Emergent Church

The following are my observations on the emergent church. As such, some of my observations may not apply to every group with the total community that calls itself the emergent church. The danger is that the thinking and ideas by some individuals within the movement will eventually influence the thinking and direction of the whole movement. It needs to be said that this not meant to be an exhaustive study of the whole movement but simply my personal observations.

I see the emergent church being shaped by culture in the way it worships and the way it defines its beliefs. Its participants are molding the church to its own preference. A proper view of scripture is that scripture is to mold culture to its propositional truth. The Bible is not to be viewed through the eyes of culture, but culture is to be viewed through the eyes of scripture. The former provides a subjective view while the latter is objective. The former is a type of relativism while the latter gives us an unchanging standard for faith and practice.

The emergent church rises out of what they call the failure of the institutional church to effect change. The church’s job is to give the world what it needs, not what it wants. True failure is refusing to speak the truth in love. The scriptures never define success in terms of numbers but in terms of faithfulness. [Matthew 25:21; 1 Corinthians 4:2; 3:7] Faithfulness is defined by three propositions. One, did I do my best? Two, did I finish the task given to me? Three, did I do it God’s way? The emergent church thinks in terms of of having a better idea or our way is better than God’s way.

The emergent church says we cannot know absolute truth, or, at least, that we cannot know absolutely. The Bible clearly defines absolute truth as an attribute of the Godhead and everything God has said in His inspired Word. The inability to know absolute truth will opens the door to universalism and the denial of Jesus Christ as “the way, the truth and the life.” And His exclusive claim that “no man cometh to the Father but by me.” [John 14:6]

For the emergent church the inability to know absolute truth creates a problem of being able to identify who is a true believers and who is a non-believer. It impacts what they would consider evangelism. Within the emergent church there is a growing emphasis upon the social gospel at the expense of the proclamation of propositional truth. This coupled with the tendency not to assert that Christianity is true and authoritative makes the emergent church a movement leaning toward the ecumenism of the World Council of Churches and Romanism.

The emergent church focuses more on orthopraxy that orthodoxy. It forgets, or at least diminishes the idea, that what one believes determines how one lives. Without an orthodox belief system, how does the emergent church know what is proper orthopraxy? It was Solomon who said, “for as he thinketh in his heart, so is he…” [Proverbs 23:7] What will control the thought process? It will either be the Word of God [orthodoxy] or the ever changing culture in which he lives.

Another danger for the emergent church is the casualness of their worship style. For some sitting on couches and drinking coffee and conversing with one another. The fear of God is missing. All through scripture we see that when men who worship God recognize they are in the presence of holy God, it changes the way they worship. They understand they are on “holy ground” and it is reflected by their reverence. This problem is not limited to the emergent church. Much of what we call worship today reflects casualness and a lack of reverence for God.

Another aspect of the emergent church is the focus on a person’s story rather than on propositional truth. Propositional truth is not totally rejected but it is a very low priority Truth is a person’s story rather than the truth being defined by God. This generates subjectivism, relativism and man centeredness rather than a God centered focus and the objectivity brought about by the Word of God.

These are my thoughts and I welcome your comments. Use the little envelope below to send me you comments both pro and con.

Compromise

We are so ready to criticize other believers who we believe have acted in such a way as to compromise the doctrines of Christ but we need to be aware of a far more insidious form of compromise. Yes, the greatest threat to the principles and truth taught in the Scripture is compromise. On one side there are those who faithfully hold to Biblical teaching and teach Biblical principles and on the opposite side there are those who deny Biblical truth and reject Biblical principles. Between the two sides there is constant tension because there is no middle ground for agreement. This is both normal and natural. You cannot on one hand agree with the Biblical teaching on the deity of Jesus Christ and on the other hand work with those who reject the very same teaching.

In view of this division there is a constant call for unity. The charge that those who hold fast to the truth are being divisive. Paul said in Romans 16:17 that the ones who cause division are those who reject the teaching of God’s Word. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” Paul did not say lets get together and find some middle ground on which we can all agree. He said avoid them! Why? The call to compromise is a call to adjust our beliefs, to deny the Scripture for the sake of a false unity. In the battle between truth and error any attempt to find middle ground truth is lost and it is replaced buy some form of error.

