The Bible and Coffee

The Bible and Coffee

People who know me, know that I really enjoy going to coffeehouses. I love the coffee, frappes and macchiatos. I love the comfortable chairs and the wonderful different genres of music. But, what I like most of all is being able to interact with people and the culture that surrounds their lives. It is a great experience to just be sitting there and someone comes and sits right next to you. There is the all too familiar smile, basic chit-chat and other pleasantries. But this is also a time to bring up a conversation that may change a person’s life and more importantly, their spiritual life.

Coffee, good conversation, and the Bible - A perfect day!

Coffee, good conversation, and the Bible – A perfect day!

When I speak to people about the Bible in a coffeehouse, there are some things that I must keep in mind because coffeehouses always have the same people coming and going and if we leave a bad impression with one person, it will surely get around the house and then your effectiveness will be ruined. So, the first thing to do when studying with someone is to show respect. You would think this is common sense. But, what I mean is that when we speak to people who are Baptist, Muslim, Atheist, etc., if we are negative towards them when they are not around, that will show through when we speak to them in a close setting. So, we need to realize that most people are on some sort of spiritual journey and looking for what is right. We also need to remember that everyone is made in the image of God and that God is trying to work in everyone’s life (2 Pet. 3:9). So, show people respect or honor (1 Pet. 2:17; Phil. 2:3).

Alongside this, is to put ourselves in their shoes. This is very difficult when we are different from another and the further apart we are on beliefs makes it even more difficult. I mean, to those who are raised in one religion really does not know what its like to be raised in another. So, when studying with someone at the coffeehouse, think about what the other person is saying and try to understand where he or she is coming from and acknowledge what a person believes. And, even if you don’t agree with it, remember that those beliefs have a lot of meaning and value to them. For example, when we speak to someone who is same sex oriented, do we see him or her as just a sinner or as something that God hates? Or, do we try to understand first, why are they this way and realize that their lifestyle has meaning to them even if we don’t agree with their lifestyle? I believe that if you really want to reach people for Christ that you will speak to people about Christ and THEN morality, not the other way around (Acts 2; 1 Cor. 1:23). If we do not handle things this way, If we do not step into that person’s shoes, then we will likely discount their feelings, minimize their struggles, and fail to emphatically talk with them about their lives, God, and faith.

When we begin to see people in this light, we can genuinely consider another person’s point of view. We also need to take their thoughts and questions seriously. I mean, what are you going to say when someone talks to you about the hypocrisy of Christians or the problem of evil and suffering or spiritual abuse? To a Christian they may be insulting or offending questions. But, to the one who is studying he or she is trying to learn. Of course, not all questions can be fully answered on the spot, which could be a good way to set up another study with that person at a later date.

Another thing is to never judge. I cannot emphasize this enough. While we can judge with righteous judgment, this still does not make us the judge. Nor, can we pick out the worst thing in each religion or each person’s life to show them they are wrong and to show your faith as superior (1 Cor. 13:1-5). I mean, not all Muslims are terrorist and not all atheist are against a moral system and not all religious people are wrong in every way. There is a time and place to compare religions. But, the coffeehouse is not that place. Furthermore, we need to actively listen and get to know people, not just as another person to teach.

Finally, allow others to remain unconvinced. Even our great King and Savior Jesus Christ could not convince all (Matt. 8:34; Mk. 6:3; Jn. 1:11). So, we cannot expect to convince all and neither should we walk away badmouthing them for not learning things “our way” (Col. 3:8; Jam. 3:5). We should not expect people to change their viewpoints and come to faith in Christ in one conversation or overnight, so to speak. We are to present the Word of God (Matt. 28:19). Then, we should allow time for God and the Spirit to work on their hearts and minds and change their lives (1 Cor. 3:6; Heb. 4:12). I mean, almost no one today walks into a worship service and decides to be baptized in the course of a single sermon. Most people don’t have God on their minds or maybe they had a bad experience with religion or they may need to work things out in their lives before taking the next step. Also keep in mind that things do not work quite the same today as they did in the 1940-50s. Our society is not as spiritual, per say nor do most of the methods then strike a chord with people today. So, grab yourself a Starbucks, sit and enjoy the music and wait for the opportunity to present itself to you (Gal. 6:10).

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Playing at Church

Playing at Church

 As was so well-chronicled and documented by the most recent and magnificent issue of the Spiritual Sword (Volume 47, January 2016, No. 2), denominationalism is indeed on the decline. This, as many are apparently growing sick and tired of the surface, shallow, ‘driven about by every wind of doctrine,’ spiritual teaching and preaching they are receiving at most man-made and never found in Scripture denominations they are now attending. Many who are hungering and thirsting for more biblically righteous, accurate, and meaty messages which they can sink their spiritual teeth into and build their eternal lives on, are leaving their life-long denominations due to the lack there, of anything more substantive than the man-made and shifting sand doctrines that are being constantly re-shaped by the cultural tides swirling all about them.

