Dear E-Flash Friends;
This is what I’ve learned, so far, this week:
1) In the Chinese Christian church there is a traditional belief that, at least one of the three Magi who visited baby Jesus, was Chinese, an astrologer who lived during the Han Dynasty named Liu Shang.
2) The more people say “Happy Holidays”, the more I want to say “Merry Christmas”. I’m finding that I, sort of, feel a tiny little bit of sadness when people don’t say “Merry Christmas”.
3) Most problems that lead people to counselors involve issues of love and, therefore, love will be central to the cure.
4) A theological position, regarding end times, known as amillennialism has been the most commonly held view throughout church history. Previously, I had been led to believe that it was not a very commonly held view. (Fascinating, huh?)
Well, I’ve learned a few other things, too, but I sense attention spans beginning to wane.
It has been a hectic week for me, and as I’ve talked to others, I sense that’s true for many of you, as well. But I wanted to send a quick message to remind all of us about something very important.
Love God and love others.
I realize you already know that and you’ve heard it before, but I thought a reminder might be helpful. In the busyness of the next week and half or so, let’s try not to forget what’s most important. Let’s try not to let the truth and the beauty and the reality of love get lost in the shuffle. Love God and love others.
Say “I love you” often—and really mean it. And, by the way, if those words feel a little uncomfortable or if people get suspicious when you say them, that’s alright—there are worse things that could happen.
I, also, want to remind you that we will have Christmas services on Sunday morning, Dec. 23rd at 9 and 11 am. The message topic will be: Several Responses To Baby Jesus. How did Herod respond to the news of Jesus? How did the Wise Men respond to Jesus? How did the shepherds respond to Jesus? We’ll ponder these questions and think about our own response.
A great service is planned and our kids will be singing in the services, too, so that’s always fun.
We will have a completely different service on Christmas Eve at 9 o’clock in the evening. The message for that service will be: “Christmas, God Gets Personal”. Yes, I’m biased, but, we have a terrific service planned for that night, too. Really. It will be worth it.
I’m hoping you can make it to both services. And I’m hoping that you might be able to think of someone you can invite. This is a great season and it’s a great time to share the most important story of all time.
So, Happy Holida…wait a minute, Merry Christmas! And I love you.
Dan Marler
*NOTE: If you would like to receive the E-Flash from Dan delivered directly to your e-mail address, send an e-mail message to cog111st@aol.com and write: "I'd like to receive the e-flash from Dan".
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The Dream Job
The following piece appeared in the SouthtownStar on Nov. 24, 2007, in response to the question: What would your dream job be?
-------------------
A dream job would involve loving people and caring about their well-being. It would be a job in which I would talk and teach and counsel and write about matters of utmost importance with others. And even though it involved issues of deep eternal significance, this great job would, nevertheless, include times of laughter and joy with others because there’s no way it could be a perfect job without a little laughter once in a while.
This ideal job would result in a career in which I could look back after many years and see that people had been helped and encouraged and had come into contact with transcendence and discovered God’s grace.
A dream job would provide the profound sense of joy and satisfaction that results from fulfilling the calling and purpose for which I was created.
A job like this would be an extraordinary . . .
Hey, wait. I’ve just been describing the job I already have. I guess I need to gripe a lot less and pay more attention to my many blessings.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
-------------------
A dream job would involve loving people and caring about their well-being. It would be a job in which I would talk and teach and counsel and write about matters of utmost importance with others. And even though it involved issues of deep eternal significance, this great job would, nevertheless, include times of laughter and joy with others because there’s no way it could be a perfect job without a little laughter once in a while.
This ideal job would result in a career in which I could look back after many years and see that people had been helped and encouraged and had come into contact with transcendence and discovered God’s grace.
A dream job would provide the profound sense of joy and satisfaction that results from fulfilling the calling and purpose for which I was created.
A job like this would be an extraordinary . . .
Hey, wait. I’ve just been describing the job I already have. I guess I need to gripe a lot less and pay more attention to my many blessings.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Thanksgiving 2007, E-Flash From Dan
Dear E-Flash Friends;
Yesterday, I skipped lunch and had a light dinner.
Alright, the dinner was from White Castle, but it was still light. Really. I’m not kidding. It was. (The “honesty-in-writing” police are always watching these e-flashes and checking them for accuracy.)
Today, my plan is to skip lunch and—if I can really muster up some will power—skip dinner, too. Having done that, I will be ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow.
“Whooo Hoooo!!! Bring on the feast!!!”
You say, “That’s it? That’s all a guy like you has to do to be ready for Thanksgiving? Skip a few meals?!?”
Oh, that’s right, there are three other things that I need to do: Number one, thank God for His goodness and mercy to me. I enjoy a life that’s much better and nicer and richer and more comfortable and more blessed with good family and friends and good health and happiness than I deserve. So . . .
“Thank you, Lord, for your grace and goodness and love and the many blessings you give to me.”
Number two, attend the Thanksgiving Eve service tonight at church. This will be another great opportunity to express thanks. (11/21/07, 7:00 p.m.)
And, number three, I need to say thank you to the people in my life who love me and accept me and put up with me and encourage me and do life with me—people who love me for who I am and, in some cases, despite of who I am. So . . .
Thank Y O U!
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you are experiencing life’s greatest blessing, the personal presence of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Love and blessings,
Dan Marler
P.S. This Sunday we will finish up our current series with a message titled, “Don’t Worry, Pray”. What is your natural response to worry? Come Sunday and learn about a biblical response to our tendency toward fretting. Can you think of someone to invite?
P.P.S. Here’s a good verse that just keeps coming to mind, so, I’m guessing God wants me to include it: “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord . . . ” Phil. 3:8
NOTE: If you would like to have the E-Flash From Dan automatically sent to your e-mail send a message to: cog111st@aol.com and write: "I would like to receive the E-Flash From Dan."
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Yesterday, I skipped lunch and had a light dinner.
