DO YOU HAVE A HAND-ME-DOWN FAITH?

 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?

2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

                If you grew up in a family with more than one child, then you probably understand what it is to live with hand-me-downs. As the older child grows out of something, the younger child grows into it, and so on. It is a pretty common practice in families, and it really makes sense. But when it comes to our faith, hand-me-downs don’t work.

                I made a commitment to follow Jesus when I was 5 years old. I did it because I trusted my parents and my Sunday School teacher. They said it was true, so I believed them and said yes to Jesus. That decision didn’t really impact my life until I was 13. I attended summer camp for the first time. One night at the campfire, the speaker asked if we were sure about our faith. Something stirred in me and I stayed after to talk with the counselor. That night I prayed for an assurance of my faith, but that was not all. I began to realize that if I was a follower of Jesus, it should make a difference in the way I lived my life. I struggled to live up to my hand-me-down faith all the way through high school. It wasn’t until I went to college that my faith really became mine. I began to own my faith in more profound ways.

                Almost all of us begin our spiritual journey with a hand-me-down faith. Someone shared the Gospel with us, and because we trusted them, we put our faith in Jesus. As a Chinese friend of mine once put it, “I had to trust you before I could trust your Jesus.” The foundation of our spiritual journey was based on the faith of others. Paul even points to that in his counsel to Timothy. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15 (NIV)

                But just as we eventually grow out of the hand-me-downs of our childhood, so we must grow beyond a hand-me-down faith. We can continue to live with a hand-me-down faith, but our spiritual life will remain immature and shallow. When the storms of life come to test our faith, we can be shaken. As I did in college, we need to own our faith. That means that we need to examine our faith, ask hard questions, and learn for ourselves the depth and breadth of our faith.

                As with any endeavor in life, growing strong in our faith takes effort and discipline. It begins with intentionally studying the Bible.  We need to discipline ourselves to do more than just read a little in our Bible every day. When I was in college, it was common for us to do a quick read through Our Daily Bread and call it good for the day. Instead of a quick glimpse in the Bible, we need to actually engage with the Bible, seek what God wants to teach us through the Bible, and look below the surface to understand the truths of the Bible. When Jesus taught the crowds, He used parables. He explained to his disciples that He did this to test people’s hearts. Those who were not really interested would just take the parable at face value. But those with the heart to really encounter God would discern the meaning behind the parable. The stories in the Bible are not there for our entertainment. They are there to teach us about God, about sin, about ourselves, and ultimately about Christ and His salvation.

                In addition to studying the Bible, we need to listen to one another. The Christian life was never intended to be a solo journey. We are to live in community with one another. There are practical applications for this as we support and encourage one another. But God has also gifted some in the body to be spiritual guides, teachers who can help us understand and apply God’s word and wisdom to our lives. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV)

                The goal of the Christian life is not to just hang on until Jesus comes. The goal of the Christian life is to grow deep into the love and grace of God and to share that with the world around us. We cannot effectively do that with a hand-me-down faith. We need a faith that is truly our own, that is woven into the very fabric of our lives.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)

CAN YOU DEFEND YOUR FAITH?

 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)

                I just finished reading “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” by Nabeel Qureshi. I was struck by Nabeel’s determination to defend his faith in Islam. He was well schooled in the classic arguments for Islam and against Christianity. Often, as he engaged Christians regarding their faith, they were unprepared to defend what they believed. Many of them were basing their faith on second hand knowledge. God brought a young man by the name of David into Nabeel’s life who was able to effectively engage Nabeel. After a number of years of back and forth, Nabeel surrendered his life to Christ.

                As I read this young man’s story, I couldn’t help but ask myself, how prepared am I to defend my faith in Christ? Peter wrote that we should always be prepared to give people an answer for the hope we have in Christ. If you were confronted by a Nabeel, could you effectively engage him in spiritual dialog?

