Rachel helps me with some Christmas planning

 

Can a person be evil?

 

Do You Have An Incorrect View of Death?

I have noticed that many Christians have—from a biblical perspective—an incorrect view of death.

Death is, of course, sad and unpleasant. The circumstances which result in death can be terrible, tragic, senseless and evil. I am not trying to minimize the genuine grief which accompanies the death of people we know and care about.

Jesus wept at the news that his friend, Lazarus, had died.

Death is referred to in the Bible as an “enemy.” (1 Cor. 15:26)

So, I am not trying to promote the strange idea that death is insignificant or that we might consider it to be fun.

Death is significant and it is not fun. It is sorrowful. Quite frankly, I do not like death. And I’m pretty confident everyone reading this would agree.

However, when I write that many Christians have an incorrect view of death I am suggesting that far too many Christians understand death to be the worst thing that could ever happen.

This is not true.

By the way, please know I am directing this note to myself, as well. I have sometimes fallen into this incorrect type of thinking. So, I will write this for my own sake: As a follower of Jesus it is important for ME to remember that physical death is not the worst thing that could ever happen.

The biblical view is that physical death involves a transition to another realm. Existence does not end. In fact, according to the Bible, the existence of the follower of Jesus is improved and enhanced after we pass into the next realm.

The Apostle Paul addressed the issue of life and death contrasting the two options and wrote, “I’m torn between the two desires: I long to go and be with Christ [physical death] which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live.” (Phil. 1:23-24)

Did you actually process that passage from Philippians chapter 1? Paul considered the option of physical death to be “far better.” How in the world could death be far better? Is he out of his mind?!? 

No. Paul could consider it to be better because physical death involved being with Jesus in a more direct and tangible manner. That is an extraordinary view. But it also represents the correct biblical view.

To leave this physical realm is simply to be present with Jesus in the next realm. (Check out 2 Corinthians 5:8.)

Again, those of us who remain behind will be sad. We will grieve. We will miss the person who is gone. But we should not understand the person’s death to be the worst thing that could ever happen because that is not true.

You might be thinking, “Why are you even writing this, Dan? This is a morose topic. Are you trying to make everyone sad? Why does this matter?”

I’m writing this because I have recently experienced the loss of a friend and I currently have some other friends who are dealing with serious life-threatening illness so the reality of death is on my mind.

I am writing this because I see some people I care about who have a biblically incorrect view of death and it is resulting in a degree of anguish and fear which is unnecessary. I wish this were not the case.

I am writing this because I see some other people I care about who are walking with Jesus in such a way that the idea of death—though sad—is nevertheless honestly viewed with an ultimate peace, assurance and hope rather than despair! This is remarkable and it is good.

I am writing this because whether we acknowledge it or whether we try to ignore it this is an issue which personally and directly impacts 100% of us.

I am writing this because expressing my thoughts in writing can be somewhat therapeutic for me. It can help me to clarify what I really believe. It can help me sort out the jumble of feelings I am experiencing.

I am writing this because I hope it might provide some small measure of help to you.

“For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands.” 2 Corinthians 5:1, NLT

Hatred, Violence, Racial Tension, Heart Change and God's Love

Like many of you, my heart is deeply grieved at the violence which is occurring in our country. In particular I am saddened by the racial tension which is a part of the most recent national stories.

This post is likely to bother and perhaps even anger some of the people with whom I am connected on various social media platforms and I am sorry for that because it is my sincere intention to bring words of love, encouragement and comfort. However, I feel compelled to express these thoughts, nevertheless.

I honestly do not believe there is a political solution to the issues of hatred, violence and racial discord. It is not that political action is of no value or that it is completely inconsequential. I am simply suggesting that political solutions are, ultimately, inadequate because these issues originate in the heart.

This truth regarding the heart is a concept which Jesus expressed very clearly. (See Matthew 15:19)

Where there is genuine hatred; where there is a desire to inflict pain and violence on others; where there is discord or feelings of mistrust and animosity toward people who are in some way different than us there are hearts that need to change. Again, laws and political action are not without value but these responses do not, for the most part, change human hearts.

Heart-change is God’s area.

So I realize that responding with talk of God and prayer seems weak, ineffective and bothersome to some but I genuinely pray for heart change. I pray for God’s love to prevail. I pray for God’s people to be models of His love, patience, mercy, reconciliation and grace.

