Why We Need the 'Hood

In my latest article for the Reformed African American Network (RAAN), I talk about some of the main reasons why we need the 'hood. Here is a blurb:

We are also there because we need what the ‘hood has to offer. There are jewels, if you will, in marginalized communities that are missing from the Church’s crown. Without these jewels, the Church sparkles less.

You can read the rest of the article here. I hope it blesses you...

Moralizing is a Dirty Word

Here is a great quote from Plantinga's Not the Way It's Supposed to Be: A Breviary of Sin:

Nowadays, "moralizing" is a dirty word in public education, and the consensus on what constitutes good and evil has contracted: for a regnant educational elite, moral tolerance is now the only good, and moral intolerance the only evil. In the kingdom of the elite, classroom wars between good and evil think down to angry border skirmishes between the politically correct and the politically challenged.  The politically challenged are, of course, those doofuses who still use short words whe they talk - words like good, bad, right, and wrong. The politically correct, on the other hand, prefer more leisurely and ironic expressions. To be sure, the politically correct (e.g., those who describe the lazy person as "motivationally dispossessed" and prostitutes as "sex care providers") are still willing to make moral judgments - but only of those who make moral judgments. They say things like this: "It is always wrong to make moral judgments."

The Reformed African American Network (Check it Out!!)

Too often it is said that Christianity is the white man's religion. Those who believe in Christ, they say, are intolerant, dogmatic, blonde-haired, blue-eyed, white guys who live to impose their religious beliefs on the rest of the world. This may be hyperbolic language, but it is not unjustified. I have heard it with my own ears.

Of course, the statement is not completely true. From the beginning, Christianity has been a religion for the nations. And even when it was "just for the Jews", it was really for the world, through the Jews.

But I must confess. While I may reject the indictment that Christianity is the white man's religion, there are significant parts of my life that invite it. I may say that Christianity is for all peoples and has been lived out and promoted by all peoples, but I have not embraced this truth in many significant parts of my Christian education and practice.

I don't believe I am alone. For some time, middle-upper class white evangelicals have believed that they are the only significant, right, articulators of theology - especially Reformed Theology. And like I said before, I don't believe any one of us would say this, but we do believe it.

Take a look at your book shelf or blogroll. What percentage are white (or, Anglo) authors? What percentage are African-American, Mexican, Latin American, African, or Asian? I haven't conducted a survey, but I'd be willing to bet, from the libraries I have seen (even my own!), that the majority of our theological learning comes from the white community.

I don't believe that this is malicious in nature or overtly racial. White authors, because of many factors (good and bad), have probably published and produced more material. But is this a good excuse? Shouldn't we be seeking out different cultural perspectives on theology? Shouldn't we be promoting and subsidizing multicultural theological expressions? Do we not see the cultural one-sidedness of our own theological framework?

Without the significant theological insights from multicultural communities, can we really say we are Reformed? Don't we realize that Reformed Theology is not just written doctrinal truths, but also the existential expressions of those doctrines in every culture and among all people groups under heaven?

If you are looking at your bookshelf and blogroll, and notice an absence of multicultural influence, there is no need to despair. I have good news for you today. I'd like to introduce you to RAAN.

The Reformed African American Network (RAAN) is a great organization that seeks to faithfully share and express Reformed Theology from an African American perspective. It's purpose is to "fuel the modern reformation in the African American community and the multi-ethnic nation beyond."

RAAN is a great resource for all peoples. It allows us to gain tremendous theological insights from the African American perspective. In short, I believe RAAN will add much needed color to our modern Reformed tradition.

Below is a video from the founders of RAAN explaining what the organization is all about. I hope you will make this network a part of your regular theological diet. I pray that it would be a significant means by which the Lord's church "continually reforms."

Children Bombarded by Porn While Watching Disney!

Whether an accident or not, it is absolutely unacceptable. Repairing what has just happened in these children's lives, in a matter of minutes, is beyond the abilities of any court, company, or counselor.

I remember images from when I was 9.

FOX Carolina 21

This should remind all of us to be in more diligent in protecting our children from adult content. There is probably nothing this mother could have done to protect hers. Sometimes evil is unavoidable, and we are simply left to handle its consequences.

You can read the full article here.

Pornography Harms is another great site that I frequent often for news, updates, and ways to be active in fighting against this wicked industry.

My Thoughts and Concerns about the Book "Fifty Shades of Grey"

There is no questioning the fact that the book, Fifty Shades of Grey, is both popular and scandalous. It is the first book to sell more than 1 million Kindle e-books in the U.K. And it is the topic of undoubtedly many discussions around the world where people praise, question, or even condemn its content. I have personally heard it brought up multiple times by Christians and non-Christians alike. I have been asked what I think about it at least a few times.

