responsibility.

‘It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.’ Psalm 118:8

‘Thus saith the Lord; cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord.’ Jeremiah 17:5

‘…the Lord thy God…..He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Deuteronomy 31:6

Summary

There is much more to cover in this topic and I have not yet had the opportunity to address the qualifications of those in church leadership, the pastor on judgment day and the pastor in relationship to his family. Perhaps in time the Lord will lead me to write articles regarding those topics.

In conclusion, it is obvious from the pages of Scripture that God desires a pastor to lead by example, nurturing and caring for his people. When the time comes for him to discipline, confront and challenge, he must find his authority in the pages of Scripture. God give us pastors who love God supremely, act with honesty, humility and integrity, lead by example, and find the basis of all preaching, teaching and counselling rooted in the pages of Scripture.

“Dear pastor, it is better to stay silent on a matter in which thou hast no biblical foundation or word from on high, than to speak and find thyself defying the very will of God.’

The Chief of Sinners,

The 10 (unwritten) Commandments of the Conservative Independent Baptist:

1.  THOU SHALT ONLY USE THE KJV BIBLE.
• Some IB churches state that the KJV is the INSPIRED Word of God.
• Some IB church constitutions even state that it must be a 1611 version (have you ever read an excerpt from a 1611 copy????)
2. THOU SHALT ONLY SING HYMNS.
3. THOU SHALT NOT DISCUSS CONTROVERSIAL TOPICS.
• Some of these topics include: Calvinism, The Holy Spirit, Women’s Role in the Church, etc.
4. THOU SHALT NOT MAKE REFERENCE TO CONTROVERSIAL PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE MOVEMENT.
• Some of these people include: John McArthur, A.W. Pink, R.C. Sproul, John Calvin, John Piper, Paul Washer etc.
5. THOU SHALT ONLY ARRAY THYSELF IN THE ‘HIGHEST’ STANDARDS OF CLOTHING FOR CHURCH.
• This usually means that the men wear suits, shirts and ties and the ladies wear skirts.
• There are many instances where a lady in particular, is not permitted to be involved in a ministry due to her wearing slacks.
6. THOU SHALT ATTEND THE SUNDAY MORNING AND EVENING CHURCH SERVICES ALONG WITH THE MID-WEEK BIBLE STUDY.
• Although not always verbalised, it is generally intimated that a person who does not attend these services is not right with God.
• It is also inferred that a church which does not hold to this paradigm is not fulfilling its purpose.
7. THOU SHALT NEVER DISAGREE WITH THE LEADERSHIP OF THE CHURCH.
• To challenge a comment or doctrinal position of one in leadership within the IB churches is often considered to be fighting against God Himself.
• In most cases, a dictatorial position is held by the Pastor and leadership instead of an approachable, theocratic system of rule.
8. THOU SHALT NOT USE DRUMS OR ANY ELECTRICAL INSTRUMENTS IN THE CHURCH.
• Some IB churches state that drums, electric guitars and Jazz instruments were the invention of the Devil and his demons.
9. THOU SHALT ONLY TRANSFER THY MEMBERSHIP TO ANOTHER INDEPENDENT BAPTIST CHURCH.
• Although not always verbalised, it is generally considered a grave error to transfer your membership to a church outside the movement.
10. THOU SHALT ONLY FELLOWSHIP WITH THOSE OF LIKE FAITH AND PRACTICE WITHIN THE INDEPENDENT BAPTIST MOVEMENT.
• There is a significant population of people within conservative Independent Baptist Churches who believe that they are the only true Christians.

Although each point above requires conscientious consideration and biblical research, let us consider for a few moments the last of this list: ‘Thou shalt only fellowship with those of like faith and practice within the Independent Baptist Movement.’

