What's Your Type?

There are only four types of churches - those who purport to be the Body of Christ - whether, or not, that is proven to be true by the litmus of scripture.

Now, we could endlessly debate on what the "church" (actually) is... or we could run with the definition that it is merely those who are True Believers in Christ, regardless of what physical building they make it a point to frequent on this ball of mud we call "Earth".

Given the context, here are the four broadest categories which all local gaggles of the Body of Christ could be collectively grouped into.

1. Those Without GOD's Love or Righteousness
a. Per scripture, this church would (most) resemble: Church at Laodicea (Rev.3.15)
b. In modern times, their doctrine may be found in: any church over-emphasizing any spiritual gift (or singular member of the Trinity) to the exclusion of any other gift (or God-head member) for their own glory.
c. Typical pastor would resemble: Benny Hinn

2. Those With GOD's Love But Lacked His Righteousness
a. Per scripture, this church would (most) resemble: Church at Thyatira (Rev.2.20)
b. In modern times, this doctrine may be found in: progressive Catholic churches - as well as most churches choosing to describe itself as "non-evangelical"
c. Typical pastor would resemble: Joel Olsteen

3. Those Without GOD's Love But Uses His Righteousness
a. Per scripture, this church would (most) resemble: Church at Ephesus (Rev.2.4-5)
b. In modern times, this doctrine may be found in: Westboro Baptist Church, Topeka, KS
c. Typical pastor would resemble: Fred Waldron Phelps, Sr. (or the scary pastor off Poltergeist)
4. Those With GOD's Love and Righteousness
a. Per scripture, this church would (most) resemble: Church at Philadelphia (Rev.3.8)
b. In modern times, this doctrine may be found in: very, very few churches - in America, only in small start-up and home churches
c. Typical pastor would resemble: (Honestly, there have been those who've closely modeled Christ - but will not be listed here to preserve their humility)

Now, in the Book of Revelation there are other churches mentioned - some with traits of the four above - which were not cited for the point of this article. Not to say they get a proverbial "pass"; but, for points of illustration, were not as poignant as the others cited.

MMLIA

When I'm Spanked - Yeah, As If

I got to thinking a few minutes ago - the English language is SO convoluted, really.

My panache for "seeing words", as I call it, has created situations where my brain has already fired off a retort via my mouth before my conscience has a moment to gather intel (sighs). It happens rarely... but happens none-the-less.

As I grew up, I was becoming very familiar with the difference between WHEN and IF - and I have my parents and my third grade teachers to thank for that. "WHEN", they said, "you mess up, you're going to get it after lunch."

Note: they never said IF, as it was already a foregone conclusion that you were going to (proverbially) step in/on it.

But, alas - my third grade year 'twas also the year they took spanking (a.k.a. paddling) out of public schools in South Carolina.

I remember the pure shock and morbid fear on the faces of the teachers WHEN it was announced over the loud speaker(s). What would they do now IF we "stepped in it"?

Becoming a soldier, a husband, a father, a Christian... I've had another epiphany: the word AS. It has become my favorite adverb.

AS communicates not only a foregone conclusion (i.e. WHEN), but it strikes me as a more aggressive (read: directive) article of speech. Here... let me enlighten you AS to why...

Parent to Child:

WHEN you grow up... I pray you mature. (Pleasant)
IF you grow up... it'll be a miracle. (Funny)
AS you grow up... keep in mind that I don't have to let you do so. (Hilarious)

Boss to Employee:

WHEN you are out of the office for a protracted period of time... make sure you sign a leave slip. (Blah)
IF you are out of the office for a protracted period of time... you will be let go. (Ouch)
AS you are out of the office for a protracted period of time... start looking for another job. (Jingle-BLAM)

 
Teacher to Student:

WHEN you use your cell phone in my class... it disrupts the lesson plan. (Whatever)
IF you use your cell phone in my class... I will call your parents. (Riiiiiight)
AS you are using your cell phone in my class... I am going to confiscate it and demonstrate how I hammer nails (Pwned)

