Spiritual Snobbery

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." - Jesus, John 13:34-35

Yes, "snobbery" is a word in case you began reading this blog with that thought and planned to comment on it - I looked it up to be sure…moving on...

At the Calvary Chapel in Sanger where I pastor, I taught John 13:18-38 on how Jesus has love for the backstabbers and bail outs.  We focused a lot on how He loved and how we are to love.  It is a high calling indeed and one we are incapable of doing simply in our own strength, but Jesus gives us the power to love others the way He did.

One of the ways we can be unloving (maybe without even realize it) is when we begin to develop what I will call "Spiritual Snobbery".  Let me explain...

I read an article (and I got its point and agreed with much of the author's premise) and in the article it mentioned the "if you like that, you will love this" lists for music (ie. if you love Hootie & the Blowfish, you will love Third Day; etc.).  The article seemed to almost look down on those lists (and I am in no way critizing the author because this is outside his points) and I at first found myself agreeing with him in that we are simply copying the world's way instead of being our own creative being as Christians.  However, I remembered those lists are what drew me to Christian music in the first place and Christian music has been a huge factor in my spiritual walk and made a major impact on my life.  As a young Christian, I needed those lists to help me in finding Christian music I would like and they did just that.  Just because I don't need them now (and I'm not sure whether they exist or not) as a more mature Christian, does not mean they are less useful.

Spiritual snobbery happens when we look down on things not up to our level of "spiritual maturity".

When we begin to make fun of things in Christian culture because we are mature and therefore cooler than "those things", spiritual snobbery is happening.  When we make fun of young Christians in the faith because they are zealous to take on the world and have not figured out how things work (in our "spiritually mature" minds), that is spiritual snobbery.  When we look down on Christians because they don't know as much as we do in theology or the Bible or whatever, that is spiritual snobbery.  When we turn down our nose at other churches because they don't teach the way we teach (I'm not talking about churches that teach false doctrine or unorthodox teaching but topical vs verse-by-verse, etc), that is spiritual snobbery.  If we look down on others for their supposed lack of liberty (or because they have "too much" liberty), that is spiritual snobbery.  If we find others describing us as "jerks for Jesus" because of our coldness or superiority complex, we have perhaps become spiritual snobs.

Spiritual snobbery is not love and is not the way Jesus loved.

Jesus was around sinners and tax collectors, yet never condoned their actions nor joined in with them.  He loved on them while also pointing to their need for Him.  The early church was the same way.  If we find that we can't love those who are in the world (be it our neighbor, our president, our co-worker, etc) because they are less than us, we have become spiritual snobs.

The only way to combat spiritual snobbery is to take a deep hard look at ourselves.  When we do we will realize in and of ourselves we are wretched, no-good, sinful people in major need of grace.  God did not call us because He was gaining something; we are the fools of the world, the nobodies, the foolish, the un-noble (1 Corinthians 1:26-31).  The only thing that makes us something is Jesus as He looks at us as His bride and beloved children.  He uses us to bring Him glory and all glory should be going to Him.  We aren't somebody now because we have been saved for a while or because we know a lot about the Bible.

The more you grow in love with Jesus, the more you will love others the way He loved.  Spiritual snobbery only shows you aren't growing in your love for Jesus.

This blog post comes from further thoughts of the sermon on John 13:18-38 titled “Love for Bail Outs & Backstabbers” which can be found by clicking here or simply visiting http://www.refugesanger.com/teachings

For more "further thoughts" from my teachings, you can visit http://refugesanger.wordpress.com

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

"The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD shall be safe." - Proverbs 29:25

As we looked at John 12:20-50 this last week, one thing we saw the sad verse of Pharisees who believed in Jesus but did not confess Him for they feared the Pharisees and "they loved the praises of men more than the praises of God."  We spent time showing that making decisions based on the fear of man will never allow you to be a good decision maker or a good leader in your home, work, school or life in general.  Decisions are always going to be questioned by someone but you can stand firm if you've made your decision based on the Lord's leading.

I found it interesting then, that hours later, during Super Bowl XLIX, a decision that was made by the offensive coordinator (OC) to pass led to an interception that allowed the Patriots to win the game.  That decision was dubbed by many "the worst call in Super Bowl history!"  People were quick to react and post all sorts of funny memes and not so funny rants on why the OC did not just give Marshawn Lynch the football and have him run it into the end zone from the 2 yard line.  And so in our Growth Group Home Fellowships, we discussed how we would handle being that OC and what we would say about our decision.