Alright, the dinner was from White Castle, but it was still light. Really. I’m not kidding. It was. (The “honesty-in-writing” police are always watching these e-flashes and checking them for accuracy.)
Today, my plan is to skip lunch and—if I can really muster up some will power—skip dinner, too. Having done that, I will be ready for Thanksgiving tomorrow.
“Whooo Hoooo!!! Bring on the feast!!!”
You say, “That’s it? That’s all a guy like you has to do to be ready for Thanksgiving? Skip a few meals?!?”
Oh, that’s right, there are three other things that I need to do: Number one, thank God for His goodness and mercy to me. I enjoy a life that’s much better and nicer and richer and more comfortable and more blessed with good family and friends and good health and happiness than I deserve. So . . .
“Thank you, Lord, for your grace and goodness and love and the many blessings you give to me.”
Number two, attend the Thanksgiving Eve service tonight at church. This will be another great opportunity to express thanks. (11/21/07, 7:00 p.m.)
And, number three, I need to say thank you to the people in my life who love me and accept me and put up with me and encourage me and do life with me—people who love me for who I am and, in some cases, despite of who I am. So . . .
Thank Y O U!
Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you are experiencing life’s greatest blessing, the personal presence of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Love and blessings,
Dan Marler
P.S. This Sunday we will finish up our current series with a message titled, “Don’t Worry, Pray”. What is your natural response to worry? Come Sunday and learn about a biblical response to our tendency toward fretting. Can you think of someone to invite?
P.P.S. Here’s a good verse that just keeps coming to mind, so, I’m guessing God wants me to include it: “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord . . . ” Phil. 3:8
NOTE: If you would like to have the E-Flash From Dan automatically sent to your e-mail send a message to: cog111st@aol.com and write: "I would like to receive the E-Flash From Dan."
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Being Thankful Is Good For Others and It's Good For Us
The following article appeared as an Op-Ed piece in the Southtown Star Newspaper on Sunday, November 18, 2007 . . .
Psychological researcher Michael E. McCullough has done numerous studies on the effects of gratitude. In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, McCullough and Robert Emmons write, “Results suggest that a conscious focus on blessings may have emotional and interpersonal benefits.”
That’s a fancy way of saying: it’s good to be thankful. Many other studies on thankfulness and gratitude have come to similar conclusions.
In fact, there are studies which suggest that being grateful improves learning, increases happiness, improves negotiation skills, increases the length of life, decreases headaches and can even help with allergy attacks. I know, it probably sounds like I’m overstating the positive effects of gratitude, but these are actual research findings. It seems that being thankful is really good for us. And it’s good for others, too.
When we express a word of thanks to others it inspires and encourages. Many of us have been on the receiving end of a sincere expression of thanks and found that it made our whole day—heck, it might have even made our week. Genuine words of thanks can help to build and strengthen relationships. Try telling your spouse something that you really appreciate about him/her. Really. Try it. See what happens. I predict that it will be good—after the initial response of “What do you want from me?”
When we take a moment to think of the ways that we have been blessed, we see ourselves as connected. We realize that we are not self-made but, rather, that we are a part of a larger whole, a community. Thankfulness helps us to see ourselves in a more connected and, therefore, more honest, healthy and complete way.
Thankfulness also helps us to see life as good and positive for the obvious reason that it focuses on what is right and helpful and good and hopeful. This is not just a form of “positive thinking”, because true gratitude calls for us to do something. It calls for us to communicate our gratitude by writing it down or saying it out loud to someone.
I think, sometimes, it’s easier to focus on negative things. It’s easier to complain and find fault. Griping seems to come way too easily to me. But most of us, if we will be honest with ourselves, have many things to be thankful for. Even those of us who truly have difficulties and troubles and problems probably have some blessings in our lives. So, why not try being thankful?
Tell a few folks how thankful you are to have them in your life.
Take out a notebook and write down some of the blessings in your life.
It won’t really cost you anything to express gratitude in these ways. And there could be a terrific up-side.
I hope true gratefulness is part of your Thanksgiving.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Psychological researcher Michael E. McCullough has done numerous studies on the effects of gratitude. In a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, McCullough and Robert Emmons write, “Results suggest that a conscious focus on blessings may have emotional and interpersonal benefits.”
That’s a fancy way of saying: it’s good to be thankful. Many other studies on thankfulness and gratitude have come to similar conclusions.
In fact, there are studies which suggest that being grateful improves learning, increases happiness, improves negotiation skills, increases the length of life, decreases headaches and can even help with allergy attacks. I know, it probably sounds like I’m overstating the positive effects of gratitude, but these are actual research findings. It seems that being thankful is really good for us. And it’s good for others, too.
When we express a word of thanks to others it inspires and encourages. Many of us have been on the receiving end of a sincere expression of thanks and found that it made our whole day—heck, it might have even made our week. Genuine words of thanks can help to build and strengthen relationships. Try telling your spouse something that you really appreciate about him/her. Really. Try it. See what happens. I predict that it will be good—after the initial response of “What do you want from me?”
When we take a moment to think of the ways that we have been blessed, we see ourselves as connected. We realize that we are not self-made but, rather, that we are a part of a larger whole, a community. Thankfulness helps us to see ourselves in a more connected and, therefore, more honest, healthy and complete way.
Thankfulness also helps us to see life as good and positive for the obvious reason that it focuses on what is right and helpful and good and hopeful. This is not just a form of “positive thinking”, because true gratitude calls for us to do something. It calls for us to communicate our gratitude by writing it down or saying it out loud to someone.
I think, sometimes, it’s easier to focus on negative things. It’s easier to complain and find fault. Griping seems to come way too easily to me. But most of us, if we will be honest with ourselves, have many things to be thankful for. Even those of us who truly have difficulties and troubles and problems probably have some blessings in our lives. So, why not try being thankful?
Tell a few folks how thankful you are to have them in your life.
Take out a notebook and write down some of the blessings in your life.
It won’t really cost you anything to express gratitude in these ways. And there could be a terrific up-side.
