DO WE NEED A NEW REFORMATION?

 

 

I remember a few years ago a Catholic friend who first asked why Protestants thought Catholics really were that bad, and then questioning why the church doesn't unite (as Catholics, of course). 

This was a good example of what a book on logic I read in college called "The Fallacy of False Alternatives." Either Catholics are evil or Catholics are the true church. No in between to choose from.

I firmly disagree. I believe there are two other alternatives. And while my two alternatives don't fit with either of the two extremes listed above, they are compatible with each other and can both be true. Those alternatives?

1. Every generation and every movement has both wheat and tares, both sheep and goats.
2.  Every movement will start strong in the faith but will drift from the truth and will eventually need reformation, with the reformer and the reformation being resisted by the status quo.

We have several strong leaders to be thankful for, who stood for the Word of God in spite of opposition. Most would think of Martin Luther, John Calvin, William Tyndale, and Ulrich Zwingli, and many would include forerunners like Jon Wycliffe and Jan Hus or successors like Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, and the Wesleys. Too often, we forget Luther's teammate Philip Melanchthon, who composed the Augsburg  Confession realizing his life was in the balance while writing it or underestimate the role of hymn writer Isaac Watts. And many would hesitate to include Jacob Arminius, who was studying under Theodore Beza when his village declared itself Protestant and its residents - including his family - were raped and murdered by Catholic mercenaries, dealing with the question of whether those atrocities were predestined by God or done by the free will of wicked men. Agree with him or not, Arminius took a stand based on his conscience not unlike Luther's.

Do we need a Reformation today? Glance back at the second of the two alternatives for the answer. Evangelicals may not give the Church ultimate loyalty as was the case in the 1500s, but do we have such trust in the government (or, more accurately, the political party we associate with)? Are we attempting to live our lives by Sola Scriptura, or are we trusting science, psychology, the media, etc. and adjusting our view of Scripture to fit our worldview?

To be honest, I believe there is an attempted Reformation going on, but this reformation is a departure from truth instead of a return to it. So called Progressive Christianity is an example. Our woke culture is another. A Libertarian friend of mine, Jared Hall, wrote, "Compromises rely on multiple parties coming together to workshop. If a compromise is one sided, it’s not really a compromise." There are theological and political winds that some want a one-sided compromise.

Some who hold to Critical Race Theory believe that to be white or to be Christian or to be male is to be an oppressor. The reality is to be human is to be a potential oppressor. There have been instances when the oppressed gain power and they at best match the level of oppressiveness as those they overthrew - at worst, they become worse. 

Don't forget the massacre of Jacob Arminius' hometown of Oudewater. Realize that Tyndale was burned at the stake with a chain around his neck. Remember that many wanted to execute Luther and that Zwingli was killed in battle. And then, commit to memory the often quoted (not) Scripture, "Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution." (2 Timothy 3:12)

Finally, recall the five solas of the Reformation. Most importantly, are we living them? Do we believe we're saved by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone? Is our source of spiritual authority solely Scripture? And of the utmost importance, are we living only for the glory of God?

 I know. I said "Finally" a paragraph above. This time, I mean it as I add two more thoughts: 

1. We need to pray for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth (meaning in you) as it is in heaven. This is asking for a reformation, and declaring a revolution against the god of this age. And there's a cost to that prayer.
2. We need to ask if God has called you to be a Luther nailing thesis on the door, a Melanchthon writing a statement knowing it could be exhibit A in a capital case against him, a Tyndale willing to die so others have God's Word where they can understand it.

What's your role in the next reformation?

HAPPY REFORMATION DAY!!!

  

REVIEW OF KEEPER OF THE STONE BY DONNA FLETCHER CROW

 

Yes, I deliberately timed this review to be posted around the time of Reformation Day/All Saints Day (respectively this Sunday and Monday). After all, I often hear people talk about celebrating Christmas all year long - why not celebrate Reformation Day and All Saints Day all year long? (Of course, I'm trying to figure out what celebrating Groundhog's day all year long would look like.)

The Keeper of the Stone: Of Saints and Chieftains is Epoch One of the Celtic Cross Series.  In it, Donna Fletcher Crow does an excellent job of telling history in story form, where you keep your attention throughout. 

You can call The Celtic Cross a re-release of her previous books, The Fields of Bannockburn and The Banks of the Boyne, dividing these historical stories into a set of ten books (the former being a four part look at Scottish history, and the latter being six dealing with Ireland). In this new version, she also adds a story of three contemporary young people in modern times.

The beginning and ending of the book take place in current times. The rest of this book jumps back to the 500's and looks at Saint Columba. Personally, I thought the transition could be smoother between present and past - the present story occupies only the first couple of chapters and the final one, with the rest a millenium and a half ago.

The major part of the story focuses on Columba, and I found his story inspiring, especially with him wrestling with his past sins. It deals well with the conflict missionaries faced in the 500's - and in the 2000's, as well as any other time following Pentecost - struggling against the native religious beliefs of a society. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip into the past and getting to know some history. Which, considering how strong a story-teller Donna Fletcher Crow is, doesn't surprise me at all. 