I have not always been the agent of God’s truth and love that I should be. I haven’t always expressed the presence of Jesus in me to the disagreeable situations of my life. Therefore, I begin by praying for His authentic and tangible work in me.

And I pray for His love in us.

God’s love is extraordinary. God’s love is profound. God’s love is perfect, complete and comprehensive. God’s love will ultimately prevail.

I pray for His love to prevail in my heart today. I pray for His love to prevail in His people today. I pray for His love to prevail in our country today.

E-Flash From Dan - June 3, 2016

Dear E-Flash Friends;

More than 600 years before Jesus was born a prophet wrote about some of the details of His life with surprising insight and accuracy. And believe it or not what this prophet wrote is very relevant to our lives today. We are going to look at the writings I’m talking about—writings by the prophet Isaiah—this Sunday, June 5^th.

We will also be having a prayer time with the elders in between the two services. If you have a need for which you would like prayer please feel free to come. The prayer time will begin around 10:15 a.m.

I hope you can join us! I know you will be blessed. Invite a friend to come along. He or she will be blessed by the good news we read in the book of Isaiah, too!

I’m looking forward to Sunday. And I’m looking forward to seeing you!

Love and blessings,

Dan Marler

First Church of God

4600 W. 111^th Street

Oak Lawn, IL

Service times: 9am and 11am

P.S. All Wednesday evening programming—for both adults and children—is now on a summer break. We will resume again on Wednesday, August 3^rd.

P.P.S – Click on the link and check out the latest edition of the Minute And A Half of God Stuff Podcast. It is quick and inspiring!

Link…    http://visitusonline.org/scmedia.php?type=mediaplayer&loc=visitusonline.org/media/media/mediaplayer.php&id=2016060210063734F7AA

Speaking The Truth of God Can Be Unpopular

Throughout history many of the people who have spoken the truth of God forcefully, faithfully and accurately have been very unpopular, for example, Isaiah, John the Baptist and, of course, even Jesus, Himself. All three were executed. That’s what happens when you get REALLY unpopular. There have been many others, of course, these are just a few.

Even in more modern times there have been people who have spoken for God and found it was an unpopular thing to do. The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., comes to mind.

The truth of God is often unpopular because it reminds people there is such a thing as “right” and “wrong” and the realization that we are doing something wrong is uncomfortable. Some people are unwilling to confront the fact they are doing something wrong so they become angry with the truth-teller as a way of denying the truth and coping with their discomfort.

In fact, the realization that we are doing something wrong can even make people feel threatened and fearful. When people feel threatened and fearful they can become quite dangerous to the truth-teller.

Because it can be very unpopular to speak the truth of God those of us who walk with God and take Him seriously will typically be tempted—somewhere along the way—not to speak the truth of God. I know this has been true for me on more than a few occasions.

I am writing this post to remind myself and challenge myself. Perhaps it will be a helpful and necessary reminder and challenge for you, too.

It is always best to be faithful to God. It is always right to be faithful to God. Even when it’s unpopular it is my desire—with His help—to faithfully speak the truth of God.

Remember: Things Once Considered Impossible Are Now Possible

It’s interesting to remember that things which were considered impossible in the not too distant past have been found to be possible, after all.

In a book I was looking through this morning I came across an anecdote regarding Robert H. Goddard who was “the driving force behind America’s early space programs.”

Apparently, Goddard was mocked many years ago in the New York Times for believing a rocket could travel through outer space. In the Times it was pointed out that Goddard did not even possess “the knowledge ladled out daily in high schools.” Not a very nice thing to write about a respected scientist, huh? But that did not cause Goddard to quit.

The thinking against Goddard’s ridiculous idea of space travel went like this: “With no atmosphere in outer space and therefore nothing for an engine to thrust against… a rocket couldn’t move an inch. That was in 1920.”

Of course, we now know the experts regarding what-is-possible and what-is-impossible at the New York Times, in 1920, were wrong.

In the late 1960s—following the Apollo 11 mission which reached the moon—the Times made a reference to their earlier editorial, writing “the Times regrets the error.” When that happened I doubt if Goddard pointed, made faces and laughed at them. Eminent scientists don’t typically behave that way…I think.

Hey, it’s easy to be tough on the New York Times for their shortsightedness but this is a great example of the point I’m getting at: A mission which seemed literally impossible according to the laws of science (as many educated people understood them at the time) turned out to be possible, after all.