My goal here is not to answer every question. I can't. I haven't read the book. My goal therefore is to state what I know to be true about the book, and give my concerns in light of those truths.

First, the book, like I said before, is scandalous. It is full of explicit sexual content - much of which is apparently itself quite scandalous - which provokes the reader to be either morally repulsed or sexually excited. According to an article in Parenting Magazine, there are many people who read this book, women especially, and are drawn into sexual activities (or, the desires for those activities) that were previously either uncommon or non-existent.

Second, the book uses words rather than images to be sexually explicit. The same article calls it "mommy-porn." It is apparently uncomfortably vivid as it describes a variety sexual acts.

Third, because of this, many people question its moral acceptability. Those who don't think porn is wrong have no problem with the book. Parenting Magazine being one of them, praises the book and even promotes it as good for a couple's sex life. Those, however, who believe porn is wrong, question whether the book can and should be categorized as wrong. It's not images, but words. It is not a movie, but a novel. Is the woman who reads this book performing the same activity as a man who views a pornographic movie on the internet? I certainly have my opinion.

Fourth, the content of Fifty Shades of Grey draws people into a world of sexual fantasy. Given the testimonies I have read, it even excites them to sexual action.

Now for my concerns.

First, I am very uneasy with anyone observing, thinking/fantasizing about, or partaking in any sexual activity outside of their own marriage bed. I believe this keeps sex good and holy. I believe it answers the question, "How holy can I be? (which is more pleasurable) than, "What can I get away with?"

Some will undoubtedly ask the question, "What about those who read the book and place their spouse in that fantasy?" We must be careful here. I don't necessarily think fantasizing about one's spouse is wrong? But having those fantasies introduced, dictated, and detailed by an author, with objective characters, is hardly fantasizing about one's spouse. Sure, the person may look like the spouse; but what about that person's actions? Are they the spouses actions? According to what I have heard and read, this is typically not the case.

Second, this type of reading is, at least initially, one-way. It draws a person into being individually excited about certain sexual activities. It is less than relational.

Not only are many singles reading this book (which is difficult in itself); but, when those who are married read it, they are faced with the (often problematic) reality that "it takes two to tango." Beginning sexual activities or conversations this way can be very dangerous and damaging. Because sex is an extension of our selfless and sacrificial love for our spouse, the best way to approach it is with the question, "What would you like?" rather than the statement, "This is what I want."

Is it wrong or unhealthy to inform your spouse what you would like? Of course not, as long as it is done humbly, without expectation, and sacrificially. Books and movies like Fifty Shades do more to prohibit this countenance than encourage it.

Third, the reason why the last statement is true is because pornographic material brings a person to believe, "I must have what I see (with my eyes and/or imagination) or I will not be satisfied." Sexual temptations and fantasies are extremely powerful - powerful enough to override reason and conscience. They commonly leads us into throwing other people into an objective world that exists only for our selfish convenience, dictation and pleasure. When sexual material is being read or watched, sexual images are soon idolized and worshiped.

Fourth, I fear that Fifty Shades may do more damage than pornography, because it successfully avoids the categorical taboo pornography carries. I do believe the book is pornographic. There, I said it.

Anyone will have a hard time convincing me that the words of a novel are not as powerful and productive as images on a screen in exciting the dangerous realms of a persons sexual lusts. My memory, at times, is my own worst enemy in my fight against pornography. And, at times, it is a more dangerous one. It's easy to close a book or turn off a computer. It's not so easy to suppress the imagination or memory.

Fifth, I have a particular concern for women. If this were a book marketed and popular among men, the lines would not be so blurred. But because women have been more the victims than the users of pornographic material, we tend to pay less attention to what may capture and enslave women "pornographically". More and more women, statistics show, are becoming addicted to sexually explicit material.

This book is the serpent's way of stealthily slithering into the lives of many women. I am writing this post because women's hearts are at stake.

Simply put, it is not loving to leave this book uncategorized as harmful, pornographic, and wicked. The fact that many supposedly need this book for "sexual-CPR" is not an indication their marriages are healthy. It is more of an indication that our culture, especially from a marital standpoint, is desperately sick. It is not an indication that these marriages are sexually fulfilled, but that they are emotionally and spiritually deficient.

And in a culture such as ours, mommy-porn is the last thing we should be reading. We would all be far more satisfied reading about One Faithful Savior in White, than fifty shades of grey.