I'm looking forward to reading on in the series. The ending doesn't have the resolution I'm used to in Crow's series (such as the Monastery Murders, Lord Danvers Investigates, and the Elizabeth and Richard Literary Suspense series, all of which also are good at looking into the past). So I'm not just interested in learning about what will happen to the characters, but also in learning more about the history of Scotland and Ireland.

I did receive a copy of this book for my unbiased review.

GUARDIAN ANGELS UNAWARE?

 

Have any of you seen the picture at Cracker Barrell (at least, that's where I saw it) of a boy and girl crossing a bridge over a stream and behind them, unnoticed, is a giant blonde woman with wings and a mother-like smile? There were similar ones in the series, including of the kids seeing the angel watching over them.

Of course, as a writer, it makes me wonder: if I have a guardian angel, what does he/she look like?

Now, I wouldn't mind one that resembles former baseball player/manager Mike Scoscia. As a catcher, he got the nickname of "The Human Dead End" for the baserunner wanting to cross home and score. Plus, he's had experience managing the Angels for nearly 20 years. I'd feel safe with that kind of guardian angel. 

But I know well enough to know that God doesn't do things the way we expect. Yes, my angel could be a large, powerful coach type, or one like the smiling beauty in the paintings I mentioned earlier, and either would be just effective.  

How about a rabbit? I know. With the photo above you might think I would have said a squirrel. A rabbit is a step - or is it a hop - above their fellow rodent's formidability as a Guarian angel, but at their size one step isn't very much.

Why would I think my guardian angel might be a rabbit? Well, I've worked at the same geopgraphic location since November, '02. There is a nice large parking garage, and an enclosed outdoor space (with 30 parking spaces). For years, I parked inside, but a couple of years ago, I decided to use that outdoor section.

That first night, I pulled in, and as I was pulling forward into the space, I saw a rabbit sitting right in front of that place, watching me.

When I got out of the car, the rabbit hopped off. Not real fast; he wasn't running for his life. But it seemed like his job was to make sure I safely arrived at work.

Now, this is not a common occurrence. But it wasn't the only time my rabbit was at my space, waiting for me to pull in. And once, as I was leaving when I was heading home, I took a glance, and the rabbit was right where I turned to leave that parking area, to make sure I was making it home.

Assuming animals can be a guardian angel, how many would have a rabbit as their top choice? Me neither. Nothing against rabbits. I feel blessed when I see one. I'm also happy to see squirrels (thought I've yet to see one in armor), but for me a rabbit encounter is more special.

When considering guardian angels, though, there are many animals I'd be quicker to hire. Maybe a white rhino. Or a Tasmanian devil. A pack of either wolves or Painted Dogs would work. So would a tiger, especially a large Amur (or Siberian) tiger. Believe it or not, I think a vulture would be a good candidate.

On the other hand, though, a rabbit might be the best candidate. The rhino would have a hard time getting into that parking area, and he'd probably be standing in the parking place I was going to park. The Tasmanian Devil might get under the garage wall as the rabbit did, but I doubt the tiger or the wolves or dogs could. Now the vulture could fly overhead. But what would my co-workers think with turkey vultures flying overhead as I left?

Likewise, what would they think if there was a rhino or tiger or painted dog or Tasmanian Devil in the parking garage? They'd probably call the zoo to notify about an escapee. Now, the wolves would be a more expected sight, but animal control will still be notified.

A rabbit, then, is most suited to be there and unnoticed.

True, it's not likely that my guardian angel is a rabbit. But then, it could be on assignment from my guardian angel. And I may have others watching out for me. Maybe a sparrow flying over head, watching as I drive home in the nut hour ... I mean rush hour traffic, will give a report when I safely park. Or a praying mantis might camp on our window screen to make sure we're safe inside, waiting till after dark to update the managing angel.

True, my tongue was in cheek during a lot of this writing. But one thing I do know - God watches out for His children. Yes, it's clearly in the Scripture - Psalms 10:14, 34:15-22, and 91 are three examples I can think of off the top of my head. There are also other times that I know God has been watching my back.

So what do you think your guardian angel is like?

SPECIAL MUSIC: AN IRRELEVANT ITEM FROM THE PAST WHERE IT BELONGS? OR AN UNTAPPED MINISTRY? CHURCH MUSIC PART 4 OF 4

 

The Lute Player by Orazio Gentileschi

 

"How is it then, Brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let everything be done for edification."  1 Corinthians 14:26

Let me start by saying that if you read only one of this four part series, PLEASE read this one. Should you take the time for two, I would add Part 3 as well.

In the previous installment of this series, I mentioned Matt Merker's excellent book Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers as God's People. As you'd expect, it talks about music. Towards the end, he mentions special music and says it doesn't really contribute to corporate worship and building the local body. I strongly disagree with him, though I also completely agree with what he's saying.