I like the idea that we still don’t know everything and that there are all kinds of possibilities we have not yet exhausted. It helps me feel optimistic and hopeful. And it reminds me of someone I know.

“Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’"  Matthew 19:26

[ I read the anecdote about Robert Goddard in a book titled, “Get Out Of Your Own Way” by Robert K. Cooper ]

A Resurrection Is The Best Explanation of the Facts

Dr. William Lane Craig, is a theologian and scholar who has spent decades carefully examining theological issues, in particular, the resurrection of Jesus. Dr. Craig states these four facts “are widely accepted by New Testament scholars today.”

Fact number 1: After his crucifixion, Jesus was buried by Joseph of Arimathea in the tomb.

Fact number 2: On the Sunday following the crucifixion, Jesus’ tomb was found empty by a group of his women followers.

Fact number 3: On multiple occasions and under various circumstances, different individuals and groups of people experienced appearances of Jesus alive from the dead.

And… Fact number 4: The original disciples believed that Jesus was risen from the dead despite their having every reason not to.

There are many more things which could be said in support of each of these four statements but a great question to consider in light of these truths would be this: What is the best explanation of these facts?

If you are my friend on social media you already know my position on the matter, but I will state it here, anyhow: the best explanation for these four facts is that God, the Father, raised Jesus from the dead.

You say, “Yeah, but if you believe that explanation it means you have to believe a miracle occurred.”

That’s true. But it’s okay. He’s God. He is capable of performing miracles. In fact, what we consider miraculous is actually simple and natural to Almighty God.

“He isn't here! [The tomb.] He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.”

Matthew 28:6

Let The Truth of Jesus' Life Speak For Itself

One of the challenges for those who teach about Jesus is to tell the whole truth about His life—to attempt to give a fair and complete account regarding what He said and what He did.

There is, sometimes, a tendency to want to over-emphasize certain truths about Jesus and His life; and to de-emphasize or maybe even ignore other truths about Jesus and His life. For example, when we look at Jesus’ life in the gospels we find He was loving, gracious, tender, patient and kind. I find myself wanting to emphasize these truths about Jesus. I want Jesus to be likeable. My experience is that people like hearing about these characteristics of Jesus.

However, in those same gospels we also find that Jesus was firm and uncompromising in His teaching, never afraid to present unpopular truths. He was boldly confrontational with the religious leaders of His day, referring to them as “whitewashed tombs” and “a brood of vipers.” That’s not the type of approach that wins popularity contests.

We even find Jesus exhibiting righteous anger when He threw the money changers out of the temple.

Occasionally, it is helpful for me to remind myself that I do not need to manage Jesus’ image. He does not need me to handle His PR. The best thing to do is present His life and teachings as honestly and accurately as possible and let the truth of who He is speak for itself.

God Is Available To Regular People

Some people want to make their job seem more complicated to others because they assume it will make them come off as valuable and necessary.

Believe it or not, this happens in the world of church work, as well. There are ministers and other church workers who want to make Christianity seem complicated because they believe it makes them appear to be more important and more essential to the spiritual journey of others.

It is true that theology is a deep and significant area of study. God and the truths of God have been examined, analyzed, thought-about and written-about in ways that are intellectually profound and deeply challenging. In fact, I am impressed and thankful for the rich intellectual heritage of the Christian faith.

However, based on the Bible—and particularly on the life of Jesus—I do not believe God’s intention is to make knowing Him and walking with Him so intellectually difficult that only extremely brilliant and learned people will be able do so.

Don’t be intimidated by people who want to be gatekeepers and control your access to God. God is available to regular people like you and me.

I’m glad He is available to regular people, aren’t you?

Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."  Matthew 19:14

The Importance And Value Of A Humble Spirit

When Jesus took on human form He became vulnerable, weak and defenseless. This was an extraordinary form of humiliation.

I have an inclination to greatly resist humility. Jesus reminds me of the importance and value of a humble spirit.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13

The Creator Enters Into His Own Creation

It is strange to think about the Creator entering into His own creation.

Why do this?

Why not just let us duke it out here on this spinning ball and live with the consequences of our own decisions and actions?

Christmas helps us understand He really does care about us. We matter enough that He set aside His divine privileges and entered into the fray.

“‘And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’

All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet:

‘Look! The virgin will conceive a child!
 She will give birth to a son,
and they will call him Immanuel,

which means ‘God is with us.’”