County Sheriff to Speeding Motorist:
 
WHEN you speed in my jurisdiction... you must read and heed posted speed limits. (Warning)
IF you speed in my jurisdiction... you must read and heed posted speed limits. (Citation)
AS you speed in my jurisdiction... you have the right to remain silent, anything you say... (Ruh-roe, Shaggy)
 

 Deli Owner to Patron:

WHEN you come up to the counter, be ready to place your order or...
step aside and let the next customer order. (Polite)

IF you come up to the counter, be ready to place your order or...
I will start whistling the Jeopardy bonus round tune. (Stern) 

AS you come up to the counter, be ready to place your order or...
NO SOUP FOR YOU! (What we would all want to say)

Company Commander to His Soldiers:

WHEN the enemy attacks... arrange a meeting between them and GOD (like Robert Duvall)
IF the enemy attacks... then they are definitely looking forward to that meeting (like Robert Duvall)
AS the enemy attacks... keep in mind that it's good manners to ensure that they’re early for that meeting (like Robert Duvall)

Leave it to a memory of the GOD-less public education system to stir me up to writing about adverbs. MMLIA

Why I'm NOT Thankful

Thanksgiving - an obscure holiday commemorating struggles that early American Puritans, fleeing religious persecution, endured. Or, if you're an oblivious agnostic or atheist... funny people, in clean black-and-white clothing, smiling and eating potluck luncheons with "Native Americans" (don't get me started on hypenated-Americans - another post for another time).

And although I could pontificate and extol the nobler practice of (actually) being thankful the other 364 days of this particular year, I'll forego it in lieu of communicating something else ENTIRELY, and with a slightly warped sense of relief (humor).

As South Carolina's most prolific gruntled veteran, I want 44% of the state (and 51.5% of the national electorate) to know why I am NOT thankful for certain things:

I am NOT thankful for...

1) wrath - defined as: vengeance or punishment as the consequence of anger

Because the last thing we need are individuals behaving badly after general elections - no matter who the electorate inadvertently put back in office - just because the country is on the precipice of a fiscal waterfall.

2) greed - defined as: excessive or rapacious desire, especially for wealth or possessions.

Because the last thing we need is a government taking more from those who built their own businesses - who employ the majority of the local citizenry - to the point where they cannot afford to provide benefits for those they'll (soon) have to let go, to say nothing of having to shut their doors permanently.

3) sloth - defined as: habitual disinclination to exertion; indolence; laziness

Because the last thing we need is a country that discourages success and drives its point home by continuously re-gifting a growing majority of those in lesser circumstances with funds they would have had to earn for themselves.

4) pride - defined as: a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.

Because the last thing we need is a group of individuals in the government with an unwritten mandate to facilitate class warfare for the sake of the haughty egos in a certain marble-lined town up north - completely out-of-touch.

5) lust - defined as: a passionate or overmastering desire or craving (usually followed by for)

Because the last thing we need are public servants who are more interested in accommodating their own comforts prior to - and often to the exclusion of - that of their electorate (read: constituents)... and then to escalate the threshholds of their comfort at the taxpayers' expense.

6) envy - defined as: a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc.

Because the last thing we need to believe - as a people group - is that someone else has something they shouldn't, that they didn't earn (read: build) that - to internalize that to the nth degree, to the point of influencing law (read: legislation) in order to corrupt, steal from and otherwise vandalize our free-market economy, our neighbors, and public places (respectively) - also, see "wrath", above.

7) gluttony - defined as: excessive eating and drinking

Because the last thing we need is to cope with the desperation of our country's economic slip-n-slide by immersing ourselves in alcohol and "comfort food"... effectively pulling out of society and draw up tight within our holes we call "homes", with no deep and abiding fellowship, not even light social interaction with our own partisans.

I'd like to thank dictionary.com for all the definitions - without their support, this topic wouldn't have been made possible... and the smell of the color 9. MMLIA

Committing A Crime of Commission

Are you committed - do any of us do the deep and important things conscientiously (by commission)? I'd like to think I'm that deliberate - but are ANY of us committed consistently?