A Possible Story Behind the Suicides of NFL Athletes

Imagine being 17 years old and having millions of people hanging on your decisions. Imagine being a physical specimen at an early age, so much so that your abilities are the topic of everyday discussion for many grown men. Your picture is everywhere. Signs are made with your name on them. And it is not uncommon for you to hear tens of thousands of people shouting your praise.

The only distinction between you and the common man is that you can play the game better. The game gives and allows liberties that most will never know. And you are one of the very few who regularly experience the intoxicating surge of public praise.

You are an athlete in the 21st century - the height of human experience and the object of everyone's worshipful attention. With very little regard for who you are, it seems as if everyone loves you for what you are. The only problem is you are not mature enough to know the difference.

Even as a baby, the beer was in your bottle. As soon as you could grab a ball, you heard things like, "You're gonna be a football player one day." You also learned from a very early age that this must be your goal in life if you are to excite your father's attention at all. He screams for those players on television; but when you come home from school with an "A", all you get is a pat on the back. It just makes sense. Your survival lies in the game.

And you finally make it. You sign on with a division-I ball team and do well enough to make it on draft day. You've always heard that this is all you need to retire. The checks have started, surely they will never stop. You've been a player all of your life. You are bigger than life. It will never end. Again, you have made it.

Self-control is something that you were never taught. Those liberties you received as a star athlete have served only to cripple you for the responsibilities of manhood. So you run back to the game, and surround yourself with others who seek their refuge in the game as well. Clothes, cars, homes and jewelry fill the void you are now noticing - but only for a little while.

There is something deep inside of you saying, "I have made it. Why am I still searching?" You answer by holding on tighter. Game day is not too far away. Everyone will love you tomorrow.

Two years fly by. They are a blur. The next star in line starts nudging you out of the way. He's better than you and you know it. Things that you have done and possessions that you have bought are now responsibilities that linger over your head day and night. There was a time when you got a check. Now you need the check. Once you caught life, now life is catching you.

Then it happens. You're done. Whether by injury or whatever, you are forced into retirement. The checks have stopped. The praise on Sundays is over. Liberties have been replaced by liabilities. The doors of freedom are now slammed shut. In a matter of days, you are a nobody. A has-been. Now people begin paying attention to who you are rather than what you are. You are now old enough to feel the difference. And it hurts. It hurts bad.

From the beginning of your life, sports were your life. Now sports are gone. The logic isn't very difficult to follow. Life is not worth living anymore. I can only imagine this may very well be the story of O.J. Murdock and others like him. Behind all of the muscle, speed and talent lies a boy who was never taught how to be a man. He was never warned about life outside of the sport. And when life catches him, he has no where to turn but to end himself. This is nothing short of tragedy.

Why Boys Want to Be Heroes and Men Want to Watch Heroes

In the beginning, after the fall, there began the war between the two lines - the seed of the serpent and the seed of the woman. The serpent desires his own name glorified, and he is willing to stop at nothing to have his purpose fulfilled. The seed of the woman calls upon the name of the Lord and humbly acts as an agent to bring God's ultimate purposes about on earth. The climax of almost every story in history is experienced when the seed of the serpent seems to win the day. The threat of evil ultimately triumphing brings each and every one of us anxiously to the edge of our seat. We long for good to prevail.

Many authors and screen writers pick up on this and build their plot around it. From Jerry and Tom, James J. Braddock and Corn Griffin (from Cinderella Man), He-Man and Skelator (I just went way back!), to Batman and the Joker; billions are spent depicting the murderous intent (a.k.a. enmity; cf. Gen 3:15) between the two sides, in order that we might see and experience, on a screen or in a book, the war that really lies within our own hearts. We so deeply desire the victory in our own lives that we will spend time and resources to see it in someone else's (fiction or non).

This is also why almost every young boy wants to be a policeman. This is why my son loves super heroes. They always win the day over evil. They are strong, saving, and heroic. They give assurance to us that good will win.

Somewhere along the temporal line, however, boys cease desiring to be the good guy and resort to watching the good guy. Somewhere in our lives we sink from wanting to fight against evil to purchasing movies about another fighting against evil. In our youth we want to be good, but in our adulthood we are just fine watching someone else be good. Why is this?

After considering it for a few days, I have a few thoughts concerning the matter.

One reason is that boys are not weighed down with worldly worries and responsibilities. They are so sure of their provision that they can focus on providing for others. They are so comforted in their father's protection, they can focus on protecting others. With all their needs taken care of, they can focus on taking care of the needs of others.