Matthew 1:21-23

Merry Christmas!

P.S. If you are in the Chicago area please join us at our Christmas Eve service.

First Church of God

4600 W. 111th Street

Oak Lawn, IL

Christmas Eve service, 9pm

Acts Of Kindness Done In Private

Because of the work I do as a pastor I am sometimes aware of charitable help, acts of love and grace, and other forms service people do for others which are, basically, done in secret.

It is certainly true that there is trouble in our world and the turmoil and problems typically make headlines. Bad news is more compelling and sensational than good news.

But be assured there is good news, too. Every day people perform wonderful acts kindness, goodness and assistance to others. Often those who are doing good do not want to call attention to themselves. They are not engaging in these actions in order to receive praise from others. The reason for their virtuous behavior goes deeper than a simple desire for accolades.

It’s not that I am unwilling to face reality. I know that the world is fallen. But I am also aware that there is light.

These quiet givers of mercy and grace are often mindful of something Jesus said…

“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.” Matthew 6:1-4

Does The Truth Exist?

If a person tells you “the truth is not knowable” a great question to ask would be this: “Aren’t you claiming something is true with your statement? Aren’t you claiming to know that what you just told me is true?”

You see, if we consider the matter logically, this statement is self-defeating: the truth does not exist.

It’s actually sort of amusing in a way. In order to deny the existence of truth you have to claim to know something true.

(Okay I admit, I’m easily amused.)

Jesus believed in the existence of truth.

Sometimes the truth is hard to hear, acknowledge and confront. The truth can be inconvenient and uncomfortable, but it is what it is, nevertheless. I agree with Jesus, the truth exists.

"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” [Jesus] John 14:6

All Of This Goodness Is Happening Today!

We will be having an unplugged type of service today with acoustic guitars and candlelight. This is an approach we take from time to time to present the music with a different feel. (A few times we have taken this approach when the power has gone out in the building, but sometimes we do it intentionally. Today it is intentional.) It is our desire to express our worship for God in fresh and creative ways. He is deserving of our best efforts.

I will be talking about an interesting interaction Jesus had in which He talked about belonging to God. People got mad at Jesus when He told them about this but, of course, He always spoke the truth.

Then after the 11 o’clock service we will be having our Annual Chili Cook-Off. This is a chili competition which serves as a fund raiser for our Youth Group. Do you like great chili? Yeah, me too. There will be lots of it at the Chili Cook-Off!

You say, “Wow! All of this goodness is happening at the services today? How cool!”

Yep. You won’t want to miss it.

Join us at 9am or 11am at…

First Church of God

4600 W. 111^th Street

Oak Lawn, IL

We Can Know God Exists, If We Are Willing

Jesus spoke of people who closed their eyes to the truth. He spoke of people who closed their hearts to understanding. He was quoting from the book of Isaiah when He made these remarks. He was talking about people who… well, He put it this way: “[T]hey look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand.” Matt. 13:13

The evidence for God can be there right in front of us. It can be available for us to see and yet we can choose not to see it. (Let’s be honest, sometimes people are living in such a way that a Holy God can be downright uncomfortable.)

In order to see God as He reveals himself in our world we have to be willing to see God. There is a measure of choice involved on our part. God gives us enough evidence that we can see him and know He exists. In fact, we can have assurance that He exists…if we are willing.

The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
    The skies display his craftsmanship.
 Day after day they continue to speak;
    night after night they make him known.
 They speak without a sound or word;
    their voice is never heard.
 Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
    and their words to all the world.

Psalm 19:1-4

Why Do Leaders Sometimes Manipulate Those They Lead?

Why do people in leadership positions sometimes wind up manipulating the people they lead? Here are a couple of thoughts…

Sometimes manipulation occurs because the leaders genuinely think they know what’s best. And since they honestly believe they know what’s best they assume the manipulation is okay. After all, manipulation works and what is achieved through their manipulations will—in their minds—ultimately be what is best. So they rationalize that the manipulation is justified.

Sometimes manipulation occurs because leaders cannot generate enthusiasm, passion, interest and action consistent with their objectives through a truthful explanation of the facts of the situation so they resort to manipulative tactics. Manipulation will often work by taking advantage of strong feelings and emotions when the facts alone will not promote the actions they are hoping for.

