Saturday, March 7, 2015

You Oh Lord are my Strength: The Manifold Provision of the Architect of Reality

Psalm 16:1-2

¹Keep me safe, my God,
for in you I take refuge.

²I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;
    apart from you I have no good thing.”

Sometimes I ask myself, in the darkness, waiting to fall asleep.. "Am I really going to be able to do this?" You wonder if you have the strength required for the journey ahead. So much has been lost, yet so much has been gained. A Spirit is working in my life. Jesus Christ has come to me and saved me from the nightmares of the past. I've been welcomed into the family of God. At times it slips away, walking through the gym, talking to friends, driving to work, frown on the face. That sensation of the presence of God, so fleeting at times. Yet working always, even when I don't notice. The consciousness of my sinfulness, always building. It seems to grow and grow, as I progress forward in the journey. More and more do I become aware of hidden realities I had never noticed. Little gems of wisdom float in.

Life still happens, doesn't it? Surely it does. People talk. Rumors circulate. I have to face down life on life's terms. And try not to lash out at those who harm me. God taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. Not only did he teach us that, but he lived that. As it has been said, when one person attacks another, they strike back, and the cycle of anger and violence begins to spiral. Even to nations, wars, one side attacks the other, the other side retaliates, and on and on it goes. But when Jesus Christ went to the cross, people hurled ridicule upon. They accused him. They mocked him. They brought up false chargers against him. They drove nails into his hands and feet. They spat upon him, and laughed at his claims to be "God." And what did Jesus do in response? Nothing. He became obedient to death itself. All of the sins of man kind were hurled upon him. He hurled nothing back. Sin stopped that day. He defeated sin. He conquered death. Not by fighting it, but by taking it upon himself. And inversely, from the cross flowed forgiveness, grace, love. From his side flowed rivers of blood and water.

And so I must do the same, as much as I am able. I feel weak. I haven't slept right in years. I'm afraid to go to the doctor, because I don't want to end up in that cycle again of always trying some new medication to manage an issue that seems perpetually unresolved. I struggle with depression. I struggle with immune system problems. And recently rumors have spread about me that are shocking.

Yet God remains good. I will manage. The victory of Christ at the cross, remains my victory. God loves me. And he also loves you.

I was thinking lately, about the burden of leadership. As many know I have begun a path toward officership in the Salvation Army. Central Territory, USA. I thought to myself, of the burden of leading a corps, of caring for a community, and of leading people, groups of women and men on the frontlines of the war on the gates of hell itself. And I thought... do I really want all that? Can I really handle all that? How about.. maybe, being a librarian instead. It seems very relaxing. Just sit there and read books and help people find books. Take a lot of naps.

I was at dinner with my mother, grandparents, and uncle after a long day at work. We were discussing the Salvation Army, and the ministry I've been pursuing. Our discussion turned to ISIS and their actions in the Middle East. I mentioned how the Salvation Army is active in over 100 countries. My uncle looked me in the eyes and asked, "If they needed you in one of those dangerous countries where Christians are killed, would you go?"

I searched my heart for a few moments, and replied with a sense of fear, "Yes I would."

Lately I've been reading a book about the history of the Salvation Army. It's been an excellent read, just finished it actually.

Henry Gariepy tells the story of Major Noh Young Soo in his book Christianity in Action. In 1950 communists invaded along the 38th parallel and took over Seoul, Korea. Salvation Army corps were operating there, and the communists were successful in capturing Major Noh Young Soo, an SA officer. They marched him through the streets, and then ordered him to renounce his Christian faith. Facing machine guns, he calmly refused, raising his Bible in one hand, and his Salvation Army song book in the other, replying, "Whether I live or die matters not, Christ lives!" As he knelt down to pray for his captors, they opened fire, and he became a martyr of the Salvation Army. Truly, a great honor to die for ones savior.

No one said ministry would be easy. I don't recall anyone saying that. But I was hoping it would be a bit more fun. It's been rather tough so far. I suppose working with people will be. Starting out is never easy. It's been two and a half years now. The journey has just begun.

The threat of addiction keeps me moving forward. One day at a time. That's the only way to live. I must live in today. Or as a man in recovery once said, "Everyday I was crucified between two thieves: yesterday and tomorrow." Alcoholism is scary. Addiction is scary. We see what it does to people, and no, it's not as simple as "stop doing it and walk away." For some heavy users and drinkers it may be that simple. But for many others who are truly addicted/alcoholic, the problem is not the drug, or the alcohol. The problem is internal. The problem is a spiritual one, it's simply a more obvious outgrowth of the problem of the wicked heart of man. Addiction is crazy, baffling, power. Thankfully it's an illness, and it's treatable, and there are many twelve step groups that can help addicts and alcoholics.