Compromise takes place because we are unwilling to pay the price to defend the truth or we have a diminished view of Scripture. The moment we stop viewing Scripture as the infallible, inerrant Word of God, the idea of unity for unity sake and the necessary compromise of our beliefs becomes a distinct reality. Once our view of Scripture is diminished and the world tries to marginalize us by calling us bigots, unloving or radical fundamentalist, we must not allow ourselves to think we need to compromise Biblical truth and Biblical principles in order to gain a form of acceptance. Compromise is a clear and present danger for every Bible believing Christian.

As dangerous as this possibility is, there is a far more dangerous, destructive form of compromise. It is the willingness to compromise one’s personal integrity for personal, selfish purposes. This form of compromise demonstrates itself in subtle ways. We don’t want to break the law or the rules we are govern by so we look for ways to circumvent the laws and rules that prevent us from gaining what we desire. This form of compromise destroys our testimony and opens us up to charge of hypocrisy. On the face nothing seems different but under the surface there are the whispers of others, the inner discontent that comes with the compromise of our integrity. After a while we learn to justify our actions and allow our conscience to be seared so we no longer respond to the inner voice of discontent.

The compromise of integrity demonstrates itself when we refuse to speak out against what is wrong for fear of hurting someone’s feelings or being rejected because of our Biblical beliefs. Others take silence as a voice of agreement. Why does this happen? We want to be liked by others. It is nice to be liked but it is more important to be respected. It’s a strange dichotomy on one hand to have people not like you and at the same time respect you for the courage of your convictions. When we compromise our convictions one respects us or trusts us. Another demonstration comes in what we are willing to do when we believe no one is looking, our Moment of Truth.

Truth must be defended and personal integrity must be protected regardless of the situation, regardless of the cost.

Moments of Truth

One by one the fishermen left for the night. One lonely fisherman was left. One fish shy of the daily limit, he continued to fish in the darkness. Finally, his third salmon was on the line; and in a few moments, he would be able to go home. After landing the fish, he noticed the salmon had been snagged, not hooked, in the mouth. As he took the hook out of the side of the fish, he faced a moment of truth[1]. Should he keep the fish? Should he put the fish back because it was not legally hooked? Who would know?

Doing what is right, even though no one else is looking, is a defining moment of character. It’s only one fish. It’s going to die anyway. No one has to know. It may seem to be an insignificant moment but every moment of truth is significant. Men and women of character do what's right no matter what the situation. Good character is just that -- doing what is right in every situation not just when people are watching. Good character is being consistent in every moment of truth.

All through the Bible, we find people faced with moments of truth. Some like Joseph and Daniel passed their tests and others like Peter and Lot failed their moments of truth. Everyday we face moments of truth that constantly shape and define our character. When was the last time you faced a moment of truth? How did you do?

When we fail to do right, we use our circumstances as an excuse for not doing what is right. Men and women of good character have the courage to do what is right regardless of their circumstances. The Bible, by showing us men like Joseph and Daniel in their moments of truth, emphasizes the need for faith in God and knowledge of truth. Moments of truth call for courage and strength of character. The company they keep forms the character of weak men and women. Apostle Paul said: “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’” (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV) Faith in God and knowledge of the truth helps us in character’s defining moments.

How can we pass the test presented in our moments of truth?

1. We can not obey God without a proper knowledge of God's Word. Character development depends upon our familiarity with the Word of God.
2. We need to purpose in our hearts to do right. Good character comes from a pre-decided commitment to Biblical values.
3. We must learn to think Biblically about the secular issues we face. The Bible is the standard for right and wrong. We must learn how to apply right and wrong as we make our choices.
4. We need to learn to think creatively. Too often we box ourselves in by thinking there is only one option in our moment of truth. Often there are creative alternatives that allow you to maintain good character in difficult situations.
5. We need to discern the value of doing right in the little things in life. These little things help us develop a pattern in doing right that prepare us for the big moments of life.
6. When we choose to do right, we don't always get the promotion or recognition we feel we deserve. What is better? A good conscience or a promotion gained by failing a moment of truth. Ill-gotten gain brings inner turmoil as we constantly worry about losing every thing if someone finds out.
7. There is more to passing our moments of truth than just making the right choice. Good character is not only making right choices but having a right attitude. To make the right choice and not have a right attitude is to fail a moment of truth.