Another reason is that too many boys are going unprotected and uncorrected. The image of God in all of us desires good to win. But being born into sin that image is marred. If left without godly nurture and admonition, sin degrades from bad to worse. A boy who once loved He-Man soon sides with Skelator. He takes down his posters of Batman and replaces them with posters of the Joker. His deep desire for good, is debased into a deep love for evil. A boy who once amused us, becomes a man who lives to abuse us. He's not funny anymore - except maybe to himself.

A lot of it begins in the home. When fathers distrust the provision of their heavenly father, they simply don't have time to be the hero. Too worried about saving their own lives, they lose them. And a lost life always drags others down with it. A father obsessed with his own ultimate needs, denies the protection and provision of the Lord who has repeatedly shown himself sufficient for the task. Too many fathers today are too stressed to see the sparrow.

Consequently, too many fathers are teaching their sons to be obsessed with self - their own desires, wants, dreams, and even morals. Others are nothing more than expendable hindrances who get in our way as we make a name for ourselves.

In these cases the serpent has done his job. He began at an early age. He sunk his fangs in ever so slowly. But his time is short. His fatal wound, prophesied long ago (Gen3:15) and secured at Calvary, is now on the redemptive horizon. Our good Hero will come with a shout, and his white robes will be dipped in the blood of his enemies as he treads them in the winepress of God's wrath (Rev19:13). This is the true story of Christ. This is the great story of our good Lord.

Would God Send a Good Person to Hell?

When asked why they do not embrace Christianity, some people respond by saying that they do not believe in a god who would send a good person to hell. The proper response to this type of objection is not to begin dialoging about how God would or does send good people to hell. The reason for this is simple - it's just not true. The God of Christianity would never send a good person to hell. He is good, fair, and just.

Too often we are so set on disagreeing that we fail to recognize where we can and do agree. The case in point is an instance where we see the image of God in every person at work. We all desire a good and just God. This is precisely where the Christian faith shines. If some reject the Christian faith because its God is not good or just, they have not learned him accurately or well. They have rejected in error.

As far as I can see, the error is at least two fold:

First, some may approach the Scriptures with their own presupposed concepts of goodness and/or justice. When the God of the Bible is presented to them accurately, the biblical definitions of goodness and justice do not coincide with their own. Instead of changing their conceptions, they reject the biblical ones. I have encountered this not a few times.

The problem is tragic but simple: the Word of God brings change. If people encounter it without a willingness to change, they will reject the Word of God rather than change.

As a side-note, I have also found it interesting that when asked what their conceptions of goodness and justice are, or where their conceptions were obtained, the answers have been far from consistent, justifiable or objective. It usually boils down to the fact that their personal conception of good does not fit with the Bible's.

The second error is just that - error. It is typically grounded in a biased and unjustified disbelieve in the God of the Bible. They do not believe that the God of the Bible is just and good because they do not want to believe that the God of the Bible is just and good.

Either way, the Christian argument must be presented with grace and truth. We do not believe in a God who sends good people to hell. We just don't believe there is anyone who is good. The truth is that our God is even greater than this - not only is he good and just, but he is gracious and merciful. While we don't believe he sends good people to hell, we do believe he provides a way for bad people to enter into heaven.

This is problematic because he is just. But the problem is solved when we understand the Biblical truths of grace, substitution and sacrifice. Our God sends his Son to die to make bad people good. Then he allows them entrance into eternal life. Those who do not place their faith in the Son are left to their badness. And we do believe that he will send those to hell.

How to Respond to the Book About the Kid Who Goes to Heaven

With so many looking for reasons to believe, and with so many attempting to provide those reasons, it is vital for us to rightly define what those reasons should be. If we believe because of a faulty reason, our belief is likely to ultimately end up failing. Plainly put, the word of God alone is the only sufficient and certain reason to believe in God.

There is a lot of buzz surrounding books like, Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back. Many are reading these books and are finding legitimate encouragements to their faith. Others, however, are reading these books looking for a legitimate reason for faith in the first place.

In this post, I am expressing caution for the latter while encouraging the former. It is okay to find encouragements in these books for our faith; but it is not okay to find our ultimate reason for faith in the testimonies of individuals.

These books must find their right place in our epistemological order. The "proofs" they provide for heaven are not sufficient to save. Their words about what they have seen are not more certain or sure than the very words of God himself.