But it's a constant threat. It's a very subtle foe, addiction. It'll be dormant for years, and one day... it'll whisper in your ear: "How about just one.. for old time sake." My guard can't be up all the time. Thankfully God provides grace in those areas. And I trust him and his future grace, in dark situations. I'm eternally grateful that God gifted me with recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. It's been two year, four months, and four days. 854 days total. Things are so different now I can hardly fully describe it. So I need to remember that happiness in life is all about having an attitude of gratitude. And it's about staying in today.

Christ gives great joy during times of added affliction. Indeed Jesus said, "my peace be with you."

My throat hurts tonight. I learned that I have strep throat, and just started taking the anti-biotics. My nose is running, and I keep coughing. I just got a $450 bill for my dog Bruno's surgery. So expensive. It's tough to make ends meet, and as a friend reminded me, becoming an officer in the Salvation Army is a road of financial poverty. Haha. But I don't know. She was being sarcastic.

The addictive behavior seems to pop up in different areas of my life these days. Like spending, and over-eating, Facebook, internet, relationships, and other areas of my life as well. It's difficult. The tendency to go too far is common for us humans I think. All things in moderation.

All of these things are so heavy.. still Christ gives us such rest. Don't you think? So many paradoxes in a world where sin is rampant. Why? Because God is perfect. Imagine the difference, the tornado-like paradoxes that form when a perfect God and a sinful creation meet. On my own power, I can't navigate any of this.

I have a serious lack of power. When it comes to sin, addiction, temptation, the problem is lack of power.

But God says: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. -Zechariah 4:6b

The Bible is a description of the solution to the problem of sin, and the fall of man into so many blunders. The solution is Jesus Christ. And through Jesus Christ, the gift of the Holy Spirit.

We believers function by the power of the Holy Spirit. That is how we live, that is how we love, and that is how we overcome sin. A fellow believer emailed me recently and said that many Christians will be shocked when the floor falls out from under them and their own power, because they should have been connected to the power grid, the Holy Spirit. I thought, you know, that may be true. We as humans are prone to try to do things in our strength and ability, but those efforts are meaningless.

Instead, our efforts must be done within the mission and strategy of the Holy Spirit as he leads the battle lines against the hoards of evil flying from the gates of hell. So many Christians it seems, the ones you always here about in the media, are not building Christ's kingdom, they are instead building their own kingdoms, to their own glory. They build for their own standing and importance. "Buy my book", "give money to my ministry." So many of those massive mega ministries are nothing more than self glorifying money makers. They are very inclusive and self serving, with ever bigger buildings and fancier displays. They may even teach sound doctrine, yet their governance and spending patterns indicate a self glorifying ministry instead of a Holy Spirit-based universal ministry. Eventually you'll even see golden statues in their "name brand" Christian television programs or products. And then you know that they've gone full apostate, and erected a golden calf to replace the glorious, risen, blessed Jesus Christ our one and only savior.

Lord may we never fall into that trap, may we serve without reserve ALL your people, not just our friends. May we serve ALL your children, not just the ones who donate to our ministry. May we use the tithes we receive to YOUR GLORY, not the glory of our own name, or our prominence or notoriety as a "leader." May we glorify the Lord Jesus Christ in our actions, and may our ministries be a testament to the perfect morality, truth, and justice of the Lord God of Heaven and Earth, the blessed Heavenly Father.

God is so good to us. Let us be good to him in response, and bring glory to his wonderful name :) He gives so many gifts. He gives manifold blessings, a multipronged whirlwind of hope, peace and transformation to us, his chosen people.

God gives so many gifts to the regenerate believer. First Jesus Christ saves me from the just penalty for my many sins. Not only that, I'm given adoption into the family of God. I get to call the architect of the universe "Dad." Imagine it! Not only that, but I receive the gift of the Holy Spirit who changes me over time, and acts as a power in this world who leads me along the path of the will of God. He gives me happiness, joy, victory over sin. He gives protection, care, and affection from on high. That's pretty amazing. Did I mention honor and glory in heaven? And unspeakable riches in heaven? Not to mention, eternal life. Eternal connection to God and other believers. Gifts so wondrous the scriptures say: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Cor 2:9). So many wonderful gifts. How good is our God? He is mighty, and great, and wondrous, and powerful. He truly is the architect of the human soul and the lover of us, His children. So we also love him.

