Devil is the story of man’s supposed accountability, not to God, but rather to the Devil.  How can one escape such a supernatural and determined pursuer?   The secret as revealed in the movie is to simply redeem oneself.  Come clean.  Admit your mistakes.  Own the pain and misery you have brought to others and you can escape the devil.  The theology of the movie seems to be self-redemption.  There is a subplot focusing on a theme of “not casting the first stone – but rather forgive” that comes closer to legitimate Biblical theology…closer, but not spot on.

When you reject the truth of redemption and salvation through Jesus Christ, where do you turn to comfort a tortured conscience?  I suppose you can seek to minimize God.  Why not depict Him as a fickle,  impatient, demanding, unsympathetic deity who is not truly worthy of our worship, or perhaps even our attention.  If God isn’t the answer, perhaps other supernatural answers are available.  Maybe there are legions of answers.

If you fear having to answer to someone for your life’s decisions, why not create a plan for self-redemption.  After all, you got yourself into this situation, why can’t you get yourself out of it?  After all, we are fond of saying the devil is in the details.  Well, get him out by confessing the details…and then you are home free.

Part of me says I shouldn’t care.  I shouldn’t pay any attention to such movies.  However, millions will go to see these films.  How many of these don’t know the truth of Jesus Christ?  How many might, therefore, be influenced by such misguided theology?  As a believer, my calling is to proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ so that real comfort, hope, and peace might be sown into the hearts of all who call upon the name of Jesus.  If I am unaware of my competition, how effective might I be?

Jesus told parables (stories) in order to reveal some truth about the Kingdom of God.  Hollywood seems to be telling parables (stories) in order to share a message to our society.  There must be a hunger for such a message as these movies make money.  Is it just about selling tickets and making profits or is there something more here?  I might never know the answer to that question, but I think we need to be aware of the messages that seek the hearts of men so we can reveal the emptiness of such messages and share the truth of Jesus.  Well, that is what I think.  How about you?

1.  Women’s ordination

2.  Abortion practices

3.  Fellowship and pulpit exchange with denominations such as the Reformed Church in America which does not practice infant baptism nor accept the real presence of Christ in the Sacrament of the Altar.

Where was their objection to such decisions being made or opinions held which contradict Scripture?  Is the current objection truly about Scripture or about sex?  Certain detours from Scripture seem to go unquestioned and unchallenged.  But sex?!!  We still tend as a society to view certain sins as “greater” than others.  Most people view rape as more offensive to God than gossip.  But any all sin is offensive to a righteous, just, and holy God. Jesus Christ remains the only answer to sin, all sin, any sin.  His death is the source of our forgiveness and His resurrection the only source of our life.   So why are our brothers and sisters in Christ ( and they truly are our brothers and sisters in Christ by His grace) objecting now?  If it is about Scripture then why not apply that standard across the board?

The article said most of those who object in the ELCA won’t consider joining the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod.  We are too fundamentalist for them.  I am not sure what they mean by that comment.  I wonder if we are just too Biblical for them.  We choose to apply Scripture to all our decisions in the Church, not just when we find it to agree with our position.  If I am too harsh on my brothers and sisters, I beg their forgiveness. I am confused.  Can anyone help me out?

1.  Identify the roles you play in life:  Child of God, Son, Husband, Father, Pastor, etc (those are some of mine)

2.  Examine the Scriptures and determine God’s desire for how these roles are lived.

           Here are some examples of Biblical Reference for Roles in the Christian Life

 SPOUSE

            1 Corinthians 7 (New International Version)

²But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. ³The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. ⁴The wife’s body does not belong to her alone but also to her husband. In the same way, the husband’s body does not belong to him alone but also to his wife.

¹²To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. ¹³And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. ¹⁴For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

 ¹⁵But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace. ¹⁶How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

 ²¹Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Ephesians 5

 ²²Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. ²³For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. ²⁴Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

 ²⁵Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her ²⁶to make her holy, cleansing^[b] her by the washing with water through the word, ²⁷and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. ²⁸In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— ³⁰for we are members of his body. ³¹“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.”^{[c] 32}This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. ³³However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Colossians 3

¹⁹Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

Father

Ephesians 6

⁴Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

Colossians 3

²¹Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

Hebrews 12

 ⁷Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? ⁸If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. ⁹Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! ¹⁰Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. ¹¹No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.

Mother

1 Thessalonians 2

As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, ⁷but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children. ⁸We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

        ^{Proverbs 1}

⁸ Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
  and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

 ⁹ They will be a garland to grace your head
   and a chain to adorn your neck.