Consistently committed to one's job, one's spouse, one's children or one's church - regardless of the object of our commitment, I have wondered... hat commits us to do so?

Words, for the most part - and they are mighty weighty things.

Is it any wonder that 21st century America is a VERY litigious society. What you say can get you in trouble! To not know this is like the two 1970's cast-offs coming up from under their rocks in the GEICO commercial, having a major epiphany.

But why? Why do words have weight? Well (that's a deep subject), its because our words define us and divide us... both warm us and warn us... follow us and foil us... and on anon (apologies, Shakespeare).

Take the enlisted man's oath into the United States Army:  

"I, (state your name), do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."

Those words? Words that express our commitment to something larger than ourselves - a commitment.

Or take the words of Matthew, e.g. the Gospel According to Matthew:

And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always to the end of the age." (Mat.28.18-20.esv)

Those words? Words that charge us to do something much more involved than we might initially understand - a commission.

Now this got me thinking (no, not the steaming cup of tea before me), the "Great Commission". You and I both know there's no proverbial "half-steppin'" or "knockin' it in neutral" regarding how we are to approach fulfilling the Lord's mandate.

Being consistently committed - either you're all the way in or outta the pool (bent, but floating, Baby Ruth's aside).

What is being emphasized in the Book of Matthew, Chapter 28, Verses 18-20? Hint: it's not what the words appear to be on the surface - throw it in low and plow deep, friend.

Obedience? Yep, no argument from me there. Action? Absolutely, the Gospel demands proof of our obedience. Faith? Jesus has the cred' for sho' (sorry, was that too ghetto?)

All true - but the chief take-away is DISCIPLESHIP - and all throughout Baptist-dom, brain synapses are exploding, arteries are hardening and little old ladies are shaking their canes and walkers at the sky. A crime has been committed (gasps: hide yo' wife, hide yo' kids)!

"But the Great Commission is about evangelizing the lost!" No, your LIFE should be about evangelizing those who do not yet know Him. Jesus isn't calling us to maintain the status quo through this edict - He's calling us to bump it up a few notches.

We, as committed, True Believers (apologies to Stan "the Man" Lee of Marvel Comics fame) need to consistently re-evaluate the Great Commission each-and-every morning. Why? So glad you asked.

If any have EVER had the privilege of leading someone to the Lord, we know it's AWESOME; but, first, the Spirit has to come upon them - and since we do not know when He (the Holy Spirit) chooses to come upon any/all... we're to be ready in-and-out-of-season to share the risen Christ.

"Okay, you've just explained evangelism - isn't that what we're to do to fulfill the Great Commission?" Someone's not listening.

What happens to the typical new True Believer - should someone lead him, through the Spirit's prompting, to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? Well, sadly, what TYPICALLY happens is whoever leads them to Christ, leaves them alone - either by going back home or going back over to their side of the church.

Discipleship is KEY to sustaining a godly witness, a Christian walk... and Jesus knew this.

He (Jesus) did not say, "Go therefore and lead the lost to a saving knowledge of Me, hoping that they'll be baptized and consistently be discipled by the church down the street..." No, but Christ does require us to "make disciples" - it infers a consistent commitment, a radical one in this day and age.

"You mean I gotta be a pastor to someone - isn't that a pastor's job?!" Ah... no sir, it's actually EVERYONE'S job to teach, mentor and disciple - not just the pastor's. And all of us should be doing so in-and-outside-of church, consistently.

Now, some will have a supernatural dose of these things - the Spiritual Gifts of Teaching, Pastor, Exhortation (not extortion), etc. - but ALL True Believers are expected to use whatever Spiritual Gifts they have been given to this end. Let's keep in mind that the character in which these Spiritual Gifts are to be rendered can be found in the Fruits of the Spirit (see Gal.5.22.esv).

