April 2021

Being salt and light for the world is more than a nice idea. Being salt and light is a necessity.

Unlike Bob the bloodhound, who can smell his way through a lot of darkness, we humans need light. And much like Bob, salt makes a lot of food better. Although Bob and I will eat most anything without salt, it sure is better going down when there’s some flavor to it.

There is a world of people, in our sphere of influence, who need to see that Christianity is real and that it works. For the sake and the life of the world, we need to be salt and light.

The way this happens, for Christians, is through living the Beatitudes of Jesus.  The Beatitudes cause followers of Christ to stand-out in the world. Persecution is the effect of the world upon the Christian. Conversely, being salt and light is the Christian’s effect upon the world.

Jesus used the two metaphors of salt and light to help his followers understand their role in society and their effect on the world. Here is what he said….

Matthew 5:13-16

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

“Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening-up to others, you’ll prompt people to open-up with God, this generous Father in heaven. (The Message)

Salt

In the ancient world, there was no refrigeration.  So, salt was used to preserve food, with the added result that it brought some flavor when the food was eaten.  Christians, therefore, are meant to be a preservative in the culture.  Without folks who embody the Beatitudes of Jesus, the world decays and rots.

Salt Is a Preservative

If you feel the temptation to complain about eroding morals in our world, sad situations in public institutions, or the declining value of religion among people, remember that we are the ones who can remedy the situation. Being salt in the world preserves the world.

Jesus says if we lose our saltiness, if we are no longer impacting society, we are useless to our surrounding culture. We then might just as well be thrown out into the street. Two-thousand years ago, there were no garbage dumps. The street served as the place where everyone tossed their garbage. The traffic of both people and animals trampled the waste into the ground.

The church does not exist solely for itself. Christians are on this earth to be the continuing presence of Christ in the world. We are meant to be a blessing wherever we are, and with whomever is around us. Believers have far too much going for them to be useless in this old fallen world.

Salt Is Flavorful

Jesus isn’t exhorting us to be salt because we already are salt. Rather, it’s a matter of allowing the world to taste us and find us flavorful.  It is okay to have some flavor in everything you do. A bland monotone person isn’t very appealing. Being salty and flavorful leads us to respond to circumstances differently, to view the world with compassion, not indifference or hate.

There was once a church that discovered a new housing project was going up behind their property. The bland and flavorless person said, “We need to build a fence so the kids won’t wander over into our property.” But the salty person, full of flavor, said, “Cool! Do we have enough money to build a sidewalk so the kids will wander over here?”

To drive his point home even deeper, Jesus used a second metaphor to describe what our relation to the world is to be like….

Light

In the ancient world, there were no artificial lights. So, when it was night, it was black. I grew up in the rural Midwest, far from any city lights. If you didn’t have a flashlight at night, you’d likely fall into a ditch, or something worse. In the pitch black, any light makes a real difference.

You might mistakenly think your life does not make that much of a difference. Yet, it does!  Being characterized by the Beatitudes of Jesus causes a person, and a church, to be visible. It shows the world who Jesus is, and what he is like. The issue is not being perfect in everything we do and say. Instead, it’s much more about being real, genuine, and authentic. We let our light shine, which means not trying to hide our flaws and imperfections.

Letting Our Light Shine

How can we let our light shine in this world?  What are some tangible ways to express the Beatitudes of Jesus? The following are what the church has always done throughout its history:

  • Taking in unwanted children. Infanticide was a reality in the ancient Greco-Roman world. And there have always been orphans and abandoned children. Foster care and adoption were first practiced by Christians wanting to be salt and light in the world.
  • Ministering to the sick and dying. During times of plague and disease, most villagers and townsfolk fled to avoid the epidemic. Christians, however, stayed. They cared for people. The afflicted did not die alone.
  • Visiting those in prison. For most of history, prisons did not provide anything to prisoners, including food. Prisoners were dependent on family members to bring them meals. So, Christians began providing food and companionship to those who did not have families. Otherwise, they would starve and die.
  • Extending help and kindness to the poor. The church was attentive to the immigrant, the stranger, and the widow, when no one else gave such persons the time of day.

It is important to take a proactive approach to being salt and light in the world. Simply having a reactive policy of waiting for needy people to come to us will not do. Rather, the light searches for lost people, identifies them, and meets their needs.