                If we are going to effectively defend our faith, we need to be diligent students of the Bible. The Bible is foundational to everything we believe. It is not enough for us to know the basic facts from the Bible. We need to understand how the Bible is put together. We need a clear understanding of the truths of the Bible, that means we need to do the hard work of studying theology and doctrine. We also need to be able to defend the authenticity and authority of the Bible. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:15, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 (KJV)

                Not only do we need to be students of the Bible, we also need to be students of other faiths and other cultures. Many Christians are afraid to study other religions for fear that it might weaken their faith. If we are going to effectively proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we need to understand how other people view the world and spiritual matters. Without an understanding of other faiths, we do not have a basis for a meaningful dialog.

                We also need to have sound instruction from others. One of the assets of our faith is the body of Christ, the church. As we come together for worship and instruction, we can encourage and strengthen one another. As it says in Proverbs 27:17, As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. We are always stronger together. When we get discouraged, others can lift us up. When we don’t have the right answers, others can help us to find them. When we feel alone, other can assure us that we are not. As our society becomes more and more secular, our need for one another increases.

Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)

                But we also need the courage to engage others in spiritual conversations. When I was doing my research for my Doctorate, I discovered that many international students were surprised that Americans are reluctant to talk about their faith. First, many international students are under the misconception that all Americans are Christians. In other countries, religious faith is so integrated into the social and political fabric of the country that there is not separation. Internationals students are surprised when this is not so here in America. Second, international students think that it is only natural that a person should talk about their religious faith, because it is a part of their culture. If we were to visit them in their country, they would automatically share their faith with us. So when Americans are reluctant to speak about their faith, it is confusing to them.

                The first step toward being equipped to defend our faith is to go back to the source in prayer. We need to ask God to give us insight, discernment, and wisdom. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, He will equip us to be what He called us to be, witnesses of His glory.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)

AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST

 We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)

                I have been reading “Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” by Nabeel Qureshi. In the first section of the book, he shares his upbringing as a Muslim. He talks about how their faith was such an integral part of their everyday lives. When he was in seventh grade, his mother sat him down and impressed upon him the importance of projecting a positive image of what it means to be Muslim. “They will always see you first and foremost as a Muslim. That is your identity, and you must embrace it.” From that point on Nabeel saw himself as an ambassador for Islam.

                The way his faith was integrated into his life and the way that he saw his responsibility to reflect the most positive image that he could really challenged me. Do we, as Christians, have the same level of commitment to Christ? Do we see ourselves as everyday ambassadors for our faith? When people look at out lives, is the image their perceive positive or negative? Unfortunately, today many people see all Christians in a very negative light. This is not necessarily because they are rejecting Jesus, but because we have not been positive examples of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

                What does it mean for us to be positive ambassadors for Christ in our world? It begins with how we treat one another. Jesus made it clear that the evidence of our faith is the degree to which we love one another. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35 (NIV) Too often, when people look at the church, they do not see love demonstrated, but conflict. Jesus has called us to love each other as He has loved us, unconditionally. If we are going to change the image of the church in the world, it must begin within. We need to humble ourselves, repent of our bickering and backbiting, and ask God to empower us to truly love one another.

                As we learn to truly love one another, we can begin to extend that love to those outside of the church. As we interact with the world around us, we need to treat people with respect and grace. Although we may disagree with their life choices, we can still extend the love of Christ to them. Afterall, Jesus was known as a friend of sinners. Can we say that about his followers?

                Paul tells us that we need to learn a better way of interacting with the people around us. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV) If we are going to change our world for Christ, we need to change the way we approach those who do not yet believe in Him. Although Paul is writing specifically to the believers in Ephesus, his instructions can apply to the way we interact with unbelievers as well.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 4:31-32, 5:1-2 (NIV)

We can expect people who are not followers of Jesus to misunderstand us and even to oppose us. They way make fun of our faith. They may actively oppose the expression of our faith. But in all of this, we need to refrain from pushing back. Instead, we need to disarm their opposition with genuine kindness.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21 (NIV)

As followers of Christ, we do not wear any special clothes that identify us as believers. The only way another person will know about our faith is through our actions and our words. And we all know that our actions speak louder than our words. When Jesus left his disciples for the last time on earth, he told them that they would be his witnesses throughout the world. The question for each of us is, what kind of a witness am I being for Christ?

