ChurchApplied

The Beauty of Being "Unfair"

One day as I stood in the editor's office of a small-town newspaper, I spotted a Ku Klux Klansman's robe hanging on a coat rack in the far corner. I was there to see the editor of the paper to request a donation for a humanitarian cause. I remember staring at the robe in disbelief. Maybe it was just there for decoration, but for who? It didn't seem fair that some were hated for the color of their skin.

As a child, in the '50s, I remember driving through Georgia and seeing the "Colored" bathrooms and drinking fountains. What seemed normal then to most adults was strange and mysterious to my seven-year-old mind. Why were "colored people" treated differently?

Over the years we have made progress, but in some places people of color are still treated unfairly, and inequities continue to abound.

Blacks aren't the only ones discriminated against. According to a study released in April 2005, by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, researchers found that "beautiful people tend to earn 5 percent more an hour than their less comely colleagues." Reading on, "The Fed also discovered a plainness penalty, punishing below-average-looks with earnings of 9 percent less an hour."1

In the spiritual realm where skin color and beauty is irrelevant, our idea of justice is turned on its ear. Wealth, beauty, popularity, achievement, and ethnicity, all significant factors in our warped perspective, take a backseat to grace. Jesus featured it in His story about an estate manager who hired workers for his vineyard.

One day the manager hired workers at nine o'clock, noon, three o'clock, and five o'clock. Each group unknowingly agreed to work for the same wage. At the end of the day, when an early worker realized everyone got paid the same, he complained that it wasn't fair. The manager responded:

"Friend, I haven't been unfair. We agreed on the wage of a dollar, didn't we? So take it and go. I decided to give to the one who came last the same as you. Can't I do what I want with my own money? Are you going to get stingy because I am generous?' " (Matthew 20:13-15)

By Rich DuBose. ChurchApplied © 2008. All rights reserved. Use of this material is subject to usage guidelines.

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1. Matthew 20:1-16

So Many Needs

This past weekend I spent time in and around the Los Angeles area video-taping several people with fascinating stories (either about the ministries they are involved with, or about themselves). I also meet with several people from a media entity to learn more about their ministry and to explore ways that we can partner with them. On that day the outside temperature was 112 degrees. I think summer is here.

On Sabbath I visited the White Memorial Church in Los Angeles and helped with a web evangelism seminar. It was part of a larger evangelism training event by the Southern California Conference to prepare for Claim LA (a three-year effort to share Christ with the greater Los Angeles area). The attendance was good, despite the heat. I say that because the sanctuary air conditioner stopped working, which made for a very hot day.

In the afternoon, Chris Johnson, a friend from Santa Barbara, helped me conduct a three-hour seminar on how church websites can be used to enhance the evangelism efforts of the church. We had about 35 people present and greatly benefited from the interaction.

One cannot go into inner Los Angeles or some of its surrounding communities without realizing how desperate some of the needs are for the people who live there. As with many large metropolitan areas, the extreme contrasts of wealth and poverty are readily visible. LA is a mission field in every sense of the word.

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We need urban missionaries---people who are willing to move into our large cities and surrounding communities to be "salt" and "light" to their neighbors and business contacts. We need "seed sowers" who are willing to commit several years of their lives to reflecting Christ's love to people in inner cities. If we want to win people, we have to go where they are. And we only earn the right to talk with them about spiritual things by spending time with them and letting them see that we love them "with no strings attached."

Some other people who need to hear what Christ has to offers have money--lots of it. It's more difficult to go and live among them. Most of us don't have the means to do that. Obviously, it takes special people to do this.

How do we share Christ with people who have great wealth? I would love to hear your ideas on this and the others issues mentioned above.

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Dreaming With God

Where do dreams come from? Do they originate with careful thought and planning, or do they start as simple ideas that lodge in our minds and mutate into wild aspirations? Many dreams do come true--dreams to finish school, get married, have children and pursue a career. But others are more elusive--like the desire to live in the country, or the dream to spend a summer in Ireland, or to learn how to play the piano. What about the dreams we thwart because our practical, reasoned minds can't see beyond playing it safe and avoiding risks?