But that also got me thinking and I brought up this question in the GGHF I attended: what makes something a bad decision or good decision?  Should the result always be the determining factor in a good vs bad decision?  Had it worked, would we have still said "worst call ever"? 

As I read more about what went into the decision, I realized there was a reason why the OC made the decision he made and it made sense - even if I don't agree with the philosophy (I come from an old school run the football mentality anyways), I can understand the call.  It also made me remember something else: I don't get paid millions of dollars to coach and make decisions like that nor am I equipped to be a judge and be an armchair coach as if I have a higher intellect and understanding and my thoughts are better than that OC's.

Yet, so many people want to lead from the sidelines.  They want to express their opinions as facts without seeing the big picture.  Whether it be people questioning the president of the United States, questioning their boss or teacher or questioning a ministry leader about decisions, the truth is, it is always easier to "make decisions" from the opposite side of the desk, when it reality, we don't see the big picture that that person sees.  Therefore, we need to be careful of who we start condemning or calling out.  We need to simply trust that leader if the decisions are not against the Lord's ways.

Now to those making decisions led of the Lord, we also don't always understand the big picture of the Lord yet we need to trust that the way He is leading is right.  Steps of faith are often required in making decisions in ministry and we must follow His leading.  And if we are following His leading, then don't let the fear of man keep you from stepping out and standing on the decision you've made.

Will it sometimes be questioned?  Absolutely!  Could some even be hostile or mocking due to decision that was made?  Certainly.  But you answer to the Lord - not to the people and we must remember that.  Others most of the time don't see the big picture, they just have their tiny view of what is going on (just as I do when I try and armchair quarterback). 

But when it comes to making decisions, follow the Lord and don't let the fear of man keep you going the road the Lord wants you to take!

This blog post comes from further thoughts of the sermon on John 12:20-50 titled “Final Words of Jesus to the Crowds” which can be found by clicking here or simply visiting http://www.refugesanger.com/teachings.  It was originally published at refugesanger.wordpress.com

Last Words to Heed

"Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen." - 1 John 5:21

The last words John writes in his first epistle are for us to keep ourselves from idols.  Why would those words be the last thing on his mind & heart as he closes his letter?

Probably because God knows how easy we fall into idol worship. In our culture it's not little statues we worship, but instead it is activities, programs, events, stuff & our own comforts, to mention a few, that become idols in our lives. We can't make time for prayer (private &/or corporate) but we can make time for our favorite TV show or sports game. We can't make time for extra fellowship activities but we can make time for extracurricular activities. We can't make time for our family because we are too busy working to gain stuff. We can't make time for service because our own comforts of time cry out to us.

What's an idol? Anything that easily takes you away from more important things of the Lord or puts itself in place of God.  If you can't stop something (or don't want to), it perhaps is an idol.

Keep yourselves from idols - be it your kids' events that keep them from church functions, be it your work, or your activities.  This world is not our home!

Questions That Should Be Asked - But We Already Know the Answers So We Don't

In this week's teaching, "Wanting the Truth You Can't Handle" from John 10:22-42, we looked at the Jews who asked Jesus to tell them whether He was the Messiah but they weren't interested in the truth - just a fight.  Plus Jesus said they did not believe because they weren't His sheep.

I posed that we too ask questions we really don't want the answers for or maybe we don't ask questions because we already know the answers:

• Do I really need to forgive that person?
• Do I really need to be one devoted to Scripture reading?
• It's okay if I fudge a little on my taxes right?
• I know I should be devoted more to my walk with Jesus, but it isn't a matter of Heaven or Hell so why bother?

The problem with these, and other like questions, is we already know the answers but we just aren't interested in obeying so we don't honestly ask.  It is like in school - if we don't ask the professor for further clarification, then we won't have to do all the work that would be required if he did answer.  In other words, ignorance is bliss.

Where we fail is when we think that the here and now is the most important thing at stake - that our own comfort, wants and desires are the most important things. 

