jeffcox.kcbt.org

There is something within each of us that wants to be considered intelligent. The idea that others would think we are foolish can be disturbing. Bill Maher, a self professed atheist, who continually opposes organized religion of any kind, often plays on this desire to be considered reasonable and intelligent.

One of Bill Maher’s arguments is that people who believe in a “talking snake” cannot be considered bright. Now his use of of phrase “talking snake” is a reference to Genesis 3, but the phrase also carries with it the connotation of a fairy tale. The phrase draws up images of cartoons and children’s stories, things that intelligent adults would most certainly not consider factual. A recent guest of Mr. Maher pointed out that many Christians do not believe in the “talking snake” of Genesis 3, but still hold to the Christian faith. This is not a new idea as many students of the Scripture do not believe Genesis 1-11 should be taken literally. However, Mr. Maher quickly pointed out to his guest that although they may not believe in a talking snake, they do believe in a resurrected Jesus, and that this “Jesus-man” flew up into heaven. On this point I will will applaud Mr. Maher, for he correctly discerns that a resurrected man is as miraculous as a talking snake. You see, Mr. Maher is using logic and using it correctly. One cannot go through the Bible and pick and choose the stories they think are real. One cannot believe that Jesus ascended into heaven, but then deny that Paul resurrected a boy from the dead. One cannot cling to the resurrection of Christ, but then deny the virgin birth. The Bible is the source document for the foundation of Christianity, and it is either all true or none of it is true. Now I realize that Mr. Maher and I disagree when we come to our conclusions about the Bible (obviously I believe it is all true), but at least Mr. Maher has an intelligent logical argument. This is more than I can say for many leaders of the Emerging Church.

Brian McLaren, a popular author and speaker of the Emerging Church movement, questions the Bible’s description of hell, the Biblical account of the 2nd advent, the authority of the Pauline epistles in relation to the gospels, as well as numerous other teachings of the Scripture.

“This eschatological understanding of a violent second coming leads us to believe (as we’ve said before) that in the end, even God finds it impossible to fix the world apart from violence and coercion; no one should be surprised when those shaped by this theology behave accordingly,” McLaren wrote.

At the same time Mr. McLaren emphasizes certain aspects of the Christian faith which are also true . . for example, loving your brother, social justice, equity, compassion, etc.

Now here is the problem with his position. It is illogical and unintelligent. For instance, Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8 about Christ’s return. I can’t read and embrace Matthew 5-7, but then turn around and reject Paul’s revelation about the 2nd advent. Both passages are source documents and foundational for the Christian faith. I must admit there is a part of me that prefers the message of Matthew 5-7 over the truth of 2 Thessalonians. Now if I wanted to create my own religion, as Brian McLaren has done, I guess I can just pick the truth I like and reject the rest. However, it would be quite a stretch to call my religion the Christian faith.

Many Christians are calling for a boycott of Bill Maher. However, the Bible warns of false teachers that come from “within” (Jude & 2 Peter 3). I don’t agree with Bill Maher, but I’ll give him credit for understanding the issue. If I believe in a resurrected Christ I must also believe in a talking snake. I do. Bill Maher doesn’t claim to believe the Bible. I can’t say the same for Brian McLaren.

It is Tuesday morning, and I will be preaching the graveside service of Debbie’s grandmother in about 6 hours. We affectionately referred to her as Mama. She really became my grandma about 20 years ago when I began dating Debbie. Both of my grandmothers had already gone home to be with the Lord at that time.

Grief and suffering are without a doubt the most difficult concepts of the Christian faith. Why would a loving God allow suffering? The longer I have been in the ministry the more suffering I have seen. Although there are certain passages, that seen to answer the question, and certain theological emphasizes that attempt to provide some comfort, none seem complete and satisfactory this side of eternity.