Proverbs 31

 ^{10 [c]} A wife of noble character who can find?
       She is worth far more than rubies.

 ¹¹ Her husband has full confidence in her
       and lacks nothing of value.

 ¹² She brings him good, not harm,
       all the days of her life.

 ¹³ She selects wool and flax
       and works with eager hands.

 ¹⁴ She is like the merchant ships,
       bringing her food from afar.

 ¹⁵ She gets up while it is still dark;
       she provides food for her family
       and portions for her servant girls.

 ¹⁶ She considers a field and buys it;
       out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

 ¹⁷ She sets about her work vigorously;
       her arms are strong for her tasks.

 ¹⁸ She sees that her trading is profitable,
       and her lamp does not go out at night.

 ¹⁹ In her hand she holds the distaff
       and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

 ²⁰ She opens her arms to the poor
       and extends her hands to the needy.

 ²¹ When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
       for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

 ²² She makes coverings for her bed;
       she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

 ²³ Her husband is respected at the city gate,
       where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

 ²⁴ She makes linen garments and sells them,
       and supplies the merchants with sashes.

 ²⁵ She is clothed with strength and dignity;
       she can laugh at the days to come.

 ²⁶ She speaks with wisdom,
       and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

 ²⁷ She watches over the affairs of her household
       and does not eat the bread of idleness.

 ²⁸ Her children arise and call her blessed;
       her husband also, and he praises her:

 ²⁹ “Many women do noble things,
       but you surpass them all.”

 ³⁰ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
       but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

 ³¹ Give her the reward she has earned,
       and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Child

Proverbs 1

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
       and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.

 ⁹ They will be a garland to grace your head
       and a chain to adorn your neck.

Proverbs 3

My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline
       and do not resent his rebuke,

 ¹² because the LORD disciplines those he loves,
       as a father ^[b] the son he delights in.

Proverbs 10

 ⁴ Lazy hands make a man poor,
       but diligent hands bring wealth.

 ⁵ He who gathers crops in summer is a wise son,
       but he who sleeps during harvest is a disgraceful son.

Ephesians 6

¹Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ²“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise— ³“that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”^[a]

Colossians 3

²⁰Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

Worker/Employer

1 Timothy 5

¹⁸For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,”^[a] and “The worker deserves his wages.”

Ephesians 6

 ⁵Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. ⁶Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. ⁷Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, ⁸because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

 ⁹And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.

Colossians 3

²²Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.

Colossians 4

¹Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair, because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Titus 2

⁹Teach slaves to be subject to their masters in everything, to try to please them, not to talk back to them, ¹⁰and not to steal from them, but to show that they can be fully trusted, so that in every way they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.

1 Peter 2

 ¹³Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, ¹⁴or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. ¹⁵For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. ¹⁶Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. ¹⁷Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king.

 ¹⁸Slaves, submit yourselves to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh. ¹⁹For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God. ²⁰But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

3.  Evaluate your performance today against the standards established in God’s Word.  Rate yourself on a scale of 1 – 10 for example.  Ask someone you trust to evaluate your evaluation.  Some of you are too hard on yourself.  Some of you are too easy on yourself.

4.  Once you determine your current performance level, develop an action plan with specific steps and timetables for improvement and progress towards God’s standards.

      Example:  In order to better encourage my children and not discourage them, I will find at least one aspect of their lives about which to encourage and praise them each day.

5.  Develop accountability.  Who will hold you accountable for your progress or lack thereof?  They must be firm but fair, loving but also determined.

Questions?  Ask me.

So Juliet asks Romeo.  As two lovers they are doomed from the start. They are members of two warring families. In this famous quote Juliet tells Romeo that a name is an artificial and meaningless convention, and that she loves the person who is called “Montague”, not the Montague name and not the Montague family.  Whatever Romeo may call himself – Juliet loves him.

What’s in a name?  In a few short weeks the LCMS will meet in convention.  Many resolutions will be debated, discussed, argued over, and finally passed or rejected.  Several proposed resolutions call for strict, almost mandatory, adherence to the name Lutheran.  Some in our synod question how any new mission start could dare to refrain from having the word “Lutheran” in its name.   Some in our synod are troubled, some are aggravated, that discussion might take place over the very name of our beloved Synod.  How could we be called anything other than The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod?

Are these the issues we should be debating, arguing over, and finally passing or rejecting?  Our Synod is declining in membership.  A recent report indicated we are losing our young people at an alarming rate.  The community in which I serve has almost 70% of its population unchurched.  Are we focused on how to reach more people for Christ in a culture becoming more diverse in ethnicity, economic status, educational levels, etc? Are we focused on reversing years of decline in membership?  Are we focused on charging each member of Synod to explore new ways to reach young people for Christ?  Some are focused and concerned.  They have expressed such concern.  And yet, I fear too many are focused on the wrong issues.  Whatever we call ourselves, if we cease to exist in 40 – 50 years, will it matter what we “used” to be called?