Every time we make a choice, it’s a moment of truth by which we define and shape our character. What would you have done with the snagged fish? Would you have kept it or thrown it back?

[1] A moment of truth is a period of time in your life when no one is looking but God and you are faced with a choice between right and wrong. It is a choice that defines who and what you [character] are.

Leisure: Sacred or Secular?

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” [Colossians 3:17]

The realization that there isn’t any sacred secular distinction not only impacts how we view work but it also impacts how play, our periods of recreation. One of the most prominent concepts in dealing work and play is the proper use of time. Our consideration of play/leisure activity must address a few issues. Leisure is:

Not the absence of activity;
Is for recovery for fatigue – recuperative function of leisure;
For personal development;
Important for the establishment of relationships/friendships;
A time for strengthening family relationships;
A time for spiritual restoration and refreshment;
A opportunity for ministry [I like to take people fishing and use it for a time of ministry];
A time for experiencing and exploring God’s creation; and
An opportunity for mutual encouragement.

The above uses for leisure/play must be govern by Biblical Principles. There are two concepts we must consider. One, the use of our leisure/play time involves what we do, and secondly, it also includes why and how we are to engage in those activities. Space does not allow us to fully investigate the following Biblical Principles that we should apply to our leisure/play time. The following Biblical principles help us better understand the how and why we are to engage in afore mentioned leisure/play activities:

Rest principle [Exodus 20:10; Mark 6:31];
Enjoyment Principle [James 1:17; 1 Timothy 6:17; Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13];
Exercise Principle [1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Corinthians 6:19, 20] This principle establishes the value of leisure but also maintains a proper balance in life.
Fellowship Principle [1 Corinthians 9:22 – in Deuteronomy 16:16 we find there ere three pilgrimage festivals that provided for group travel, music, camping out etc.]
Holiness principle [1 Corinthians 6:19, 20]

Our leisure time is a time for recreation. Recreation is not just filling time. It is not just idleness or idle play but those activities we engage in voluntarily that are pleasurable and satisfying where the activity itself is the reward. In the process we learn to use our time in accordance with the principle that “whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:31]

Work: Sacred or Secular?

“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” [Colossians 3:17]

God makes no distinction between a sacred [full time ministry] or secular [professional ministry] work. Work is sacred because God ordained it before the fall. God still expects us to do our work “as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men.” [Ephesians 6b, 7]

This means that there must be a connection between what happens on Sunday and our Monday through Saturday lives. God intends for us to live our lives in the workplace according to the principles of God’s word. We are extensions of His presence into every part of the workplace. All of us are in “full time ministry” but not all of us serve the Lord in the same vocation. Whether you are a farmer, dentist, lawyer, clerk, assembly line worker, pastor, missionary, etc. you are in full time service for the Lord. Paul commanded the believers at Ephesus to “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” [Ephesians 4:1]. The “whatsoever ye do” makes no sacred secular distinctions.

The Puritans approach was to consider worship as something that all Christians did regardless of their activities during the course of a day. Worship was for everyone, everywhere, in everything. Home, family, work, meals, education, charity, and leisure were all given to God. No sacred secular divisions in life for the Puritans.

The false division between sacred and secular creates the concept that we live in two different worlds by two different sets of rules. We need to realize that “the workplace is a training ground for most of us. It is the place where we deal with the everyday challenges of life, but it is also here where God wants to reveal His glory ‘so that the world might know that He is God.’"[1] Consequently we might find ourselves being passed over for a promotion, losing a job or unable to take a particular job because of our understanding that “whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” [1 Corinthians 10:31]

Being a Christian isn’t child’s play. It takes real men and women to stand up for their faith in the work place. It takes men and women who realize there is more to life than wealth, position or fame. When we make the sacred secular division in our lives we lose our integrity and lose the very things we seek after - peace and contentment.


[1] Os Hillman, Christianity Today, 01/12/2005

Be Thankful

"...and be thankful." [Colossians 3:15]

Paul is instructing the Colossian believers and us in matters of Christian conduct. One attitude we should possess is gratitude. It is our duty! Be thankful!