I hope true gratefulness is part of your Thanksgiving.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
What Do People Think About Christians?
Recent research by the Barna Group reveals that Christians have a negative reputation, particularly among young Americans. One of the findings is that “Christians are primarily perceived for what they stand against.” (unChristian, Kinnaman & Lyons) Apparently, Christians are better known as anti-choice, anti-gay, anti-science, anti-media, than as pro-Jesus, pro-love, pro-mercy, pro-joy.
When I first read these research results, it bothered me, although, as I reflected on this finding it didn’t surprise me. Christians believe that moral absolutes exist and those absolutes will draw lines of right and wrong on issues. The boundaries of morality are pretty likely to be perceived as “anti”, especially by those who don’t agree that the boundaries exist or, perhaps, those who would like to move the boundaries out a little further.
By the way, I’m not suggested that only Christians understand and live with moral boundaries, I’m simply pointing out that the moral boundaries of Christians as applied to some of the cultural issues of the day certainly contribute to the perception that Christians are mostly known for what we’re against.
Thinking of the negative perceptions, I also realized that sometimes those who are presented as the spokespersons for Christians, in the media, appear more judgmental, insensitive, or even mean-spirited than loving or merciful. Perhaps these spokespersons should carry a little reminder card that says “What-Would-Jesus-Do on a CNN interview?”
I certainly do not presume to be the spokesperson for Christianity—and no one would give me the job if they were hiring—however, as a sincerely devoted, though imperfect, long-time follower of Jesus, I’d like to mention a message that Christians are for, rather than what we’re against.
Christians are for the proclamation and the practical demonstration of this message of God to people: I am. And I love you and I want to restore you to me and to meaningful relationships with each other through the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.
I know this message will not necessarily be accepted and embraced in a positive way by everyone who encounters it, but at least, it is a message Christians are for, rather than against.
I have, on occasion, been a poor bearer of that message and, so, to those who perceive Christianity and Christians as “anti”, I apologize for my contribution to that image. With God’s help, I will try to be a more gracious representative of my understanding of the good news of God.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
www.VisitUsOnline.org
When I first read these research results, it bothered me, although, as I reflected on this finding it didn’t surprise me. Christians believe that moral absolutes exist and those absolutes will draw lines of right and wrong on issues. The boundaries of morality are pretty likely to be perceived as “anti”, especially by those who don’t agree that the boundaries exist or, perhaps, those who would like to move the boundaries out a little further.
By the way, I’m not suggested that only Christians understand and live with moral boundaries, I’m simply pointing out that the moral boundaries of Christians as applied to some of the cultural issues of the day certainly contribute to the perception that Christians are mostly known for what we’re against.
Thinking of the negative perceptions, I also realized that sometimes those who are presented as the spokespersons for Christians, in the media, appear more judgmental, insensitive, or even mean-spirited than loving or merciful. Perhaps these spokespersons should carry a little reminder card that says “What-Would-Jesus-Do on a CNN interview?”
I certainly do not presume to be the spokesperson for Christianity—and no one would give me the job if they were hiring—however, as a sincerely devoted, though imperfect, long-time follower of Jesus, I’d like to mention a message that Christians are for, rather than what we’re against.
Christians are for the proclamation and the practical demonstration of this message of God to people: I am. And I love you and I want to restore you to me and to meaningful relationships with each other through the grace and truth of Jesus Christ.
I know this message will not necessarily be accepted and embraced in a positive way by everyone who encounters it, but at least, it is a message Christians are for, rather than against.
I have, on occasion, been a poor bearer of that message and, so, to those who perceive Christianity and Christians as “anti”, I apologize for my contribution to that image. With God’s help, I will try to be a more gracious representative of my understanding of the good news of God.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Friday, November 9, 2007
Pastor's Report for 2007
This is the Pastor's Report for the First Church of God, Oak Lawn, for 2008 . . .
Christian churches exist because a real historical person, Jesus of Nazareth, actually lived and was crucified and literally, bodily rose again from the dead. Christians believe that this man, Jesus, was God, incarnate. Incarnation is “the act of God the Son whereby he took to himself a human nature” [Bible Doctrine, Grudem]. In other words, Jesus was God in human flesh. God became a man.
This truth about Jesus is not a myth or a fairy tale, it is the central fact of human history. It is the most critical, most fundamental, and most important of all historic truths. Jesus died and rose again.
So, Christianity is fundamentally, about Jesus. He is the point. He is the point of everything we do as a church. He is the reason you and I exist. He is the uncaused cause of all that there is. “Without him nothing matters and nothing matters without him.” [I know I’ve heard that sentence I just wrote somewhere in the past, but I don’t know where, so I can’t properly attribute it.]
I received a note this past year from someone who said that our church helped her “get her Jesus on.” You won’t find the phrase—she got “her Jesus on”—in a theology book, anywhere, but that’s actually not a completely inaccurate way of talking about our church’s mission. We exist to help people “get their Jesus on” in the sense of accepting Christ as Savior and Lord and then growing in Christ.
We have a particular emphasis that God has laid upon us to be a church where irreligious people, haven’t-been-to-church-lately people, not-walking-real-closely-God-these-days people can come and investigate, think, seek, discover, and, hopefully, make a connection with God. Sometimes churches can feel a little intimidating, or a little formal, or a little too prim and proper for people who haven’t been around church much. We believe God has called us to be a church for those folks; the ones who haven’t been around church much, lately.
It’s sort of like this:
“What’s that, you say? You haven’t been to church in years? You’re not sure about all this religion stuff? Cool, this Sunday, drop in at 4600 W. 111th Street in Oak Lawn. The pastor’s a little silly sometimes but you might just discover that God is really great! Your problem has been with religion, not with God. Check this church out.”
God has also raised up another emphasis for our church in regard to our mission. He has called us to be a church for people who are hurting. In particular, God is using our church to reach out to those who have been hurt by addictions, relational troubles, and substance abuse, as well as those who have been hurt in past experiences with church and religion.