Let me challenge every believer who reads this to rededicate himself or herself to the great cause of sharing the faith, building the Kingdom of God, and offering our lives in sacrificial service to the Lord of the Church.  We are focusing too much on the wrong things and too little on the right things.  What can you personally do to introduce one soul to Jesus Christ?  When will you be about His business?  Why not right now?

I consider many modern movies to parallel Biblical parables.  They are stories intended to convey some spiritual or moral insight.  Many modern movies develop the theme of the great struggle between good and evil.  Good almost always wins this struggle.  Sacrifice is also a common theme as this struggle demands it. 

In the 1970′s the original trio of “Star Wars” movies dominated the cinema culture.  The epic story of good vs. evil.  In the end good wins out and the evil emperor is destroyed by Darth Vader himself.  That fact is key to the moral or spiritual insight.  Luke believes there is good within his father.  Darth Vader validates such faithand redeems himself at the end of his life by sacrificing himself to save his son.  Spiritual lessons are everywhere in this last episode.  Good wins over evil.  Father sacrifices himself to save his son.  Redemption and love triumph over power and control.

Now back to Alice in Wonderland.  Here again there is the struggle between good and evil:  White Queen vs. Red Queen.  Here again is the call for sacrifice as Alice must face the evil dragon.  Here again good wins over evil.  Notice what is missing?  At the end of the movie there is a moment where we might expect the victorious White Queen to demonstrate mercy towards her sister the Red Queen.  But no.  This is not a story of grace or forgiveness, but rather of justice.  The Red Queen is offered the opportunity to reconcile with her sister.  Here is an opportunity for the Red Queen to redeem herself.  But she refuses.  She is evil to the core and beyond such actions.

What does the difference between the actions of the Red Queen and Darth Vader teach us about the evolution of our society?  Do we no longer believe redemption is possible for all?  Is there a greater societal need for justice than for mercy?  How might such attitudes affect our political dialog?  How might it shape our immigration debate?  How might it shape our approach towards labeling some crimes as “hate crimes” or sex crimes  – seeing no possibility of redemption for such individuals? 

Perhaps I make too much out of one movie, but what if I am right?  How might that effect our proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?  Is a message of universal forgiveness and redemption attractive to such a culture?  How might that shape our witness to this culture?  If fear or anger push us towards justice over mercy, how can we call a society back to balance? 

Care to share you thoughts with me?

Let me suggest we get past this argument.  While our understanding frustrates them as elitist and arrogant and their understanding leaves us confused and accusing them of resisting accountability, such opinion only serve to distance us from each other.  When Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman (John 4) who believed differently than Himself, there was no condemnation of her misguided faith.  Instead He offered her a relationship with Himself and a way out of her dilemma.  He reached out to her personally.  He sought to meet her needs.  Rather than correct her He chose to love and help her.  There is a lesson there for each of us.

As an LCMS pastor my instinctive approach is to rebuke error, expose sin, teach truth, and share Christ.  This approach is not especially effective with the post modern world.  We get bogged down in discussing whether there is error, misunderstanding, differences of opinion, etc.  I need to bridge the relational gap first.  Second, I need to meet needs, heal wounds, demonstrate love in some tangible way….then I have earned the right to share Christ.  It means changing a lifelong ministry paradigm and learning something new.  Sometimes it is hard to teach this old dog a new trick.  But I trust God is up to the task.  I am ready to learn.  Are you?

Many Post Modern people question whether Christianity has lost its way.  Have we become an organization focused on rules, doctrines, rituals, money, buildings, and programs.   Where is the transformational reality Jesus spoke of to Nicodemus.  Where are all these people who claim to be born again?  They seem to be the same old people living the same old lives.

Missional – Emergent – and other new models are being suggested for churches to follow in order to become more active in living out love and grace.  Why the need for a new model?  Is it perhaps the old model has become too institutional and too little an expression of life in the Kingdom of God?

I grew up in the organized denominational world.  I was educated and ordained in that world.  I have served that world for 28 years.  I am that world.   But I believe this world can change, adapt, be reborn into something dynamic, life-changing, powerful, and certainly more reflective of Kingdom life. 