I am preparing to speak out of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Dispensationalists commonly refer to this passage as the “rapture passage.” Looking over the passage last night I was only thinking about its contextual, intended, purpose. It is in that light I find that although God does not answer every question this side of eternity, he does reveal that he knows the right questions to answer. He understands our hearts, our sorrows, and our sufferings.

The Thessalonians were sorrowing because their loved ones had died before Christ had returned. They had questions. However, looking deep into the passage we find that Paul truly understood the reason for their suffering. They missed their loved ones. Although this seems simplistic, I find it very profound.

Mama had battled with an Alzheimer’s condition for quite some time. Debbie and I had watched Deb’s Mom deal with the pain of that disease, faithfully visiting Mama in the assisted living facility on a daily basis. I cannot remember the last time Mama called me by name, although at times I feel she did recognize me. When Deb and I received the news of her passing on Saturday, we both rejoiced in knowing she had gone on to be with the Lord. The reality of heaven is not an issue.

We do not wish for her to return. We do not sorrow for Mama, knowing she is in the presence of Jesus Christ. However, we sorrow for ourselves, because we cannot be with her right now. God understands our attachment to our loved ones, and that is the point of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. The main emphasis of the passage is the reunion with our loved ones. Verse 17 holds the key in the phrase “together with them.” The passage is laying out the order of events for a family reunion . . . a reunion made possible because of Christ.

Although I do not understand why God allows the things he allows, I do know he understands why I hurt. Knowing Mama is in heaven does not heal completely, unless I know I will be with her again. God understands the way we feel, think, and heal. The hope of 1 Thessalonians 4 addresses that specific issue of wanting to be reunited with our loved ones. Heaven is a destination (and a pretty good one), but, it is only good because of relationships . . . our relationship with Christ and those that are in Christ.

The Bible reveals a God that knows me intimately. That is hope.

I was in Springfield, Mo this weekend so I dropped by to visit my old church, High Street. I grew up at High Street, attended there from the time I was in the nursery until about 12 years ago. When I showed up Sunday I realized they were celebrating their 72nd anniversary as a church. The guest speaker that mornig was Pastor Bill Rogers.

Pastor Rogers was the pastor who approached me to teach Jr. High 16 years ago when I attended High Street. Deb and I were working with 5 year olds, praying about going into the Jr. High class as counselors. I remember one day after a men’s Bible study that Pastor Rogers approached me about teaching the Jr. High class . . . and that opportunity has made all the difference in my life. I had no “formal” teaching experience . . . had not been to any Christian school (let alone Christian college) . . . but for some reason he decided to give a class of 100 Jr. High students to Deb and me. God used that class to start me on a path I have never regretted. Pastor Rogers was willing to give me an opportunity to discover and used the gifts God had given me. 

I also remember the day I met with him to let him know I would be moving to Kansas City to attend Shepherd School at KCBT. He was happy for me, encouraged me, and told me he thought I would end up in the ministry (vocationally). Of course I thought the idea of me working for a church was out of the question at that time. It seems he had more discernment than I did.

I had an opportunity to thank him in person Sunday. I hadn’t seen him for years. It was good to see him again. The service was great.

Bill Maher, host of “Real Time” (a program on HBO) stirred up some controversy when he went on a tirade against Pope Benedict XVI and the Catholic Church. He stated that the Pope “used to be a Nazi” and compared him to a cult leader. He then went on to call the church a “child-abusing religious cult” and “the Bear Stearns of organized pedophilia.” Wow! Now that is some harsh language.

This was no surprise to me as I do catch Bill’s show from time to time. He is a devout atheist and goes out of his way to mock any organized religion. He mocks evangelicals for believing in a “talking snake” (reference to Genesis 3), and considers anyone who doubts evolution to be unintelligent. His presentation is that of a smug elitist who patronizes those he considers weak because they rely on religion for a crutch. He is condescending and always sarcastic. I actually do enjoy his show from time to time. I do not agree with him on many issues, but I find that when I hear the other side of an issue, even if another person adamantly disagrees with my position and mocks me, I can learn, and at times take an honest look at what I believe.