Why does God trust us with these hurting people? I don’t know. Sometimes, I think he’s primarily asking us to point people to Jesus and to His word and try not to get in the way, too much.
One of the ways that we know whether God is at work in our church, or not, is by life change. The basic thought is this: If Jesus is who we say he is [God incarnate] then a genuine encounter with the living Jesus Christ will result in life change. A sinful, fallible, lost creature will not stay the same after a true, repentant encounter with his/her Holy, Righteous, Almighty Creator.
I have received dozens of written notes and e-mails this year from people who informed me that God worked through the ministry of this church to change their lives. Receiving these notes is one of the experiences that I have, in any given year, that thrills and encourages me the most. I love to receive reports of lives changing. People have expressed to me that things are different, not perfect, but better. They’ve told me that changes have occurred in their lives, in some cases dramatic changes, in other cases not as dramatic. Some of the changes were instantaneous, others were slow. But because of Jesus, it’s not the same.
This is what motivates me and excites me and helps inspire me to keep on going: God is using the ministry of this church—imperfect as it is—to change lives.
That’s all I want to tell you this year: Jesus is changing lives, He’s working through our church. That’s the main thing that needs to happen here—it may not be the only thing, but it’s the main thing. I hope that’s as exciting for you to know as it is for me.
It is my honor to serve God, together, with you.
Love and blessings,
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
http://www.visitusonline.org/
Christian churches exist because a real historical person, Jesus of Nazareth, actually lived and was crucified and literally, bodily rose again from the dead. Christians believe that this man, Jesus, was God, incarnate. Incarnation is “the act of God the Son whereby he took to himself a human nature” [Bible Doctrine, Grudem]. In other words, Jesus was God in human flesh. God became a man.
This truth about Jesus is not a myth or a fairy tale, it is the central fact of human history. It is the most critical, most fundamental, and most important of all historic truths. Jesus died and rose again.
So, Christianity is fundamentally, about Jesus. He is the point. He is the point of everything we do as a church. He is the reason you and I exist. He is the uncaused cause of all that there is. “Without him nothing matters and nothing matters without him.” [I know I’ve heard that sentence I just wrote somewhere in the past, but I don’t know where, so I can’t properly attribute it.]
I received a note this past year from someone who said that our church helped her “get her Jesus on.” You won’t find the phrase—she got “her Jesus on”—in a theology book, anywhere, but that’s actually not a completely inaccurate way of talking about our church’s mission. We exist to help people “get their Jesus on” in the sense of accepting Christ as Savior and Lord and then growing in Christ.
We have a particular emphasis that God has laid upon us to be a church where irreligious people, haven’t-been-to-church-lately people, not-walking-real-closely-God-these-days people can come and investigate, think, seek, discover, and, hopefully, make a connection with God. Sometimes churches can feel a little intimidating, or a little formal, or a little too prim and proper for people who haven’t been around church much. We believe God has called us to be a church for those folks; the ones who haven’t been around church much, lately.
It’s sort of like this:
“What’s that, you say? You haven’t been to church in years? You’re not sure about all this religion stuff? Cool, this Sunday, drop in at 4600 W. 111th Street in Oak Lawn. The pastor’s a little silly sometimes but you might just discover that God is really great! Your problem has been with religion, not with God. Check this church out.”
God has also raised up another emphasis for our church in regard to our mission. He has called us to be a church for people who are hurting. In particular, God is using our church to reach out to those who have been hurt by addictions, relational troubles, and substance abuse, as well as those who have been hurt in past experiences with church and religion.
Why does God trust us with these hurting people? I don’t know. Sometimes, I think he’s primarily asking us to point people to Jesus and to His word and try not to get in the way, too much.
One of the ways that we know whether God is at work in our church, or not, is by life change. The basic thought is this: If Jesus is who we say he is [God incarnate] then a genuine encounter with the living Jesus Christ will result in life change. A sinful, fallible, lost creature will not stay the same after a true, repentant encounter with his/her Holy, Righteous, Almighty Creator.
I have received dozens of written notes and e-mails this year from people who informed me that God worked through the ministry of this church to change their lives. Receiving these notes is one of the experiences that I have, in any given year, that thrills and encourages me the most. I love to receive reports of lives changing. People have expressed to me that things are different, not perfect, but better. They’ve told me that changes have occurred in their lives, in some cases dramatic changes, in other cases not as dramatic. Some of the changes were instantaneous, others were slow. But because of Jesus, it’s not the same.
This is what motivates me and excites me and helps inspire me to keep on going: God is using the ministry of this church—imperfect as it is—to change lives.
That’s all I want to tell you this year: Jesus is changing lives, He’s working through our church. That’s the main thing that needs to happen here—it may not be the only thing, but it’s the main thing. I hope that’s as exciting for you to know as it is for me.
It is my honor to serve God, together, with you.
Love and blessings,
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
http://www.visitusonline.org/
Christians Engaging The Culture, Part 5 of 5
Here’s two more points regarding this issue of Christians engaging with the culture and then, that’s it. I’m done with this topic. We’re on to the next one.
Take The High Road
As followers of Christ, when we engage the culture, we have to be the ones to take the high road. If we are engaged in some cultural issue and those who disagree with us, don’t play fair and they distort the truth and they sling mud and call us names and they use underhanded tactics; we still have to take the high road.
I read a book review yesterday about a book by a Christian scholar who was addressing some of the issues and challenges of what’s being called the new atheism. The reviewer was a Christian and he said this book by the Christian scholar was excellent and he said the author really makes some excellent points and he deals with the challenges of the new atheists very effectively.
Then, the reviewer said [I’m paraphrasing]: I just wish that the author of the book would have let these new atheists have it, a little more. This author had such great replies, but he could have been a little more triumphant and little more smug and gotten a few more verbal jabs in at the new atheists. The reviewer said, after all, that’s the literary tactics that they use.
But then the reviewer added this line: But, the author of this book had the proper Christian tone of love and humility and even respect towards those with whom he differed. I guess he had to. As a Christian, he had to take the high road.
