Interestingness

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn InterestingnessLeave a comment

It is once again time for me to share the articles from this last week that I found interesting. Here is another dose of Interestingness. Read on!

Google Set to Acquire Motorola Mobile

The guys over at Engadget posted a story this morning telling of Google’s intent to acquire Motorola Mobile. If this occurs, their Android operating system will be an even fiercer competitor to Apple. You can read the story by clicking here.

An Atheist Clergy

I was sent an article last week highlighting a Dutch church and their atheist pastor. It seems odd that a church would hire an atheist, doesn’t it?  And even more odd that an atheist would want to be a pastor of a church. Click here to read about how these two groups are coming together under one roof. For what it is worth, I would not recommend the church follow their model.

The Internet is Defending Itself

David Ignatius wrote a great column for The Washington Post recently highlighting how the NSA and Homeland Security are working to defend the internet from malicious attacks. You can read the article here.

Evangelicals and the Gay Revolution

Albert Mohler highlighted an article from The Wall Street Journal the other day on his blog. In it, the author is arguing that gay rights activists are fighting a moral revolution, one that is quickly mounting steam and moving forward. He also highlights the difference between Liberals and Conservatives in regard to the revolution. Liberals jump on the bandwagon, accommodating the homosexual agenda, while Conservatives do not. If you would like to read more, then click here.

The Help

The movie The Help is in full swing at the box office. The book was a hit, and it looks like the movie will be as well. The guys over at the The Gospel Coalition wrote a great article about this story. You can read it here.

Understanding Your Idols

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Devotionals3 Comments

Are you aware that there are two types of idols present in our lives? One is more evident than the other. However, the one that is less evident is the one controlling everything. The two types of idols I am referring to are “Deep Idols” and “Surface Idols” [1].

Deep Idols

Some “Deep Idols” we may have in our lives are a desire for (1) Influence and Power, or a craving for (2) Appreciation and Approval. Others may be (3) emotional and physical Comfort, or a desire for (4) Security and Control [2]. One of these categories is typically more prevalent in our life and is our “Deep Idol.” They control our actions and desires, and are often hidden well by those who are enslaved by them.

Surface Idols

“Surface Idols” are things such as our house, money, sex, possessions, our spouse, or our children [3]. The purpose of these “Surface Idols” is to appease and satisfy our deeper idols [4]. This means eradicating our “Surface Idols” may not always rid us of our “Deep Idols.” As a result, we must work to understand the different between “Deep Idols” and “Surface Idols”, and seek change at the deepest level.

Example

Surface Idol = Money

Deep Idol = Power or Approval or Comfort or Control

People will tend to use money as a means to gain power and influence people. Others will use money as a means to gain approval from the world. Still some will use money as a means to gain comfort, living a lavish lifestyle. While others may save all their money because they are seeking to satisfy their desire for control and security [5].

The Gospel

Only the Gospel can break the hold these “Deep Idols” have on us. When we understand the Gospel, we will no longer have a desire to obtain power and influence because we will see others as made in God’s image, not pawns in our own chess game. We no longer are stingy with out money because we see the grace God pours out on us as a result of the cross, remembering that Christ gave up everything and became poor, so we might live. In the Gospel, we also recognize that God is the only one in control of this chaotic world, allowing us to feel secure knowing whatever happens is the result of God’s plan, not our own. Lastly, in the Gospel we seek comfort in God, not in a lavish lifestyle, realizing only in Him will we find true and lasting comfort since only He is eternal and true [6].

Conclusion

We all have idols, some of our idols are “Deep Idols” and some of our idols are “Surface Idols.” When we are aware there are two types of idols, we will not be satisfied to rid ourselves of our “Surface Idols” only. Rather, we will want to tunnel down deep into our heart to see which idol we have more of a propensity toward, and rid our “Deep Idol” from our lives. While some of us may have more of a propensity toward Power, some Control, while others Approval, and still others Comfort, we can be assured that by applying the Gospel to our lives, we can rid ourselves of these idols.

Resource

[1] Timothy Keller, Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters,64.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid., 65.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid., 66.
[6] Ibid., 67-68.

Image: Sura Nualpradid / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

How to Meet the Unchurched

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Discipleship, Evangelism, Pastoral, Practical3 Comments

In order for us to reach the unchurched in our cities, we have to get to know them. Often times this can be difficult for Christians. Between all of our church activities, our kids sports, and fellowship with other Christians, it can seem difficult to make the time to befriend those who are not running in our same circles. However, if our desire is to reach our community for Christ, and it should be, we have to find ways to interact with those who are non-Christians. With that in mind, I want to offer you a few suggestions that might help you to interact with those outside of your church circles.

Ways to Interact

Encourage Your Kids to Play on a City Sports League

Kids typically play sports, and as their parent, you are the one who takes them to practice and watches their games. Since you are already involved in this activity, why not enroll your child in the city league instead of placing them on a church team? By doing so, you will have the opportunity to get to know the other parents, who may or may not be Christians.

Sign Yourself Up for a City Sponsored Sports League

We all need exercise, and most of us enjoy playing some sort of sport, so why not play it with your neighbors? City sports leagues are a great way to interact with those living in the community. The common bond helps to build relationships with those you would not ordinarily come in contact with, allowing you the opportunity to speak the gospel into their lives.

There are many different leagues to play in: Soft Ball, Kick Ball, Basketball, Soccer, Rugby (if you are a real man), etc.

Join a Local Club

If you do not have a hobby, you need to get one. It is a great way to relieve stress and keep you sane. If you have a hobby, why not consider doing it with others in your community? There are many different clubs you can join: Book Clubs, Chess Clubs, Cycling Clubs, Running Clubs, Photography Clubs, etc.