Merker points out that special music often ends up being entertainment. He has a point, and I can think of examples from the sublime to the ridiculous. The sublime was a special done a few months ago at the church I attend. The singer did a moving rendition of a song I was loved. Only problem - it was a song I wanted to sing along with! That selection was written to be a praise song, and I'd be surprised if there's a Sunday that a praise team somewhere in this country isn't singing. But I wasn't invited to sing - I was to listen to someone do my praising for me. The ridiculous? I heard of a person who did an instrumental of "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "House Of The Rising Sun."

I agree with the entertainment side of special music. But can special music be used to edify the church? Absolutely. And if Matt Merker were to hear my argument, he might agree with me.

The norm is that the special music is done by a singer. So if you can rival Sandi Patti or Steve Green in vocal prowess, you'll have a place. It also would help with popularity if you do a song everybody's familiar with and enjoy. But what if the special music person doesn't see it as a musical performance but as ministry potential?

One thought I've had for at least a quarter of a century - special music is ministry of the Word, a second sermon that happens to be about four minutes in length which is sung with instrumental accompaniment. 

Allow me to introduce a candidate for special music that's often overlooked. This would be the singer-songwriter. How would this change the dynamic, assuming it could? Simple - the writer writes songs with the intent and purpose to edify the congregation. 

Two suggestions I have to increase the effectiveness, and both require teamwork between the musician and the pastor. One is for the songwriter to find out what the theme of the sermon is. The second is for the pastor to "commission" the songwriter to write a song on a specific subject. In either case, the special music will be a continuation of the theme of the service.

Do I mean to alienate the non-writing singer? Of course not. There may be a song with background tracks that fits the theme of the service, maybe a song based on the Scripture passage that the pastor is teaching on. 

As a song-writer and as a person who has a heart of encouragement, I strongly desire to encourage songwriters, especially those who want to use their songs for teaching and exhortation as Paul suggests in Colossians 3:16.

Yes, I'm sure my idea is revolutionary. How many singer-songwriters would put edifying their local church over getting a recording contract? Would the congregations encourage songwriters to develop their talent and their ministry instead of hearing someone sing a song they're more familiar with? 

Let me close this be a challenge - what can you do to encourage those in your church, whether it be the pastors/ministerial staff, teachers, singers and songwriters and other artists, and those who need an edifying word?

BOOK REVIEW: BEYOND POVERTY BY TERRY DALRYMPLE

 

In Beyond Poverty: Multiplying Sustainable Community Development, Terry Dalrymple gives a vision to overcome worldwide poverty. The solution, however, is not through the state but the church. He sees the answer also being a movement that is able to multiply.

The author of this book served on the mission field before joining Medical Ambassadors International (MAI), where he was trained in Community Health Evangelism (CHE). He founded and is current coordinator of the Global CHE Network, and is cofounder and current VP of the Alliance for Tranformational Ministry. Additionally, he is an instructor at the Genevea Institute for Leadership and Public Policy at the United Nations.

Dalrymple points out that while there are physical aspects in dealing with poverty, the root is the evil in our hearts. While faith in Christ alone may not irradicate poverty, the transformation in the believer's life should be visible so said transformation becomes contagious to the community and beyond. He gives examples how some belief systems help keep others poor, and in one segment Dalrymple illustrates how latrines can be a sign of spiritual growth.

There are five fundamental principles of what Dalrymple calls "wholistic transformational ministry:

1. Integration of the physical and the spiritual;
2. Asset-based development (funded not by outsiders but by what the participants have access to);
3. Community ownership of the ministry;
4. Multiplication; and
5. Self-discovery.

One powerful point of the book is an inclusion of a pair of warehouses built in the third world. One was funded by an outsider, and it looked functional. The second had been built by the contributions of the villagers who were going to be using it, and that warehouse was a solid, well built building.

Dalrymple gives examples of how CHE has changed communities around the world in the villages of Asia, Africa, and South America. 

If you want to be a part of the solution to the poor, I highly recommend that you acquire this powerful little book and consider how you can impact the lives of others. He gives information how to get involved in CHE.

Let me add an item. How many of you have a former room-mate who addressed the U.N.? I've known Terry since we attended Southwestern College (now Arizona Christian University) in Phoenix, Arizona in the late '70's. Is that why I highly recommend this book? No! I believe it is well worth reading.

If you are interested in learning more about the Global CHE Network, you can check their webpage at www.chenetwork.org.

 

INTERVIEW WITH RICHARD PRESTON, ADMINISTRATOR OF FB GROUP FEMALE CHRISTIAN METAL & ROCK

 

I go through a love/hate relationship with internet groups. I enjoy being in them and like a sense of belonging. Sometimes, though, I think I'm in too many groups and trim them down. One group I stuck with for years is Female Christian Metal & Rock. (For those who thought my music tastes were limited to hymns and classical music, I hate to disappoint you.) Today, I have the honor of interviewing that group's moderator, Richard Preston.

JR: Let's start with the Facebook group. Could you tell us about the group and how you became the administrator of it?

RP: Hey Jeffrey! Well, I am a member of several Christian rock and metal groups. A few are not moderated to where they get any real messages out. Few rarely post concert dates, new groups, release dates, etc. One day earlier this year, I get a post message asking if I want to take over as admin of Female Christian Metal/Rock. I have no idea how I was chosen out of over 500 members. After a moment, I jumped on it. One of the best choices that I have made, EVER. I did change the name to make it sound better. Since taking over, I have introduced many bands. Members have commented on never hearing about some. I enjoy the sharing.