• "Sure I could for go my time to go to a Sunday night prayer meeting, but it's not a matter of salvation so I'm sure my time is better used being happy in my own home." 
• "Sure I could spend more time with the Lord, but it's football/baseball/hockey/basketball/name-your-sport season and He isn't all that concerned." 
• "Who is that guy to challenge me - that's just legalism or being a Pharisee"

Listen, it isn't necessarily the church, the Lord or the pastor who misses out the most when you pay more heed to the temporary things rather than the eternal ones - it is you!  There is blessing both here in seeking more of the Lord as well as in the eternal when we get to partake of those heavenly things we invested our time or money into.  Not one of us will get to Heaven and wish we had spent a little more time in front of the TV or whatever it is.  That's not to say we can't have free time or anything like that, but I think too often we justify our free time and liberty as a means of not partaking in the eternal opportunities God has set in front of us.  I think we've let "comfortable" become the biggest idol we idolize in our modern society. 

Perhaps the biggest question that should be asked - but one we are afraid to fully examine - is just that: have I made comfort and fun the idol I worship more than anything else?

This blog post comes from further thoughts of the sermon on John 10:22-42 titled “Wanting the Truth You Can't Handle” which can be found by clicking here or simply visiting http://www.refugesanger.com/teachings.  It was originally posted on refugesanger.wordpress.com

No Argument On This

Originally posted on refugesanger.wordpress.com

As we have been studying through the Gospel of John, we continue to find the Jews arguing about who Jesus is.  In their arguments though one thing they never argue about:

Whether He is a good teacher or not!

Why do I point that out? Because in today's society there is a belief out there that says something like this: "I follow some of Jesus' teachings because I think they are good, but I don't really follow Him".  And then they will go on to discuss how they also follow Ghandi, Budha and other teachings.  But there is a major problem along this line of thinking and it revolves around if Jesus could simply be a good teacher and if His teachings could actually be good.

Now before you get up in arms and wonder how I could question His teachings being good or not, I do say they are good but they couldn't be if you don't believe He is who He said He was.

See throughout the Scriptures Jesus states He is God - He doesn't blur the line or sort of hint at it; He is bold in declaring it thus the reasons the Jewish leaders want to kill Him.  Now a man who claims to be divine cannot be a good teacher and His teachings can't be good unless in fact He was divine.

Let's put it in modern day perspective.  You have a good job and a good boss.  You like your boss - in fact your boss is a very friendly person.  But let's say your boss one day comes in and declares that he/she is in fact God.  That he/she will rise from the dead and will also one day judge the earth.  Would you continue to be okay with whatever else comes out of the mouth of your boss?  Would you say he/she is a little crazy but I still choose to follow other stuff my boss says.  What about if one of your kids had a teacher who claimed to be God?  Would you still want your kids sitting under that teacher?  Would he/she still be a good teacher?

See Jesus can't just be a good teacher.  He is either a liar, a lunatic or He is Lord.  We have too much evidence to show He certainly was who He said He was (rose from the dead, performed miracles, etc) so He cannot be a liar or a lunatic and therefore must be Lord.  Since He is Lord, His teachings are good and we should follow them.

That is why the Jews argued whether He was the Messiah or a crazy person but never if He was simply a good teacher whose teachings we should follow.  He didn't leave room for them to have that argument.  Next time someone you know uses that argument, ask them why they would view Him as a good teacher or His teachings good since He claimed to be omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, and the Messiah.

This blog post comes from the thoughts of the sermon on John 10:1-21 titled “The Good Shepherd” which can be found by clicking here or simply visiting http://www.refugesanger.com/teachings

Freedom Test

"You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free" - Jesus (John 8:32)

We know that Jesus sets us free from our sin, but are we free from those things we call "liberties" (our freedoms we have in Christ)?  You may ask, "how could I not be free from something that is a freedom?"  I'm glad you asked.

A liberty is anything that is not specifically or strictly forbidden by God, but left up to our conscience as whether we can do it or not.  Things such as drinking alcohol (not to the point of drunkeness which is forbidden), watching movies, etc. are liberties we have.

Paul said "all things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful.  All things are lawful for me but I will not be brought under the power of any." (1 Corinthians 6:12).  Again he would say all things are lawful but not all things are helpful or edify. (1 Corinthians 10:23).  Scripture also references laying aside weights (Hebrews 12:1) that weigh us down, being a good soldier and not getting entangled in the affairs of this world (2 Timothy 2:4), and running this "race" of the Christian life in such a way as to receive a prize as runners try to run with as little on as possible (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

All this back to our point on liberties and how not only can they weigh us down, but they can actually enslave us and if they enslave us we cannot call them a liberty.  So how do we know if something is truly a liberty in our lives or not?  It is the Freedom Test and it is only 1 question test:

Can you NOT do something?

