Race, Justice, and the Christian (Part 2)

August 6, 2020

In early June, Pastor Caleb and I attempted to answer several questions which were submitted to us by members of the congregation. Those questions and the forum we held in order to answer them were directly related to the race relations issues that continue to be the subject of many of our conversations. Because our videotaped forum was limited with respect to time, we were not able to answer all the questions that were given to us. In light of that fact, we will be providing answers to some of the remaining questions via a series of online blog posts. The following answers do not necessarily represent the views of Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church. They represent my thoughts and opinions concerning the submitted questions.

Member: I have many concerns about the “protesters” demanding others to “take a knee.” Often they are demanding this posture to show subservience and to apologize for “white privilege.” Sometimes they couch it with showing solidarity to the “social justice warriors.” I would take a knee to pray with others, but should Christians be “taking a knee” to anyone other than our Lord?

Dean: In some contexts, the individuals (Sheriffs, other law enforcement individuals, white Americans…)  have been/were voluntarily kneeling in order to communicate their agreement with the “concept” of Black Lives Matter. They were in no way bowing, or knowingly genuflecting, to the underlying agenda held by those with ties to organizations such as Black Lives Matter, Inc. It is always wrong to worship, whether through symbolism or any other form, anything or anyone other than our Lord. Guided by this principle or understanding, I would fight for the right of others to kneel, but I personally will not be engaging in any such behavior, especially as it relates to our American Flag. I would personally prefer that no one kneels during the playing of our national anthem, in any and all forums/venues.

Member: After days of riots and violence in the country and specifically violence in DC when the church across the street from the White House was set on fire, the President announced if the mayors and governors didn’t call up the guard to regain control, he would nationalize the guard if necessary. He then walked across the street to that church and held up a Bible. I viewed it as a perfectly appropriate show of strength as the leader of the free world that burning buildings and churches would not be tolerated and that we are still a nation built on Christian principles. Franklin Graham thanked the President for holding up the Bible saying “God and His word are the only hope for our nation.” I agree with Franklin Graham. However, not only did the liberals criticize the President, some pastors, including some in our denomination, questioned the use of that church and a Bible as a publicity stunt. Should we join liberals in criticizing our President for holding up a Bible?

Dean: First, the narrative that led to the question acknowledges that there were also conservative voices who were in disagreement with the President’s action (some of the reasons extended beyond just holding up a Bible). Secondly, there are quite a few Christians who identify as liberal (I’m not one of them). So, it might be more instructive for us to ask the question, “Should Christians criticize our President for holding up a Bible?” My answer to that particular question would be “Absolutely not!” My reason for that position is this: even if I don’t agree with the actions or speech of a person, I would rather have them subscribe to an objective source (Scripture) that could enable us to reach a God honoring consensus, than have them subscribe to some secularist or existentialist source or platform which absolutely contradicts Scripture, and therefore, leaves no place to achieve a good, right, and proper, God honoring consensus which can then be reflected in that person’s policies or decision making.

Member: Should we generally say: blacks, people of color, or African American?

Dean:  The question begs for a generality where one may not exist. I suggest the best way to approach this is through the context of your relationship with a particular individual or group. Some understand “black” to be a polarizing label, initially established to create a societal status gap between blacks and whites, whites being superior and deserving of privilege, while blacks were labeled as lower class, and even property, not worthy of much, except the opportunity to serve the interest of whites.  Some have embraced “black” as a proud marker which connects them to “their” people. Some are concerned about the well-being of people of all ethnic persuasions, and therefore prefer to use the moniker “people of color”. Finally, there are some who are proud Americans who also embrace their African heritage, and therefore prefer to be called African Americans.  So, my counsel here would be to use that which is consistently utilized by those in your sphere of influence. And please don’t allow yourself to live with trepidation over the use of one or the other.

Member: It is so hard to find truth in such a sea of information. A Christian friend posts pictures of black children killed by police. The descriptions are horrifying; are they true? Are they spin? Another friend talks to a black friend who is frequently stopped and questioned by police just for driving through white neighborhoods. A black Christian friend writes a book dedicated to her young son, mourning that some will fear him, just because he is black, as he grows to be a man. Others like Candace Owens and Tucker Carlson list published statistics that clearly illustrate that police killings of blacks are rare, less common than police killings of whites. We read and hear drastically different perspectives on Black Lives Matter from trusted Christian friends. We want to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. But how can we promote justice without truth? How do we recognize truth among so many voices? How do we know whom to believe?