JR: How did you come to Christ, and when did you develop a love of music? Are you a musician yourself? And what is your day job?

RP: My 3 siblings, all younger, were baptized very young at a Baptist church. I sat in a pew each time thinking that something was wrong, this has to be a conscience decision. Years later, I was at a retreat, and there was a call for those that wanted to be saved. Heads bowed, eyes closed. Suddenly, I felt that it was my turn, I raised my hand. I am 55 now, and 2021 has been my most productive year in learning about God and Christ. 

I played the trombone in junior high school. I chose to quit in the ninth grade because I wasn't really that good, in my opinion and, I became bored with it. I do not work. I have been disabled for a number of years. I have neuropathy which limits normal motor functions. But, I am in the process of adapting a book to a screenplay. We will see how one-handed typing works. 

Music started in elementary school. My parents listened to country music. I sort of got into it, but it really wasn't me. A clock radio was put into the room and I started looking for something. I came across 2 AM stations that played disco and pop. It was better, I enjoyed some of it. And then some years on down, friends introduced me to rock and a better station, on FM, 97 Rock. From then on, nothing else. Granted, I still enjoy a little disco, pop, and soft rock music, but nothing beats a screaming guitar.

JR: Can you name three bands/artists that made an impact on your life?

RP: I will go backwards using life impacts. 

1. My love for guitar based bands/music started with The Little River Band. Hearing Happy Anniversary and Help Is On It's Way was the very start. Great songs and great guitars. Then my friend, Scott, played Def Leppard's Pyromania constantly. That and Night Ranger's Midnight Madness sealed it. Then came the other great rock and metal bands...and MTV! 
2. Faith-based music started later with Stryper (of course). I became more in-depth with them when the internet came around. Then finding Holy Soldier, Ken Tamplin (Shout), Bloodgood, and some others. I am rather picky. 
3. I really enjoy working merch tables. I have worked numerous Winter Jams and one festival at Six Flags. Hearing up and comers gives me a chance to find other artists to enjoy. My first time hearing Skillet, I worked handing out some kind of pamphlets. Whispers In The Dark is their typical opener, it became my instant favorite. Then seeing them do Winter Jam and able to slip away to see that one song makes me a happy camper.

JR: A lot of the discussion in the group is promoting the great female singers in Christian rock, but has there been moments where God has worked through the group?

RP: The music business in general is male dominated, including the Christian genres. We are supposed to treat all as equals in Christ, that is my attempt here. I have had male artists attempt to post their music, I just do not let it happen. I cannot say if anything Godly has worked through the group, not much is mentioned in general. I have reposted a few things, such as a “sort of” (her words) testimony from Becca Sugg. And thoughts from bands on other topics. Personally, I have been moved by the thanks I get from the artists that i post. Some privately, and some in comments. At times, just seeing those words bring tears. I am very humble and very happy to do what I do with the group. Anthony from Saving Jackie, we are definitely “one” in Christ. When we talk, we seem to say something the other needs to hear.

JR: I'm sure you'd agree that we're in changing times. What do you see the role of Christian music in general and Christian rock specifically?

RP: Though I am not a CCM fan at all, it seems to be the most popular, and the most flooded out of the Christian genre. Christian rock and metal, at one time, was referred to as the “devil's music”. Not all has to sound like a hymn. Accommodating to the different genres is a must in order to keep God's message flowing positively. I can think of it as a personal thing. Would I as a Believer, listen to CCM if I did not like it? Absolutely not. There are some that can listen to Jeremy Camp, then Skillet without missing a beat. I am not one of them, and there are other people that are the same as me. Then there are some that go with even heavier tunes. If the music honors God, is against Satan, loosen up, it's all good.

JR: Thank you for your time, Richard. Anything else you want to share? If someone's interested in the group, how can they find it?

RP: I do have a blog on Facebook, titled MyJourney. Sadly I do not keep up on it as much as I feel that I should. I currently have several about to go live. The topic is about my journey learning about God and Christ, my thoughts about anything in my life related to Them. My page can be found on Facebook, and a Google search will bring it up, Female Christian Rock & Metal. Jeffrey, I am humbly honored, thank you.

WHAT'S THE PURPOSE OF SINGING TOGETHER? - CHURCH MUSIC PART 3 OF 4

Young Martin Luther and carolers sing for Mrs. Cotta in Eisenach by Fernidand Pauwels

 

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and exhorting one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord." Colossians 3:16

I hope you haven't given up on this series after the first two installments. The first two reflected my thoughts on the issue of music in the church, and you may now know my preferences. The next two parts, however, will deal with items I feel strong about.

Let me ask a question. When we're singing together in church, who's our audience? Who are we singing to?

No brainer, right? Obviously we're singing to God, aren't we? 