Its time we stop playing Church and rely on the Gospel.

Its time we stop playing Church and rely on the Gospel.

To those of our friends, neighbors, families and co-workers who find themselves ever more awash in such soul-confusing and chaotic winds of changing doctrines, they desperately need to be exposed to the following: the refreshing, Scriptural and soul-saving stability, of the one, original, biblical church as seen in Scripture. The one church of Christ (Romans 16:16) that has not for two millennia; does not now in this community; and will not ever, ever – no matter what – compromise with culture, or be willingly led astray by man-made follies and philosophies! Because it both was, and is, built, and stands: solely, soully, solidly and ultimately securely, upon the solid-rock truth, of the word of God (Matthew 16:18-19). When they are ready to stop “playing at church” and get serious about God, then it’s time to come and see us.

1). When they are ready to stop “playing at church” as it pertains to their commitment to Christ. Christ calls His people/His church to complete commitment to the will and word of God (Mark 8:34-38; 1 Peter 1:13-4:5). Nothing less will do. This is not a game. This is not Roman Catholicism where-in as long as you confess your sin and continue to contribute financially, you can arbitrarily continue in sin without consequence (Romans 6:1-23).

2). When they are ready to stop “playing at church” as it pertains to the entertainment mentality that is absolutely ravaging and completely consuming so many man-made religious entities today. Our Lord could not have made it any clearer that His people are to be “making the most of the time” He has given us to learn God’s word, and not wasting a second of it on anything else or less: See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is (Ephesians 5:15-17).

This is why we in “churches of Christ” (again, as seen in the Scriptures – Romans 16:16) seek to make the most of each and every opportunity to get together and actually open up and study the bible (2 Timothy 2:15), instead of wasting precious bible study time pursuing, promoting, and participating in pointless entertainment (Romans 13:11-14; 1 Peter 4:1-5; 2 Peter 1:2-11).

3). When they are ready to stop “playing at church,” as it pertains to the biblically unauthorized, unwelcome, and sinful, infernal, addition or infusion of mechanical instruments of music into God’s original, New Testament, worship pattern. Eight times total in His New Testament, God specifies the exact kind of music He demands, desires, and therefore deserves from His obedient children as their God and Father in heaven: SINGING & SINGING EXCLUSIVELY! Check them out: Matthew 26:30; Mark 14:26; Acts 16:25; Romans 15:9; 1 Corinthians 14:15; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; and James 5:13! And then, note this: Where is the ‘instrumental’ in any of those musical passages? The same place as the sinner’s prayer of faith for salvation is found in the word of God; as well as the same place instruments will be found in the faithful house of God (1 Timothy 3:15): NOWHERE!

Let your ‘fed-up with false and surface religion’ friends and neighbors know: When they’re ready to stop playing at church, there’s a place where they can experience pure, God ordained, Spirit and truth worship, and so become the kind of worshippers the Father is right now seeking (John 4:23-24). And that is by humbly and obediently worshipping with His church, as seen in His word.

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The Christian’s Circumcision

BAPTISM: THE CHRISTIAN’S “CIRCUMCISION”

In Genesis chapter 17, we read of God making a covenant (agreement) with Abraham that the Holy Land, the land of Canaan, would always belong to Abraham’s descendants as long as they obeyed him.  The “sign of the covenant”would be the circumcision in the flesh of every male at least eight days old (Gen. 17:10-14).  Abraham immediately made sure that he and his entire family were circumcised that same day (Gen. 17:22-27).  This was the basis for the law which required that all Jews be circumcised (Lev. 12:3).

Christian circumcision is change in heart and life.

Christian circumcision is change in heart and life.

Thousands of years later during the early days of the church, Jewish Christians who had converted out of Judaism were trying to bring tenets of Judaism into Christianity.  Circumcision was one of these tenets (Acts 15; Gal. 1-6).  Paul made it clear that physical circumcision was not required to be a Christian like it was in order to be a Jew.  However, the Holy Spirit inspired him to use the Jews’ mindset of circumcision being a sign that they had a covenant with God to teach a very important lesson about baptism in the book of Colossians.

Much of Colossians dealt with Paul reassuring Gentile Christians that they did not have to obey all the laws of Judaism in order to be Christians.  While doing so, he told them that they, like all Christians, had been filled in Christ, who is the head of all rule and authority (Col. 2:10).  Notice what he said next in Colossians 2:11-12: “In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.”

Think about this for a second.  We are not under the covenant God made with Israel.  That was taken out of the way at the cross (Col. 2:14), and we are under a new covenant (Heb. 8:6-13), Christ’s covenant.  But just like physical circumcision was required as a sign of the old covenant, God still requires “circumcision” of a sort as a sign in the new covenant.  But this is not a literal, fleshly, physical circumcision.  No, Paul says that it is a spiritual circumcision, “made without hands.”  He then clarifies it has having occurred when one was baptized – literally “immersed” in the Greek – in water.