[Note: Again, this is a paraphrase of the reviewers remarks from my memory, it’s not a direct quote.]
Our effectiveness at debating the points might actually be diminished because we take the high road instead of stooping to lower tactics, but that’s part of the standard that has been set by our King. Our King always took the high road and that’s what he calls us to do, as well.
Leave The Outcome To God
Sometimes, when we engage with the culture, as Christians, we will become very passionate about the outcome of the engagement—that’s natural because we care about the issue and because we’ve put time and effort into the issue and, therefore, we become vested in the matter and we care about the outcome.
But one of the aspects of this subject that we have to come to grips with is that we don’t control the outcome. The outcome is in God’s hands. This is part of trusting God.
We can trust Him, right?
Here’s our job: We are supposed to be obedient. We must do what God calls us to do. We have to be obedient to the best of our ability. We have to be wise and work diligently and try to be effective. There will be instances where we will need to think, and pray, and plan in very intentional ways—perhaps even in aggressive ways. But, at the end of the day, the outcomes belong to God.
And that’s good because He knows what’s best.
We can trust Him, right?
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Take The High Road
As followers of Christ, when we engage the culture, we have to be the ones to take the high road. If we are engaged in some cultural issue and those who disagree with us, don’t play fair and they distort the truth and they sling mud and call us names and they use underhanded tactics; we still have to take the high road.
I read a book review yesterday about a book by a Christian scholar who was addressing some of the issues and challenges of what’s being called the new atheism. The reviewer was a Christian and he said this book by the Christian scholar was excellent and he said the author really makes some excellent points and he deals with the challenges of the new atheists very effectively.
Then, the reviewer said [I’m paraphrasing]: I just wish that the author of the book would have let these new atheists have it, a little more. This author had such great replies, but he could have been a little more triumphant and little more smug and gotten a few more verbal jabs in at the new atheists. The reviewer said, after all, that’s the literary tactics that they use.
But then the reviewer added this line: But, the author of this book had the proper Christian tone of love and humility and even respect towards those with whom he differed. I guess he had to. As a Christian, he had to take the high road.
[Note: Again, this is a paraphrase of the reviewers remarks from my memory, it’s not a direct quote.]
Our effectiveness at debating the points might actually be diminished because we take the high road instead of stooping to lower tactics, but that’s part of the standard that has been set by our King. Our King always took the high road and that’s what he calls us to do, as well.
Leave The Outcome To God
Sometimes, when we engage with the culture, as Christians, we will become very passionate about the outcome of the engagement—that’s natural because we care about the issue and because we’ve put time and effort into the issue and, therefore, we become vested in the matter and we care about the outcome.
But one of the aspects of this subject that we have to come to grips with is that we don’t control the outcome. The outcome is in God’s hands. This is part of trusting God.
We can trust Him, right?
Here’s our job: We are supposed to be obedient. We must do what God calls us to do. We have to be obedient to the best of our ability. We have to be wise and work diligently and try to be effective. There will be instances where we will need to think, and pray, and plan in very intentional ways—perhaps even in aggressive ways. But, at the end of the day, the outcomes belong to God.
And that’s good because He knows what’s best.
We can trust Him, right?
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Christians Engaging The Culture, Part 4
Standing Firm for the Truth
Christians are called to do everything that we do, in love. And at the same time, we must stand firm for the truth. Christians have to live with the tension that can sometimes occur when—with God’s help—we strive to be completely loving and completely truthful. And trying to live both truthfully and lovingly will definitely create some tension along the way.
The Bible tells us that there are objective standards of right and wrong. Of course, we will not be perfect in our pursuit of right and wrong, ourselves, but we are called, as followers of Jesus to stand firm for what is right, nevertheless. It's okay for God's standards to be gently acknowledged, with humility, by imperfect people because it's God's standards that are being pointed to, not the people.
So, the existence of objective standards of right and wrong means that even if everyone else in the culture says, for example, that greed is good, we have to hold firm to the conviction that it’s not good.
If everyone else in the culture says, “A little bit of lying, once in a while is necessary. You have to do it to play the game.” We have to hold firm to the conviction that it’s not okay.
If everyone else in the culture says, “Hey, we’ve gotten much more progressive, it’s okay for kids in high school to be having sex as long as all the partners are consenting and as long as they take the proper precautions.” We have to hold firm to the conviction that it’s not okay.
If everyone else in the culture says, “Hey lighten up on this God stuff. You can’t make God a part of everything in your life, God is a personal and private matter, he can’t muscle his way into every part of life.” We have to hold firm to the conviction that God is God and, therefore, he does have a claim on every part of our lives.
We have to stand firm for the biblical conviction that truth exists and that there is such a thing as right and wrong. That won’t endear us to everyone (Jesus said we should expect that) but that’s part of what we’re called to do as we engage the culture.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Christians are called to do everything that we do, in love. And at the same time, we must stand firm for the truth. Christians have to live with the tension that can sometimes occur when—with God’s help—we strive to be completely loving and completely truthful. And trying to live both truthfully and lovingly will definitely create some tension along the way.
The Bible tells us that there are objective standards of right and wrong. Of course, we will not be perfect in our pursuit of right and wrong, ourselves, but we are called, as followers of Jesus to stand firm for what is right, nevertheless. It's okay for God's standards to be gently acknowledged, with humility, by imperfect people because it's God's standards that are being pointed to, not the people.
So, the existence of objective standards of right and wrong means that even if everyone else in the culture says, for example, that greed is good, we have to hold firm to the conviction that it’s not good.
If everyone else in the culture says, “A little bit of lying, once in a while is necessary. You have to do it to play the game.” We have to hold firm to the conviction that it’s not okay.
If everyone else in the culture says, “Hey, we’ve gotten much more progressive, it’s okay for kids in high school to be having sex as long as all the partners are consenting and as long as they take the proper precautions.” We have to hold firm to the conviction that it’s not okay.