Let me answer with some lyrics from hymns we may be familiar with -

• Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.
• What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.
• Stand up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross, lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.
• Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me; I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see.
• Jesus calls us o'er the tumult of our life's wild restless sea; day by day His sweet voice soundeth, saying Christian, follow me.

I gave you five songs, including some of the best known hymns. How many of these are being sung TO God?

Yes, these are sung to the glory of God. But should we be looking up and singing these songs to our Lord? 

Or should we be looking around and singing these songs to each other, and realize we need them sung to us?

Two books greatly influenced me on this subject. The first I read was

The Life of God in the Soul of the Church: The Root and Fruit of Spiritual Fellowship by Thabiti Anyabwile, where he made the excellent suggestion of singing to one another. And the hymns I mentioned are all ideal to sing to each other.

More recently (like last month), I read another excellent book on the subject of corporate worship, with the unexpected title

Corporate Worship

How the Church Gathers as God's People by Matt Merker. He does an excellent job of pointing out how we minister to each other in corporate worship. There may be a man in church who needs to be reminded that we need to Trust and Obey, or a lady  needing to be encouraged about the Friend We Have In Jesus, or a student facing challenges to their faith who needs to Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus, or a seeker who needs to hear about God's Amazing Grace.

Let me go back to my previous blogs in the series. The first touched on the so-called worship wars, where we debate on the style of the singing. The second looked at the instruments used. Are these important topics? Would they be as divisive if we looked at our church and realized that the edification of our fellow worshipers was the top priority? 

But keep in mind that it is congregational singing. I've visited churches and find the band (usually a band in these situations) singing a song I've never heard before, often with a catchy instrumental arrangement, maybe an upbeat tune I can clap along to. Often, they're nice enough to have the lyrics so I can follow along. But is this really involving the congregation?

You'll notice I started this blog with one of my favorite verses, Colossians 3:16. Like Ephesians 5:18, it mentions psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Both verses state we're to be speaking to one another with this music. Colossians adds two specific functions of the speaking - teaching and exhorting. 

I'm starting to get warmed up, but I'm going to wind this blog down. I have a lot to mention next week.

But until then, have you ever sang to encourage another believer? Have you ever been encouraged by the singing of a fellow worshiper or the congregation? 

Also, can you identify Martin Luther in the above painting? There are two that I could picture being the Reformer.

MATTHEW 7:1 - MOST QUOTED VERSE BY UNBELIEVERS, AND MOST DISOBEYED COMMAND BY CHRISTIANS?

John 3:16 may be the best known reference, but the most quoted verse is Matthew 7:1 - "Judge not lest ye be judged."

Note I compared "reference" with "quoted verse." Most of the time, the quotation is given without reference, and my hunch is a very large percentage of the time those using this verse have no idea where it's located at. 

But if they don't know where it's located, is there a chance that the verse is ripped out of context, with its real meaning twisted and distorted? Let me rephrase the question - is there a chance it ISN'T taken out of context or misused? To that rephrased question, I'd say "Probably not."

When it's quoted, I'd bet the vast majority of the time, those using it mean "Don't judge ME." It wouldn't surprise me that they also judge others, maybe without knowing it. 

Of course, there's nobody who wants to be judged. But should we judge actions? Those participating in actions God clearly condemns would give that a negative, or else they'd have to turn from the sins they enjoy. Likewise, they'll remind you of Jesus' words to the law-keeping crowd, "He who is without sin cast the first stone" but forget Jesus told the accused (and guilty) woman to "Go and sin no more."

Again, those making that claim don't know the Scripture they're appealing to. The next thing Jesus tells them is to not give what is holy to the dogs or cast pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6), which involves discernment, which some would call judging. Later in the same chapter, Jesus says we're to beware false prophets and are told we'll know them by their fruit (Matthew 7:15-20). Again, a call to discernment, or judging. Then, in Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus teaches His disciples that if someone sins, we should go and confront that person one on one, and if the person doesn't repent, then bring other witnesses and finally to the assembly (church). I've just given response through the book of the Bible we're dealing with - the same concepts are throughout Scripture.

But WHY did Jesus give that commandment? Isn't this part of "Unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:20)? Like other issues as not applying the commands to our thought-life (Matthew 5:21-48), doing our good works for man's applause (Matthew 6:1-18), trusting in money (Matthew 6:19-24), or worrying (Matthew 6:25-34), is judging something we are prone to do?

Here's the sad part. I've seen two different memes which both pointed out the misuse of "Judge not" and then taking the unfortunate route of giving out-of-context Scriptures to excuse not obeying the command. One of them steps into absurdity of pointing out there's a book in the Bible called "Judges." No, that isn't a command to judge! The other lists Scripture translating words as "judge" when I'm used to them translated differently.

One Scripture used to counter Matthew 7:1 is John 7:24, where Jesus commands to "Judge with righteous judgment." The argument is that we should focus on this quote in John and basically ignore the command in Matthew. Is this based on the presupposition their judgment is righteous?