Personal Testimony:

I have had the privilege of preaching for over 12 years around Australia and have seen the way ‘church is done’ in many different places. For the majority of that time, I was a ‘hard-nosed, die-hard, Independent Baptist preacher’ who quite often mounted the hobby horses of music, versions, apparel etc. My ministry also consisted of identifying those men and women outside our movement who are ‘heretics’ and this ’20-something-year-old-preacher’ was wiser than them all and ‘knew’ that they were wrong. I have since been challenged by the Holy Spirit in recent times regarding the ‘non-biblical’ positions that I have held to, and I realise now that I have been wearing the ‘Independent Baptist Blinkers’ which have obstructed my view of real Christianity to some extent. Please do not misunderstand that last statement. I am very thankful for the teaching, preaching and training that I have received at the hand of many an Independent Baptist. I am, however, extremely concerned about our views regarding those who live, breathe and move outside the IB circles.

Fundamentalists are not the only Christians:

‘For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ Romans 10:13

This verse carries no prejudice, nor does it include any categories of people who form an exception to this clear-cut statement. There is a myriad of passages in Scripture which clearly define the elements of saving faith (repentance etc.), but in this verse alone we find that the only prerequisite of salvation is the ‘calling upon the name of the Lord.’ God does not say “I will save you because I foresee that you will attend an IB church.” God saves sinners who call upon Him! It is interesting how conservative Christians will pray earnestly for an unbeliever to be saved, and then when they are saved and attend a church denomination other than their own, they disown them and label them as a ‘false convert.’ They say things like “they can’t be a Christian because they attend a Lutheran church.” This is disgraceful as it attacks the heart of the gospel and alters the doctrine of Soteriology. I wonder how many unsaved people are on the membership roles of Independent Baptist Churches in our land – only Heaven will tell!

The Confusion of Doctrine & the Gospel:

There appears to be a great confusion between doctrine and the Gospel. This becomes apparent when we analyse our thinking regarding those who differ from our doctrinal positions on areas not directly related to the gospel message. For example, some IB Christians would automatically place a person who does not believe in water baptism in the ‘unsaved basket.’ Others would judge a man’s salvation (or lack thereof) by his adhesion to the relevance of sign gifts for this age. Our primary concern for any individual must be regarding faith in the gospel and the work of justification in their life. If it is apparent that the man who attends the local Presbyterian or Charismatic church has a personal relationship with my Saviour then I can have fellowship with him around the gospel. Granted, there may be other areas of grave concern which I would disagree with and at some points separate over, but these form a doctrinal difference NOT a GOSPEL difference! Let us not hate those who differ from us in doctrine or practice but rather seek to teach them the truth from God’s Word (not our statements of faith!)

The Importance of Doctrine:

At this juncture I see the importance of inserting a paragraph regarding the importance of doctrine for those in particular who look for an opportunity to criticise this article. There is no question that the doctrines of Scripture are essential for a believer to know and to spend their lives in the pursuit of. It is imperative that we study the Word and seek to correctly exegete its contents and I in no way wish to minimise or de-emphasise the importance of such pursuits. Let us be diligent students and ‘hold fast the faithful Word (Titus 1:9).’

Summary:

Let us not be quick to pass judgment or sentence upon those who do not dot the ‘I’s and cross the ‘T’s like we do. Let us be proactive in teaching, training and discipling whomever God brings across our path. Do not hastily say ‘But he is not a Baptist!’

The Chief of Sinners,

Following on from the discussion regarding the Perils of Capitalism, it is worth considering the assumption that democracy is the best form of earthly government.    As Australia undergoes Rudd vs. Gillard Part II, many voters are asking the question, “When I voted Rudd in 2007, why did I get Gillard?    Or   “When I voted for Gillard in 2010, why might I get Rudd?”     The reality is that pure democracy of the masses is not accurate.   Rather it is democracy of a chosen few that select the leader.  Or to be more candid, it is factions – not our representatives – within parties that appoint kings or queens.

Or to put it another way, why can politicians blatantly tell lies during election or in post-election campaigns, and then claim mandates to do the opposite?  It is no wonder that many have concluded that democracy is a facade.