Joseph was considered a dreamer by his brothers because he looked beyond his present circumstances and vocalized some of his peculiar thoughts. He wanted to pursue God's promptings and follow His mysterious call.

Dreams keep us aching, reaching and straining for what lies ahead. If we ever reach a point where all of our dreams are realized, what will we do? What will propel us into tomorrow's quest for discovery and truth!

Sometimes it's hard to distinguish our dreams from our wants. Does wanting something that is just beyond our reach turn it into a dream?

Do you ever want something badly that God wants? Do I? It's pretty easy to find things in the here and now that we desire. Needing and wanting occupy our thoughts and minds throughout much of our lives. But how much time do we spent wanting what God wants? Do our dreams ever intersect with His? If not, can we say that we are Christian?

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Cry Out to Jesus

When we see all the suffering and heartache around us, and when we feel it ourselves, there is only One who can satisfy --Cry out to Jesus!

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Babylon Is Fallen

This cryptic statement is as mysterious as it is prophetic. Who is Babylon, and how did it fall? The word "Babylon" comes from the name of the ancient city, Bab-ilu (Babel). Babel and its famous tower, were built by some of Noah's descendants who doubted God's promise to never again destroy the earth by flood. To be safe they set out to build the world's first skyscraper.

"Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name, otherwise we will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth." (Genesis 11:4)

When God saw their lack of faith, and saw that their imaginations were bent only toward evil, He confused their language so they no longer spoke one tongue. Frustrated and thwarted, they scattered across the face of the earth.

Babylon, which means "gate of the gods," was a city that many believe was established by Nimrod, the son of Cush. In time, Babylon became a symbol of everything that was opposed to God.

In 1997, the rock group, the Rolling Stones, embarked on a world tour they dubbed, "Bridges to Babylon." One writer said this title suggested "the transportation of the audience to a mythical place synonymous with both luxury and vice; the precise conditions that produce an atmosphere of decadence."

Revelation depicts spiritual Babylon as a fallen city; a symbol of modern spiritual entities who profess a connection with God, but who actually live by their own rules.

"Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who has made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her immorality." (Revelation 14:8)

Now a billion dollar industry, pop-religion uses savvy marketing to sell its wares (books, videos, seminars, music and more). Mega-churches have learned how to grow their numbers and strengthen their loyal followers. Many churches produce high-powered programs that feature astounding theatrics, state-of-the-art music, and smooth preaching. These are not all bad. Some of the methods and techniques are effective in getting people's attention. But unfortunately with many churches, their teachings are so generic they fail to connect people with God. It appeals to the masses because it offers a watered-down version of Christianity that requires very little sacrifice or commitment. God's response to this is:

"Come out of her [fallen Christianity], my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities." (Revelation 18:4, 5)

What are the earmarks of fallen religious entities? Here are a few:

1. Loss of vision and passion
2. Superficial faith
3. Using religion as a means for financial gain
4. Endorsing non biblical practices and beliefs
5. Hypocrisy
6. Using spiritual authority as a means to gain political clout

In another sense, the Babylon motif is also descriptive of the failed ideologies of capitalism and consumerism that promote the pursuit of ever-expanding consumption as the key to happiness and prosperity. It doesn't take a rocket-scientist to know that eventually the bubble bursts, things wear out, debts pile up, and environmental issues reach a breaking point. Many of the critical issues that we face today are related to the insatiable appetite we have developed for a lifestyle that requires huge amounts of resources, particularly energy and water, that are rapidly being depleated. 

Ultimately, all of our problems stem from our alienation from God and His plan for our lives. The only way out is to hear and follow what He says.

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Permission to Relax

Sabbath is a lost concept! The idea of people temporarily abstaining from work and play long enough to let their emotions catch up with their brains is foreign. This is especially true in western culture where we cram as much as we can into each day and still feel that we aren't doing enough.

The title of Tim Hansel's book, "When I Relax I Feel Guilty," says it all. Our culture never gives us permission to relax. Our Protestant Work Ethic requires us to stay busy seven days a week. Rest is for wimps. Our mantra is to work, produce, achieve until we crash and burn! What a way to check out!

What a way to live

I think people should take a vacation every 7 days. That's fifty-two vacations a year! It might sound radical, but it's a cool idea!