But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
1 Peter 3:15-16 (NIV)

 

WELCOME TO THE FIRST CENTURY

 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

Acts 2:42 (NIV)

                From time to time throughout my ministry, I have heard people expound on the idea of being the first century church all over again. I understand what they mean, but I wonder if they have really thought through the implications of that wish.

                Acts 2 gives us a snapshot of the first church. In many ways, it seemed idyllic. But upon closer examination we see that everything was not a bed of roses. In fact, the early church faced many of the same internal struggles that we face today. Ananias and Sapphira vied for prestige without sacrifice. There was division between the Grecian Jews and the Hebraic Jews over who was being taken care of. Later in Paul’s letters we see infighting, arrogance, self-righteousness, and unforgiveness in the church.

                If we step back a little farther, we can see the landscape in which the early church lived. They lived in a world that was decadent. The elite minority ruled, while the majority lived subsistence lives. There was a small middle class and a large number of slaves and servants. The church was a religious minority, persecuted by both the Jews and the Romans. They often became social outcasts. They had no political, social, or economic power. Many in the early church were martyred for their faith.

                In many ways, we have returned to the first century. The world in which we live has become increasingly decadent. More and more the elite minority makes the rules and everyone else is expected to fall in line. The church is increasingly marginalized and often vilified. Within the church, we see disunity, strife, and arguing. In some cases, we have become arrogant and self-righteous, reflecting more the persona of the Pharisees than followers of Jesus.

                What made the flawed first century church stand out from the crowd and eventually flourish? I think there were four basic things that propelled the church forward.

                First, they staked their lives on the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The early believers embraced the foundational truth of the Gospel; that Jesus was the Son of God. They placed their hope in the reality of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

                Second, they were totally dependent on the power of God. Worship was at the heart of their life. Acts 2 tells us that they met daily in the Temple courts praising God. They were devoted to prayer and to the teaching of the Apostles. Their worship shaped the rest of their lives. They knew that they were powerless without the power of the Holy Spirit within them.

                Third, they were dependent on one another.  Acts tells us that they were devoted to the fellowship. They shared meals together. They met in their homes to encourage and support one another. As the church expanded, hospitality became an essential aspect of the life of the church. The only people they could count on were other believers. They were willing to sacrifice for one another.

                Fourth, they led by example. The early church had no political power. They were viewed as a fringe group at best. Yet, they changed the world by the way that they lived out their faith. In a world that abandoned unwanted children, the church rescued them and raised them as their own. In a world that devalued women, the church gave women a place to grow and thrive. In a world that saw slaves as expendable, the church gave value to every person. In a world of elitist classism, the church broke down the barriers of class, race, and social standing. They did their best to love each other with the love of Christ, and people outside of the church took notice.

                In the environment in which we live today, we the church need to get back to being the church. First, we need to repent of our arrogance and self-righteousness. We need to repent of our love affair with political and economic power. We need to repent of our internal bickering and back-biting. It is time to humble ourselves before God and ask for His forgiveness and mercy.

                Second, we need to get our focus back on Jesus. For too long we have given lip service to Jesus, while depending on our own strength and ingenuity. As it says in Hebrews 12:1-3, Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

                Third, we need to recommit to being the body of Christ in our world. Jesus said, by this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. That is the place to start. Instead of trying to change the secular world around us, we need to change the church. We need to get back to being devoted to one another, to sharing with one another, to supporting one another. If we really want to change our world, we need to start to live out our faith in tangible ways. We need to build a community that attracts sinners by demonstrating a better way to live.

                In some ways, I think God has answered the prayers of those who have wanted to go back to the first century church. Unfortunately, it isn’t the ideal place that they thought it would be. Just like the first church, we are flawed. We are jars of clay that God wants to use to display His glory. It is time for us to actively be the salt and light that Jesus commanded us to be.

You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.

You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV)