Jesus Is Such A Burden!

“How can you live so freely and happily in Christ?!” she said, “for us, Jesus is such a burden!”

Strange Assimilation

In this Asian country, Jesus often becomes a new burden once becoming a Christian. This is strange because Jesus came to relieve our personal burden of sin and free us from the burdens of religious legalism and self-righteousness.

Matthew 11:28–30 ESV “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Asking more questions about this situation exposed the sad reality that for many new Christians their lives are made harder by entering upon the Christian life and leaving their old life. They are free from their sin, and talk joyfully about it, yes, but their hearts are heavy when discussing the expectations of conformity to their new religious communities.

This is nothing new, of course. We often see human reasoning about spirituality elevated above the true spirituality clearly explained in the Scriptures. It happens in many cultures, probably every culture. Certainly we see it in America as well.

Christian leaders and others attempt to create a super spirituality that has the appearance of wisdom. And yet they don’t see that they are making themselves and their systems out to be better than God’s own design.

Colossians 2:20–23 ESV “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why, as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations— “Do not handle, Do not taste, Do not touch” (referring to things that all perish as they are used)—according to human precepts and teachings? These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.”

Strange Options

The expectations for ministry and life were oppressive, as was the almost daily scrutiny of their life by others. People pile up guilt and shame upon themselves and upon one another, leaving no real room for relief. It seems to some that their only options are to switch churches every few years when it gets to be too much, or to drop Christianity entirely as a failed experiment.

This makes for a hard life. This is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ in its fullness of freedom, nor in its power for growing holiness and deepening joy.

Romans 8:1–4,15 ESV “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. . . . For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!””

We explained many Scriptures more accurately. We explored some of the specific extra-biblical requirements imposed upon believers, their origin and appeal, and how they fit within their own cultural context. We learned a lot together from one another.

We sympathized with the oppression. We encouraged people toward perseverance under it with prayer and a deeper joy in Christ. We helped chart a path forward not only for the individuals, but for long term spiritual health of specific churches and the wider Christian community there.

The most important conversations were those in which we talked about the Holy Spirit giving wisdom to fulfill Christ’s principles and commands, and how that might look different in each situation and with each person.

We all should long for Christians to experience the abundant life in Christ that Jesus bought for us and promises us by the power of the Holy Spirit!

John 10:10 ESV “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” 

Galatians 2:16–3:3 ESV “. . . we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. . . . O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?”

May we all live life to its fullest to the glory of God and assist our brothers and sisters in Christ who live under legalism and fear.

Confessing Christ In A Hostile World

It is not likely that any of us will end up in a courtroom having to defend our practice of Christianity. 

It is even less likely that we would be wrongly convicted of something and have our property confiscated, or be confined in prison, or put to death, at least in America. Yet, we do know it is a reality for many in history, many around the world today, and perhaps we have even known a few Christians personally who have suffered greatly.

Nonetheless, we do experience many types and levels of challenges to our Christian way of life. Our society can be quite subtle and sinister in its challenges at times. Sometimes it is veiled and sometimes it is not so veiled in its hostilities toward us who profess Christ.

This can become quite personal at times, too; and when it does, we can see the benefits of giving in to daily pressures in order to keep or enhance our finances, or keep or enhance our reputations.

Never Easy, Always Necessary

Confessing Christ in a hostile world has never been easy, but it is always necessary. Luke gives us confidence for this by supplying us with words that Jesus spoke to His disciples on this matter on one occasion.

Luke 12:11–12 ESV “And when they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not be anxious about how you should defend yourself or what you should say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.””

Since persecution is inevitable and very personal situations of testing will keep coming, we constantly need to be preparing ourselves. Yet, we need to prepare our heart and our mindset more than the words we might say.

Since the power of the Holy Spirit is so substantial and so palpable, we should be greatly encouraged to speak up for Christ. As disciples we take the promise of the Holy Spirit above as a source of great courage. Christians need not worry about the Day of Great Persecution, or even little days of persecution, for the all powerful Holy Spirit will witness through them!

Jesus told His disciples that when they would be charged in synagogue tribunals by the elders, and even by Gentile authorities, they had no need to be anxious about their words of defense or jurisprudence. This is because the Holy Spirit would give them the perfect words at that time. Besides, it is not really possible to prepare adequately for these types of trumped-up situations anyway.

We will be aided in our testimony by the Holy Spirit as our “defense attorney;” and He is very good. God Himself will supply with the words and the courage necessary when we need it.

Trials as Opportunities

Later on, Jesus will teach about such trials as opportunities.

Luke 21:13–15 ESV “This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”

Luke would have us remember that Jesus would be our perfect example in this. Jesus was tried by the Jewish religious authorities (i.e., Annas and Caiaphas) and by the Roman political authorities (i.e., Herod and Pilate). And He gave answers displaying great wisdom and power. Luke goes on to show us the same pattern repeated by Peter, John and the Church in Acts 3-4, and then by Stephen in Acts 7, and then again by Paul in Acts 21-28.

These examples should fill us with courage to speak out regarding Christ Jesus. The Church in history past, and the Church today, reveals the power of the Holy Spirit in action. Some of the most eloquent, bold, and inspiring words of faith have come from ordinary Christians who have suffered, even been martyred.

Besides, has not God amazed you in your times under scrutiny for the Gospel with powerful and wise words that you know could not have come from yourself, but must have come from the Holy Spirit?!

Faithfulness when under interrogation or examination is extremely important; and when the time comes we will trust God and fear God, confessing Jesus Christ, assisted by the Holy Spirit.

Our Lord Jesus Christ comforts us in John 16:33 ESV “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Spiritual Eloquence

Spiritual eloquence is not the same thing as being good at public speaking, being original with cultural insights, or being able to affect hearts with healing words.

It might include such things, but these are not necessary for spiritual eloquence and should not be confused as such, as often as they are.

Apollos: Better Than Most

God has given especially gifted individuals to His Church and for this we are especially thankful and blessed. But, there are only a few like Apollos. However, all of us are needed not just the giants.

Acts 18:24–28 ESV “Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures that the Christ was Jesus.”

Some of us might hesitate to speak because we are not as gifted, or mimic the greats hoping to be somebody someday.  Apollos is a good example for those extra-gifted and those who look up to them. His humility stands out in being willing to be corrected by those less gifted, ordinarily gifted, and see himself as just one of the group, not really any better a Christian. Many mighty would-be Apollos types have fallen in recent years because of arrogance.

Apollos shows us the way to spiritual eloquence by his example of becoming competent and well-taught in the Scriptures and then speaking boldly out of a faith-filled fervent spirit.

Jesus: The Spirit for All of Us

But, many protest they don’t know what to say or how to say it, that they don’t know enough, and that they fear arguments they cannot answer. These reasonings reveal a decided identification with human preparations and standards of eloquence. It is not spiritual thinking.

Luke 21:13–15 ESV “This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.” 

Acts 4:13 ESV “Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.”

Acts 6:10 ESV “But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.”

Jesus Himself provides His followers with the wisdom needed at the time it is needed through His Spirit that indwells them. Spending time with Jesus Christ is what fills up our minds with wisdom and grants a fuller measure of His Spirit. 

Spiritual eloquence comes from Jesus Christ. Be with Jesus a lot, even more than that. And then get out and try it. Rely on the Spirit of Jesus and prove His promise true.

Paul: Not Often Out of His League

We might still find ourselves in situations that way beyond our abilities, humanly speaking. The level of sophistication from the opposition is intimidating, and so even going in the Spirit we tremble. 

1 Corinthians 2:1–5 ESV “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.”

This is all the more reason to stay close to the clear message of Christ, and rely on His strength, His Spirit and His purposes with that audience. This is spiritual eloquence.

Besides, who and what are we really going after? Isn’t it the salvation and maturity of those He has prepared, not trying to conquer the fierce opposition with our intellect or creativity?

Being afraid to speak for Christ and the Gospel is a matter of spiritual warfare, the evil one assaulting the spiritual gifts Christ has given to the Church. The devil and our flesh induce us to measure with human standards and encourage our rising doubts and fears. 

Spiritual eloquence is not about speaking exceptionally well, impressing others or moving people emotionally. It is simply speaking in the power of the Holy Spirit, which comes from time spent with Christ and in His Word.

Maybe you just need to speak and see what happens.

My Worst Enemy Became My Best Friend

He probably wasn’t my worst enemy, but it sure felt like it at the time.  

He really didn’t become my best friend either, though after being so strongly against me, by comparison it felt like he had become my best friend.

The Worst Enemy

He was always the loudmouth contrarian at every business meeting, so it was only a matter of time before my ministry was his next project, and me.

Most of the trash talk was behind my back. He would put questions into people’s minds about my effectiveness. He would come up with ministry suggestions that he knew I wouldn’t support and were outside our mission as a church.  

He knew what he was doing and I knew what he was doing and he knew that I knew what he was doing. The worst part was that he would question my motives, slandering me before others in the church.  

It wasn’t long before I couldn’t do anything right. I suspect that he was even part of group, probably the leader or instigator, that anonymously tried to stop my ministerial credentialing and get me fired or get me to quit.

The Best Friend

I have no idea what I ever did to get on his bad side. At first it was frustrating and I tried in vain to answer all the questions people and my supervisor would ask. But after a number of months it turned into a church politics game that I learned to enjoy and became fairly good at myself!

Actually, I learned a lot during this time about how to pray for my enemies! I have attempted to put my thoughts together on this subject here: O Lord Smite My Enemies, But In A Loving Sort Of Way!

Nevertheless, humanly speakng, I have no idea what I ever did to get on his good side. One day he snapped. All of a sudden he supported me in everything I did.  He praised me and my work publicly. He would speak encouragingly to me and tell me how much he was praying for me. It was a weird relief.

We started connecting and enjoying one another. I suspect that the Lord used my prayers (and maybe his), that the senior leader got through to him, that his wife got through to him or that he finally saw that we were on the same side for the spiritual health and growth of the church. People are oh so interesting! And God is oh so powerful!

We started working on ministry plans together, and he started to love on my family and children.  My new “best friend” would move on to glory about 20 years after this. Someday I hope to get the full story of how God healed our relationship.

Here is both a prayer list and a to do list in these situations.

Romans 12:9–21 ESV “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Do not give up on those who oppose you, for you never know if God might turn your worst enemy into your best friend.

Control Your Hope

Did you know that you can control your hope?

The Apostle Peter tells us this in 1 Peter 1:13 ESV “. . . set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Many of us struggle with keeping up this hope.  We know it is our ultimate hope, as well as the source of hope for practical living day to day.  But, part of our struggle has to do with how we think about how we are going to get hope and keep it, let alone increase it.

The society in which we live talks about hope in very general terms, disconnected from anything certain or specific.  It is portrayed as an emotional state of being hopeful, or filled with longings that may or may not come true.

The Christian holds on to a highly specific hope, and it is neither a wish, nor uncontrollable emotion.  Our hope is built on truth, set upon a reality, and guaranteed as a future.  Our hope is not an emotional state that just comes over us at times, disappears at times, and we chase after through general prayers and having ever new experiences.

A Top Priority

Our top priority is to set our hope fully on the grace to come to us at the Return of Christ.  This grace is the grace of salvation in its fullness discussed earlier and secure because God the Father has birthed us to a living hope through resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This is something we look forward to, hold on to with confidence, and expect to be very good.

This is how the letter just began.

1 Peter 1:3-5,10 ESV “. . . According to his [God the Father] great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. . . . Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully,”

Now, verse 13 states the main point of letter, “therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Using Our Minds Spiritually

How do we do this, practically?  How do we “set our hope fully on the grace?”

The preceding two phrases give us direction:  “Preparing your minds for action” and “being sober-minded.”

The first phrase is more literally translated as “girding up the loins of your mind.”  The image is that of fastening up ones garments so as to prepare for strenuous activity, whether military or athletic.  So, we need to be prepared mentally for the actions we will need to take in order to set our hope.  It will take strenuous mental efforts to be able to hope fully.  We will have to fight the inner doubts and the lies of the devil and unbelievers.  And we will have to persevere through troubles and trials in our lives by using our minds so we don’t lose hope.

The second phrase of “being sober-minded” is not simply talking about keeping our heads clear from alcohol’s effects.  It is more broadly saying that we need to control our thinking and concentrate steadily.  There are many “intoxicants” in our lives that will direct our hope away from future grace.  Though it is good to concern ourselves about them in moderation, if we are not careful they will occupy our minds almost completely.  Things such as our careers, families, recreations, friends, money, and the list goes on without end.  We will have to keep our heads clear from all sorts of inordinate worldly affections, passions and reasonings.

The Apostle Peter is talking about a spiritual use of mind, or seeing the use of the mind as a spiritual activity.  We must realize that hope does not just happen, nor is it simply an emotional state.  What a sad struggle as a Christian if only to hope only like the world around us.

Hope comes from believing God, believing in His promise of grace at the Return of Christ.  It comes from controlling our thoughts and thinking clearly, and acting upon the truth of our new life in Christ, regardless of life’s pressures.  This is how a full Christian hope is produced, experienced and increased.

When Your Enemy Falls

We teach our children to be good winners in sports.  We teach them not to gloat, to be humble and show respect for others.

Similarly, this approach works in all areas of life, as this Proverb instructs.

Proverbs 24:17–18 ESV “Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles, lest the LORD see it and be displeased, and turn away his anger from him.”

Don’t Rejoice

This is a great temptation—to gloat in victory over our enemy’s loss.

We all have personal enemies, people who don’t like us.  Some will take every opportunity to disparage us.  Others may directly oppose us, even to the point of violence.

It is challenging to rejoice in God and His victory for us over our enemies, which we should and must do, and then not rejoice in the wrong things.  We must not give ourselves glory for the victory, or think we are on equal moral standing as God Himself, or turn justice into torturous vengeance, or play the Judge in a twisted delight at the pain of others even though it is deserved.

We are to be concerned for people, even our enemies, because even they are made by God in His image.  As the Lord Jesus taught us, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:44-45)

We might even hope for their salvation, or simply ask God for mercy for them in their misery.  Have you ever known compassion for your enemies in their troubles?  What do you think such compassion might accomplish in your own soul?

Yahweh Sees It All

We don’t want to displease God by our improper delight in His victory on our behalf.  Yahweh is perfectly holy in all His dealings.  He is also perfectly holy in His delight in His own justice and wrath.  But, we are not so holy.

Supporting His People’s unholy attitudes is almost worse than the injustices of the enemies themselves, because we then pervert His perfect justice, and the way it will be viewed by others.

We would then make Him look bad, and as the Proverb says, He would recoil from us and our cause, at least for the time being.  Eventually, He would accomplish all His purposes.  This Proverb is drawing our attention to His holiness and our lack of it.  God Himself, warns us, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay!” (Deuteronomy 32:35)

Have you ever seen God do this:  support the cause of His people, then when they pervert what He is doing He withdraws?

Dealing uprightly with our enemies is a lifelong challenge that brings about greater maturity in Christ.  When your enemy falls, be a good winner.  You will be winning quite often with God on your side.  May we please God in our response to His works of righteousness, rejoicing in Him and remaining humble.

(See related blog:  O Lord, Smite My Enemies, But In A Loving Sort Of Way.)

Christians Have 7 Lives

You might have met some Christians who seem to have seven lives.

Proverbs 24:15–16 ESV “Lie not in wait as a wicked man against the dwelling of the righteous; do no violence to his home; for the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.”

The Righteous Often Targeted

This situation is a clear reference back to the beginning and the father’s first lecture in chapter one.   The admonition there was not to get involved with the criminal element of society, leading to a life and lifestyle of crime.  It may seem like a quick and easy way to prosper in this world, but as this Proverb points out, the righteous will win in the end.

In spite of the warning, many still plot to take advantage of others, even involving violence.  As noted in this Proverb, very often it is the followers of God who are looked at as easy targets.  They are targeted because have many blessings, because of the wicked’s hatred of God and of those more righteous than he.  Added to this is the devil himself who is also interested in afflicting and distracting those loved by Christ.

Have you been such a target?  Have you seen and heard about astounding situations in other parts of the world?  Or, maybe you were the criminal now transformed Jesus’ Gospel?

Psalms 20:7-8 ESV “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God. They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.”

The Righteous Always Rise

Those who follow the Wisdom of God do recover, no matter how much they suffer.  This recovery often takes place in their soul before it takes place physically in this life.  And this is not all.  We know it will be made eternally permanent at the Resurrection and in the New Heavens and New Earth.

Falling “seven” times is a poetic way of saying innumerable times, too many to count.  If it is said that a cat has “nine lives,” we might say that a follower of Yahweh has “seven lives,” which is more than nine.   Somehow we mange to escape from so many severe situations, seemingly unharmed.  As we are told all over Proverbs in a variety of ways, “our Redeemer is strong” (23:11) on behalf of His own.

This repeated falling and rising is also a way of speaking about our sufferings as holy and purposeful by God.  He is watching over His own, giving grace for increased faith, hope and love.  And the vindication of glory will come in His time and in His way.

Those who do not follow Wisdom (that is, the wicked), easily stumble and fall in times of calamity.  Surely you have seen such fragile lives unravel, and feeble souls shrivel.  It doesn’t take much to destroy a life, dishearten a person, and leave one isolated.  The wicked will not turn to God in these times, but continue in rebellion.

Hear Their Stories & Tell Your Own

Do you know Christians like this who suffer a lot but keep coming back?  There are probably a few in your church who seen to have seven lives; have you met them and heard their stories yet?

My mother was one of those Christians who suffered a lot but somehow kept coming back from dead.  She wasn’t always so resilient though.  This was a transformation God worked in her life after she became a Christian.  She would always be praising the Lord and spreading happiness, regardless of what was pain was going on in her life, even to the very end.

How are you doing with attacks of enemies, whether they are personal, as a result of the world and its system, due to illness, or from the devil?  Here is a prayer of confidence.

Micah 7:8 ESV “Rejoice not over me, O my enemy; when I fall, I shall rise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD will be a light to me.”

Keep looking for God’s rescue in the present, and keep looking into the future to the final resurrection just like our author of Proverbs would have us do.

While Waiting For Justice

What do you tend to do when you get anxious, or eager, for wrongs to be righted, but, you do not see it happening fast enough, or even at all?  

Hopefully, we maintain our trust in God, and peace, and hope, to a strong degree, even though we still might mix in various forms of doubt or despair.  

Some of us might act out for justice on our own without faithfully consulting God.  Some of us might begin to wonder about God’s commitment to justice, or even His power and wisdom.  

Some of us might give up and give in, not knowing really what to do or not to do, what to think or what not to think about God, justice and faith.  Some of us might get stuck in a state of shock and bewilderment whether for a brief time or very long time.

Yahweh Will Deliver

Proverbs 20:22 ESV “Do not say, “I will repay evil”; wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you.”

When faced with personal injustice we are not to tell ourselves, “I will repay.”  Nor, are we to tell this to others, boasting of our new holy crusade.  And the last person we should tell it to is God Himself, even if it is to offer Him a share of spoils. 

The admonition here is doubly emphasized in the Hebrew.  This is really important:  DO NOT seek revenge and DO wait upon the Lord.  He has His purposes, and at the right time, in the right way, He will deliver you.

This is a promise from Him.  He will protect, He will vindicate, and He will compensate.  This is what we need to keep saying to ourselves, so we will not say, “I will repay.”

It is so tempting to take matters of justice into our own hands.  But, God wants us to look to Him.   He is perfect and all-powerful and impartial.  We will mess it up with our prejudicial wrath, lack of knowledge, and we won’t really be able to get it done anyway, since we have such limited powers.  His purposes and wisdom and power are beyond our understanding, and trustworthy.

Can We Wait?

We need to “wait.”  And this might mean until Christ’s Return for full justice.  Can you wait?  And in the meantime can we even bless our enemies who curse us?  Can we have such faith?

There are so many of the Psalms that can help us pray for such faith. Here is one of them.

Psalms 25:1-3 ESV “To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.”

Also helpful is Jesus’ teaching from a famous parable.

Luke 18:7-8 ESV “And will not God give justice to his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will give justice to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?””

There is much to be learned about waiting for God’s justice.  God lets things go for a while as He works out in mystery a glory to be revealed.  He asks His People, “Can you wait?  It is okay to have both faith mixed with some consternation.  But, can we wait with an increasing confidence, peace, and patience?

Sam, Our Bodyguard

He picked us up each morning at our hotel, and returned us safely each evening.  Most mission trips don’t include bodyguards, but this one did.  And Sam was our favorite.

Tough Job from Day One

A number of years ago, our church partnered with a local Christian congregation in a Muslim-dominated country.  The goal of our national partners was that together we would establish about a dozen cell churches in a series of apartment buildings by the end of the week.

On the first day we held a large church meeting before heading out to do mission work.  When the meeting ended the fifteen teams scattered in all directions.  Sam, our government-assigned bodyguard, was distraught.  There was no way he could keep track of all the crazy Americans going every which way.

So I took Sam aside and told him it would be okay.  I bought a couple of Cokes and we sat together on plastic chairs in the dusty alley and talked for a while.  I assured him that the people would be wise and that God would protect them.  He said he believed in God.

I told him to relax and stay cool, we would all be back in a few hours.  And then I left.  Since we all returned as promised, he was much at ease the following days.

Friendship Beyond Religion

Sam’s job was to protect us each day as we traveled.  He was even ready and willing to shoot others for our safety.  Sam was a Muslim man, but by God’s design, ironically ended up making a way for our team to share the Gospel more freely.  Apparently, ensuring national tourism dollars was more important than religion in this religious land.

Sam really had no choice but to listen to our Christian messages and meetings.  And we would share Christ with him, and share stories from our lives with one another.  He enjoyed being with us and our national partners, and we enjoyed having him with us.  We all learned a lot from one another.

After three days with us, Sam was transferred to a different detail, and our group was assigned another bodyguard.  Maybe Sam was listening too sympathetically to Gospel.  Or, maybe it was simply a routine change.  We never saw Sam again on that trip, but many of us still pray for him and what he heard.

God’s Glory in Hard Places

Much progress was made toward the goal of starting apartment-based call groups.  Our partner church put a lot of the line to make this happen.  This is because they firmly believed that the Lord wanted them to reach out more boldly and share hope with their community.

It would cost them a lot in the coming years.  The loss of a building and property by unethical means.  And even one of their leaders would be martyred.  This is a difficult place to be a Christian, and moreso to spread the faith.

Their courage and risk-taking was inspiring, humbling and empowering.  They assumed the cost without reservation, even when it came time to pay it.

Hebrews 10:32–39 ESV “But recall the former days when, after you were enlightened, you endured a hard struggle with sufferings, sometimes being publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. For you had compassion on those in prison, and you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had a better possession and an abiding one. Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, “Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay; but my righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”

God sets up our relationships, those with partner congregations and mission opportunities, and those with bodyguards such as Sam.  We need to be ready for whomever and whatever God brings our way.  We must be intent on bringing glory to Him by our faithful Gospel witness, by our our honorable actions and in pursuing the relationships in front of us, without fear.

A Missionary’s Psalm

Psalm 121 is a favorite Psalm, especially for those in danger as a result of doing the Lord’s work.

Recently a colleague of mine had his life and family threatened in very perverse and troubling terms.  The ominous text message came because of his bold stand for righteousness in his ministry and in his community in Asia.

Precautions for him are necessary; courage to stay the course is just as necessary.  Yet, the personal anxiety and fear can only be met by the Lord Himself in His Word, through prayer and the encouragement of brothers and sisters in Christ.

Yahweh is the Keeper of All Things

“A song of ascents.
I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help come?
My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.”

This is a pilgrimage psalm.  We are all on a pilgrimage in the Christian life.  Some make more dangerous journeys than others.  Is looking at the hills a reminder of God’s power, or is this a look of anxiety because the hills are reminders that many troubles lurk there?

Yahweh is the Creator of all things and all places.  And everything and every person is under His constant control as the Creator.  Not only is there nothing to fear, but also there is no greater power or person on our side to help than Yahweh, our God!

Yahweh Keeps His People

“He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”

The first line is self-talk to remember truth and rely upon it.  At the same time it is a prayer to the Lord for those in trouble, “may He not let . . . may He not slumber.”  God is active on our behalf.  As it says in Ephesians 1:22 ESV, “And he put all things under his [Christ’s] feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.”

Clearly God does not sleep, nor is He unconcerned or uninvolved.  Take a look at the history of Israel!  Yahweh has never been caught off guard or stayed dormant in the face of His people’s troubles.  Being a member of the New People of God guarantees His concern.

Yahweh Keeps His Own Personally

“The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand.
The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.”

The theme of the Psalm is that Yahweh is not only the general keeper of the universe, and the special protector of His People, but that He is also one’s personal keeper.  This is an astounding commitment of the Lord to you, if you are His!

The sun and the moon together as symbols encompass all time, all places, and all forces.  Of course we can observe the literal need of protection from the sun and its heat, but intended here as well is the protection from the evil effects of evil forces, human and demonic, so often active at night.

Yahweh Keeps Us throughout the Journey

“The LORD will keep you from all evil; he will keep your life.
The LORD will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forevermore.”

Here is great assurance that the Lord has all resources to overcome all evil and trouble.  Our lives, and the lives of our loved ones, are in His hands, the Great Keeper!

As servants of the Lord, we travel often on journeys, “going out” and “coming in,” to advance the cause of Christ and His Kingdom, and we have His protection while we do so.  We definitely need it, and moreso in certain parts of the world.

This is a Psalm expressing great confidence, and giving great comfort!  This is also a Psalm asking for great acts of power and protection!

Animism Makes Sense

The spirits used to dance on his roof at night clapping their hands and shouting, keeping him awake and stirring up many concerns in his head.

While we are busy denying demons, offering intellectually satisfying alternative explanations, and snickering at those who talk about demons, the Bible speaks extensively to their reality.  The problem is that even though we are Christian, those of us in the enlightened world have believed almost equally in the “gospel” certainty of naturalism—a most foolish combination.

This is Life for Most People

One of my good Christian friends in south Asia told me his story of salvation and how the spirits, or demons, would make his life miserable.  The most memorable example was that of the dancing upon his roof many nights each week.  How awful!

At one level, demons can be simply annoying, like they were to the Apostle Paul in Acts 16:18 ESV, “Paul, having become greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.’  And it came out that very hour.”

However, most often they affect lives at a much more serious level, bringing all sorts of evil, inciting fear, enticing to immorality, giving false teachings, and basically working all sorts of havoc.

These evil powers might curse your business enterprise, bring sickness to your family, empower and embolden your enemies, and do any number of other nasty things, unless you appease their wishes, whether worshipping idols (objects of nature) or carrying out their designs upon others.  So, of course you would do what they tell you, and by the way . . . so would your neighbor.