Dean: A common illustration is aptly applied here. It’s the illustration concerning the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Counterfeit Bill Recognition Training. The investigators are initially limited to only viewing authentic U. S. currency (bills). They become so well trained in recognizing that which is authentic, that when they get exposed to that which is false, they’re immediately able to recognize that fact. Now let’s take a look at two particular verses found in Scripture:

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (II Timothy 3:16).

What do we have here? In summary, just as the FBI agents are trained in that which is truth (authentic) and nothing else, Christians are called to first and foremost know God’s Word, the ultimate source of truth and authenticity, and how it applies to every situation, circumstance, ideological framework. We are to engage everything else with a firm grasp on that which is God’s truth. That truth should serve as our guide as we negotiate the marketplace of ideas. It is by the power and enabling of God’s Spirit that we are able to discern agendas and ideologies which do not conform to God’s Word. That’s one of the reasons Jesus could say, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”

Your alignment with other individuals/organizations (Owens, Carlson, news networks…) should also be guided by the same principle. The degree to which what they’re saying or doing is conformed to our rule of faith and practice, is the degree to which you can embrace or act upon it. As always, the ability to act in this manner requires a commitment to Scripture (Psalm 1:1-6).

James communicates one of the greatest principles to be mindful of when engaging the marketplace of ideas, “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” People today, without employing any level of the above-mentioned discernment, are often immediately and emotionally steered towards supporting agendas that might very well be antithetical to Scripture. In other cases, we should get engaged, but are emotionally turned off by what we see and hear.

Coronavirus and Missions

May 7, 2020

During a recent midday Devotional, I spoke about Elisha’s interaction with his servant, who at the time was distressed by the presence of the Syrian army that had completely surrounded them, and were under instructions to seek their demise.  Elijah calmly shared his perspective with his servant saying, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” He then prayed that his servant would have his eyes opened so that he could see things from God’s perspective and not his own. After sharing that story, I encouraged us to be like Elisha and pray for God’s perspective to be revealed to us. Well guess what? When you pray, God, in His providence, can answer in several different ways. Below is what I consider to be one answer to prayer, a kingdom perspective in the area of missions. It’s an excerpt from John Piper’s latest book, Coronavirus and Christ (yes, books addressing this issue are already being written and published 😊). May God bless us as we reflect on this perspective:

Loosening Roots to Reach the Nations

In the coronavirus God is loosening the roots of settled Christians, all over the world, to make them free for something new and radical and to send them with the gospel of Christ to the unreached peoples of the world.

CONNECTING THE CORONAVIRUS with missions may seem like a strange idea, because in the short run, the coronavirus is shutting down travel and migration and missionary advance. But I am not thinking short term. God has used the suffering and upheaval of history to move his church to places it needs to go. I am suggesting that he will do that again as part of the long-term impact of the coronavirus.

Persecution as Missionary Strategy

Consider, for example, how God moved his people out of Jerusalem, on mission, into Judea and Samaria. Jesus had instructed his disciples to take the gospel to all the world, including “Jerusalem and . . . all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). But by the time of Acts 8, it seems the mission was stalled in Jerusalem.

What would it take to move the church into mission? It took the death of Stephen and a consequent persecution. As soon as Stephen was martyred (Acts 7:60), a persecution broke out:

 There arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. . . . Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. (Acts 8:1–4)

That’s how God got his people moving—with martyrdom and persecution. At last, “Judea and Samaria” were hearing the gospel. God’s ways are not our ways. But his mission is sure. Jesus said so. And his word cannot fail. “I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). “This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations” (Matt. 24:14). Not “may be proclaimed.” But “will be proclaimed.” 

Setbacks as Strategic Advance

We may think the coronavirus outbreak is a setback for world missions. I doubt it. God’s ways often include apparent setbacks that result in great advances.

On January 9, 1985, Pastor Hristo Kulichev, a Congregational pastor in Bulgaria, was arrested and put in prison. His crime was that he preached in his church even though the state had appointed another man as pastor whom the congregation did not elect. His trial was a mockery of justice. And he was sentenced to eight months in prison. During his time in prison, he made Christ known in every way he could.