Now here is where I find this whole situation amusing. Since Bill’s original comment, HBO has been flooded with complaints from customers as well as the mainstream media (and of course spokes- persons for the Catholic Church). Now I know Bill meant what he said! It is par for the course for his anti-religious rhetoric. What surprised me was his apology.

Now do not get me wrong . . . I am not condoning his language or offensive summation. My point is simply this. What a complete wimp!

His half-hearted apology was not born out of a spirit of contrition or regret. Actually, his comments reflect his opinion accurately. The truth is Bill prides himself on being a free thinker and a proponent of the first amendment’s protection of freedom of speech. He has made controversial statements before, always borderline and flying in the face of conventional wisdom. He is the ultimate “shock-jock.” So why did he apologize? The same reason Imus did . . . MONEY. This great champion of freedom of speech, this self-proclaimed atheist, this anti-religious zealot, this in your face I’ll say whatever I want commentator, . . . apologized for his choice of words because of pressure from the outside captitalistic market. If that is not hypocrisy, I do not know what is.

If I was an atheist, I would be ashamed of him. If I was in his club that hid behind freedom of speech to say the most “cruel and offensive things,” I would kick him out. If I was a “shock-jock,” I would be embarasssed. I long for the days that the bizarre atheists at least had the guts to stand behind their words.

My advice for Bill . . .

Hey Bill, the first amendment gives you the right to say whatever you want about organized religion. It was not the constitution or anything wrong with America that coaxed you into making an apology. It was your own god (Mr. “I pride myself on being a free-thinking, free-speech, anti-religous, more intelligent than you are - Atheist”). I might believe in a “talking snake,” but your god is much more shallow . . . you worship your career, your money, and your position (on HBO).

The big difference between us . . .  I will not be issuing an apology to anyone for believing in a talking snake. J

“I was raised a Baptist and we were too hung up on traditional ways. I was sitting in church and heard that God is a jealous God. I asked ‘Why?’ Come on-let’s get over it!“
Oprah

I have been teaching through Deuteronomy in Crossover. Last week I went over the fact that God was jealous (Deuteronomy 4:24). Debbie told me later in the week that Oprah had made a recent comment about God’s jealousy. After doing a little surfing on the internet I discovered the statement (which is accompanied by blog after blog commenting on her opinion). I wasn’t surprised to find so many people questioning the reality of God being jealous (including Oprah). What did surprise me were the number of people who stated that they believed God was jealous, but then tried to redefine jealous to be more placable to those who struggle with the idea of a jealous God.

When I want back and looked at the context of Deuteronomy 4:24, the issue of God’s jealousy became more clear. Moses is reminding the Children of Israel that they had left Egypt, which God described as the iron furnace (not a favorable image). He had called Israel out of an iron furnace to belong to him. The later prophets would use the analogy of a wedding covenant to describe God’s relationship with his people. Moses is giving the Israelites a warning. If they forget the covenant, and engage in idolatry, God will deal with their sin. It is in this context that Moses states that God is a consuming fire, a jealous God. If you thought the iron furnace of Egypt was severe . . . that doesn’t compare to a jealous God who is a consuming fire.

Now Moses isn’t dealing with issues of the afterlife. He is dealing with Israel’s life here and now on planet earth. The message is simple. God will chasten his disobedient children. Now Moses goes on to state that his mercy does put limits on his chastening, but don’t think for a second Moses is trying to redefine the idea of jealousy to be accommodating to the Israelites. Warning, if you are a child of God, expect to suffer greater consequences for your sin than those who are lost. God isn’t punishing you, but he does chasten, and he is jealous. The image makes perfect sense if you think about a marriage.

The Bible isn’t a buffet where we can pick and choose the parts we like. The sin God hated was idolatry, which is nothing more than man building his own god. When we selectively receive portions of Scripture and reject the passages we don’t like, we are doing the same thing, creating our own god.