If everyone else in the culture says, “Hey lighten up on this God stuff. You can’t make God a part of everything in your life, God is a personal and private matter, he can’t muscle his way into every part of life.” We have to hold firm to the conviction that God is God and, therefore, he does have a claim on every part of our lives.
We have to stand firm for the biblical conviction that truth exists and that there is such a thing as right and wrong. That won’t endear us to everyone (Jesus said we should expect that) but that’s part of what we’re called to do as we engage the culture.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Christians Engaging The Culture, Part 3
This is an on-going series having to do with the role of a Christian in the culture in which he or she lives. We are looking at some passages of scripture that speak to this subject. One of the passages that tells us something about Christians engaging the culture in which we live is Matthew 5:13-16.
Take a moment to read the passage.
Pause . . .
Have you read it? Come on, it’ll just take a minute.
Okay.
Salt and Light
The basic idea behind the metaphors of salt and light is that those who follow Christ have an important role in the world. Again, we’re not supposed to pull away from the world. We’re not supposed to build up holy walls of protection and keep “scary, worldly” people away from us. Christians are supposed to be living in the world with the victorious power of Jesus—who, after all, is the true king, the risen and victorious king—and we’re supposed to be the influence.
Those who live for Jesus are supposed to bring the influence of Jesus to the world. We’re supposed to be seasoning this world, like salt seasons food. We’re supposed to bring the light of Jesus to this world and dispel darkness.
I suspect the previous statement—about bringing the influence of Jesus to the world—might be interpreted by some folks to mean that we’re supposed to shove our ideas and beliefs and values down everybody’s throats and they’re all supposed to live the way we Christians tell them to live. I realize that sometimes Christians haven’t been very wise and effective and gentle and discerning in the way that they present the truths of Christ. I really don’t think being an influence for Jesus means forcing Christianity, or Christian concepts on people who have no interest in them and want to be left alone.
Perhaps the most important part of the seasoning of Jesus and the light of Jesus is the love and the grace and the truth and the forgiveness and the LIFE that he brings. Jesus offers life. He offers good life. He offers the best life. Jesus knows how to live.
If we are followers of his, we have to believe that he knows better than anyone else how to live. He knows what’s good. He knows what will bring the most joy and fulfillment to our lives. He knows how we can live with true meaning and dignity and achievement and purpose.
Dallas Willard says, “The correct perspective is to see following Christ not only as the necessity it is, but as the fulfillment of the highest human possibilities and as life on the highest plane.”
One of the most significant ways that Christians can be salt and life is by living the way that Jesus calls us to live. Life lived the way God intends it to be lived is attractive and compelling.
Perfect? No.
Free from troubles and problems? No.
In fact, I’ve long felt that when imperfections and troubles and problems are faced and handled with the grace and dignity and courage that is available through God’s Holy Spirit, it unmistakably demonstrates the truth of Jesus.
A life directed by God will be attractive to everyone. Okay, maybe not everyone, but to most people—or, at least, many people.
Alright, fine, I don’t know exactly how many people will find it attractive, but it will be attractive because it’s the right way to live and many/most/all/some people will sense that in their hearts.
It’s the influence of Jesus—which is good and positive, it’s the highest and the best and the brightest for each life—that we are called to bring to the world.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Take a moment to read the passage.
Pause . . .
Have you read it? Come on, it’ll just take a minute.
Okay.
Salt and Light
The basic idea behind the metaphors of salt and light is that those who follow Christ have an important role in the world. Again, we’re not supposed to pull away from the world. We’re not supposed to build up holy walls of protection and keep “scary, worldly” people away from us. Christians are supposed to be living in the world with the victorious power of Jesus—who, after all, is the true king, the risen and victorious king—and we’re supposed to be the influence.
Those who live for Jesus are supposed to bring the influence of Jesus to the world. We’re supposed to be seasoning this world, like salt seasons food. We’re supposed to bring the light of Jesus to this world and dispel darkness.
I suspect the previous statement—about bringing the influence of Jesus to the world—might be interpreted by some folks to mean that we’re supposed to shove our ideas and beliefs and values down everybody’s throats and they’re all supposed to live the way we Christians tell them to live. I realize that sometimes Christians haven’t been very wise and effective and gentle and discerning in the way that they present the truths of Christ. I really don’t think being an influence for Jesus means forcing Christianity, or Christian concepts on people who have no interest in them and want to be left alone.
Perhaps the most important part of the seasoning of Jesus and the light of Jesus is the love and the grace and the truth and the forgiveness and the LIFE that he brings. Jesus offers life. He offers good life. He offers the best life. Jesus knows how to live.
If we are followers of his, we have to believe that he knows better than anyone else how to live. He knows what’s good. He knows what will bring the most joy and fulfillment to our lives. He knows how we can live with true meaning and dignity and achievement and purpose.
Dallas Willard says, “The correct perspective is to see following Christ not only as the necessity it is, but as the fulfillment of the highest human possibilities and as life on the highest plane.”
One of the most significant ways that Christians can be salt and life is by living the way that Jesus calls us to live. Life lived the way God intends it to be lived is attractive and compelling.
Perfect? No.
Free from troubles and problems? No.
In fact, I’ve long felt that when imperfections and troubles and problems are faced and handled with the grace and dignity and courage that is available through God’s Holy Spirit, it unmistakably demonstrates the truth of Jesus.
A life directed by God will be attractive to everyone. Okay, maybe not everyone, but to most people—or, at least, many people.
Alright, fine, I don’t know exactly how many people will find it attractive, but it will be attractive because it’s the right way to live and many/most/all/some people will sense that in their hearts.
It’s the influence of Jesus—which is good and positive, it’s the highest and the best and the brightest for each life—that we are called to bring to the world.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Christians Engaging The Culture, Part 2
This is part of 2 of a continuing Blog series on the subject of Christians engaging with the culture. There are several Scripture passages that give us some challenge and insight into the matter of a Christian’s place and role in the world in which they live. One of the passages comes from the book of John 17:13-18 and it is often summarized with this phrase: Christians should be “in the world, but not of the world.” If you have a Bible handy, you might take a moment to read John chapter 17, vv. 13-18. [My scripture quotes are taken from the New Living Translation SE.]