This is life for most people in the world today, and has been throughout history.  It is real and it makes total sense.  We should not ignore their sufferings and mock them in their plight, but sympathize and also demonstrate the power of the Gospel of Christ.

There is a Gospel of Greater Power

When my friend became a follower of Jesus Christ, who is the Lord, the demons stopped tormenting him.  Whenever he encounters them and their workings now, he simply rebukes them in the name of Jesus.  There is no need for special words or rituals, any Christian conjuring of any type.  He tells others of freedom and forgiveness in Christ.

The reality is that people are in bondage to evil and evil powers.  But, the Son of God became man “to destroy the works of the devil” and his minions, and proclaim liberty, light, life and bring blessings that cannot be taken away.

Ephesians 2:1–3 ESV “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” 

Colossians 2:13–15 ESV “And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.”

Here is hope!  Here is freedom!  Here is forgiveness, reconciliation, and power against all evil!

The One True Living God has all power over human and demonic curses, especially to bless.  He is more powerful than those demons that distress the lives of billions.  And of course, the Lord Christ is exalted and ruling from heaven now, and will return to establish His Kingdom in its fullness forevermore.

I’ll be heading back to my friend’s place soon.  May we be fearless to proclaim, in the face of the spiritual realities of life, the Gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord!

A New Holy Nation

Four new names are given to Christians, terms that are now even more fitting for the New Covenant people God has created.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 

The terms “chosen race,” “royal priesthood,” “holy nation” and “a people” are packed with meaning, being rooted in Old Testament history in God’s powerful dealings with Israel, most notably in their times of the Exodus and the Exile.

Exodus 19:5-6 ESV “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. . . .”” 

Isaiah 43:20-21 ESV “. . . my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise.” 

(See related blog entries:  A New Chosen Race, A New Royal Priesthood, A New People Of God.)

A New Holy Nation

Historically, the national identity of the Hebrews was formed in their Exodus out of Egypt.  And the terms upon which it is based start in Exodus 19, with the covenant ratified in Exodus 24.  We read about its progress, undulations and decline throughout the Old Testament.

Passing over discussion of the various views on the importance of Israel’s political state today or in the future, and passing over a debate on whether it is legitimate to view any human government as Christian, we should ask ourselves “What does it mean that we as Christians now constitute a new ‘holy nation?’”

The new “holy nation” cannot be identified with any earthly human political structures.  Becoming a member of the Kingdom of God through Jesus Christ makes one a citizen of Heaven, a member of an eternal nation, one yet to ascend to prominence in this world (Philippians 3:20).  At the Return of Christ the King, we will rise and inherit our land, and the whole earth will be ours!

Our Dual Citizenship

Our national allegiance is given first and foremost to this new “holy nation.”  Our first interest is always the Kingdom of God, the welfare of the Church of God, and its progress.  

This explains why at various times in history, and even today, Christians can be accused of treason, although, Christians tend to make the best citizens within almost any political state.  We know that such fears by the people and authorities are unnecessary, for the most part; and yet, we acknowledge there is a widely mixed history within Christianity.

How we deal with our “dual citizenship,” being earthly citizens in many lands under various structures, is a subject our Apostle Peter will return to in this very letter (see 2:13-17; 3:13-17; 4:12-19).  It has always been difficult to live this out in this world, and it always will be difficult.  This will be the case at every level of personal political involvement or calling in this arena of service.

Throughout Church history there have been many examples of the extreme (e.g., violence in the name of Christ), the hasty (e.g., trying to establish the Kingdom by human political efforts ahead of schedule), the foolish (e.g. not wise in dealing with the world), the ignorant (e.g., improper use of Scripture) and the misguided (i.e., focused on wrong goals).  Likewise, there are many examples of the humble, the thoughtful, the wise, the intelligent and the faithful.  May we select our heroes, our philosophies and our politics very carefully—by being spiritually minded.  

The description “holy” focuses us on obedience to serve the new calling faithfully.  We are set apart from the ways of worldliness.  Think about how being part of the “new holy nation” raises you above worldly politics, while at the same time making you most politically useful to this world!

O Lord, Smite My Enemies, But In A Loving Sort Of Way

Many of the Psalms contain imprecations, that is requests for God to bring judgment upon one’s enemies.  There are over a dozen Psalms with this as a major theme; and many others that contain such requests somewhere in the Psalm.

The first occurrence is in Psalm 3, and it is a strong statement.  Notice the certain confidence in the request in verse 7, “Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! For you strike all my enemies on the cheek; you break the teeth of the wicked.”

What place do these Psalms have in our lives and ministries today?  We need to resist our urge to be repulsed and reject them as expressions of an outdated Old Testament religion.  Rather, how do we honor the Word of God, and value and use these passages of Scripture?

It is by considering the larger story of redemption that such prayers can become our prayers.

The Progress of the History of Redemption

We need to recognize the historical development in God’s plans which modifies our use of the imprecatory Psalms a bit.  For example, though we might experience similar situations as David, we still are not completely like David.  He was a directly anointed King over God’s people and had the ark of God’s presence in his midst.  We live at a different point in redemptive history.

Our Lord Jesus Christ came and established the New Covenant, inaugurated the Kingdom of God, and has given the Holy Spirit to His Church to preach His Gospel to the world in power.  We have a different task to perform, and different interests to protect, and different methodologies to employ.  The People of God today are a spiritual people united to Christ, and not embodying a political state; not until Christ returns.

We know we are to “love our enemies” and speak the Gospel of Christ to them, and so it doesn’t seem right to pray for opportunity to slaughter them with a sword.

Three Prayer Modulations for Moderation

We have to learn to pray the imprecations in a New Covenant manner, such as “Smite them on the jaw, and shatter their wicked teeth . . . but in a loving way, O Lord.”  This may sound strange, but it is not too poor of a way to express the change of tone required in our prayers.

First, we are not to give up on righteousness being upheld, but to pray and work for it earnestly.  Justice is a good thing.  We certainly must not take our own vengeance, but do pray that God will uphold His glory whatever it takes.  And a good test of our own heart is that we must be willing to see this glory and righteousness displayed even in our suffering and growth.

Second, we should enter humble self-examination before, and every time, we pray imprecations; and yet we can and should rejoice at God’s vindication of His holiness and our righteous cause when it comes.  Ultimately, we should desire our enemies’ salvation and even relational reconciliation as the best outcome.

Third, sometimes it is best that we pray our imprecation in a more general and eschatological sense, and less specifically upon individuals for the here and now.  This lifts our thoughts and sets our minds on the glory of God, and can be a safeguard against thoughts for personal vengeance.

2 Thessalonians 1:6–10 ESV “since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.”

These Psalms Address Our Experiences

Undoubtedly there are many times in our lives when concerns for justice and righteousness overwhelm us, whether it is a personal situation of ours, or it is the general condition of a society, or it is the suffering of the weak, or often most painfully when it is someone we know.

And the spectrum of injustice in the world is wide, from daily wrongs we endure all the way to the most infamous crimes of humanity.  These seemingly uncommon type of  Psalms actually address our common concerns in this world.

So, go ahead and use these imprecatory Psalms to pray for glorious victories and blessings from the Lord.  Look to God for more than just refuge, but for full deliverance, in such a way that you wake up each morning with confidence, joy, and song in your heart for the Lord’s new day!

(See related blog:  When Your Enemy Falls.)

Three Maneuvers When Suffering Unjustly

Our Apostle Peter throughout his letters teaches us that our God with all wisdom and power is exploiting suffering and evil to gain a glorious future.  It is our privilege to fight in this spiritual battle for the glory of Christ and the advance of the Gospel. 

Let’s all learn to do battle better.  Making these three maneuvers while suffering will make all the difference:  (1) free ourselves from self-concern; (2) resist the devil with faith; and (3) anticipate God’s restoration.

Free Ourselves from Self-Concern

1 Peter 5:6–7 ESV “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”

There are many anxieties that result from living and believing and proclaiming in a hostile world.  Promoting the exclusivity of Gospel leads to loss of status, respect, standing, friends, job, even life itself.  We are to accept such things from God, from His wise counsel and trust Him in His purposes.  

The basic urge is to exalt ourselves, to fight back when undergoing humiliation in this world.  In His time, God will fight for us; and in His manner and place, He will exalt us both here and later.  There will always be spiritual blessing for us along way; and real reward and honor coming too!


We are commanded, and invited to, cast our burdens, anxieties and fears upon Him who cares for us specially.  This in itself is an expression of humility before God--to stop bearing our own burdens as if we can carry or handle them better, as if we can deal with them better than God.

Have you ever had to learn this?  Wasn’t it a relief to learn this?  Do you need to re-learn this?  We can’t do a better job than God with our trials, burdens, sufferings.  We don’t want to end up embittered or confused, saying “Where is God?!” or “What did I do to deserve this?!”  We humble ourselves by exalting God.

Resist the Devil with Faith

1 Peter 5:8–9 ESV “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.”

It begins with maintaining spiritual concentration, controlling our thinking and keeping a  disciplined mental state.  This clear-minded serious spirituality is very important in dealing with unjust suffering as Christians.

We will have to keep our heads clear from all sorts of worldly affections, passions, and reasonings in order to deal with the threats upon our lives and the good things God has provided us.  We must be prepared to respond differently than the world expects, that is, with humility before God not fearing events, life, or people.

Our adversary, the devil, will try to take an advantage of such situations.  He is like a prowling lion that is hungry and will suddenly attack and gulp down his victim.  He is cunning and vicious to kill Christians, make them ineffective, lead them into worldliness, sow discord among them, plant false Christians, incite strange and wrong emotions, push to apostasy, use slander, advance false doctrine, and much more.


Have you witnessed his successes with devouring others?  Have you ever felt his stalking, and hidden yourself in faith in Christ?  Have you ever been attacked, and cried out to Christ to deliver you?

By remaining firm in our faith we fight him with our faith in Christ.  This is a strenuous activity as we battle fear, doubt, temptations to evil, confronting his ways determined not to give in, not to compromise the Gospel in any way.

We have the resources and the means, and we will win by faith.  We have Christ Himself and the indwelling Holy Spirit, of course.  We have our life of worship, fellowship, and holiness.  We have prayer and Scripture; and the authority to rebuke in His Name.

We also can draw strength from our camaraderie of the worldwide fellowship of Christians.  We are all experiencing the same things--suffering from world, then exacerbations from devil.  We are all “accomplishing” what is required through us in God’s plans (1 Peter 4:12-19).  We are not isolated, but bound together, drawing strength and encouragement from one another.  Staying current in the Mission of God around the world is a great resistance method to use!

What might be the devil’s designs upon you?  Where has he succeeded in the past?  How would he hope to use you to injure the interests of Christ and the Gospel?  How might Satan’s hostilities, even with human intermediaries, be turned and instead be used stunningly for God’s glory?  Think and pray about it.

Anticipate God’s Restoration

1 Peter 5:10–11 ESV “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

It is a matter of perspective.  After we have suffered “a little while,” is taking the long view from eternity.  This is not always “a little while” in our experience, but quite often lengthy, involved, and can even last a lifetime.  All the more reason why we need to take this eternal perspective now, for it will really help in our present suffering from a hostile society and demonic opportunists behind the scenes.

He is the God of all grace, that is the One who has called us “into His eternal glory in Christ,” in His choice in election, in bringing our hearing of Gospel, in regenerating us by His Spirit and giving us true life now and glory forever!

That being true, He will most certainly Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish us.  Restore emphasizes putting our losses right.  Confirm emphasizes the firming up of our faith.  Strengthen emphasizes the granting of power in weakness and inadequacy.  Establish emphasizes the placing of us in security.

These are things God does through our suffering now, and at end of each season of suffering, and will do in the very End.  Make this your prayer list when you go through those difficult times!


God is the One who rules the world in absolute power.  We praise Him for doing those four things:  graciously restoring, confirming, strengthening, establishing.  We are confident that He will deliver us from all evil.  We pray for the bringing to completion of His purposes with all the present suffering and evil in the world to rule in open glory and with His glorified and perfected people!

Where The Battle Rages

Suffering is always present; and it comes and goes in our lives. Where are you in this raging battle?  Or, maybe better put for you, where is the battle raging for you?  

In the midst of God’s working in suffering, we still need to watch ourselves and watch the devil.  Which of the three tactical maneuvers might you need to employ with greater spiritual skill?  

Why I Love Hate Mail

I started getting hate mail as soon as I entered the ministry.  

At first it concerned me a lot because I desired to keep good relationships with everyone.  After a few years I realized that not only was it not possible to please everyone, but that some opposition would always be there.

What To Do With The Letters

I didn’t know what most people did with nasty letters, so early on in ministry I decided to keep them all in a file rather than throw them away.  This way I could review them, and pray through them so that the criticism would not demoralize me.

Surely there was some truth in some of the letters that I needed to hear (although this wasn’t the ideal way to hear it).  But, to say there was some truth in all of the letters, though it sounds spiritual, would not be true.  A large number of them were worthless in content and clearly written with evil intentions.  

What To Do With The Authors

Some are mild; some are severe; and they all sting.  Replying in writing is almost never the right response.  Pursuing the relationship to clear up misunderstandings is the right course of action, if it is possible.  Sometimes it works.

Romans 12:17–18 ESV “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”

It is a cowardly act by those who write vitriolic letters instead of just getting together in person to talk, listen and seek understanding with self-control.  But, it is not helpful to think too much on this, because there is often little that can be done with such types of people. 

What To Do With Yourself

Opposition and suffering are part of the calling.  Hate mail is a good reminder of this. Have a plan to deal with your hate mail so it doesn’t destroy you, make you bitter or handicap with your work for the Kingdom.  Figure out how to take advantage of these opportunities given to you.

By God’s grace through much prayer, we will come to understand our weaknesses more fully, and as a result grow into a better Christian and servant of the Gospel and the Church.  

More importantly, we will be amazed at how God strengthens us in each situation to keep pressing ahead; and how all the while He is making us even more useful for His future purposes.  

Eventually Throw Them Away

I held on to the letters for a number of years for three reasons:

• To pray for those controlled by anger and refusing healthy godly relationships;
• To remind myself how many people are full of fear and taken advantage of by the evil one to oppose to the Mission of God; and
• For sheer amusement in re-reading the ludicrous things people will put on paper!  

This is why I truly love hate mail!

Recently I threw away the file.  It served its purpose.  Now, I can read these types of letters more quickly, analyze them more easily, pray more clearly and laugh more appropriately. . . . And just for the record, I have received far more letters of encouragement over the years than criticism. 

Finding Your Church's Place In The World

The world is a big place, with lots of people and in great variety!  Churches often ask how to find a place in the world to engage in mission.  In prayerfully processing God’s will for your church in His Mission, here are ten considerations to talk about as a mission leadership team.

1.  Religious background



Do you have a preference one way or the other in working among people from a Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Animist or Atheist background? If so, this will narrow down the possibilities quickly.


2.  Urban to tribal continuum



Think about what size of society sounds interesting, exciting or strategic to you. Do you see your church working in a tribal setting, or in villages and towns, or moderate to large size cities, or perhaps in a complex urban center?


3.  Climate comfort



Will you be most comfortable with sunshine or rain, clouds or open sky? Do you have an aversion to intense heat or cold? Such personal considerations matter when considering bringing in teams repeatedly.


4.  Culture basics



Look a little closer at the potential cultures you might engage. Do you like what you see? Are you going to find yourselves too frustrated or annoyed? Or, maybe it sounds like great fun!


5.  Easy to hard ministry continuum



Results are important. Results are guaranteed because this is what God does. But, what do you want to see happen and how fast? Some are most interested in working where conversions are common and churches get started easily. Others prefer more challenging ministry environments.


6.  Political situation



Persecution scares some people while it inspires others. Simply put, would you like to work out in the open or in secret? What level of freedom do you want? How do you envision your relationship with future national partners, and other missionaries?


7.  Level of Christian presence and development



Take your pick: pioneer, develop or partner. Is your congregation wired and gifted to go it alone? Or, to come alongside an emerging work? Or, to partner with established works? It is all significant and rewarding work, so just be honest about your preference.


8.  Type of ministry activity



What do you want to do? Do you want to evangelize, teach, train, provide relief, meet social needs, establish programs, assist medically, or plant churches, for example? Will you be most interested in locality or in regional ministry?


9.  Travel accessibility



How many teams will your church be sending and how many times a year? Can you get to the location and do significant ministry within your volunteer’s available 
time and resources? And to meet the needs demanded by the field?


10.  Commitment length



Can you make lasting impact within the attention span of your church and its leadership? Will you be there at least five years? Consider how long it would take your church to accomplish Kingdom purposes in a certain location.


As you talk together, more and more creative thinking will start taking place.  It will propel some people into further research; and many more to deeper prayer.  Eventually, it will lead to a high quality vision trip.

There is a whole lot more to consider, and things unique to each congregation.  But, hopefully these ten conversation topics will help narrow the field and get your church started on this life changing faith adventure with God!

Smear Campaigns Gone Spiritual

Smear campaigns happen in churches quite often today.  If you have been on the receiving end in a church, whether a leader or not, you know the frustration, heartbreak, and weariness in dealing with the instigators, their lies and your dear friends under their influence.

This wickedness works so well and so often to discourage and destroy churches, to bring disunity and establish distrust, and to turn people from the vision of enjoyable worship and engagement in mission.  

Have you ever been a witness to such a work of the devil and people’s fleshliness in a church?  What can you do?

Little Lies Work Best

Classic accusations against leaders and teachers are that they are out for the money, power, fame, and sex.  They are accused of being deceitful, using flattery, teaching heresy and abusing resources.  Such severe accusations don’t often work well in a more refined society, however, especially when such unproven accusations can invite legal action.  

So, enter the intangible, subtle and potentially even more damaging accusations.  People have developed more sophisticated and spiritually sounding allegations; and have discovered that elusive grievances work even better than the classic approach of big lies.  Little lies work best.

A sampling:  This is not a loving church.  People are unfriendly.  The pastor isn’t really a good shepherd.  They do not understand other perspectives.  I am not being fed.  I was not touched in worship.  They do not lead biblically.  The leaders do not spend wisely.  Ministries are not meeting the most important needs.

Six People Easily Used

Who listens to this stuff?!  Sadly, a lot of people.  And if caught up in it, they will join in the smear campaign.  Here are some types of people to watch out for in a church as easily used by the evil one in his sinister plans against all of Christ’s churches.

• Beware of those who complain, and after being heard are rarely able to come to a peaceful resolution.
• Beware of those who talk a lot about ministries and take positions, but are largely uninvolved.
• Beware of those who discuss other people’s motives thoughtlessly and carelessly, even openly.
• Beware of those who purposefully avoid developing close relationships with others in the church.
• Beware of those who aren’t learning, and yet present themselves as knowledgeable and spiritual, and ever-ready to teach.
• Beware of those who are spiritually discontent and generally unhappy in God.

Answer Directly and with Our Lives

Speak directly to those promoting a smear campaign.  Speak with truth, love, and in the power of Holy Spirit.  Be ready to suffer for glory of God, and yet maintain hope that He will grant them repentance and true faith.

Speak directly to those being affected by it.  Encourage people not to listen to unsubstantiated negative comments, but rather to re-listen and re-observe the lives of the rest of the congregation, especially those of their leaders and teachers, in order to find out the truth.  

The power of God is stronger in the end, and on the whole.  One significant way in which He manifests this power is in the character and behavior of His faithful servants.  Point this out:  counter with genuine Gospel living as the apologetic!

The Apostle Paul used this strategy in dealing with the smear campaign in Thessalonica against himself and his mission team.  So he wrote in 1 Thessalonians 2:3-12.

“For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.  

For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.  

For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.”

This remains the most effective response to smear campaigns gone “spiritual.”  Let us keep ourselves open to review before people, and even appeal to our merciful God.  And by God’s grace we can turn people around and get the church back on track with the vision of glorious worship and Gospel mission!

A Supervisor From Hell

I worked at a marina in New Jersey with a few other college students.  We were all on a Summer Project with a Christian student mission organization.  Beyond earning a little income from our employment, the larger goal was to learn to be effective in evangelism at our workplaces.  

Every Day a New Challenge

We were in for a huge surprise with a supervisor who would try different things every few days to break our faith or take advantage of us.  

• He would purposefully mess up our paychecks and make a hassle out of all resolutions.  
• One of us was made to handle creosote soaked logs without protective gear and suffered chemical burns. 
• This one and another was given an unnecessary job of crawling under docks in the water to clean them.  
• We as a group would strip insulation off of boats without proper safety equipment or adequate ventilation.  
• One morning I was assigned the worthless task of pulling weeds at the entrance to this completely run down marina.  
• Another day I was sentenced to the hull of a boat to clean up a large neglected sewage spill without efficient equipment.   
• The girls who worked in the office testified to the office politics and rampant lying, deceit and immorality.  

The list continues with things like constant yelling, berating, derogatory remarks and never giving any hint of encouragement.  To top it off, he would slander us as Christian employees to his clients and colleagues, even to those from whom we would seek to get jobs after he unjustly fired some of us, or pushed us to quit. 

One of the Best Jobs Ever 

That was one of the best jobs I ever had.  Even at the time I took a strange joy in it.  Maybe this was because my livelihood didn’t depend on it, or it was short-term, or I could commiserate with fellow Christians.  Truly our sharing suffering together helped us respond spiritually and consistently so.  Many others have it much worse than we did.  I learned a lot through this experience, and the best lesson of all was the lesson of 1 Peter 2:19.

1 Peter 2:18–20 ESV “Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.”

He was a employer from hell, but one who was greatly utilized by heaven.

The Grace was Great

God is pleased and honored by our trusting Him while suffering unjustly in our daily jobs.  It is called “gracious” because God gives more grace as we are mindful, or conscious, of Him in faith and hope.

This is far different than simply enduring, which is natural and required of so many in similar situations.  It is not commendable to endure injustice simply because we are afraid, or have become numb to it, or feel we cannot change it, or think resisting would bring more pain, or hope for retaliation one day.  

Being “mindful of God” means being mindful of His providence, care, provision, concern and justice.  This helps us not be disrespectful, enraged, rebellious, pitiful or despairing.  It helps us to grow in our relationship with God, to pray, to receive positive changes, and to hope for glory.  

All sorts of stuff, bad stuff, goes on in the workplace these days.  Be assured, God knows it all, is concerned, is acting in wisdom and power, and will settle it all.

Another Subversion by the Gospel

Submission will sometimes involve suffering, and when it does we have the greatest example of suffering unjustly before us in Our Lord Jesus Christ.  And not only is He our adored example and worshipped God, He also grants us powerful grace in suffering to endure, to glorify God our Father.

1 Peter 2:21–25 ESV “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.”

It undermines evil when we do good according to the Gospel--it is dignified and without rebelliousness.  Suffering unjustly as a Christian is powerful for good in so many ways, and often does eventually lead to opening up people to thinking in new ways.

Our supervisor failed and Christ won.  After a few weeks he let most of us go probably because of shame, anger, frustration, weariness, and the like.  Better yet, those who stayed told of changes in him as they continued to witness for Christ.  He started to show respect and an unusual openness.  I hope God has saved and transformed this man whom God used to transform me.

Make Sure You Buy A Sword

Luke summarizes five mission tours in his Gospel account.  The first four are:  (1) Jesus on mission alone (4:43); (2) Jesus on mission with the Twelve, some other disciples, and supporting and ministering women (8:1-3); (3) the Twelve by themselves on a limited mission tour (9:1-6); and (4) the Seventy-Two on a larger mission tour (10:1-16).  

The Mission Changed On The Fifth Tour 

Luke 22:35–38 ESV “And he said to them, “When I sent you out with no moneybag or knapsack or sandals, did you lack anything?” They said, “Nothing.” He said to them, “But now let the one who has a moneybag take it, and likewise a knapsack. And let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one. For I tell you that this Scripture must be fulfilled in me: ‘And he was numbered with the transgressors.’ For what is written about me has its fulfillment.” And they said, “Look, Lord, here are two swords.” And he said to them, “It is enough.””

Jesus reminds His disciples about their previous mission campaigns.  On those circuit missions, they were told not to make any special preparations, being under a strict training in the early days.  During those times God provided everything they needed for their lives and mission.  This served as a great first lesson of total dependence upon God, and total focus on the Mission.  Such vulnerability would strengthen them for their future works of mission.

But, the fifth tour would be the Final Tour, namely the Tour of the World to take the Gospel to every people group!  

ESV Luke 24:46 and said to them, "Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, 47 and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high."

Full Preparations Are Necessary For The Final Mission

Their new mission as the commissioned Apostles leading the Mission of the Church would be much greater.  The honor and glory would be greater, and so would be the hostilities, and so they were to be fully prepared.  They were to make full provision, whatever would be needed:  money and supplies, and they were to make sure they got a sword.  

The sword is singled out as important and as symbolic because the future will be filled with terrible hostilities.  Jesus is speaking beyond the literal in a metaphor for making sure they are fully prepared spiritually.  The sword symbolizes all the spiritual warfare that they would encounter and battle through in the future. 

They did not understand.  They were happy to have two swords; but this would not enough to help physically, even less so spiritually.  Jesus’ reply is simply “that is enough of that.”  Obviously, Jesus was not advocating that His Apostles take up arms against their enemies.

They needed to be fully prepared spiritually, by prayer and faith.  Such important preparations they had yet to make, as would be shown that very night in the Garden of Gethsemane.  There they failed--by using a real sword, by sleeping instead of praying, and then by fleeing in fear.  

Later in the Book of Acts Luke would show how they learned the lesson and as a result led the Church into being bold, prayerful and willingly suffering like Jesus Himself.  This is why Jesus quotes Isaiah 53:12 in reference to Himself as the Suffering Servant.  This would be His destiny, the purpose for His coming.  And if He was treated as a criminal, so would the Apostles be treated, and all the Church . . . and eventually even us.

Be Prepared For Persecutions

This is a call to war by Jesus.  It is a spiritual war, not a real war, not even primarily a cultural war.  We must be ready to fight with spiritual weapons and suffer in the body for the Gospel and the Kingdom.  

We are to speak truth, live out righteousness, and always be ready with the Gospel.  We should meet every situation with faith and confidence from our salvation.  We must pray all the time about everything and so stay alert and persevere to the very end.

Our Apostle Paul would teach and model for us the same thing, “For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh.  For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:3-4)

Jesus calls His Church to wage a spiritual war and He promises us victory and glory in the end.  So, go buy a sword if you don’t have one.  Get prepared for the spiritual battle, and then get into the spiritual battle and charge ahead in prayer and proclamation!