Hey, here's a RADICAL idea - if the Lord has pressed it upon our hearts to lead someone to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ... then the Great Commission is (and must be) the next logical step - only when its being fulfilled, when we adhere to Christ's command and commit to making them DISCIPLES by consistently surrendering ourselves to be poured out into the lives of these new True Believers will GOD be honored through our individual lives. MMLIA

More Than Just A Rolling Stone

Our world is mobile... very much so.

Mobility drives our commuting patterns (or lack thereof) - flex time, telecommuting, swing shifts, etc.

Mobility quickens our expectations of the service industry - mobile car washing, mobile windshield repair, mobile dog grooming, etc.

Mobility opens our world up - more people moving, staying put shorter periods of time, video chat, etc.

Mobility has a charm to it - for me, its a katana that cuts both ways - mobility robs us like a ninja pick-pocketing a pirate, savvy?

Mobility can be the proverbial "loose gravel n the road" that makes our commute treacherous, the "flying rock" that collides with us and obscures our vision, the "rough dry stone wall" between us and our neighbors (and subsequently, our neighborhood).

Is our mobility detaching us from life? Are we "stoned" by our "mobility"? 

How about relationships - is it REALLY our desire to foster and participate in such a mobile environment serving as a distraction to building each other up, to being there for other people, to being honest, open and transparent with like-minded folks? Yes, I'm talking about the body of Christ, the Church - not the building.

So, we know "sticks and stones" don't make a church - the people of GOD serve as parts of the overall body of Christ, fulfilling (prayerfully) His purpose on Earth. We need all the "body parts" - eyes, ears, noses, fingers, feet, hands, elbows... doing what they were gifted and designed to do.

But why even gather - after all, we don't have to gather every time the doors (somewhere) are open, right? Right.

We don't HAVE to gather - most of us WANT to, out of gratitude, out of love, out of a desire for genuine fellowship - to worship, to study, to edify (lift up) like-minded (Christians), to minister both in and outside the body of Christ...

It may be counter-intuitive to say so, but, "mobility" has us out gathering stones together and building up walls at the same time we should be "casting away stones" and tilling the soil for the sake of others.

Do we need to BE the church (body of Christ, Christians) by being AT the church (building)? Are we in love with the literal interpretation of building (literally) upon the chief cornerstone (Christ)?

When I said, earlier, that its a katana that cuts both ways - I meant it. And now, I mean it again - but in this light: Perhaps BEING the church (body of Christ) is more about being "mobile" than it is about being "set in stone" (static, unmoving, behind a wall)?

Perhaps BEING the church is more about unsettling your foundations, getting up and going out into the streets, homes and just "rolling with it"?

Perhaps BEING the church is more about the relating to other residents of our communities instead of residing with our regular relatives?

Moss may not grow on a "rolling stone" - but its impact on anything in its path can result in a growth within and outside of us. MMLIA

I'm Voting Against the Process

Ah, the first Tuesday of November - regardless of its numeric value - turns stomachs and (at the same time) excites the masses. (Nope, I'm not Catholic - big "C".)

Since I cast my first ballot back in 19-ah-ha-hem (excuse me), I've noticed the political tongue wagging and war-waging has been elevated to an insane new level.

We all (if honest with ourselves) know that "running for office" involves misrepresentations made by (and against) our preferred candidates. And, for the most-part, many of us who think for ourselves know how to tune out the static.

But, what about the rest of our country? What do those who apply (only) a litmus test for a singular issue and/or continue voting based solely on party affiliation, a particular shared religious belief or (perish the thought) skin color?

If someone WANTS to be helped, they'll ask for help.

My advice this election day? Vote and tell others you voted... or don't vote and keep your mouth shut about it. (Oh, he's rude - yes, I am rather blunt about this.)

No one wants to endure someone waxing rhapsodic about a particular candidate, only to discover that they did not vote and simply wanted your attention (to what end, I do not know.)


My advice this election day? Stay off the streets the night of and the day after the election.

Since the Bush-Gore presidential election (that's the year 2000 for my 12 year old followers), I've noticed escalating violence (some reported, most not) typified by both the victor's and loser's respective followers.