When he got out, he wrote, “Both prisoners and jailers asked many questions, and it turned out that we had a more fruitful ministry there than we could have expected in church. God was better served by our presence in prison than if we had been free.”

This is often God’s way. The global scope and seriousness of the coronavirus is too great for God to waste. It will serve his invincible global purpose of world evangelization. Christ has not shed his blood in vain. And Revelation 5:9 says that by that blood he ransomed “people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” He will have the reward of his suffering. And even pandemics will serve to complete the Great Commission.

In Pursuit of Godliness

April 16, 2020

Godliness is at least one of seven qualities (II Peter 1:5-7) we’re asked to add to our faith after we become Christians. Its significance is noted by the amount of times it appears in Scripture. There are at least 16 references to godliness in scripture. All of them are in the New Testament, mostly occurring in I Timothy and II Peter. The following is an excerpt of a blog post on godliness, authored by Mr. Loren Lung, a pastor, commenting on I Timothy 4:7-8:

“Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (I Timothy 4:7b-8)

There was a woman on the television the other night who went on a diet. She exercised and watched what she ate. The weight began to fall off. She went from 240 pounds down to 110 pounds. She had surgery to cut off extra skin. She was a real success story.

But along the way she became a different person. Her friends all said she had changed for the worst. She became conceited and arrogant. She got involved in all sorts of questionable practices and divorced her husband who had supported her through her efforts. She even began to snub the very people who had helped her to achieve her new and “improved” life.

Physical training and discipline are important for weight loss and certain other issues, but if you really want to change in a truly meaningful manner, with lasting significance, then you had better train in godliness. The Apostle Paul tells Timothy that training in godliness is beneficial for both this life, and that which is to come.

Godliness is taking on the very attributes of God. It includes unconditional love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and selflessness. These are in stark contrast to what the world provides.

For this woman, she wanted to look good. And when she reached that goal, she wanted all the worldly rewards that went with it. She sacrificed her principles and any relationship that didn’t benefit her new life.

Godliness often stands in stark contrast to this world. This world is about selfishness, getting ahead, and stepping on whoever it takes to get there. Godliness is about putting God’s will and others ahead of our own needs. That is why Jesus said, “If anyone wants to come after me, he must deny himself, pick up his cross daily, and follow me” (Luke 9:23). It involves putting your own wants and desires aside and dying to this world.

Prayer: Dear Lord, you are the wonderful example of love and grace. Please help me, by the power of your spirit, to train in godliness so that I can live in a manner that brings glory to you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

“Prayer – secret, fervent, believing prayer – lies at the root of all personal godliness.” (William Carey)

“How do you train yourself to be godly? You certainly want to practice the spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible reading and Christian fellowship. But you also want to practice making right decisions and putting God first in your life. You want to learn how to center your whole life around God. And most of all you want to practice trusting God every day of your life.” (Ray Fowler, Baptist Pastor)

Let’s Hear It For Our Church MVPs: Our Seniors

April 2, 2020

Since the rise of the current pandemic, our seniors have been cast in the spotlight. Chiefly so, because they are the ones who have been statistically identified as being the most susceptible to the gravest effects of COVID-19. Today, I’d like for us to reflect on the fact that they should be in the spotlight for another reason: the Church absolutely needs them! Here are four reasons why:

1. We need their prayers.

Our seniors have walked with God for some time. They have experienced his sanctifying work in their lives and have learned how to humbly approach His throne of grace, fully reliant upon his mercies, effectually praying according to His will.

In the short time that I’ve been here, I’ve seen God work in ways that can only be explained as an act of His Spirit in response to the means he has ordained to accomplish His ends, prayer (James 5:16). I’ve been to a few of the Senior Bible studies and have personally witnessed earnest prayers being lifted on behalf of certain individuals and the entire church. God has worked marvelously through the prayers of these saints. So, seniors, wherever you are, even in these times, know this, we as a church need your prayers.

2. We need their practical, biblical wisdom.

Moses was arguably one of the greatest leaders in scripture. He was someone who was audibly chosen and led by God. But guess what? If he could speak to us in person today, he would tell us that without the wisdom of a senior, his father-in-law Jethro (see Exodus 18:1-27), he would have probably continued to needlessly expend energy and strength in a very unwise manner, trying to manage everything on his own. It took the wisdom of a senior to help him become more efficient in accomplishing a task that God himself had given him.