God seems to answer me, when I put together in writing my fears of failure, and my fears of not being strong enough for the road ahead. I say "I can't do it Lord." And God replies, "Not by your strength Justin, but by my Spirit." My Heavenly Dad confirms the call in my heart, and assures me in peace, that he will provide the power, the strength, and the Spirit for mountain the future. Mountains, be moved! And so I praise the Lord my heavenly Dad, for he is mighty and great, my strength and my shield!

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, architect of heaven and Earth. May we all sing out, Holy and full of grace and truth is our most perfect savior Jesus Christ. May all the heavenly beings sing out, Praise be to the blessed Lord Jesus Christ our savior forever and ever, amen. Praise be to God the Father, the blessed Father of all heaven and earth. We will praise you Lord, you are most worthy of praise, you are our redoubt, our strength in the shadow of this life, you are the one who saves us. You are mighty, perfect, holy, righteous, all glory be to you the one and only God our Father, the great I am who I am, Jehovah, Elohim, the designer of the human soul, the architect of space-time, the painter of the skies, and the first cause of the universe itself. Praise be to you once more, you are my God, in whom I will trust always, Amen.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Love Others: The Second Great Command

LOVE OTHERS: THE SECOND GREAT COMMAND

Justin Steckbauer

Religious Capstone Seminar 489

Liberty University

Second Command in the Gospels

John 13:34 (ESV) says “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” Christianity in it's essence is all about relationship between God and man. This relationship is cultivated through love exchanged between God and man. God is love. Man is not. Man therefore is urged in the first great command to “love the Lord your God with all your heart.” However, the command does not end with love exchange between God and man. A second great command is issued by Jesus Christ in the gospels: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself?

John 15:13 (ESV) says “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Love is service and sacrifice. Love is action (John 3:16). Implicit in a relationship with God is love, and implicit in relationship with other humans is love and sacrifice for friends. But it doesn't stop there.

The expert in the law in Luke 10 asked Jesus “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus answered by telling the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37 ESV). The expert in the law remarked that the good Samaritan showed mercy to the traveler (Luke 10:37). Jesus told him to go and do like-wise (Luke 10:37). Love is service, sacrifice, and showing mercy. But it doesn't stop there.

Matthew 5:44 (ESV) says “But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” The second great command is all about loving other human beings. Does that include enemies? According the scriptures, enemies must be loved and prayed for.

The second great command is present in all four gospels: John 13:34, Matthew 22:39, Mark 12:31, and Luke 10:27. Love is vital to God. The gospels are the love story of God. God's love letters describe his love. God is love. God calls his children to love him and be reconciled to him. Yet God also calls his children to love one another. Neighbor love is vital to the Christian life.

Jesus himself taught and practiced the perfect form of love for neighbor. Jesus loved and showed mercy to the woman at the well when he offered her living water (John 4). Jesus showed love for the Roman official and his son by healing the child of his fever (John 4). Jesus loved his people by feeding them, when he fed the 5,000 (John 6). Jesus loved the woman who was caught committing adultery by forgiving her sin and setting her free from the temple authorities (John 8). Jesus showed his great love for Mary, Martha, and Lazarus at the events described in John 11. Jesus certainly felt great love for his people. But he also showed his love in actions. He showed his love by caring for the lost. He showed his love by feeding people. He showed love by healing the sick. He showed his love by giving mercy, and giving life.

Significance

1 John 4:8 says “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” The second great command is all about loving through action and feeling. God is love in that he sent his one and only son, who is himself God, to die for the sins of his people (John 3:16). From the Old Testament to the New Testament the vital instruction for daily living was simple: love God and love others. But are those principles inexorably linked? How is love practiced? How does one go about loving thy neighbor as thyself? Many of the greatest theologians of history have weighed in on the topic of the two great commands. Specifically love for neighbor was a hotly contested issue and many differing theological views emerged. The great theologian Augustine believed that self love and love for God were co-extensive (Post, 1990, p. 183). Augustine also believed that loving thy neighbor meant elevating neighbor to communion with God (Post, 1990, p. 183). Another theologian, Scheler believed that love for neighbor was an extension of love for God (Post, 1990, p. 187). Scheler believed that loving ones neighbor was a spiritual form of loving God (Post, 1990, p. 187). On the other hand Karl Barth believed that love for God and love for others were distinct and separate (Post, 1990, p. 182). John Passmore believed that love for neighbor was best lived out as a missional love intent on bringing neighbors into fellowship with God (Post, 1990, p. 182). T.S. Eliot, informed by the Anglican church, believed love for neighbor to be a descending to the non-religious in order to help them ascend to God (Post, 1990, p. 184). Similar to Eliot, Scheler believed there was a balance between accepting the sinner as is, and helping the sinner to become who they ought to be, all wrapped up within the idea of loving thy neighbor to help them come to God (Post, 1990, p. 186). As Rivera (2013) indicated in The Half Gospel and Reforming Mercy Ministry, the practice of loving thy neighbor through mercy ministries seems some what lacking in the church. While theologians focus in on sharing the gospel as the means of loving neighbor, it is also important to meet the physical needs of neighbors, as Jesus did. Jesus spent much of his ministry healing the sick and lame, and feeding the poor. Such ministries are vital to fulfilling the instruction to love thy neighbor as thyself.