Sorry Oprah.

Thursday nights are cursed. Every Thursday night practice has been rained out this year. This leaves only one practice before our first game, and I was told this morning that there is a 30% for rain next Thursday. That would make me four for four on canceled practices this season. I must admit I have been frustrated with the cancellations. Not only does this hamper our ability to prepare for our first game, but it decreases the time I can spend ministering to the families on my team.

Jim Lee and Kent Liles told me Tuesday that the rain was a direct result of my ineffective prayer life and my lack of faith. They were kidding . . . . I think. I must admit I had been remiss in praying for good weather, but because of their admonition, I did pray this week and trusted God that Thursday would be clear skies. Yesterday I was standing outside of our church entrance, watching the rain clouds move in, feeling the drizzle on my face, when Kent approached from the parking lot. Knowing it was about to rain, I could sense Kent did feel bad for me. I thought perhaps his next word of encouragement would be a challenge to see if I had hidden sin in my life that would be hampering my prayers. He was kind and did refrain from challenging me in that area.

I approaching this next week with faith, prayer, and anticipation. I’m hoping for clear skies and good practices. My wife is praying I would just quite complaining about the rain (so maybe God can answer both our prayers).

Recently I challenged my young married class, crossover, to read the book of Proverbs every week through the month of August. It takes 10-15 minutes a day to accomplish this task. Now Proverbs, like Ecclesiastes, is an interesting book. Some reduce the book to a compilation of pithy statements that are generally true. This is a very popular theological definition. The other extreme is to see every Proverb as absolute truth void of any other context. Although the proverbs are definitely absolute truth, they are contained within a book that is absolute truth, and other Scripture at times sheds more light on any given subject.

I approach Proverbs and Ecclesiastes as God’s statement of reality. In essence, God is saying, this is how the world works. It is more than a list of general truths. Those individual proverbs are actually written in the genre of Hebrew poetry, that stresses the inevitable outcome and consequences of individual choices. While psychology, anthropology, and sociology argue about what determines what kind of person we are (genetics VS circumstances), the Bible always emphasizes volition. Our choices determine our consequences. We are who we choose to be, and we can expect the consequences outlined in Proverbs.

I recently asked my class to list some values they know they need to embrace in their individual lives as well as their marriages. Here is a general list of what they came up with . . .

Men - I value

1. being the spiritual leader of my home
2. praying with and for my wife and children
3. remaining sexually pure
4. honoring and serving my wife
5. meeting my wife’s romantic needs
6. being a good listener
7. being sensitive and honest
8. providing financially for my family and giving
9. being still with God
10. working with my wife to disciple others

Women - I value

1. being sober minded
2. praying with and for my husband and children
3. being a teacher of good things
4. respecting and submitting to my husband
5. meeting my husband’s physical needs
6. maintaining control over my tongue (speaking words of kindness and encouragement; avoiding criticism, complaining, and gossip)
7. being forgiving and gracious
8. Maintaining a spirit of contentment
9. being still with God
10. working with my husband to disciple others

While I was working on consolidating these values into a list . . . I was also reading through Proverbs. One thing became very apparent. If we would just obey Proverbs everything on this list would become a reality in our life. The Bible is more than a suggestion book. It is God’s “reality check.”

If you don’t obey Proverbs you should expect a pretty unhappy screwed up life. If you do obey Proverbs, expect a life that glorifies God and brings you personal happiness.

As we prepare to expand our campus at KCBT, we are actually preparing to expand our vision and ministry. The addition of a 40,000 square foot building designated for children’s education and community space could be better described as a disciple-making building. The children who pass through those halls will be our future pastors, missionaries, bible teachers, ministry leaders, counselors, and deacons. The process of making disciples can begin as soon as someone can be a learner and a follower. That is exactly what will be happening in our new education space. Children will be learning how to follow Christ!