The US system of democracy is different but just as flawed.   In the GOP primary season, the establishment is trying to force their chosen candidate – Romney – on an electorate who appears to want ‘anyone but Romney’.   It will be interesting to see if the will of the people or the money of the establishment will win.

But let’s expand the analysis of ‘democracy’ beyond our borders and current circumstances.   The most recent Iraq War and Afghanistan War along with the revolutions in Lybia and Egypt, received much of their justification on the basis that the West was bringing democracy (read a better form of government) to those regions.   But on what basis do we decide that democracy is superior?

Here are 3 big perils for democratic forms of governance

1. It is based on the fact that the majority are right. When the majority are no longer godly, democracy is an oppressive system.
2. It leads to short term politically based policies and programs. Rather than what is best for society’s long term health (debt filled binges so pollies get re-elected rather than sober governance)
3. It incents politicians to slander, lie and be negative to achieve popularity around election time  (e.g. carbon tax, etc)

Historically democracy has worked well in the west. A high level of freedom has existed in the US, Australia and parts of Europe. However, I would suppose this has more to do with the Christian heritage of the majority of the population rather than democracy.   We should be thankful for Australia’s Christian democratic heritage, but let’s focus on more on the Christian part and less on the democratic part.

Blessings

JC

While I don’t approve of  all of the actions of the ‘Occupy’ movements, I believe the 99% are protesting something that is really rotten in our mature capitalistic society.   Let me explain:

Capitalism

Capital can be defined as money, equipment, and other resources which are privately owned.  Private ownership affords the owner the opportunity to grow, develop and reap the benefits of using those resources for productive endevours.  In its elementary stages, capitalism fosters free enterprise and innovation.   God certainly endorses hard work and reward for the labourer.

However, capitalism incents resource owners to pursue greater happiness and ever increasing returns to the point where the character trait of contentment is replaced by greed.   Let me lay out 12 ways that capitalism quickly degenerates within a few generations.

1. Capital stacks the deck in favour of those who ‘start the game with a good hand’.  (I think this is one reason for the year of Jubilee)
2. Those who inherit capital rarely appreciate what is was like to start out with nothing and then make decision without a framework for the poor.
3. Incumbant resource owners put up barriers to entry to other upstarts and so the gap between rich and poor widens.
4. As capitalistic leaders gain strength, they lobby government for regulation which suits them and hinders competitors  (e.g. the modified mining tax).
5. Over time capitalistic empires are built and small businesses are bought out our put out of business.
6. Adding further pressures, these empires raise funds by selling ownership of their enterprises to shareholders.
7. Shareholders demand maximum profit returns every quarter often at the expense of customer service and quality.
8. The unquenched desire for greater profit results in reduced rights at work and a globalisation of jobs to countries that have poor social values.
9. Prices of daily necessities rise, forcing individuals to assume excessive levels of debt for necessities such as housing.
10. The end results are self-serving oligopolies which lacks social conscience (e.g. Coles and Woolies, the big banks, etc)
11. In practice oligopolies are effective monopolies using subtly collusion.
12. Ironically, monopolies are  in effect economic dictatorships which create a controlled form of communism or slavery of the masses.

So where does this leave us?

At the end of the day, there is no perfect economic or social system.   The problem with all systems is that our hearts are evil.   We will corrupt and manipulate systems for our own greed and benefit.   God foresaw this when he warned Israel about seeking an earthly king.   While I certainly would prefer to live under a limited free-market society where citizens adhere to a common moral code, I believe we would be wise to see the limits of all earthly systems – be they democracies or dictatorships, Austrian or Keynesian; diverse or homogeneous.

There is one economic and social system that I do believe God endorses.   It is the eternal system and the returns are out of this world.   This system promotes storing up treasure in heaven, where moths don’t corrupt and thieves can’t steal.   The eternal social system promotes giving a cup of water to another in the name of Christ.  In other words, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.  In this system, it does not matter if you are part of the 99% or the 1%, because it is 100% about Jesus.    As we live in view of heaven, I believe we will feel richer and be more generous.

Blessings

- JC