Here is an excerpt from Bahnsen's, Van Til's Apologetic, to provide some more insight into this:

"God's testimony is greater than that of any man - just because it is God's own testimony (1 Jn 5:9). Anyone who believes in the Son of God, according to Scripture, has this self-attesting testimony of God in his heart (v.10). When all is said and done, he has come to believe God's word on God's own say-so. That word is "more sure" and more persuasive than even miracles (e.g., Lk 16:31; 2 Pt 1:19; Jn 20:29, 31)...

So the only authority by which the identification of Jesus as God could be warranted would have to be the authority of Jesus himself, taken as the one whom he claims to be. Such self-identification or self-authorization is, in the very nature of the case, circular. And this is true of the divine information conveyed in other forms of revelation as well. In them God "testifies to himself" because there is nothing more epistemologically authoritative or morally ultimate that could authorize what he discloses."

The kid in the book may end up dying an atheist. He may even contradict himself or Scripture in the book. This is why the Word of God is so good. It helps us to rest. We do not have to sit and wait for the kid to die a believer. We do not have to wonder whether he was wrong about what he said. But we can allow his words to direct us to God's Word. And in those words we find saving power - the only true, certain, and effective reason to believe.

Who's Voice Are You Listening To?

There is no such thing as existing in a silent, "obedient-less", "rewardless" vacuum.  We all listen to someone.  We all obey some command.  And we all experience the repercussions (good or bad) of our obedience to those commands.  This is the human way.  As image bearers of God we will always listen, obey and reap.

The mass media understands this.  The fact that some believe in a neutral existence is evidence that they have been following a voice so long that they don't even hear it anymore.  Magazine covers know all about justification.  Talk shows know all about sanctification.  And ESPN knows all about glorification.  These institutions have made billions off of the innate desire in every person to be acceptable, to remain acceptable and to be happily satisfied.

We have been listening and believing their voices for a while now.  And as a culture, we are reaping the rewards.  Contrary to popular belief, righteousness doesn't come from looking like Kim Kardashian, or making People's list of best looking guys.  Oprah knows nothing about becoming a better individual - that is, becoming more Christ-like.  And athletic championships continue to become more and more anti-climactic; while societal celebrations like Mardi Gras continue to miss the mark on what a true celebration really is.

Those striving for the promises of society listed above, are, and will continue to do just that - strive.  Kim will get wrinkles.  Oprah has retired.  Super Bowls will be forgotten.  And people will always be puking at Mardi Gras.  The voices are nothing but empty lies.  The hot sign outside of Krispy Kreme promises a delicious snack, while delivering one big bellyache.

But there is a voice that is always good.  The Word of God gives the authoritative command that is always loving, safe, and true.  Righteousness can be found only in Christ.  Pure instruction comes only from his Word, as we are empowered by his Spirit to hear, understand and obey.

And as we follow, we become more like him; knowing with certainty that our obedience to his voice will be rewarded in heaven.  The inheritance is ours in Christ - and the celebration upon receiving it fully will be one like this world has never seen or experienced.

How do we attain all of these things?  Rebels don't deserve a safe command.  Enemies of God don't deserve to freely obey God.  And people who should be punished are not supposed to be rewarded with a heavenly estate.

We attain these things, not by striving, but by trusting Christ alone by faith.  By repenting of our wayward obedience, we may have eternal life by faith in this wonderful Savior.  In so doing, we are free from the endless hustle of trying to be like whoever, to attain whatever our culture says is glorious. Instead of reaching heaven, heaven has come and rescued us.  All striving has ceased.  Christ and his glorious benefits are ours!  It is because of Christ that I can be like Christ.  It is because of Christ that I can act like Christ.  And it is because of Christ that I can enjoy Christ's Kingdom forever, and ever.

Listening to someone else simply doesn't make sense.  Who's voice are you listening to?

It Goes Both Ways

Every human is created in the image of God.  This means, at the very least, that everything we do as image bearers is extremely significant.  When we communicate with words, people are affected.  When we act with our volition and use our hands, we are creating ripples that continue on in the lives of other image bearers.  There is no way around this.  When it's good - it's good.  But when it's bad - it's bad.

This is one reason why we desire to be noticed when we accomplish something great.  Parents praise a child's first words, friends praise the graduation of a friend, and societies praise the heroic efforts of others they don't even personally know.  When people do great things, people praise and rejoice greatly.  This validates the weight of our lives as image bearers.  In these times we find significance beyond our failings - a significance that is rooted in the intrinsic value given by our Creator.