Bruce Watke and Haddon Robinson were both seminary professors by whom I had the benefit of being taught. Both were well into their 80s when they taught me. Haddon has since gone on to be with the Lord.

I’m so thankful that these men continued to pass on their biblical knowledge and life experiences until they literally could not do so anymore. Whether through teaching a class (like Ken Utley), sharing a comment during a Bible Study, or encouraging a young woman during fellowship, every church member needs the wisdom that comes from decades of studying the Word mixed with decades of experience.

Seniors, please continue to speak into the lives of younger believers with love and truth and grace. The church needs your wisdom, biblical wisdom that only comes from years spent in the Word and walking with Christ in both life’s joys and sorrows.

3. We need their encouragement.

As senior saints, their words of encouragement matters. How impactful it is, for example, to see instances where a young sleep-deprived parent lights up because a senior, from the heart, simply says something like, “Your kids are a joy.” And how about the discouraged empty-nesters, struggling with change, who through a senior couple, rediscover hope, as they witness God’s faithfulness in marriages spanning decades of time.

As the Psalmist exclaims, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:4). Dear senior, please don’t hesitate to share your stories of provision and grace and forgiveness, and to remind us of God’s goodness and faithfulness. We need your encouragement.

4. We need their presence.

Unfortunately, none of us can closely gather at this time, but when the time comes for us to once again gather as a body of believers, seniors, your presence among us is essential.

There’s something particularly special about the redeemed people of God coming together for worship and seeing a full range of age groups. There’s something about coming together to worship with people who are different than us, even generationally. That sort of diversity points to the beauty of the gospel and the glory of God. There’s just something special about knowing fellow saints who can speak of God never abandoning them through decades that powerfully reminds us of the faithfulness of God.

Considering all that I’ve stated above, I pray that we would all take some time to thank God for sustaining and keeping our seniors among us, after all, they are, our MVPs.

Leaning on the Everlasting Arms Through Times of Storm

In light of the current pandemic we’re experiencing as a nation, and with my concern for the people of God in particular, I found myself reflecting on the statement “All we as Christians need for faith and practice is found in the law of God.” While reflecting on this statement, the following questions then came to mind: “How can we, in light of our current circumstances, practically experience and live out this statement in a manner that centers our focus on Christ, and not on the negative emotions we’re so prone to wallow in? How can we be strengthened in a time when a key source of our strength, our fellowship with one another, has been restricted or taken away?” My thoughts:

In the Reformed tradition, based on Scripture, we assert that the requirements of the law of God, as it pertains to our salvation, have been fulfilled in Jesus Christ, and thus, we are saved by faith in him, apart from the law. This reality is a source of great comfort for those who know and understand the depths of their own sin and waywardness. We also assert that the law still has a purpose in our lives; it guides us into paths of righteousness for our Lord’s sake, for His glory, and towards the betterment and sanctification of his people. Our Westminster Larger Catechism, answering the question, “What are the duties required in the first commandment?” provides the following answer:

The duties required in the first commandment are, the knowing and acknowledging of God to be the only true God, and our God; and to worship and glorify him accordingly, by thinking, meditating, remembering, highly esteeming, honoring, adoring, choosing, loving, desiring, fearing of him; believing him; trusting, hoping, delighting, rejoicing in him; being zealous for him; calling upon him, giving all praise and thanks, and yielding all obedience and submission to him with the whole man; being careful in all things to please him, and sorrowful when in anything he is offended; and walking humbly with him.

Encapsulated in this answer is an acknowledgement of God’s control, His authority, and His presence among, and specifically with, those who are His. It is in times like these that we need to be reminded of our duty to engage in the volitional acts described in our catechism. The Apostle Paul sums it up well, writing to the church at Philippi, and by extension to us:

Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7)

Our Lord has graciously called us to live in the manner described above. Let us, therefore, respond by committing our hearts to walking in the manner he has prescribed, turning to him, loving him, and walking with him, in Christ our Lord, and not our fears and anxieties. As we experience the type of separation that goes against the very grain of the gathering together we’ve been called to (Hebrews 10:25), let us take this opportunity to strongly lean into the Everlasting Arms: through prayer, increased personal reading of God’s Word, family devotions, and encouraging one another as much as is possible, through the means (phone, media, distance socializing) we have available to us.

In His Service, Pastor Dean