Letting My Light Shine

What can you and I do as individuals? Here are just a few things Bob and I have done:

  1. Using my giftedness, what I am good at, to do good works for others (all spiritual gifts in the Bible are either speaking gifts or serving gifts). Some examples: giving a book to young married couples who just had children; helping college students move in and out of dorms; spending time with the elderly; offering car and/or home repairs; or running errands.
  2. Developing new relationships and friendships. Join a virtual class or club. Do prayer walks around the neighborhood at the same time every day. I sometimes ask these questions of people: What do you think is the greatest need of this neighborhood? Why do you think most people stay away from church? If you were looking for a church, what would you look for? What advice can you give to someone who really wants to be helpful to people?
  3. Sharing my God story. Let others know what God has done for you, and what your life is like with Jesus. Be curious about another’s spirituality. Be judgment free.

In my experience, Christianity works. It is a cohesive and genuine way of living, that is, if we let it be that. Christians are meant to taste good to the culture, and be a gracious light, shining the love of Christ for others to see.

May we be salt and light for the life of the world. May it be so to the glory of God.

See you on the trail!

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Experiencing practical victory over the darkness involves identifying the enemies of every Christian. Bob did some sniffing around the Bible to help us know what we are up against and what to do about it.

The Three Big Enemies

The Christian’s struggle is with sin. Sin is present in three dimensions: the “world” (1 John 2:15-17), the “flesh” or “sinful nature” (Ephesians 4:22) and the “devil” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

The “world” in the Bible has a couple of meanings. God loves the world, that is, the cosmos with its creatures and all creation. However, another use of “the world” are all the institutions and organizations throughout the earth which operate apart from God’s Word and will. A more contemporary way of saying this is “systemic and structural evil.” (Galatians 4:3; Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 2:8, 20; Jude 1:19)

The “flesh” is not the physical body but the sinful nature. This refers to an old life dictated by selfish desires, manipulation of others, and hustling for love. It is a bent toward hiding from and shaming others. The flesh pursues radical independence from God and others. The sinful nature seeks to not be dependent on anything or anyone. A person might want to do good but is unable to because of these base motives. (Romans 7:5, 19; 8:5, 8)

The “devil” or “Satan” is the one who seeks to exploit the world and the sinful nature to tempt and move us into rebellion against God. He is our ancient enemy. Since he’s been at this for a long time, his craft and deceit are formidable. (1 Corinthians 7:5; Ephesians 2:1-3; 4:26-27; 1 John 3:8, 10)

The good news is that Jesus Christ has obtained deliverance and freedom for people from each of those enemies (1 Corinthians 15:56-57; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 2:9). For this deliverance and freedom to be a practical victory over the darkness, each believer in Jesus must know and practice the truth.

The Fall of Humanity

In the original Fall of humanity there was a passive response to the temptation of the serpent, the devil. There was an acceptance of doubt concerning God’s Word, through Satan’s insinuations that God is not so good. The original people made a deliberate choice to follow the suggestions of Satan and disobey the true and living God. (Genesis 3:1-6).

The seriousness of that Fall into disobedience cannot be overemphasized. The Fall introduced sin, lust, depravity, slavery, ignorance, death and every form of evil into humanity. People became alienated from God and enslaved to the devil. (Genesis 3:7-24)

The final effects of this sinful bondage will not be completely severed until the final judgment (Revelation 20:10). The hold of the devil is so profound that it took the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to experience victory over the darkness. (Romans 5:17; 2 Timothy 1:9-10)

Satan

The descriptive titles given to Satan indicate his activity and what he is up to: Tempter (Matthew 4:3); Deceiver (Revelation 12:9); Accuser (Revelation 12:10); Adversary (1 Peter 5:8); Murderer and Liar (John 8:44); the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4); and the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2).

The Bible indicates a Christian can be significantly influenced by Satan through:

Indeed, the Christian ignores the activity of Satan at their peril.

Satan aims to keep every believer in Jesus from spiritual progress and maturity, from the daily experience of living in the fruit of the Holy Spirit, and from victory over the darkness. Unfortunately, the evidence of Satan’s success is all around us. All Christians are under the attack of the enemy in some way, shape, or form.

When well-meaning Christians have trouble in prayer, reading Scripture, witnessing to the truth of Christ, overcoming sins, or maintaining right fellowship with other believers, then this is a tangible reminder of the subtle and powerful effect Satan has in the church, not to mention the world. Such a situation requires that we know and understand the provision we possess in overcoming the evil one.

Overcoming the Devil

The most basic truth to know and practice is that in the crucifixion and resurrection the Lord Jesus Christ defeated Satan (Colossians 2:15).  Jesus, through his death and rising from death, destroyed the power of death and delivered those held in bondage (Hebrews 2:14-15).  In fact, Jesus, the Son of God, came to this earth so that he might destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). What’s more, through the Ascension, Jesus is seated in triumph over Satan. This tremendous victory over the darkness is given to every believer in Christ (Ephesians 1:19-21; 2:5-6).