But it goes both ways.  When image bearers commit heinous acts, other image bearers notice and respond accordingly.  The height of human experience reached when a hero saves a life is now thrown into the depths of human sorrow when a murderer takes one, or twenty.  And the praises that are given a student at graduation are transformed into charges given a criminal at his trial.  It goes both ways.  It must in order to preserve the value of the image bearer - the value of the victim as well as the criminal.

This is why societies that praise no accomplishments and punish no crimes are filled with people who feel as if they have no value whatsoever.  A student who is awarded a degree for doing nothing is worthless - not to us necessarily, but to himself.  And a criminal who is left unpunished for his crime is also worthless.  Though he would probably never say it, he would ultimately agree that a death sentence is better than no sentence at all.

We have to wonder if this is why crime is to prevalent in our day.  Kids are rewarded for doing absolutely nothing.  They are not justly punished for committing crime.  A lack of justice on either side of the spectrum - reward or punishment - has left them empty, devalued, and less than image-bearers.  This is probably why the strong hands of a police officer, though painful, are deeply meaningful.  And this is why the indicting voice of a judge, though condemning, feels loving.  He at least has value now.  His actions have meant something.  Finally, even behind bars, he is somebody.

A Few Thoughts On Judgment

The judgment of God, for many, is the proverbial fly in the Christian ointment.  Some try and remove it, while others attempt to enjoy the ointment around it.  No matter how hard one tries, however, these strategies leave their Christianity incomplete and without significant force.  Sure it may be popular; but pragmatism is no substitute for the unadulterated gospel of God's salvation through judgment.

My first thought about all of this is that it should not surprise us that the biblical doctrine of judgment is always being tampered with.  The seed of the serpent will always be whispering that sweet but deadly lie, "You will not certainly die" (Gen 3:4).

D.A. Carson, in The God Who is There, states it well: "The first doctrine to be denied, according to the Bible, is the doctrine of judgment...because if you can get rid of that one teaching, then rebellion has no adverse consequences, and so you are free to do anything."

My second thought is that the severity of the judgment is directly correlated to the worth of the offended and not the offender.  If a man kills a dog, he gets a few years.  If he kills another man, he gets life in prison (or death).  And if he attempts to kill God, he gets an eternity in hell.

I mention this because I heard Rob Bell say in an interview that he doesn't believe God would send a seventeen year old to hell for committing sin.  The idea is that it would be unfair for seventeen years of sin to be punished by an eternity in hell.  The key flaw here is that he is anchoring judgment in the worth of the offender and not in the One offended.  Our Lord is so holy and glorious that one transgression, even by a seventeen year old, is punishable by an eternity in hell.

My third and final thought is that judgment becomes unbearable when we do not focus on the Cross of Christ.  For the Cross tells us at least two things about God and His judgment.  First, until we understand the weight of the judgment we deserve, we cannot fully understand the glory of the the Savior who absorbed all of our judgment.   If what we deserve is small, our Savior is small.  But if our judgment is great, so is our Savior.

Second, when thinking of the punitive system of covenantal judgment, we must understand that God inaugurated such a system with the Cross of His Son in mind.  In other words, when God the Judge freely decided to set Hell as the final punishment for sin, He knew that the severity of Hell would be the punishment His Son would take upon Himself on the Cross for His people.

In summary, in a culture where Jesus is small, we cannot afford to leave the severity of judgment out of our preaching.  In thinking lightly of judgment, we think lightly of sin, of God's glory and of Christ Himself.  The problem of our culture is that teenage athletes are seen as stronger than the God-man.  When such idolatry is identified along with the severe judgment it deserves, then Christ the strong, wrath absorbing Savior begins to grow in our hearts.  Leaving judgment out of our gospel is dangerous, unloving and deadly.

Life Is Too Short Not To Be Happy Forever

Life is too short to live it unhappily.  Our cultural motto, therefore, is "eat, drink, and be merry; for tomorrow we die..." And so the songs go.  

There is a superficial happiness that people know will end soon, so they party it up tonight in a very careless way.  Isn't this the message of every Katy Perry or Kesha song?  Likewise, there is a deep misery (that the superficial happiness seeks to cover up) that people just can't shake, so they justify partying it up tonight in a very careless way.

Consequently, standards like "You shall not commit adultery," fly out of the window. And motives like "Love your neighbor as yourself," fall out of focus.  In other words, when the unbiblical goal of happiness dominates our ethic, relativism and selfishness rule.  We don't care what God says, and we don't ultimately care about other people.  

But this is all really just a facade.  It has been my observation that we often feel that life is way too long on earth to be miserable, and life is far too short (or even nonexistent) after life on earth to be unhappy now.  This utter hopelessness is the main reason why our culture has ditched Godly standards as well as selfless motives.  