In the Christian life it's important to live as Christ did (1 John 2:6). Christ lived by serving others, even to the point of washing the feet of his disciples (John 13:1-17). To obey the second great command one must be willing to forsake selfishness and embrace self-giving love (Bracken, 2013, p.859). For Christians self-giving love should come more naturally than selfishness (Bracken, 2013, p.862). The work of the Holy Spirit in the believer helps the believer to live out love for neighbor (Bracken, 2013). Prayer is also vital to living out the second great commandment. If a believer is powered by the Holy Spirit, and determined to live out the second great command through love and service, they will produce much fruit for God and His glory (John 16:12-15).

Practical Application

Love for ones neighbor is truly all about practice and application. There are many ways to serve ones neighbor as thyself. The possibilities are listed in the text by Ted Rivera, Reforming Mercy Ministry. There are many options listed such as feeding the hungry, helping the homeless, prison ministry, and caring for spiritual needs (Rivera, 2013). Love for neighbor is very important to the Christian life (Rivera, 2013). Indeed scripture indicates that if someone does not love his neighbor this can be evidence that they are not really a Christian (1 John 3:15). The Christian is instructed to love even their enemies and pray for those who persecute them (Matthew 5:44). Jesus spent his three year ministry serving the poor and showing mercy to those who needed mercy. In order to live as Christ did, Christians must be willing to get down and dirty with those in the most severe need, both by showing affection through the gospel message and by meeting needs.

There are two primary applications of loving thy neighbor: the first is to show mercy to all people and share the gospel, and the second is to meet the needs of those in need. Such daunting applications are difficult, and are only possible by the Holy Spirit ministering through believers. The only reason that believers are capable of showing love and kindness is because God first loved all believers (1 John 4:19). The Holy Spirit will help believers in the process of learning to love and care for those in need. As long as believers are willing to forsake selfishness and take up their crosses and follow Jesus to love and service, then wherever there are people in need, Christ will be there to serve them (Matthew 16:24, 1 Corinthians 12:21-26).

Bibliography

Bracken, Joseph A., S.J. "The Challenge of Self-Giving Love." Theological Studies 74, no. 4 (12, 2013): 856-71, http://search.proquest.com/docview/1461737361?accountid=12085.

Post, Stephen. "The Purpose of Neighbor-Love." The Journal of Religious Ethics 18, no. 1 (1990): 181-93.

Rivera, Ted. Reforming Mercy Ministry: A Practical Guide to Loving Your Neighbor. IVP Books, 2014.

Sproul, R. C. The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version, Containing the Old and New Testaments. Orlando, Fla.: Ligonier Ministries ;, 2005.

Wright, Rebecca Abts. "The Impossible Commandment." Anglican Theological Review 83, no. 3 (Summer, 2001): 579-84, http://search.proquest.com/docview/215265612?accountid=12085.

Friday, February 27, 2015

We are Blessed Beyond Measure in Grace, Peace, and Gratitude

We have a lot to be grateful for as believers, don't you think? The truth is we are truly blessed. We've been selected by the designer of the human soul to spend eternity with him. How marvelous is such a calling as this? What greater purpose could there be?

Science, industry, fame, fortune, even art, music, and philosophy all pale in comparison to the humility of being in the presence of the designer of the rivers, the mountains, the animals, and the human soul.

He is the grand architect. Who can understand such a transcendent being? We see God as our Father, yet he is certainly much more than that. We see God as the architect of the universe, but he is much more than that too. We see him as our savior, yet he is much more than that. We see him as a being of immense power, but he is also much more complicated than that. He is love, yet he is justice. He is strength, yet he is tender care. He is designer, yet he is intimate friend and companion. He is God, yet he is also a man. He is Spirit, yet he walked also as flesh. He is the grand master of science, the inspiration behind art, music, sculptures, and speeches. He dialed the constants of the universe as he designed his universe. He set the Earth in nothingness, and painted the galaxies with stars and gas giants and nebula.