For this incredible access to become a reality there must be a complete and honest confession. Repentance and renunciation of past and present sins are needed.

“If we admit our sins—simply come clean about them—God won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.” (1 John 1:9, MSG) 

Rejecting Evil and Living the Truth

There must be a complete and honest practice of the truth in the obedience of faith and love through standing with the truth (Ephesians 6:10-18). In addition, there is a need for aggressive resistance of Satan’s work through constant vigilance and standing firm (1 Peter 5:8-9).

When you feel guilty but don’t know why – then be pugnacious about rejecting it. If feeling accused on the inside, i.e. “If you were really a Christian you would not be thinking a thought like that…” then be steadfast about refusing such guilt. If your thoughts, emotions, and desires threaten to get out of hand – then take charge of them and bring them into subjection to Jesus. The truth is that you have all the authority of Christ’s death, resurrection, and ascension behind you to reject error and refuse satanic whispers.

Know the enemy’s lies and deceptions. Be aggressive about dealing with falsehood using gospel truth.

May the kingdom of God come in all its fullness as we together learn to renounce evil and practice the truth of Jesus Christ. Amen.

See you on the trail!

 

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Bob and I are enjoying our Easter morning tradition. Reading the account of Jesus Christ’s resurrection from death from the Gospel of John. “I have seen the Lord!” can be our response, too. Check it out….

On Sunday morning while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran to Simon Peter and to Jesus’ favorite disciple and said, “They have taken the Lord from the tomb! We don’t know where they have put him.”

Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. They ran side by side, until the other disciple ran faster than Peter and got there first. He bent over and saw the strips of linen cloth lying inside the tomb, but he did not go in.

When Simon Peter got there, he went into the tomb and saw the strips of cloth. He also saw the piece of cloth that had been used to cover Jesus’ face. It was rolled up and in a place by itself. The disciple who got there first then went into the tomb, and when he saw it, he believed. At that time Peter and the other disciple did not know that the Scriptures said Jesus would rise to life. So, the two of them went back to the other disciples.

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene stood crying outside the tomb. She was still weeping when she stooped down and saw two angels inside. They were dressed in white and were sitting where Jesus’ body had been. One was at the head and the other was at the foot. The angels asked Mary, “Why are you crying?”

She answered, “They have taken away my Lord’s body! I don’t know where they have put him.”

As soon as Mary said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there. But she did not know who he was. Jesus asked her, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”

She thought he was the gardener and said, “Sir, if you have taken his body away, please tell me, so I can go and get him.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Mary!”

She turned and said to him, “Rabboni.” The Aramaic word “Rabboni” means “Teacher.”

Jesus told her, “Don’t hold on to me! I have not yet gone to the Father. But tell my disciples that I am going to the one who is my Father and my God, as well as your Father and your God.” Mary Magdalene then went and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord. She also told them what he had said to her. (John 20:1-18, CEV)

Mary Magdalene

Although the disciples Peter and John play a role in this story about Christ’s resurrection, the main character is Mary Magdalene.  This is significant and symbolic. Mary experienced one of the most profound and deep changes of life due to the ministry of Jesus.

Mary, as a troubled and immoral woman, knew about being spiritually enslaved to the machinations of seven demons. Jesus thoroughly delivered her from her personal hell.  Mary expressed eternal gratitude to him for changing her life. She followed Jesus and supported him in whatever ways she could.

Mary came to the foot of Christ’s cross. The other (male) disciples kept their distance out of fear.  Yet, Mary boldly stood with the other women for all to see – completely devoted to Jesus. She never turned her back on Jesus. Mary showed up at the grave on the Sunday morning of Christ’s resurrection. The other followers could not be found. Mary, however, came to the grave, still with a heart given to Jesus and grieving over his death.

Because Mary had a second chance at life, she was deeply thankful. For her, everything belonged to Jesus.  Mary Magdalene was forgiven much, and so she loved much.  Here she is, after her Lord’s crucifixion, death, and burial, at the grave of Jesus.  Mary came to the tomb on Easter Sunday still living in a Good Friday world – grieving, sad, and discouraged.  She soon discovered, however, that Christ is risen!

Surprised by Joy

Amid your days of disappointment, loss, or sadness, how are you surprised by joy and the presence of the risen Christ?  How is your grief been turned to gratitude?  Are you seeing the risen Lord?