In John chapter 17 vs. 15 Jesus, praying, says of his followers, “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world . . .” In other words disciples of Jesus, quite naturally, are in this world. We live and breath and relate and work and play and function within this world.
In chapter 17 vs. 18, Jesus continues on and says, “Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.” Again, indicating that we are in this world and that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Christians are not called to pull away from this “horrible, evil world” and huddle together in some holy place away from all the terrible people. Jesus says that he intentionally sends us into the world.
However, the distinction is that we are not of this world. “In the world, but not of the world”, is the phrase that is frequently used.
In chapter 17 vs. 14 Jesus says, “the world hates them [his followers] because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.” We are not of this world, we are of God’s kingdom.
In chapter 17 vs. 16, this thought is reiterated when Jesus says, “They do not belong to this world any more than I do.”
Again, the short simple way that this is often put is that Christians are in the world, but not of the world. Meaning, we live in this world. We function in this world. We are sent to be salt and light to the world, however, we’re not of the world in the sense that we are a part of another kingdom—God’s kingdom—that is not of this world.
Our primary allegiance is to God and to God’s Kingdom. Our orders come from God; our values come from God; our understanding of right and wrong does not come from deep within ourselves; it comes from God. We understand the purpose of our lives as subjects to the king of all creation not to the fashions, trends, values, personalities, false idols, and illusions of this world.
So, as we consider the place of Christians and the role of Christians in the culture, one of our guiding principles to keep in mind would be that we are: in the world but not of the world.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
In John chapter 17 vs. 15 Jesus, praying, says of his followers, “I’m not asking you to take them out of the world . . .” In other words disciples of Jesus, quite naturally, are in this world. We live and breath and relate and work and play and function within this world.
In chapter 17 vs. 18, Jesus continues on and says, “Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world.” Again, indicating that we are in this world and that’s the way it’s supposed to be. Christians are not called to pull away from this “horrible, evil world” and huddle together in some holy place away from all the terrible people. Jesus says that he intentionally sends us into the world.
However, the distinction is that we are not of this world. “In the world, but not of the world”, is the phrase that is frequently used.
In chapter 17 vs. 14 Jesus says, “the world hates them [his followers] because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.” We are not of this world, we are of God’s kingdom.
In chapter 17 vs. 16, this thought is reiterated when Jesus says, “They do not belong to this world any more than I do.”
Again, the short simple way that this is often put is that Christians are in the world, but not of the world. Meaning, we live in this world. We function in this world. We are sent to be salt and light to the world, however, we’re not of the world in the sense that we are a part of another kingdom—God’s kingdom—that is not of this world.
Our primary allegiance is to God and to God’s Kingdom. Our orders come from God; our values come from God; our understanding of right and wrong does not come from deep within ourselves; it comes from God. We understand the purpose of our lives as subjects to the king of all creation not to the fashions, trends, values, personalities, false idols, and illusions of this world.
So, as we consider the place of Christians and the role of Christians in the culture, one of our guiding principles to keep in mind would be that we are: in the world but not of the world.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Christians Engaging The Culture, Part 1 of How Many?
This is the first part in a series of Blog entries about Christians engaging the culture. “How many parts will this series be?” you ask. I don’t know. We’ll see. That’s the fun of it, right?
First of all, I think it might be fair for me to admit that I have some assumptions that I bring to this topic, just like we all do. In other words, when it comes to this subject of Christians engaging the culture, there are a few things that I just assume to be true. And I thought it might be helpful for me to identify a few of my assumptions up front.
1) I assume that Christians will engage with the culture in which we live. There’s a Christian concept that’s often described with the phrase: “In the world, but not of the world.” That phrase gets at this particular assumption. As Christians we are part of this world; and we should and we will engage the culture in which we live.
2) Christians will often find themselves at odds with the culture in which they live. What I mean is that the beliefs of those who follow Christ and the values of those who follow Christ will often be at odds with the culture in which we live and that doesn’t just apply to American culture in the year 2007, that applies to any culture, at any time. We live in a fallen world and the kingdom of Jesus Christ shines a light on the fallen world and there will always be powers in any given culture who will not appreciate having the light shone.
Jesus said that there will always be people who are aligned with the fallen world who will hate him and, therefore, they will hate those who follow Him. In John chapter 15 vs. 18 & 19, pg. 824, Jesus says, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”
3) My third assumption is this: We are seeing an increasing trend away from the values of Christianity in American culture over the past 40 or 50 years.
When I say movement away from the values of Christianity, I mean, for example issues like: a) the value of life; b) attitudes about sexuality and sexual behavior; c) beliefs and attitudes and resulting behaviors related to the question of the existence of truth; d) beliefs and attitudes and resulting behaviors related to the existence of moral values.
Those three assumptions listed above are not the only ones that I bring to this discussion, but I thought those were three that might be helpful to identify up front. You may not share those assumptions, but I thought it would make it a more honest communication on my side if you knew a few of the assumptions that I start with.
In the next parts, we’ll look at several passages of scripture that speak to the issue of the Christian’s role and place in the world—or we might say the Christian’s influence and relationship with the world.
By the way, I’m very open to your thoughts and comments, even if you strongly disagree with what I write. I’d be curious to read your opinions.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
First of all, I think it might be fair for me to admit that I have some assumptions that I bring to this topic, just like we all do. In other words, when it comes to this subject of Christians engaging the culture, there are a few things that I just assume to be true. And I thought it might be helpful for me to identify a few of my assumptions up front.
1) I assume that Christians will engage with the culture in which we live. There’s a Christian concept that’s often described with the phrase: “In the world, but not of the world.” That phrase gets at this particular assumption. As Christians we are part of this world; and we should and we will engage the culture in which we live.