But what if we looked at both verses in context? Let's start with Matthew 7. You may be aware that it is part of the Sermon on the Mount. It starts in Matthew 5:1-2 with Jesus sitting on the mountain and His disciples coming to Him, and Jesus teaching them.  I mentioned Matthew 5:20 three paragraphs earlier concerning the righteousness of the Pharisees, which is the key verse for this section of Scripture. Jesus starts with eight beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10), and the teachings that follow are examples of living those beatitudes out. With Matthew 7:1-5, it fits the blessings on the poor in spirit, the meek, and the merciful. And to clarify the obvious, this is a commandment to Jesus' disciples.

Now, let's take the isolated brick of John 7:24 and put it back where it belongs. Is this section in John 7 Jesus teaching and commanding His disciples? No. In the context, our Savior is confronting the Pharisees who condemned Him from healing the impotent man on the Sabbath. "Judge with righteous judgment" is not a commandment to His followers but a rebuke to His enemy. In other words, if you want to live by John 7:24, you're placing yourselves not with Jesus' disciples but with the Pharisees. 

Returning to the context of "Judge not" (Matthew 7:1-5), we see the command followed in verse 2 by the fact that we will be judged according to how we judge. If you're one advocating judging, let's be serious: do you want to be judged by the measure of how you judge others? If not, should you be judging?

Then, Jesus gives an illustration of someone with a log in their eye seeing a speck in their brother's eye and offering to help them. The pro-judging crowd sees the key thought/command in this paragraph to be verse 5 ("Take the log out of your eye so you can see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye," forgetting this verse is addressed to a hypocrite). This approach is opposite of typical Jewish teaching which starts at the main point and the develops the main point, which in this passage would mean the main point is "Judge not." 

Also, how many of you have seen a speck in someone's eye? My hunch is that the answer is no unless a) somebody asks you if you see a speck in their eye or b) your occupation is an opthamologist. (How many specks do you see? One, or two? One? Or two?)

They have an impressive list of Bible verses, but I never see two important ones on the topic included. First, there's Romans 14:4 - "Who are you to judge another man's servant? To his own master he will be made to stand or fall, and he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him to stand." What is this verse saying? Simple - the person you're judging is not your servant but God's. Reading on in the same chapter, Paul asks why we do we judge our brother in a tone that makes it clear we shouldn't be. 

Wait, I see why this one is omitted, because it strengthens Matthew 7:1, not giving us a loophole to obey the disliked command. But there's one more to look at.

"Do not speak evil against another, brethren. He who speaks evil of his brother or judges his brother speaks evil of the Law and judges the Law. But he who judges the Law is not a doer of the Law but a judge. There is one Lawgiver who is able both to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?" James 4:11-12 Uh, after this verse, does anybody think we are qualified to judge others? 

So here's the question. As I pointed out above, we are commanded to discern and to turn others from their sins (also see Malachi 3:18, Galatians 6:1, Hebrews 5:14, James 5:19-20, and Jude 22-23). But when Jesus said "Judge not," I've got a sneaky impression He meant "Judge not." How, then, do we obey both thoughts?

The first is to distinguish between people and actions. We are commanded to condemn wrong actions, words, and ideas. But we aren't to judge others or motives. 

That sounds simple. Well, maybe it doesn't. And it isn't. I heard one guide, though, on whether we should confront, and that is to ask ourselves, "Do I want to confront? Do I want to judge?" If the answer is no, it may be that God is calling you, as poor in spirit as the one in error, to gently and mercifully plead with them to turn. If the answer is yes, then I suggest you find something else to do.

THANKS TO MY BETA READERS, AND WHAT'S NEXT WITH MY WRITING?

 

I'd like to start today's blog by thanking my Beta Readers: Mary Allen, Kacy Barnett-Gramckow, Heidi Glick, Twyla Jackson, and Joanne Sher. They have read my novel that I've been working on since '07, and provided excellent feedback.

Did I mention that I started writing "An Apologetic For Murder" since 2007? It has been an adventure. 

It started no later than 1995, actually, when I had a concept of a group of six friends working together to solve a murder. I called them the Menagerie: each one had an animal nickname. 

In 2007, I was wanting to write a book promoting apologetics. Of course, as a lay-person with no name recognition, would anybody consider reading a book by little old me? And then, I remembered some friends who were in apologetics/anti-cult ministry mention that they got death threats. 

So the Menagerie found a home - they attended an apologetics conference to find out who was trying to kill an apologist. I also thought of having an innocent bystander - if a hit-man could be called an innocent bystander - intercept a bullet meant for one of the apologists. 

Immediately, there were a lot of characters to develop. There was the six in the Menagerie. Then, there were the apologists, of which there were five (patterned after the book Five Views On Apologetics? Not intentionally but it did have an influence). Add to that seven suspects. Which one did it?

No, I'm not answering the above question, though my Beta Readers know. However, I was half way through writing the novel until it hit me who hired the hit-man and whose bullet said hit-man intervened. 

The novel was finished in 2008. The next year, after looking into some venues for publishing, a self-publishing company agreed to publish it. The following year, that company went belly-up in a way that it ended up on the front page of the local paper and was covered by all the local newsstations on TV. 