Sometimes manipulation occurs because leaders have an ulterior motive. An ulterior motive held by a leader is, by definition, not something the leader wants to reveal. So, they attempt to achieve their desired ends by keeping the objectives hidden and manipulating emotions instead.

It is easy for leaders to fall into the tendency to manipulate the people they lead. Even good leaders are capable of doing this because there are forms of manipulation which are very effective and, frankly, can be easier to execute. So it is tempting to use them.

Good leaders, however, are honest and they relate with those they lead in truthful, mature, respectful ways. They do not view those they lead as dumb sheep to be manipulated, rather, they view them as people of intelligence and capability; people deserving of dignity and respect.

So good leaders make every attempt to refrain from knowingly manipulating those they lead. In fact, the approach of good leaders is to serve those they lead, in love. They provide guidance and direction through example. They cast a vision for a future that is good and right and would be better for everyone, doing so in an honest and forthright manner.

Jesus’ approach to leadership is represented—at least, in part—by something He said about himself which is recorded in the book of Matthew:

“…[T]he Son of Man [Jesus] did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28

His Recommendation That Others Stop Being Judgmental Involved A Judgment On His Part

I saw a post a few months ago in which it was pointed out that a certain group of people is far too quick to judge others. The person who wrote the post was fed up with their behavior and suggested this group of people [the entire group] needs to be more humble and stop with their unfair judgments. After all, judging others is not good. Right?

As I read the post I wondered if the person who wrote it realized that what he wrote about this group of judging people and their grievous shortcoming of being too judgmental involved... get ready… here it comes… that’s right, it involved a judgment on his part.

It’s actually sort of amusing, isn’t it?

“…[F]irst take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.” Jesus – Matthew 7:5

What About Racial Unity... Is It Possible?

When I was young I remember thinking the racial tension that is sometimes felt and expressed in ugly, hurtful, unproductive, even violent ways would probably be reduced as I got older. I thought—I hoped—the issue of racial strife would lessen and perhaps get to the point at which it was no longer a difficult, divisive issue.

“We will get beyond the misunderstandings, the injustices of the past, and the hard feelings. At some point love and respect for each other will prevail. There will still be some exceptions, sure, but for the most part we will get along. We will have fun together! It will be good.” I thought.

I’m not kidding. I truly believed this was likely. I was young and hopeful.

So when I look around at our society these days my heart is grieved.

I know that brotherhood, sisterhood, true friendship, heartfelt love and unity between people of different races are possible. These kinds of loving relationships happen all the time. They actually happen every day. I have experienced this type of love and unity on a personal level and many of the people who read this post have, as well. But these simple truths do not make headlines or scintillating stories. So they are not routinely brought to our attention.

Some of the people who read this are not Christians and so I understand this next line of thinking will not offer much in the way of authority or persuasive force in those cases. But for many of us who consider Jesus to be Lord, we are called to love. We are called to forgive. We are called to extend the hand of friendship. We are called to seek understanding. We are called to treat all people with dignity. We are called to let the goodness and truth of God flow out of our lives to others.

And we are called to be different. In this case “different” means having a genuine love, respect and fondness that reaches across what some might think of as insurmountable relational barriers.

I pray the reconciliation I hoped for when I was a kid will happen. I still believe it is not impossible.

“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” Jesus, John 13:34-35

P.S. I realize as an older, middle-class, white male some people will believe I have no business even addressing this topic because I cannot possibly understand what people have experienced due to racism. It is true that I do not know the pain many people have experienced due to racism. But what I am doing with this post is simply sharing my desire to see genuine healing in this important area of life. If that means there will be disapproval of me for expressing these thoughts, then so be it.

This Is What Humility Looks Like

When Jesus’ public ministry got underway—fairly quickly—He began drawing bigger crowds than John the Baptist. This would be troublesome and disturbing for most people in John’s position. Most ministers desire increasingly larger crowds not increasingly smaller crowds.

John’s disciples were bothered by this turn of events and went to tell John about it. They assumed, it appears, John would be upset. I think they may have even believed John would do something to get the crowds back.

But John basically said [this is a paraphrase], “It’s alright. I’m genuinely glad to hear about His success. This is exactly the way it’s supposed to happen. He must increase and I must decrease.”

[You can read this story in John 3:23-30.]

John’s maturity and his understanding of his own role in the larger ministry of Jesus was exceptional and inspiring. This story from the Bible is incredibly helpful to me because it helps me see what true humility looks like.