2) Christians will often find themselves at odds with the culture in which they live. What I mean is that the beliefs of those who follow Christ and the values of those who follow Christ will often be at odds with the culture in which we live and that doesn’t just apply to American culture in the year 2007, that applies to any culture, at any time. We live in a fallen world and the kingdom of Jesus Christ shines a light on the fallen world and there will always be powers in any given culture who will not appreciate having the light shone.
Jesus said that there will always be people who are aligned with the fallen world who will hate him and, therefore, they will hate those who follow Him. In John chapter 15 vs. 18 & 19, pg. 824, Jesus says, “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.”
3) My third assumption is this: We are seeing an increasing trend away from the values of Christianity in American culture over the past 40 or 50 years.
When I say movement away from the values of Christianity, I mean, for example issues like: a) the value of life; b) attitudes about sexuality and sexual behavior; c) beliefs and attitudes and resulting behaviors related to the question of the existence of truth; d) beliefs and attitudes and resulting behaviors related to the existence of moral values.
Those three assumptions listed above are not the only ones that I bring to this discussion, but I thought those were three that might be helpful to identify up front. You may not share those assumptions, but I thought it would make it a more honest communication on my side if you knew a few of the assumptions that I start with.
In the next parts, we’ll look at several passages of scripture that speak to the issue of the Christian’s role and place in the world—or we might say the Christian’s influence and relationship with the world.
By the way, I’m very open to your thoughts and comments, even if you strongly disagree with what I write. I’d be curious to read your opinions.
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL
www.VisitUsOnline.org
Inappropriate? Indecent? Says Who?
A jr. high boy in our church brought to his mom’s attention a book that he was reading from the school’s summer reading list. The book contains frequent use of profanity as well as some sexual references. The mom was surprised by the content and went to the school to request that the book be removed from the reading list. The school has decided not to remove the book. This has sparked some local and national media attention as well as quite a bit of discussion around our church about the matter. (There are more details, but that’s basically the short version of what has happened.)
The following piece contains some of my thoughts on the question of the book’s age appropriateness and decency, particularly given that the book is on the reading list for jr. high boys and girls.
This was published on Monday, September 17, 2007, as an op ed piece in the Daily Southtown newspaper.
By many standards, language in ‘Fat Kid’ is indecent
As I’ve read and heard arguments for and against the book, “Fat Kid Rules The World”, I’ve noticed that most people are willing to admit the obvious fact that the language in the book is coarse and foul. Even people who feel that the book should stay on the school reading list seem to agree that the language is strong. But in defense of the book we hear that moral judgments in these kinds of matters are subjective.
The argument seems to rest on a relativistic concept that could be expressed like this: “Who’s to say what’s really appropriate or indecent?”
Well, let’s consider a few objective facts:
The language in “Fat Kid”, specifically the pervasive use of the “F” word would be considered indecent and inappropriate by the Federal Communications Commission and would not be allowed over the public airwaves. That word—as well as a few others which appear in the book—would get beeped on MTV, Comedy Central, ABC, NBC, CBS, etc.
The language would be deemed indecent and inappropriate and unfit for publication in this newspaper.
The language would be considered indecent and inappropriate in a court of law. The language would be considered indecent and inappropriate by the Motion Picture Association of America as evidenced by the likely assignment of an “R” rating for a work containing frequent use of such.
The language would likely receive an “M” for “Mature” rating (recommended age 17+) from the Entertainment Software Rating Board based on their content descriptor labeled “Strong Language,” which is defined as “explicit and/or frequent use of profanity.”
Perhaps most ironically, the language would be considered indecent and inappropriate by the very school that placed the book on the reading list. Neither a teacher nor a student would be allowed to use this language in the classroom.
The judgment that this language is indecent and inappropriate, by all of these groups, is not my subjective opinion. This is objectively true.
So, on what objective basis does a taxpayer-funded public school place a book with indecent, inappropriate, offensive language on a reading list for the children to whom they are responsible for, among other things, training and development of virtue and moral responsibility?
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
www.VisitUsOnline.org
The following piece contains some of my thoughts on the question of the book’s age appropriateness and decency, particularly given that the book is on the reading list for jr. high boys and girls.
This was published on Monday, September 17, 2007, as an op ed piece in the Daily Southtown newspaper.
By many standards, language in ‘Fat Kid’ is indecent
As I’ve read and heard arguments for and against the book, “Fat Kid Rules The World”, I’ve noticed that most people are willing to admit the obvious fact that the language in the book is coarse and foul. Even people who feel that the book should stay on the school reading list seem to agree that the language is strong. But in defense of the book we hear that moral judgments in these kinds of matters are subjective.
The argument seems to rest on a relativistic concept that could be expressed like this: “Who’s to say what’s really appropriate or indecent?”
Well, let’s consider a few objective facts:
The language in “Fat Kid”, specifically the pervasive use of the “F” word would be considered indecent and inappropriate by the Federal Communications Commission and would not be allowed over the public airwaves. That word—as well as a few others which appear in the book—would get beeped on MTV, Comedy Central, ABC, NBC, CBS, etc.
The language would be deemed indecent and inappropriate and unfit for publication in this newspaper.
The language would be considered indecent and inappropriate in a court of law. The language would be considered indecent and inappropriate by the Motion Picture Association of America as evidenced by the likely assignment of an “R” rating for a work containing frequent use of such.
The language would likely receive an “M” for “Mature” rating (recommended age 17+) from the Entertainment Software Rating Board based on their content descriptor labeled “Strong Language,” which is defined as “explicit and/or frequent use of profanity.”
Perhaps most ironically, the language would be considered indecent and inappropriate by the very school that placed the book on the reading list. Neither a teacher nor a student would be allowed to use this language in the classroom.
The judgment that this language is indecent and inappropriate, by all of these groups, is not my subjective opinion. This is objectively true.
So, on what objective basis does a taxpayer-funded public school place a book with indecent, inappropriate, offensive language on a reading list for the children to whom they are responsible for, among other things, training and development of virtue and moral responsibility?
Dan Marler
First Church of God
Oak Lawn, IL 60453
www.VisitUsOnline.org
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