Every 7 days put your routines on hold for 24 hours and just relax. This is where the Sabbath idea comes in. The word "Sabbath" means rest, so every Sabbath is a mini vacation. During this time you can relax and enjoy nature, friends and family. It's a perfect time to take the focus off of yourself and your performance and to notice the people around you.

I started doing this when I was 18 years-old and its been great. I still have a lot to learn, but each Friday evening I push everything else away and adopt a vacation mind-set for the next 24 hours. If I get bills in the mail, I don't open them because I'm on "vacation." This same reasoning means I don't go to my regular job and pretty much stay away from stores and business transactions on Saturdays. Neither do I do chores around the house, at least not while I'm on "vacation." Those can wait until another day.

It Works For Me

During these "vacations" I usually go cycling, play guitar, write and do some photography. Sometimes I visit with family or friends, and I usually go to church where I worship with other believers. I love to hear stories about God and how He works in people's lives.

The whole idea is that I'm on vacation with God, and during this time I try to give Him my undivided attention. What's really cool is that God encourages this! In the fourth commandment we read:

"Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Work six days and do everything you need to do. But the seventh day is a Sabbath to GOD your God. Don't do any work--not you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your servant, nor your maid, nor your animals, not even the foreign guest visiting in your town. For in six days GOD made Heaven, Earth, and sea, and everything in them; he rested on the seventh day. Therefore GOD blessed the Sabbath day; he set it apart as a holy day" (Exodus 20: 8-11). The Message

Just in case we're tempted to think the Sabbath was made for God, Jesus said:

"People were not made for the good of the Sabbath. The Sabbath was made for the good of people" (Mark 2:27). New American Standard Version

If more people got into the Sabbath, I'm convinced we'd have less burnout, divorce and violence. People's lives would be more balanced and productive.

It's something worth thinking about!
______________________________

By Rich DuBose. ChurchApplied © 2008. Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE ®

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Dead or Alive

I once heard about a man who was mistakenly declared dead and refrigerated for five hours before a worker noticed he was still alive. The unidentified man, in the final stages of cancer, was declared dead by a physicain who was summoned to his home. After checking him carefully, the physician completed his death certificate and left.

It wasn't until an employee at a funeral parlor was preparing the man for burial that it was discovered he was still alive! After being transferred to a nearby hospital he died several hours later.

Alive On the Outside

It’s hard enough dying, but being alive and mistaken for dead is even worse. Unfortunately, many people's spiritual state is just the opposite. They think they are alive, but they're dead! They look alive on the outside, but on the inside they are rotten, putrid and decaying. I hate to say it, but this is true of us all.

Good News

Thank God, there is hope! In Jesus we can find new life even while our bodies are dying.

“When you were dead in your transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions" (Colossians 2:13).

That's what I call good news!

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Better Late Than Never

I recently read about a man in Michigan who turned in a library book 47 years late. Robert Nuranen said he checked out "Prince of Egypt" for a ninth-grade assignment and failed to return it on time because his mother misplaced it. Through the years the book surfaced every so often, but for one reason or another, Nuranen never made the effort to return it.

Recently, after finding it in his attic, Nuranen realized if he didn't return it now, it might be another 10 years before he got around to it. He said, "fifty-seven years would be embarrassing." So, he finally returned the book, along with a check for $171.32 to cover late fees.

Obviously, Nuranen didn't have to return the book, or pay the late fees. So many years have passed no one at the library even knew it was missing. But for 47 years, Robert carried around the thought of returning "Prince of Egypt" to its rightful home.

You have to admire Nuranen for returning the book. Most people wouldn't bother after so many years. Obviously, he believes promises are meant to be kept.*

As I read this I couldn't help but wonder if there are some accounts in my own life that need to be settled. People I need to apologize to. Letters I need to write.

A few years ago I wrote a letter to my sixth-grade teacher that I had wanted to write for many years. She stands out in my mind because she affirmed my strengths. I loved drawing and would often do it in class instead of working on Math or English. I doodled on book covers, worksheets, note pads and whatever else I could get my hands on. In previous grades I was punished or reprimanded for "wasting time." But Miss Ross was different. She openly admired my work and made me feel talented and special. That was impressive for a scrawny sixth-grader who didn't have a lot of confidence in his scholastic abilities.   