When we stop glorifying God by giving Him thanks, we begin to drift from God. We will either acknowledge the Creator or the creature. Who gives us life, peace, hope, provides our food, protects us, or designed this universe so man could live on earth? The answer to these questions and every other question is GOD! Once we take away God, we are left aimless and hopeless, filled with despair in the midst of chaos.

Thankfulness is offering unto God the sacrifice of praise. Sacrifice is at the heart of true worship. In giving God praise, we sacrifice self-praise. We want others to pay attention to us, and our actions cry out: "Look at me!", "Pay attention to me!", or "Give me the credit due me."

When we act this way, our pride grows and soon self replaces God as the main focus of our lives. It is time to stop glorifying self and start to glorify God. Give Him the praise He deserves. It is the only way we can find lasting happiness.

It is our delight! Be thankful! A happy person has a right relationship with God. A relationship expressed by joyful singing. Maybe the reason our joy is missing is our ingratitude. Sin always robs us of joy.

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name." [Hebrews 13:15]

Dark Secrets

A tear slowly slid down my cheek as I waited for the funeral to begin. My tears were not tears of grief for my Uncle who laid in the coffin, but tears of relief. After forty years, it was finally over or so I thought.

The deep sadness I felt that day was for a little girl of long ago that had had her childhood stolen by this man. He had taken from me treasures far more valuable than silver or gold. He had destroyed my self-confidence, shattered my trust of people, and silenced my laughter. That's a great deal to lose when you are only four years old.

The days that followed the funeral were busy with cleaning out Uncle's house. I was uncomfortable being there but it wasn't until we came across pictures from those early childhood days that problems arose. The memories they brought back were accompanied by horrible nightmares.

Night after night these dreams plagued me. I would wake crying and shaking in fear as I relived those terrible times. As the nightmares grew worse it was more difficult to function during the day. My prayer life began to suffer greatly and soon I found no comfort in God's Word. I became depressed and lonely as I retreated from everyone I loved. My Uncle's death had unearthed the darkest secrets in my life.

Questions haunted me day after day. How could he have done such unspeakable things to a little girl? Why did God let this happen? Why couldn't I put this behind me after all this time? It was over. I was safe. He was dead! Uncle ruined my childhood now was he going to ruin the rest of my life? I felt as though I was losing my mind. Sexual abuse is a nightmare in itself. It leaves you with a dark place in your life that you can't share. You tuck away those memories hoping they never resurface but now they had. In desperation I started to share with my husband the "dark secrets" that had been part of my life for so long. As story after story unfolded I realized that I couldn't even remember when he began sexually abusing me but I could remember clearly the day that it ended.

On that day he found me playing alone and told me he wanted to show me something in the cellar. I didn't want to go with him but, as always, he reminded me that I had to obey him. When we got to the cellar he told me that I must never tell anyone about "our secrets" or there would be trouble. Then I knew what he wanted. Even to this day I can remember the fear I felt. (Some fears you never forget!)

As he pulled me closer to him he asked me a question he had never asked before. "How would you like to see how babies are made? You like babies don't you?" I began to cry as I became more and more frightened. "I'm too little to take care of a baby", I told him. Suddenly, with all the strength I could find I pulled away from him and ran as fast as I could to find my Mom. I wanted to tell her what had happened but I was afraid so I just stayed very close to her the rest of the day.

That night after Mom tucked me in and everyone was sleeping I woke up to find Uncle in my room sitting on my bed. Mom quickly responded to my cries of fear. She sent Uncle away and held me until I stopped crying. Sleep did not come easily that night!

I could hear my parents voices far into the night. Mom was crying and Dad was angry. Dad kept saying that he was going to call the police. Uncle was right, I had made TROUBLE, just like he said I would. I must really be bad if my own Dad wanted the police to take me away.

The next morning I took my favorite doll, sat on the step, and waited for the police to come for me. Day after day I waited for the police but they never came. Uncle never touched me again and no one ever mentioned the events that had taken place. When Uncle moved out I could put all the unpleasant memories of the past behind me.

As a child I never regained my trust of adults. I felt that I was bad and no one really loved me. But one summer something happened that changed my life.