In addition to an emphasis on discipling our children, we will be gaining education/ministry space for our adults. KCBT has done an excellent job training and equipping saints to do the work of the ministry. For too long we have allowed our facility to dictate to us how we would do ministry. I feel oftentimes we allowed our facility to limit us in our effectiveness at making disciples. No longer. I foresee men and women teaching and training in the rooms that will soon be freed up when our children relocated.

As always, this will take a huge step of faith. I am currently meeting with bankers, listening to proposals, and trusting God to direct us in the best financing choice available. With every proposal it is clear that we will have to trust God for this to be a reality. I love being in this place. I want our campus expansion to be something that God did (not what we did)!

There was a generation that wasted away in the wilderness walking around in circles. They were known for their complaining and fear. How many churches waste away slowly, dieing off, because of a fear and negativity?

There were 2 1/2 tribes that settled for less than God’s best, taking possession of land on east of the Jordan. They were known for compromise. How many churches settle for less than God intended?

Then there was a group of people that crossed the Jordan to stay. They overtook strongholds, defeated giants, captured cities, possessed mountains, and all the while they had to trust totally on God for the victory. They weren’t content in the wilderness and they weren’t content settling on the east side of the Jordan. They truly lived their lives desiring something great from God. They wanted to experience the fullness of the plan God had given them as a nation. I want to be that kind of church.

I’d rather drown in the Jordan than die in the wilderness. Complaining sucks the life out of a church (Philippians 2:14). Actually, complaining sucks. Better yet, complainers suck.

All hail to Chalmers! I had decided before the game began that I would remain calm, and despite the outcome I would be fine. I had to do this because I’m still not completely over Georgetown’s loss to Villanova. However, as the game progressed I felt the emotional tug, and by the end I was pacing, cheering, and pretty much making a fool out of myself in the company of my wife. What a game!

I had the opportunity to see Kansas play in person three times this year. They got better and better as the season progressed. I never saw them get “handled by a team this year” - with the exception of K-State. If they were struggling it was usually because they were making mental mistakes (beating themselves). After watching their performance in the tournament, I have no doubt they were the best team this year. I underestimated how good they were, only to reminded once again of the elite Media’s bias toward the Big East, ACC, and SEC. Dick V, Digger, and Knight picked against Kansas both times in the Final Four.

Their defense was great (held Memphis to 40% FG shooting). They shot 93% from the line. Their FG % was 53%. They out rebounded Memphis by 10.

Starting lineup next year - Chalmers, Collins, Aldrich, Arthur (if he stays), and another G-F. Pretty good lineup to begin the season. I hope KU pays Self enough to stay.

Vision Sunday is two days away. Much of my time here at KCBT over the past five years as been spent working on what will be presented this Sunday. We are about to embark on a $12,000,000 campus expansion, emphasizing our children’s ministry, additional community space, making more room for adult education in our current facility, and relocating our senior members to a more accommodating classroom.

I can’t stress enough how faithful God has been through this process. At times it seems he is totally carrying our church as we press forward to see this vision become a reality. I can think of numerous times I have been faced with decisions about funding, strategic planning, staffing, and team building. God has been faithful at every decision.

This process has not come without push back at times. Sometimes it felt like intense spiritual warfare. At other times it was just words of discouragement or skepticism from those who just couldn’t see the vision. I remember receiving a card form someone who had left the church. They ended their comments with the following. “You will never build that building.” They had grown frustrated with how long it was taking, couldn’t see the need, etc. etc. I must admit that a part of me (probably my flesh) saw it as a challenge. However, I have seen many Scriptures in a new light because of this process. Moses wouldn’t be able to lead Israel out of Egypt, Nehemiah wouldn’t be able to rebuild that wall, Israel would never return from exile, . . . and the list goes on and on. God loves coming through when skeptics and complainers doubt him.

I know we won’t be breaking ground for about six more months, and there will be many more obstacles to overcome. However, I know God is driving this vision. He has already driven a lot of my faithlessness out of my life.