Around that time, I read The Complete Idiot's Guide to Writing Christian Fiction by Ron Benrey.  I had previously read other literature on writing, includint two books on writing Christian fiction. Benrey was the first one to advise getting an agent, and also encouraged going to writing conferences and joining the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers).

So I took his advice and joined, became part of a couple critique groups, and started on my first re-write of the novel. Originally, it had six "main characters." In writing the novel, though, those six characters fell into roles. Two got a lot of "screen time", two were important more for their roles (e.g. the policeman of the group), and two (who happened to be the married couple of the group) were basically supporting characters. So I set to work focusing on the two main characters.

Shortly after, I did a third rewrite, more major than the second. I figured out who the actual sleuth of the group was. So I did something I never thought I'd do, and rewrote the story as a first person narrative. 

Around 2014, the fire faded. During that time I made some half hearted starts, and in 2019 I got serious to rework the novel and seek publication. That's also when I lined up the beta readers.

I did have two concerns with my novel, both of which affected marketability and both were confirmed by the comments of the beta readers. The first was if there were too many characters. The consensus was that the story called for a lot of characters, but yes, I did have a lot of them. The second was if it was too deep theologically for the average fiction reader (and relatedly, not enough action to maintain interest). This concern was legitimate.

Soooo... where do I go from here?  Basically I have two options.

One is to give up on this story. I have two other story ideas (different genres from each other and from my above novel). I also have other talents that are laying dormant such as songwriting, ceramics, and drawing. Add to that an interest in refugee ministry.

The other is to do a third rewrite, and this one will be more major than the other two. The previous ones maintained the same characters, the same plot, the same victim, the same killer. If I rewrite, I will be trimming the characters which will then alter the plot. After all, the seven suspects had motives to kill one of the five apologists, but they weren't after the same apologist. I might get rid of an apologist while wanting to keep the person who wanted to kill him.

If I do start from scratch as I'm proposing, or if I decide to write a new novel, I'll be working with a couple of books. The first is The Chunky Method by Allie Pleiter, to help me in following the two rules of writing illustrated above. The second is Soul Types, which looks at the impact of the Myers-Briggs Types on spirituality.

Should you feel led to pray as I think this over, it would be appreciated.

IS THERE A HEAVENLY MUSICAL ARRANGEMENT FOR CHURCHES? CHURCH MUSIC PART 2 OF 4

The Concert by Gerard van Honthorst

Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; Praise Him with the lute and harp! Praise Him with the timbrel and dance; Praise Him with stringed instruments and flutes! Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with the clashing cymbals! Psalm 150:3-5

Did you know I absolutely love classical music? Especially when there is a full orchestra. I'll never forgot being blown away hearing a college orchestra start off with the pounding timpanis on Brahms' 1st symphony.

I also like a good rock band. A guitar or two with bass and drums? That's nice. But I would rather have a big sound including a keyboard. Better yet, there's the local band Beracah which had trumpets and flute. Other favorite bands include Styx, ELO, Yes, Petra, and Servant.

So what musical arrangement would be my first choice for a church worship? A big praise band, or a big praise orchestra?  

Actually, I'd prefer a solo piano. Or maybe one acoustic guitar, maybe with a flute or violin or French horn for the melody. 

Yes, I'm talking about my personal preference. No, I'm not saying everybody should conform to my thoughts. God is omnipotent, and He is magnified regardless of the instrumentation or the style. He is more concerned with the hearts than anything else.

But for me, being a lover of a full instrument sound, I can get distracted when there's more instruments. For me, simpler is better. If you want to be like the Church of Christ or the Psalmody movement and have singing without instruments, I wouldn't complain.

I remember being at one church where the instrumentation was the typical piano and organ. I believe the organist at our church played at ball parks, tough I could be wrong. But when we sang "Wonderful Grace of Jesus", he had an awesome riff during the chorus. And so instead of singing, I'm listening for the riff. 😱That's not what I want to do. I want to be concentrating on singing.

Let me go to another church. We also had the piano/organist combo. Likewise, we also had a good organist. But he did not want to play organ. Why? Because when he's playing the organ, he's not singing, and he wanted to sing praises to God!

Now, let me do what you expect and look at it from the other direction. Those who have talents to play instruments have it given by the Lord. Maybe for them, playing their instrument well is their way of giving glory to God. Do I want to keep an instrumentalist from glorifying God by limiting the number of instruments in the church service? God forbid!

So what's my point? Do I have one? It's this - our focus should be on praising God. We can praise Him with a simple format or with a full band or orchestra (or both) or without any instruments at all. But our focus in congregational singing should be on the singing.

One last story to close. When I lived in California in the early '80's, some of my friends were in a band that blew you away with great melodic riffs in their songs. That band broke up. Why? Because the music was overpowering the words.

Back to what my point is. Simple. Realize that worship is for God. It's not for us to draw attention to ourselves if we're on the performing side. It's not to entertain us if we're in the pews singing. Are we giving God the glory He's due?

INTERVIEW WITH BECCA SUGG OF THE BAND RECLAIM THE DAY

 

I have learned of the band Reclaim The Day by being a member of the Facebook Group Female Christian Rock & Metal. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they're based out of nearby Greenwood, Indiana. It is my honor to interview the band's lead vocalist Becca Sugg.