Mom let us attend D.V.B.S. and I heard the Gospel for the first time. I was sure Romans 3:23 had been written just for me. No one had to convince me that I was sinner. It was harder for me to believe that Jesus would forgive me, love me and be my best friend but I did accept Christ as my Savior. And for the first time in years I felt loved!

I ran home to tell Mom that I had asked Jesus to come into my heart. She told me to stop being so silly and go out and play. Yet, in the next four years both of my parents came to know the Lord. What wonderful changes took place in our home and our lives!

Now after all these years my childhood memories were destroying everything that I held dear. My husband continually encouraged me to give the problem to the Lord. Finally, I poured out my pain and agony to my heavenly Father and He began to heal the wounds. Who else can heal the broken hearted?

Without Christ my life would be in shambles. It only takes a news report of sexual abuse for the painful memories to return. Now I run back to my Savior and He gives me peace. The joy of my childhood was destroyed by my Uncle's sinful actions but they could not take away the joy of my salvation!

I've written of these painful events for you who understand my nightmare only too well. Let me encourage you to surrender your pain to the Lord. He will heal the deep wounds you have hidden all these years. Then together we will Praise God that our "dark secrets" are at the foot of the Cross!

Anonymous

For other words of encouragement go to:

http://www.hopetriumphant.com/hope_for_difficult_days.htm
or write us hope08@hopetriumphant.com and we will put you in touch with the author to answer your questions about this subject.

Little Sin

"A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." Galatians 5:9

Leaven in Scripture is used to describe the way sin works. It just takes one “little” sin to destroy the soul. It is often that one little sin we do not confessed that brings with it an unimaginable amount of heartache. Little sins don’t lie dormant. Consider the writer of Hebrews description of bitterness. He calls it a “root of bitterness” [Hebrews 12:15] that springs forth defiling many. The root of bitterness produces anger, malice, envy, and jealousy to name a few. The “root of bitterness” is the leaven that leavens all of life. Mrs. Charles E. Cowman in Mountain Trailways for Youth tells the follow story. “Once there was an abbot who desired the use of a piece of ground that lay conveniently near his own, but the owner refused to sell. After much persuasion he was con­tent to lease it. The abbot covenanted only to farm it for one crop. Now his bargain sealed, he planted his field with acorns - a crop that lasted not one year, but three hundred!

So Satan seeks to get possession of our souls by asking us to permit some small sin to enter, one wrong that seems of no great account. But when once he has entered and planted the seeds and beginnings of evil, he holds his ground, and sins and evils amazingly multiply.

The dangerous thing about a little sin is that it won't stay little.”

A Modern Parable

We are in the midst of the Major League Playoffs so I thought this might be a great time to share this parable.

Behold a baseball team went forth to play. Just before the umpire was saying, “Batter up!” the catcher arrived and took his place. The centerfielder didn’t show up but sent his regrets. The third baseman didn’t come because he was up late the night before. The shortstop left his glove at home. Two infielders were away on a trip, but were there in spirit. When the pitcher went to the mound, he was discouraged, but he hoped for the best. He had to be pitcher, cover first, third and shortstop. When the absent players heard their team lost the game, a decision was made to get a new pitcher.[1]

This represents a sad parallel for what happens in many churches.

[1] Author unknown – found this among some old papers as I was cleaning up.

Faith

Faith is by definition “the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen.” [Hebrews 11:1] Faith is:

a. The means of our salvation – "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” [Ephesians 2:8, 9];
b. The foundation of our hope – “By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” [Romans 5:2]; and
c. A necessary ingredient in our daily walk – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” [2Corinthians 5:7]

What should we believe? Faith believes that God is, that He has revealed Himself to us through Jesus Christ and that the Bible is His infallible, inerrant message to us.

Many people want to see in order to believe. Thomas said, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” [John 20:25] Seven days later after he saw the risen Lord and saw the nail prints, Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” [John 20:29] We believe in order to see, to know the truth. It is the truth that will set us free from the bondage of sin. It is the truth that gives us our hope not just for this life but also for the life to come. Heaven is a real place. It is so not because we have seen it, but because we believe the words of Jesus.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” [Hebrews 11:6]