The biblical perspective, however, is radically different.  Our life on earth is a mere breath (Job 7:7).  Our life in heaven is everlasting (Jn 6:58).  But how does this perspective cause the Christian life to look radically different?

First, we are encouraged to seek that which will give us eternal happiness, rather than earthly happiness.  It doesn't make any sense whatsoever to gain all of the treasure on earth but lose everlasting treasure in heaven (Mark 8:36; Matt 6:20).  

Second, we are encouraged to trust in Christ, who alone satisfies the deep longings of our heart.  Faith in Christ is deeply satisfying and is far more fulfilling than the superficial pleasures of this world.  

Third, we are encouraged to keep the Lord's commandments even though they may prohibit us from earthly pleasures.  Indulging in sexual pleasure outside of marriage is a very powerful temptation in our day.  To obtain is almost unbearable when we believe that the end of our hunger seems so far away.  But when the end is in view, and near!, we find strength (by His Spirit) and encouragement to wait.  

Fourth, we are encouraged to bring praises and supplications to the Lord in prayer.  We bring praises for giving us the down-payment of the Holy Spirit (now), as well as the promise of our inheritance in heaven (not yet).  It is common experience that when struggle is small so is prayer.

In summary, life on earth is very short.  Life after physical death is forever.  When conflict happens and we are tempted to abandon the Lord's instruction and promise, we have reason, encouragement and strength to wait patiently.  Yes, faith, hope, and love change everything.  If life is difficult now, don't abandon ship.  Cling to the Lord by faith; hope in your treasure in heaven; and love others well.  

Our culture says that life is too long not to be happy now.  But the Scripture is true that life now is far too short not to be happy forever.  Just think, in a billion years from now, you will look back on ~70 years of waiting and say that it was well worth it.

The Tyranny of Retirement

I wrote another article for Holy Culture entitled The Tyranny of Retirement.  This article focuses on a common mindset that we need to work so that we can make enough money to finally be set free from work - to retire.  I argue that work isn't the problem, fallenness is.  Retirement is not the goal, redemption is.

The message and advice of our culture is tyrannous and dangerous. Focusing our attention upon work itself will do nothing but dig our graves deeper. It misses the problem entirely. Our problem is not work, no matter how difficult that work may be. The problem runs much deeper than what we can or cannot do with our hands. Our problem is sin-deep. And, as implied above, we don’t need retirement – we need redemption.

Simply put: We don’t need to work in order to be free; rather, we must be freed in order to work.  
You can read the rest of the article here.

I would like to make one point of clarification.  I am not saying that retirement from a job is a bad thing.  I am saying that retirement from work should not be the goal of human existence.  When it is, it is tyrannous and enslaving.  Work, when understood from a biblical perspective, is a blessing and deeply satisfying.

What Exactly Are We Saved From?

I remember some time back, I asked the question during a Bible study, "What exactly are we being saved from?"  As the answers began, it was clear that people understood that salvation was necessary.  But it was also clear that they had very little understanding about what or who we must be saved from.  Most thought we needed to be saved from the devil.  Others thought we needed to be saved from sin, hell, and/or ourselves.

As I work through the book of Amos, it is almost impossible to walk away without seriously considering the question at hand.  It is equally impossible to walk away without at least being encountered by the biblical answer.

In a culture where hate is categorized as a four-letter-word, we can expect that the culture's god could never be accused of having such an emotion.  But the God of the Bible (Yahweh) is wholly "other" than the culture's god.  He hates sin (Amos 5:21; 6:8).  And He is loving in doing so.  His faithful judgment is both glorious and terrible.  It is inescapable and complete.  No one can run or hide.  No one can pay Him off.

The answer from Scripture is clear:

Sinners must be saved from the Lord.  We must be saved from the wrath of God.

A quote from Leon Morris provides us with a fuller understanding:

A good deal depends upon our conception of the place and nature of the wrath of God. If this is regarded as a very real factor so that the sinner is exposed to its severity, then the removal of the wrath will be an important part of our understanding of salvation; whereas if we diminish the part played by the divine wrath we shall not find it necessary to think seriously of propitiation.

We think little of judgment because we think little of sin (until someone sins against us!).  But when we think little of judgment, we cannot possibly think much of the One who absorbs (propitiates) the judgment of God - Jesus Christ.  Consequently, athletes are worshiped more than Christ.

However, when we understand how great our sin really is, then we begin to understand how great the judgment we deserve really is.  And when we understand the glory of this judgment, then we finally understand the glory of the Lamb of God, who is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world (1 Jn 2:2).

