Category: Scripture Index

  • Avoid Rabbit Trails – Remember what the church is called to do

    Young Cottontail rabbit on grass

    Often, we get sidetracked on our walk with the Lord and pulled down any number of rabbit trails. It can even start with good things, but before long, we find ourselves tangled in the brush, covered in scratches, and wondering which way to turn next. We may even have completely lost sight of both our original goal and the path back.

    We can get lost in arguing about unimportant doctrines and practices. Now, before you get your hackles up, let me assure you that I am all for sound doctrine and wish that the “average Christian in the pew” knew what they believed and why they believed it better than they do. There is an appalling level of biblical illiteracy and doctrinal weakness within the church as a whole.

    Having said that, there are many divisions within the church over unimportant and trivial matters. While admonishing Timothy about sticking to sound doctrine, he also warned him about foolish arguments.

    Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:23-26 ESV

    In all likelihood, the Lord does not care what color the sanctuary carpet and walls are. Yet many churches have been decimated by arguments over such things. Should the pastor weigh a suit, a robe, or blue jeans? Again, I suspect the Lord probably does not care if the truth is being proclaimed and people are being drawn to Him. Yet, I know pastors who have been admonished because their shoes were not shiny enough.

    Another is the exact timing and nature of the second coming. Will we be raptured? If so, when? This is great material for discussion and has strong opinions from all sides. Ultimately, we will not know until He comes back or we join Him in the air. So why do we not accept it as an area where good and godly people can disagree?

    Bible translations are yet another. Oh, I can already feel the hate mail being typed. Some translations are superior to others, and a translation beats a paraphrase hands down (for accuracy, although not always for ease of reading) … yet even a poor paraphrase that is being read beats no Scripture or a great translation that sits on the shelf gathering dust. Yet churches divide over such things. Lighten up people! Jesus never spoke a word of English during his entire life on earth. All translations are people’s best efforts to be faithful to the truth.

    Let us stick to winning people to Jesus, ministering to them, equipping them to minister, and sending them out. Let us not wander into the rabbit trail of foolish arguments and, in avoiding those trails, avoid the snares of the devil.

    Until next time, as someone once said, “Remember to keep the main thing the main thing.”

    Be blessed

    Hallelu Yah / Praise God 

    Kevin

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  • Chit Chat and True Fellowship

    a group of coworkers chatting

    Now that we’ve gathered together let us make some  mindless small talk and share some superficial chitchat.

    “How are you?” “Fine, and you?” “Fine, thanks.” “How about the weather we have been having?” “Yes, it is something.” “Hurrah for the local sports team!” “Did you hear about the latest office or community gossip?”

    Around that point, I get stumped because I am not very good at making small talk. I have run out of things to say and have to repeat myself. Where do we go from here?

    I confess to a certain degree of frustration over chitchat. I know that it is one of the oils that allow conversations to get going and lubricates the wheels of social intercourse. Yet, by and large, it is pretty meaningless, trivial stuff. 

    I find it particularly frustrating when dealing with other Christians.

    Do we not have more significant things to share? “How is God working in your life?” “What real struggles (or joys) are you facing?” “What is God teaching you?” “What ministries and missions are you supporting these days and why?” “What did God share with you during your prayer time today?”

    There are all kinds of exciting, meaty topics we can discuss, things that matter for all eternity. I don’t suggest for a moment that every conversation must be a deep theological debate filled with the latest and greatest Christianese. 

    We don’t have to be stern, stoic, or religious when conversing. Our discussions can still be light but filling, and there can be plenty of laughter.

    There are many areas where we can encourage one another, grow together, and bear each other’s burdens. Yet, when you walk into many churches or visit with many Christians, it takes a Herculean effort to get past anything completely superficial.

    The Apostle Paul had some strong words for the infant-like nature of the church in Corinth.

    But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ. I fed you with milk, not solid food, for you were not ready for it. And even now you are not yet ready, or you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 ESV

    We may not quarrel when we stick to small talk, but we certainly act worldly. The world has nothing more profound to offer. We need to stretch and grow up a bit.

    There are indeed places for quick, superficial conversations. It is true that it is not wise to bear the innermost secrets of our hearts in an indiscriminate matter. Yet, there is so much more that we can share with others. 

    We serve an awesome God who is hard at work in our lives and the lives of others. Let us learn to talk about that.

    Kevin

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