Bringing that change about will be difficult.  My world resists change, defends itself well, and still believes itself to be the best expression of Kingdom life.  But the Kingdom could can reach thousands of people in a single day for Christ.  The sick are healed (Acts 5), the poor are enriched ( Acts 2), and the dead are raised (Acts 20).  Does that happen today in our congregations?  If not, why not?  Certainly miracles are the activity of God and He decides when to dispense such power.  However, do we even think to ask anymore?

If we are going to reach people who see us as just one more failed institution, one more private club with an annual membership drive, a tired old organization preaching a message even we don’t believe in anymore, then we have to change.  God has to work that change within each of us individually and all of us collectively.

Anybody with me?

Many churches successfully impacting this post modern world are calling themselves “missional”.  It is an over used and mis-used term.  However, they are focused on engaging people right now.  They emphasize Jesus concern to help the “least of these my brothers” (Matthew 25).  They believe the modern Christian Church has lost the balance between caring for people now and trusting in eternal life.  Both are an essential part of the Christian life and calling.

If I step back and examine my preaching I see a balance.  If I examine my own life I fear that balance is rarely well-maintained.  Sometimes I am very missional and engaged.  Sometimes I am more reflective and waiting.  If my life is out of balance at times, how about yours?  While you are chosen by God’s grace – are you frozen from ministry to those around you?  If life is a journey, then join me in the challenge, and together let’s find and maintain balance.

I must confess that I keep a few stones in my pockets.  They are useful to me when the woman caught in adultery is brought before me.  I am ready and some times eager to stone her for her behavior.  Well, perhaps I speak figuratively here.  But my speech can fly like a stone and injure those with whom I disagree.  I am a political conservative with little patience – or kind words – for liberals.  I am a religious conservative with little understanding – or kind words – for liberals.  I am a Chicago Cub fan and little kindness…well you get the point.  Lutherans struggle to speak respectfully or lovingly of each other at times.  ELCA vs. LCMS vs. WELS. 

I can easily demonstrate a political, theological, intellectual, moral sense of superiority.  I can be holier than thou!!  Therefore, you are something less, worthy of less respect, patience, understanding, etc.  And yet I claim to be a follower of the Christ.  Those outside the Church watch and listen.  If this is love, then they want no part of me or my Church.  My ability to be mean-spirited, disrespectful, even mean, diminishes my witness.  How about you? 

In Ephesians 4 Paul told us to speak the truth.  We cannot compromise the Truth in order to win members to our congregations.  Nor can we speak hatred and disrespect and honor Christ.  We must speak the Truth- in Love - in order to introduce people to Jesus.   Are you judgmental?  Disrespectful of others?  Can you join me in repentance and together let’s realize how those around us view our speech?

Jesus calls us to transform the world.  He calls us to spend our lives in the service of the least, the lost, and the lonely.   That kind of life goes way beyond serving in a local congregation.”

Those outside the Church wonder if we truly care about them or just care about getting more members.  If it weren’t about new members – greater numbers, then why are so focused on inviting them to church and/or church functions?  We share an invitaton to worship or church activity rather than in invitaton to get to know Jesus.  (Some might argue the invitation to worship is a means to the same end.  Probably – but not necessarily.  Worship won’t save anyone – but Jesus will)

I sometimes struggle to get to know and love people where they are.   As a pastor I understand membership is important.  For self-serving reasons, as well as more lofty reasons, I understand serving the church is equally important.  But I have to ask myself, are these a greater priority than knowing and loving the individual – who may or may not ever join my church.    Maybe I need to grasp the call to leave the 99 (the saved, the found, the believer) and focus more on the one lost soul.

The unchurched are more keenly aware of my ”hidden agenda” perhaps than I am.  Jesus never encouraged anyone to join anything other than the kingdom of God.  (Granted we can all quote numerous Bible passages that encourage attachment to the Body of Christ – but let us not confuse the organism called the Body of Christ with the organization called the local church.  They can be one and the same.  But they can also be different.  On the one hand we are Spirit created.  On the other we are incorporated by the State.)  Jesus did not call us to an organization, but rather to a relationship…both with Himself and with His followers.  Jesus defined the goal of the gospel – eternal life – in these terms: “Now this is eternal life: that they [my disciples] may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3).  

I need to change my focus from membership, activity, joining, etc. to relationships.  I need to get to know them.  Love them.  Care for them.  Laugh and cry with them.  I am asking you to join me in learning a new approach to ministry.  Join me and together let’s show them Jesus through our lives and our hearts.  Let’s agree to create a new paradigm:  Introducing people to Christ is the goal, not growing a church.

What do you think?  Will you join me?  Let me know what you think.