For more information about this subject you can get:
Saved From What? by Sproul
Apostolic Preaching of the Cross by Morris

Morris's quote from CB.

Sex, Rhianna and Redbook

While Rhiann's new song, S&M, is far from a family sing along, it is terribly profound; ironically indicating just how empty this girl (as well as our culture) really is.  If Rhianna is telling the truth, then she is one who feels good being good at being bad (how's that for an expression!), and who likes to experience affliction while having sex.  At the end of her "afflicting" experiences, however, instead of being fulfilled, she is left "wanting more."

I do want to make myself clear.  I am not saying that just because a person is left "wanting more" after having sexual intercourse, that they are out of line.  I think it is perfectly normal for a person to want more sex after having sex.  Nor am I advocating a limited scope of sexual positions and/or practices that a couple may choose from in order to be ethically "in line."

This brings me to my next point.

If it is sexual positions and practices that we are wanting, we are surely not lacking in that department either.  I am personally amazed by the ability of magazines like Redbook and Cosmopolitan to come up with "new" ways to make our sex lives better.  Heck, why do we even need to talk to our spouse when all we have to do is read "75 moves your lover wishes you knew" or "2,756 ways to make him/her scream" or "543,789.333333 positions to make him/her come back for more." Give me a break.

My point is simple.  If we need that many moves, positions, songs, "afflictions" or whatever to be sexually satisfied, then we are one desperate people.  Sex is not God.  It will not ultimately fulfill.  Sex is merely a shadow of the excitement and satisfaction that we have in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Yes, sex is meant to direct our eyes Godward - it is designed to bring Him glory.

But if we refuse to repent of this idolatry, we will continue distorting this God-glorifying and God-honoring practice.  If we fail to direct people toward Christ, we will be enslaved by the tyrannous lie that sex is ultimately fulfilling - leaving singles, as well as those who are in some way sexually disabled, in utter despair.  In other words, even if you cannot have sex, God's grace is sufficient for you.  Instead of distorting sex, embrace Christ.

So, save yourself the money it would cost to buy that Redbook issue or Rhianna's latest hit, and take your spouse out to coffee.  And instead of listening to some "expert", try asking your spouse what sexually satisfies them.  How's that for a novel idea?

As our culture continues to distort sex, it is our duty to proclaim the glorious nature of sex within the Christ-centered marital context.  Rhianna has no idea, nor does Redbook even come close to describing the pleasure of real sex, between a husband and wife, who are continually communicating their desires, and who are glorifying the Christ who bought them.

St. Augustine Was A Black Man

Saint Augustine of Hippo was perhaps one of the most influential men the Christian church has ever known.  Born in the middle of the fourth century, Augustine's conversion, life and work are a testimony to how Jesus Christ saves sinners.  We would be found in sore error to ignore his impact, not only on Christendom, but also on the world as we know it.

Because he has had such an impact on the Western world, it is quite understandable that almost every available portrait has depicted him as a white man.  The portrait to the left I took from Wikipedia.  According to Carl F. Ellis Jr., however, the portraits are inaccurate.

Ellis writes about the Gospel in Africa:  "Great early scholars like Augustine, Tertullian and Origen were Black men from Africa.  Augustine was a major influence on John Calvin.  So the Reformation theologians have the African church to thank for a great deal of their theology."

He adds in a foot note:  "Scholars B.F. Wright and M. A. Smith have confirmed that Augustine was born of African parents.  Actually, Augustine, Tertullian and Origen were brown North Africans and not Black sub-Saharan Africans.  They have been classified as Caucasian by some.  However, if these men had been Americans they would have been classified as Black, and it is the American classification that I use here."

As I sit here, I am asking myself, Why are you writing this post?  After some thought, I have a few reasons.

First, most portraits of a man that we both revere and reference do not represent the truth.  Second, as I learn about African-American history, I learn more about my brothers and sisters who are [ethnically speaking] different than I am.  Learning more helps me to love more.

Third, it helps me stay away from the racial superiority complex that pervades our culture.  When seeing the African-American culture in its broader historical context, we learn that in every culture there are both areas to serve and to be served.   I am reminded of the movie Radio.  The town thought they were serving him, but it was Radio who was changing the town.

Finally, I just think it is an interesting fact worthy of passing on.  St. Aug was a black man.  

So far, Ellis's book Free At Last? The Gospel in the African-American Experience, has been thoroughly insightful, humbling, informative, repentance-producing and encouraging.  I would recommend the book to anyone.