Yet he also crafted the ears on the cat, and the jaw of the dog. He ran his hands along the contours of the horse and the immense dimensions of the whales of the ocean.

Despite his infinite power, and ability and knowledge, he chose of all those about, to love me. And I have begun to learn how to love him. He loves you also. He loves you with a special love, a love designed live a puzzle piece that fits into your soul. He designed humans to love and be with him. You and I are designed in his image.

I can't understand it. I really truly can't. I bump my head on the sealing. It's very real. So real. God reveals a plan and a requirement through the books of the Bible. The haunting thing about the Bible is it reveals something has gone terribly wrong. From the world it becomes clear. Thankfully the solution is offered, a substitute, a savior, God himself, Jesus Christ.

Blessed with grace, as children of God, we've found ourselves returned to our natural state: communion and fellowship with God and other believers.

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Did you find a Bible?

One of the craziest things about the Bible, "the book" is that every time I start reading it, and really focus on one verse at a time, it's like something very special starts happening. They aren't like any other words I've ever read. There's power in them. There is a unique presence in the word of God. That's why I hand out Bibles, and that's why I leave Bibles at laundromats, diners, and coffee shops. Everyone ought to read the Bible. The words are powerful. They jump right off the page.

John 16:33 ESV

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Did you find a Bible? Stick around. I'm not anyone special, I'm just a young guy who believes that God is real. That God actually exists. But when you think about it, how else did the universe get here? How else could human kind, the plants, the animals all be so complicated, yet harmonious?

Before I began following Jesus, it was like I kept running into dead ends in my life. Dozens and dozens of them. I worked jobs that I didn't really like. I felt like I wasn't where I was suppose to be in life. I would try to force good things to happen in my life, even when I could tell they were crumbling in my hands as I tried to form them. I tried to create the perfect relationships. I tried to drink to have fun. I tried to apply for jobs that maybe I might enjoy doing. Yet it always seemed like something was missing in my life. Do you know what I mean?

It always seemed like there was a blank spot in the middle of my chest. What was wrong with me? I tried to speed up my life as much as possible, so I wouldn't have to really stop and think about what life was all about. Yet deep down I wanted peace. I wanted peace of mind. I wanted that spot in my soul to be filled.

In fact I did try to fill that spot, I tried to fill it with friendship, with family, with alcohol, even drugs, and sexual acting out. But I would always wake up the next morning feeling empty as ever.

What is a person like me to do? Jobs, driving here and there, living in central Wisconsin, just sort of wondering. I went to college, got an education, yet it was all so empty. At times I felt a sort of spiritual connectedness. But I honestly didn't really know what I needed. I pursued what society told me to pursue, fun, success, fame, girls, and on and on and on. But it never led me anywhere good.

The missing piece in my life, the engine that was missing, was Jesus Christ. Now I was raised Catholic, but I thought it was just a bunch of made up fairy tales. I didn't think it was actually real. In fact I'm still surprised that this Christian stuff in actually, truly, real. But it is. God is real. He's revealed himself in the books of the Bible. Now you have to understand, I'm one of those people who would be the last to say something like that. I did not want some God telling me what to do. And I was a well read person, Thoreau, Orwell, Huxley, Tolkien, Lewis. But none of that helped me. None of that really transcended life. I thought of other religions, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, but there seemed to be no presence in those religions. They were all maps to how to live a more moral life.

But Jesus Christ and the message of the Bible is not simply a better way to try to be a good person. Jesus Christ did not simply claim to teach the truth, he said "I am the truth." Jesus did not simply point to the way, he said, "I am the way." Jesus did not say 'do these things and you'll live" Jesus said, "I am the life."

When we believe in our hearts, and really make a choice to trust that Jesus Christ is exactly who he said he was, the Son of God, then we receive eternal life through him. All our mistakes and failings and setbacks are forgotten. We are reconciled to God. That empty hole in our chests is filled with the love of God. The Holy Spirit given by God leads us in a new way of life. I used to be a drug addict, and an alcoholic, with nothing, and Jesus Christ gave me new motivations and hungers, to seek recovery and to have it.

So if you found a Bible, I encourage you to study it diligently. Begin to experience a spiritual awakening in your life. Begin taking steps toward Jesus Christ. Begin to pray daily, and study the word. Find a good Bible teaching church in your area. If you've got addiction or alcoholism problems, seek out fellowships like alcoholics anonymous and narcotics anonymous. God works through many organizations and people. Will you let him begin to work in your life? It's your choice. But believe me, this is the easier, softer way.

Trust in Jesus.