JR: What are the origins of the band? Who's in it? Also, how and why did you decide on the name?

BS: The band was formed in 2019 by myself and my husband. We had left our previous project as we felt God tugging us toward starting our own ministry together. It took us awhile to really think of a name. We prayed about it for a good few weeks before choosing something that was personal to us. We had one of our friends and mentors at the time tell us that we have the power through Jesus Christ to reclaim our day from what we were struggling with and then the name stuck. Not only did it help with our situation, but we wanted to spread that hope to other people. After a couple line up changes throughout the years, we now have a solid line up of 4 people for quite awhile. On drums we have Alex Beattie, who actually started with us originally on guitar before I started playing rhythm live again. On bass guitar we have Logan Morehouse. Lead guitar is played by my husband and co-founder of the band/ministry Marcus Sugg. I am the lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist.

JR: Who would you consider role models/heroes/mentors both on the music end and on the faith end?

BS: I have had many mentors throughout the years that have helped me get to where we are today. All of them have had individual advice to help me in different parts of life whether it would be business or faith. It is hard to name one person because I have been blessed with so many amazing people in my life.

JR: What is it like in performing in an outdoor festival like the Pit Fest you were part of September 25? How does it compare with being the main performer? Also, Becca Sugg served as the emcee at the Pit Fest. How do you prepare for that role? Any memorable moments in the festival?

BS: It is always interesting because depending on the weather and the sound, you never know what you are going to get with an outdoor festival. I myself have been a part of Pit Fest since it’s first year in 2013. Since then I have played that festival with 3 different bands over the years, been a guest speaker, and have had the pleasure of emceeing the festival for 4 years. This year has been particularly interesting as the sound went out during our set but it gave us the opportunity to get up and personal with our fans for a brief time of ministry before the power came back on. I prepare for Pit Fest just as I do for any of our shows. I usually pray for God to speak through me and make it about Him and not about me. It is hard to pinpoint any particular memory but I will say when I was listening to the band Leper Saturday night share the gospel gave me chills. They just happened to be the other band that the power cut out on too. I think the devil really tried to stop what we were doing in that festival and we just persevered to spread the gospel and hope of Jesus Christ. That is what has always stuck out to me about any Always One Ministry event. No matter what that particular festival will always hold a place in my heart.

JR: How has being in the band strengthened your Christian life and/or made a positive impact on others? Likewise, are there any challenges you face unique to Christian musicians/artists?

BS: Let me start off with saying being a Christ follower is never easy. I think being a Christian band has been even more so difficult. Though I have learned many life lessons in my time being a music evangelist, some of them were some of the hardest times of my life. I have been burnt and broken by many things including some people who are also in the same industry or sometimes even the same band. However, it’s because I have conquered that with Jesus Christ that I am the person I am today. That is the same hope that myself and my bandmates carry to give to others. Though we have all been broken, God has called us and will equip us to be whole again. I will never really see all the seeds that our ministry plants but when I have seen it, there is no greater joy than to see our friends and fans find the hope and peace God has given to us. They realize that God has a plan for them and that is why we do what we do. I would have to say the challenges we have been through haven’t just made us stronger in our faith but it has made us more bold in reaching out to others.

JR: Related to the previous question, we are living in uncertain times between COVID, the political divide in the country, and the current shift in culture, among other things. How does the band deal with it as a group and individually? Are there any "Macedonias" that are calling Reclaim the Day to help them?

BS: Well as I said previously, it is very challenging to be a Christian especially in these times. I know many people that have done what they did or said what they said that goes against what the Bible says just to be relevant. Either that or I have seen some of my closest friends step down from their faith because of how they have been treated by other Christians. It is heartbreaking to see but this is a time where we as Christians need to be more bold than we have ever been. Despite all of the negativity in the world, there is still a God who loves each and every one us and we need to stand our ground and tell people about hope and love. As a band, we are all on one accord with the same ministry mindset. That is something we are truly blessed with. If there ever is something we disagree on, which usually barely ever happens, we talk about it as family and as adults and still love each other. We just have to stand up for our beliefs now more than ever all while loving on and serving others.

JR: At the moment, I have not had the honor of hearing you live. 😢 Are there any concerts coming up in the near future, or any new music projects ready to appear over the horizon? How can the readers keep in touch with the band?

BS: Right now until next year we only have two shows on the radar. One is going to be a part of an online streaming event and the other is an award show in Alabama in November. We have started working on booking for 2022 ut the majority of the rest of the year our main focus will be on finishing up our upcoming EP. We will be hopefully releasing new music within the next month or so as well as a new music video. The new song is called Chokehold and it is featuring my good friend Zahna. Other than that you can keep an eye out for any upcoming news or events if you follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We have two songs out right now called Who You Are and Sentenced to Life so people can go check them out on all streaming platforms everywhere. Also, if you just need prayer you can also message us or email us at Reclaimthedaystudios@gmail.com. As always, we want to remind our Reclaimers family to keep the hope alive and reclaim the day!