One day, 34 years ago, I was down sick with the flu and in bed.  I barely remember my wife coming into the bedroom after a doctor’s appointment upset and crying.  She tried to rouse me with a mix of good and bad news.  My wife went to the doctor thinking she probably had picked up my flu.  Instead, the doctor gave her the news: she is pregnant with our first child.  But there was more….

After the examination, the doctor believed our newly discovered little baby might be in the wrong place – that she was not where she should be. The little bundle might very well be in the fallopian tube and not the womb.  So, here I am – barely able to move, getting out of bed – driving my wife to the hospital for an ultrasound.

I felt such a range of emotions within me that all I could do was weep, feeling, much like Mary Magdalene, that my Lord has been taken away from me.  It just seemed like I didn’t know where Jesus was at that moment. It all felt so insanely surreal.

I will never forget the words and even the tone of voice of the ultrasound technician as we anxiously stared at a screen we didn’t understand.  The technician said, “She is right where she is supposed to be!”  The tears turned to joy.  And the words were prophetic. No way could the technician know at six weeks in the womb that we were having a little girl. Yet she referred to the peanut within my wife as “she.”  And we immediately knew what her name would be: “Sarah,” which is the Hebrew name for “Princess.” God graced us with a precious gift of royalty, coming from the grace of King Jesus.

You Are Where You’re Supposed To Be

I want us to know on this great Day of Resurrection, that we are right where we are supposed to be.  It might seem out of place, spending so much time at home because of a pandemic. It may feel weird not working in ways we’re used to, or even working at all. Perhaps we wonder where God is or how the divine fits into this topsy-turvy world of disease and economic uncertainty.

The truth of matter is this: You are right where you are supposed to be. God has you precisely where he wants you.  This morning, right now, you are a witness to the resurrection of Jesus.  Along with Mary Magdalene there is the astonished declaration, “I have seen Jesus!”

Let Mary Magdalene’s experience be of encouragement to you.  Mary experienced new life. She was transformed by the Lord.  Yet, on Easter Sunday she did not immediately get what the heck was going on.  Jesus rising from death was not anywhere on her radar.  The empty tomb and the angels did not immediately lead her to faith – not until she saw Jesus, and even then, she did not recognize him.

He Calls You by Name

Only when Jesus called her name did Mary recognize him and respond, believing it was her Lord.  Please know that Jesus is still calling out names, your name, too. Jesus said to his disciples that the sheep listen to the shepherd’s voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out (John 10:3-4).  One little word can change our lives forever: our name.

Easter opens a whole new world for us, as it did for Mary – a future of announcing good news and proclaiming resurrection.  There is a simple reason why the grave clothes are left in the tomb just lying there – they aren’t needed anymore!  We no longer need the grave clothes of discouragement, defeat, and despair.  There is no longer a need to weep and wonder because Christ is risen! Jesus is calling your name. Can you hear his voice?

Is It True?

The great twentieth-century Swiss theologian, Karl Barth, said what brings people to worship God – not just on Easter, but any day – is an unspoken question clinging to our minds and hearts: Is it true? Is it true that God lives?  That Jesus is alive? Could it be true that I can live a new life in Christ? Is it true I can rebuild my life? Is any of it true?  Mary Magdalene approached the tomb and found that, indeed, it was all true.

All over the world, on Easter Sunday, followers of Jesus testify it is all real. Christ is risen, and there is new life in Jesus our Lord.  Right now, believers across the globe worship the risen Lord and declare along with us, “I have seen the Lord!”

God is still in the business of changing lives. British author A. N. Wilson used to be known for his scathing attacks on Christianity and proclaimed the death of God. But he celebrated Easter in 2009 at a church with a group of other church members, proclaiming that that the story of the Jesus of the Gospels is the only story that makes sense out of life and its challenges.

“My own return to faith has surprised none more than myself…. My belief has come about in large measure because of the lives and examples of people I have known—not the famous, not saints, but friends and relations who have lived, and faced death, in light of the resurrection story, and in the quiet acceptance that they have a future after they die.” A.N. Wilson

The Power of New Life

The moment Jesus calls a person’s name, the power of the resurrection is enabled—the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.  See what you consider as immovable slabs of stone in your life—maybe it’s bitterness, insecurity, fear, self-doubt or cynicism. Those immense rocks can be rolled away. To know Jesus is to know the power of the resurrection.  We don’t need to merely hear testimonies of changed lives like Mary Magdalene’s. We can experience new life ourselves through faith in Jesus.

There is one word, one name, which has forever changed the world: “Jesus.”  And Jesus wants to change the world by uttering one simple word, one name: your name, so that you can exclaim with great joy, “I have seen the Lord!”

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