One year while attending a Thanksgiving service, I was motivated to turn my desire into reality. That afternoon I tracked down my teacher's address and wrote her a "Thank You" note. A few weeks later I received a reply. She was very surprised and pleased that I had taken the time to remember.

Do you have any letters to write?

*AP story appeared on CNN Website, January 7, 2007  | Photo by Dana Bartekoske 

Reason to Hope

"O my lovin' brother, when the world's on fire, don't you want God's bosom, to be your pillow. Hide me over in the Rock of Ages, Rock of Ages, cleft for me."

This old chorus seems to fit the mood of many hearts today. The world is an increasingly fragile place to live. This past week has seen thousands die in earthquakes and storms (China's 7.8 earthquake, Myanmar's devastating cyclone, and scores of tornadoes throughout the mid-west United States).

No, the sky isn't falling--yet. There are still beauties to behold and pockets of tranquility to enjoy. But economic and environmental changes are rapidly transforming our world. The prospects of global energy and food shortages are real.

More than ever, the world (our neighbors, friends and associates) need reasons to hope. We all do. We can hope that things will get better, and in specific ways do what we can to make them so. Through our involvement in local causes (food banks, Habitat or Humanity, community gardens, youth mentoring, etc) we can show others that we care--not because we are Adventist, or because we want them to join our church, but because Jesus reigns in our hearts and we are doing His bidding.

Regardless of our walk in life, many opportunities exists for us to be used by God. Mary Jo Lauderdale shares how God is using her to meet some of the needs of others.   

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Delusional Leaders

Jesus said that in the last days some would claim to be the Messiah and would try to get others to follow them.

“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand."

“Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it..."

Matthew 24:23-28 (NKJV)

Throughout my life I have heard of numerous incidents where charismatic leaders have made such claims. For me, the question that always begs to be answered is--how can someone be so naive to fall for such a claim?

Three Self-Proclaimed Messiahs

Here are three examples of individuals who have boldly proclaimed themselves to be either Jesus Christ, or a Messiah figure.

1. Jim Jones - Answers.com provides the following summary of his life and ministry.

"Jim Jones was the founder and leader of Jonestown, Guyana, a community of over 900 members of The People's Temple Full Gospel Church, an offshoot of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Jones had been an untrained preacher in Indiana and California before moving his congregation to Guyana to avoid government scrutiny. In November of 1978, U.S. Congressman Leo Ryan visited Jonestown to investigate allegations of human rights abuses. Ryan and his group were murdered at Jonestown, and on November 18, 1978 Jim Jones and 911 of his followers committed suicide or were murdered." --Answers.com | Watch YouTube (part 1) account

2. Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda - This Puerto Rican pastor claims to be Jesus Christ: CNN Article | Watch YouTube account

3. Wayne Bent - Recently we've heard about Warren Jeffs and his followers in Texas, and now we are hearing about another group in New Mexico whose leader, Wayne Bent (a.k.a. Michael Travesser), claims to be a Messiah. Evidently he used to be an Adventist minister (1970-1982) in southern California. According to church news sources, "He voluntarily terminated his employment with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in 1982. He has had no affiliation with the Seventh-day Adventist Church since then." You can read more about Bent and his claims on his website at StrongCity.Info | CNN Article

This is a good topic for discussion. Watch the video (part 1) and then respond to the questions that follow.

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Discussion Questions

1. Google the word "cult" in a dictionary and describe what it is.

2. With this definition in mind, would Jesus and His disciples have been classified as a cult by His contemporaries?

3. Are people who strongly embrace spiritual values and beliefs more susceptible to cultish deception?

4. Jesus said, "false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." What criteria should be used to establish personal faith? How can we be kept from this kind of deception? 

5. At what point should we walk away from a religious leader or group of people making spiritual claims?

Final Considerations

David said, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). Solomon said, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding..." (Proverbs 3:5-6).

We are cautioned, "Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:14).

Jesus said, "When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth..." (John 16:13).

As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, it is important for us to study God's Word, and to allow His Spirit to guide our steps.

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