Get Out of Your House

Another way to meet those in your neighborhood is by getting out of the house. Do yard work when your other neighbors are out. Walk around the block. Office outside of the house. I spend a lot of time at Starbucks, which has allowed me to get to know the employees and frequent customers, and it has led to many opportunities to either speak into their lives, or share the gospel with them.

Attend Events

If a buddy from work invites you to come over and watch the game, take the opportunity. He may not come to church with you, but hanging with him at his house is a great opportunity to start building into him, getting to know him, and hopefully having the opportunity to share the gospel with him. In addition, people typically invite more than one person over to watch a game, so it can be a great opportunity to meet their friends.

Invite Co-Workers or Neighbors Over For Dinner

Sharing a meal with someone is a great way to get to know them. It is non-threatening, and provides a lot of time for conversation. You may not be able to get your neighbor to attend church with you, but I bet they will come over for a free dinner.

Conclusion

Those are a few suggestions as to ways we can meet non-believers, get to know them, and speak the gospel into their lives. Yes, it takes a little effort, and may even force us out of our comfort zone, but it is worth it. I also hope you have seen that you can accomplish this feat without changing your current schedule too much.

Image: Now and Zen Photography / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are You a Witness to the World?

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Devotionals, EvangelismLeave a comment

Unity amongst believers, even in the face of persecution, has a direct bearing on our witness to the world. Paul in Philippians 1:27-30 says,

“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents. This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation, and that from God. For it has been granted to you that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake, engaged in the same conflict that you saw I had and now hear that I still have. ” (Php 1:27–30)

Paul tells us the way we live should be worthy of the gospel of Christ. The purpose of such living is to be a witness to the world. In order to understand how this works out, let us look at what Paul is telling us to do.

A Unified Front

As believers, Paul desires we stand firm in one spirit, striving side by side for the faith of the gospel. In other words, Paul is telling us to have the same intent (spirit) and same feelings (mind), which is to see the gospel message spread to the world.

The Opposition and Suffering

As we stand unified in our spirit and mind, striving side by side for the gospel, we are not to be frightened by those who oppose us. It is only natural that we will be opposed, and Paul even tells us it has been granted to us, by God, that we face persecution. He tells us the same God, who granted us our salvation, also granted us to suffer for Christ’s sake.

Why is this so?

When we stand unified and strive together for the gospel message, even in the face of persecution and suffering, we prove our salvation and Christianity to be true, because the only way we can stand strong is through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Phil. 1:19-20). We also prove the message of those attacking us to be false.

Conclusion

So then, through our collective desire to see the gospel message spread and our willingness to suffer for the sake of Christ, we act as a sign of destruction for those who oppose Christianity. Meaning Christians do not face persecution without reason, it actually is granted to us by God to suffer for Christ’s sake, so that we can be a witness to the world for the gospel message.

Image: dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Interestingness

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn InterestingnessLeave a comment

Here are some articles and videos from around the web that I found interesting this week. Check them out, and let me know your thoughts.

A Meal With Jesus

Tim Chester’s book is reviewed by Shelley Bingham over at The Gospel Coalition. Here is a little of what the book is about:

Chester’s main burdens in this book are: to explain the startling significance of Christ’s desire to eat with sinners and Pharisees alike; to reveal the deeper spiritual realities that these shared meals with Christ point to; and to encourage us as Christians to make sharing meals an integral part of our fellowship with others, so as to regularly enact and reflect upon the grace that Christ so freely gave to us.

You can read the full review by clicking here.

Make God’s Word Your Thing

Make God’s Word Your ‘Thing’ from The Gospel Coalition on Vimeo.

What Do the Religions Teach About God?

The Resurgence put out  a great article about different religions and their teachings on God. Check it out here.

The Culture of Death

In a recent article, Al Mohler highlights how some cities are cracking down on and attacking the work of Crisis Pregnancy Centers. You can read it here.

Business Practices and the Church

9Marks did an excellent interview with John Hardin about his dissertation regarding the history of business practices in the church. This is a great discussion that will help you to see the necessity to think through different methodologies you may be considering introducing to your church. You can listen by clicking here.

Count the Cost

I Know Their Sorrows

On By Dr. Casey LewisIn Devotionals1 Comment

It has been a while since we have had a dose of Spurgeon. Here is something I came across this in Morning and Evening. It is good stuff, and I wanted to share.

“I know their sorrows” (Exodus 3:7).

The child is cheered as he sings, “This my father knows.” We will be comforted when we realize that our dear Friend and tender Husband of our soul knows all about us.

He is the Physician

If He knows all, there is no need that the patient should know. Hush, fluttering heart, which is always prying, peeping, and suspecting! The things that you do not know now, you will understand hereafter. Jesus, the beloved Physician, knows your soul in adversities. Why should the patient analyze all the medicine or ponder all the symptoms? This is the physician’s work, not mine. It is my business to trust, and his to prescribe. If he writes his prescription in characters which I cannot read, I will not be uneasy on that account. Rather, I will rely upon his unfailing skill to make all clear in the result, however mysterious in the working.

He is the Master

We are to obey, not to judge. “The servant knoweth not what his lord doeth” (John 15:15). Shall the architect explain his plans to every construction worker on the site? If he knows his own intent, is it not enough? The vessel on the potter’s wheel cannot guess to what pattern it shall be conformed. But if the potter understands his art, what does the ignorance of the clay matter? My Lord must not be questioned any longer by one so ignorant as I am.

He is the Head

All understanding centers there. What judgment has the arm? What comprehension has the foot? Why should the member have a brain of its own when the head fulfills for it every intellectual duty? Sweet Lord, be the eye soul, and head for us. Let us be content to know only what You choose to reveal.

Resource

Charles Spurgeon, Morning and Evening, August 14 Evening Reading