From Abraham to the church, God and everyone else would know whether or not one was a Jew if they were physically circumcised.  Does God and everyone else recognize you to be a Christian?  Baptism preceded by repentance (Acts 2:38) which was brought on by faith (Mark 16:16) is the key, the key to salvation and forgiveness of sins.  It is only through baptism that one is spiritually buried with Christ to rise again to a new life (Col. 2:12; Rom. 6:3-4).  It is only through baptism that one puts on Christ and becomes a child of God (Gal. 3:26-27).  It is only through baptism that the Holy Spirit adds you to Christ’s body (1 Cor. 12:13), that body being his church (Eph. 1:22-23), of which there is only one in the sight of God (Eph. 4:4-6), not the many found in the numerous sects and denominations of Christendom today.

Have you been spiritually circumcised?  Are you truly a Christian in the sight of God?

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Consider and Obey

Consider and Obey

In 1 Samuel 12 the children of Israel are commanded by Samuel to “consider how great things [God] has done for you” (12:24). And when Saul sinned in not completely destroying the Amalekites (Saul skirts the issue, blames the people, and acts like a big baby) Samuel asks the rhetorical question, “Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (15:22). Considering that the Old Testament has been preserved for us, in part, to remind us and teach us about the relationship between God and man (Romans 15:4; Romans 11:21–24; 1 Corinthians 10:11), we are reminded of the importance of remembering what great things God has done for us and the necessity to be faithful in our obedience to Him.

Consider: Obey God's Will, not your own.

Consider: Obey God’s Will, not your own.

When we focus on the successes and blessings of others it is so easy to be come envious and forget just how good God has been to us. When we are feeling sorry for ourselves its easy to forget how blessed we are and ignore the needs of those around us who are needier than we may be. Focus-ing on God’s blessings in our lives not only helps us to maintain a proper perspective and relationship with our neighbors but it also helps us maintain a right relationship with the Father.

Consider the physical blessings He has blessed us all with. The sun and the rain, springtime and the autumn, and the abundance of His creation. Think of your health, wealth, education, job, income, family, friends, and truly the list could go on. As my Grandma Healea used to say, “If you really start to count your blessings you’d never stop.” And shouldn’t we!

Also consider the spiritual blessings that have been given to all men. The inspired word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:3), the sacrifice of His Son upon the cross (John 3:16), and a hope of being saved from sin and death (John 3:17). Yet consider that only those who accept the spiritual blessings He has offered are going to enjoy the benefits. If you have not obeyed Him through repentance (Acts 17:30), confession (Romans 10:10), and baptism (Mark 16:16) why do you continue to reject His love?

If you are a Christian consider the blessings He has bestowed on us: assurance (Hebrews 10:22), the church (Mark 10:30), and a home prepared for us by Jesus himself (John 14:1–3). Are you faithful and are you eagerly anticipating His return?

What great blessings God has bestowed upon us today and yet so few take note and obey Him. “Consider how great things [God] has done for you” and respond in faithful obedience and humility. And be faithful!

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Look Inward

Eyes of Faith Looking Inward

Paul’s words that we should “…walk circumspectly” (Eph. 5:15) would be easily understood by those who first read this in the King James Version. It simply means that as we walk we should be looking about and carefully considering all that is happening. It begins with us looking upward, to establish the right relationship with God. Then we should also look around us, to see opportunities to let our lights shine before others. The first and second greatest commandments are summed up in these two actions. However, we must never forget the third direction to look—look inward.

A full life requires man to look inward, outward, and upward.

A full life requires man to look inward, outward, and upward.

We should look inward because it is the source of outward actions. The greatest commandment about loving God is tied to the core of our souls. We are to love Him with all our heart, all our soul, all our mind and all our strength (Mark 12:30). Service to God without involving the entirety of the inward man misses the mark. Walking circumspectly (looking around us) demands we look inward to measure the depth of our devotion to the Master.

We should look inward because it is the entry step to becoming a perfect (mature) man in the eyes of God. James speaks of the extreme difficulty of controlling the tongue and then adds, “If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body” (James 3:2). Jesus said, “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matt. 12:34). The road to spiritual maturity is obvious. Look inward, bridle the tongue, and spiritual maturity lies before you.

So this week as you commune with the Lord at His table, look inward to examine yourself as you eat and drink with Him (1 Cor. 11:27). Obviously, when we eat together, we look backward to the cross remembering Him. We look forward to His return as we show His death, but perhaps most important is that self-examination we do. In His wisdom He has given us a regularly appointed time to look inward.

Paul also urged the Corinthians to look inward for another reason. “Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves” (2 Cor. 13:5). Our walk with Him involves far more than knowing the faith, it demands we walk in it. Look inward! Are you walking in the truths of His word.

Our songs often describe our lives as we walk looking about. We may struggle and sing of our determination to walk one step at a time. Yet, we make each of those steps. One day the final step will be taken and that step is into our eternal home. God help us to “… walk circumspectly.”

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