We, as self-centered, comfortable and opinionated Americans do not like losing.
I predict - no, I don't have tonight's winning Power Ball numbers - that regardless of who wins, there will be civil unrest... so, don't be out in it (read: guilty by association). So, celebrate (or cry) in the comfort of your own homes.

My advice this election day? Stock up. On what? Well, that depends on who wins.

Now, I won't get into who wants big government and who doesn't; or, even, which candidate wants to print more money and which wants to balance the budget. None of that matters, right? (Insert facetious voice HERE)

My advice can be taken, left alone or forgotten. These are merely my opinions - which are like belly-buttons... everyone has one, but you want to make sure you clean it up before you share it with anyone. MMLIA

Transparency, But to What End?

How much is too much? Hmm.

We've often heard someone say, "Whoa, TMI, TMI!" (Read: Too Much Information).  Yes, we often devour - intentionally or unintentionally - shovel-fulls of information in our daily living.

Is "keeping it real" the same as "being transparent"? Well, that depends (or pampers) - do you have a moral compass and do you know how to use one?

Are we more interested in "coming out of the closet" than "cleaning it up"? Don't know - are YOU the one that'll be cleaning it up, or are you going to ask for help?

I know - seems to go down through the entire process in our brain buckets is going to exacerbate migraines, as the thought process has a tendency to generate more questions than it answers. And that's okay, if we're not asking the questions, we won't even begin addressing the problem(s).

So, what's the problem? Glad I asked myself this under the pretense that you (the reader) thought to think the question (now MY head hurts).

I cannot speak as to a third world tribesman in the darkest reaches of Africa. I cannot speak to you as if I was a noted politician in Parliament; nor, can I speak from the perspective of an over-educated elitist submerged in academia (see blog).

I can (however) speak to you as a Christian - and to that end, what the Church (sum total of all true believers in Christ) should be doing to BE transparent to those around us... not what the 21st century American church typically does (or chooses NOT to do).

We should...

1) Consider that our brothers and sisters in Christ are opportunities to honor and reflect Christ...

     And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, [fn] you did it to me.' ~ Jesus (Mat.25.40.esv)

2) Do for others - not just because we (ourselves) are blessed (by GOD) - but because we love Him...

     And he answered them, "Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise." ~ Jesus (Luk.3.11.esv)

3) Humble ourselves to receive any blessing (from GOD) - no matter how odd it may appear, getting over our "dignified reserve"...

     Peter said to him, "You shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered him, "If I do not wash you, you have no share with me." ~ Peter and Jesus (Jhn.13.8.esv)

4) Make it a point to "lower the shields", show up and be available to participate in the blessings of others...

     And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (Act.2.44-47.esv)

5) Find others and share our own needs within the body of Christ, so that GOD receives His glory...

     There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (Act.4.34-35.esv)

6) Make it a point to get involved in the lives of our brothers and sisters...

     Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. ~ Apostle Paul (Rom.12.13)

7) Realize that what's already been provided for us (Gentiles) didn't happen for us to merely write songs and authoritative books on - it was provided as a model of living...

     For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. ~ Apostle Paul (Rom.15.27.esv)

8) Take the lumps with others and celebrate with them as well...

     For as we share abundantly in Christ's sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. ~ Apostle Paul (2Cr.1.5.esv)

9) Be thankful - whether you were there, receiving a blessing from the ministry of servants in the Church, or providing them yourselves...

     For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. ~ Apostle Paul (2Cr.9.12.esv)

10) Be mindful of the responsibility of the Word, in all matters spiritual and material...

     One who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches. ~ Apostle Paul (Gal.6.6.esv)

11) Remember, that were it not for GOD's grace, we would still be wretched and fixated on ourselves...

     Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. ~ Apostle Paul (Eph.4.28.esv)

12) Exercise your works, in Christ - lest your faith be meaningless...

     If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good [fn] is that? ~ James (Jam.2.15.esv)

Being transparent isn't about folks seeing you - warts and all - but more so, being who you desire to be, in Christ, for those in the fellowship who may be at different points along the very same road you all travel. MMLIA