Pretty simple.  That TV show you watch - can you not watch it for a week?  Those football games you plan your Sundays around - can you not watch them for a day?  That alcohol that you drink - can you not drink it?  The coffee that you drink - can you not drink it?  The movies that you watch - can you not watch them?

Now a good way to test your answer to the question is to NOT do that particular thing.  If you sweat thinking about that or get mad saying "you've gone too far now Pastor Mike", then that thing is not really a liberty in your life.  It is in fact enslaving you because if you HAVE to do something, you aren't free from it.  You might say, "it's not that I HAVE to do it, but I just don't feel like giving it up."  Well often that's an excuse.  The test isn't to think about giving something up but to do it.  It is actually healthy to try so you can see for yourself.

So instead of watching football this weekend, take your family out for a drive somewhere.  Instead of having that wine or beer, drink water for the week.  Instead of watching your favorite shows, play a board game/cards with your spouse or read a book.  

Being enslaved to something is never a good thing, no matter how pleasurable it may be.  Being free, truly free, is where you will find the most joy and then when you are free, those liberties will be truly that - liberties - and you will be free to enjoy them, but not enslaved to them.

This blog post comes from the thoughts of the sermon on John 8:13-59 titled “Let Freedom Ring” which can be found by clicking here or simply visiting http://www.refugesanger.com/teachings.  This blog was originally posted on refugesanger.wordpress.com

Called ... to Wait

Have you ever had to wait for something? 

I mean besides waiting at red lights, waiting in a drive through, waiting in line, waiting for your kids, etc.  Have you ever had to wait for something that you feel like God has called you to do, but the doors just have not opened yet?  And you begin to wonder if the calling is even there or if God has changed His mind or if it was just an emotional response?

Throughout the Gospel of John, we see Jesus say "my time has not yet come" or John talk about His time not yet coming.  The time referred to is when Jesus will publicly declare Himself as the Messiah by riding on a donkey into the city as well as dieing on the cross for our sins.  Jesus knew His calling and was submitted to His Father's will and so although He was called to do these things, He had to wait.

Now don't lose me on having to wait to die - I think we'd all want to wait longer for that!  But what I am saying is there is a period of waiting after the initial calling. Consider....

• Abraham - was told he would have a son and his seed would be more numerous than the sand.  He had to wait many years before Isaac was ever born which caused this great man of faith to try to preempt God's promise through fleshly ways.
• Joseph - saw that he would one day rule (family bowing down to him) but he had to be sold into slavery for years then thrown into jail for a few years before God would raise him up.
• The nation of Israel - were told they would inherit the land but they would be in Egypt for 400+ years before they would even come back into the land and conquer it through God's power.
• David - anointed (called) to be the next king of Israel after Saul but it would not be fulfilled in his life until many years later after having to run and hide from Saul during that time.
• Paul - after being saved, he would spend 10 years away from the public scene before Barnabus would go and find him

And there are many more as you study Scripture who had a calling from God but then had years of waiting before the calling was fulfilled.

Perhaps you're in that place of waiting.  God has called you to do something and yet nothing is happening.  Maybe it's been years even - keep waiting.  Use that time of waiting (which is ultimately preparation) to serve where He has placed you and wait for Him to raise you up to that next calling (be it in the ministry or in the business world).  He knows what He is doing.

I know the struggle - I received the sure calling from the Lord to be a senior pastor when I was 17.  I thought 4 years of schooling at Liberty University would be my waiting time and then the calling would be sure.  How glad am I that it was 18 years of serving in various other ways before He gave me a church to pastor.  Those years of training have been beyond valuable.  I didn't always think so during those years of waiting (although I always enjoyed the ministries I got to lead during those times), but I look back on them and I see some of His reasoning for having me wait.  And I never doubted the calling even when others around may have due to how long it took which allows me to persevere now as well.

God's timing is perfect.  Don't begrudge the time of "small things" (in your mind).  If He has called you to something, He will complete it - don't try to complete it for Him.

So you find yourself waiting for something from the Lord?  You're in excellent company with those who waited before you!

This blog post comes from the thoughts of the sermon on John 7:1-53 titled “Disbelief & Division” which can be found by clicking here or simply visiting http://www.refugesanger.com/teachings