Tim Tebow is a household word among American evangelical Christians. He rose to fame as the quarterback of the Florida Gators and has continued his football fame in the NFL. Not only is Tebow an accomplished football player, though struggling somewhat at the highest level of American Football, the NFL, but has been a very vocal spokesman for evangelical Christianity. His has made clear his support for the pro-life cause in American and has kept his Christian faith front and center in his life and career. Up until now it seemed that he had navigated the difficult combination of fame and the Christian faith pretty well. The pressure may have finally gotten to the young man.
A few days ago he cancelled a speaking engagement scheduled for April 28 at the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas, TX. It's pastor, Dr. Robert Jeffress has been a somewhat controversial figure, at least in the eyes of the culture. He has repeatedly taught the "radical" ideas that homosexual activity is a sin against God, that Mormonism is not part of mainline Christianity and that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven. These may seem radical in our post-Christian, secular culture but they are at the heart of what evangelical Christians have always believed and taught. There is nothing new here.
In recent weeks there have been calls for Tebow to cancel his plans to speak in that church because of Jeffress "controversial" teaching and stances on the issues mentioned above. Greg Doyel of CBS Sports wrote the following.
"Tim Tebow is about to make the biggest mistake of his life. Tebow has agreed to speak at a hateful Baptist preacher's church, an evangelical cretin named Robert Jeffress." Doyel went on to write, "I'm ashamed to like Tim Tebow now. More specifically, I don't like Tim Tebow now. I can't. Liking him means liking someone who wouldn't just agree with, but would support, Robert Jeffress. And I despise Robert Jeffress."
So much for tolerance! And Doyel was not the only one calling for Tebow to cancel his plans. Others echoed their belief that Tebow was making the mistake of his life by speaking at such a controversial church. Remember, we are talking about First Baptist Church, Dallas. This is one of the most respected churches in the Southern Baptist Convention and in the evangelical Christian world.
To my surprise and great disappointment Tebow has changed his mind. He has apparently yielded to the increasing pressure from those who believe evangelical Christianity is hateful, intolerant and dangerous. I cannot get into the mind of Tim Tebow or know what he is thinking. However, this does not look good. Even his explanatory tweet left more questions than answers.
"While I was looking forward to sharing a message of hope and Christ's unconditional love with the faithful members of the historic First Baptist Church of Dallas in April, due to new information that has been brought to my attention I have decided to cancel my upcoming appearance. I will continue to use the platform God has blessed me with to bring Faith, Hope and Love to all those needing a brighter day. Thank you for all of your love and support. God Bless!"
The language of that tweet does not make me feel better about his decision. He mentioned "new information" that came to his attention. That raises the question, "what new information?" He certainly was not unaware of Jeffress' teaching. If that was the issue, then it raises even more questions in my mind. Does Tebow really want to distance himself from teaching that homosexuality is wrong and that Jesus is the only way to salvation?
It must be extremely difficult to be in Tebow's position. He is certainly the target not only of a secular culture that wants him to fail, but of forces that are unseen to human eyes. I am disappointed, but not discouraged. As his brother in Christ, I am praying for him to be steadfast and immovable in his faith regardless of the attacks which come.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
I read Romans 3 this morning. Actually I heard it through my Bible app while walking early this morning, then read it the old fashioned way when I got to the office. I was struck by the following words.
"There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God. All have turned aide, together they have become useless. There is none who does good. There is not even one." "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
What a negative way to describe the human race. We don't understand. We are not righteous. We do not seek for God. We have all turned aside. We are useless. None of us does good. We have all sinned. We all fall short of the glory of God.
Feel better? I rather doubt it. But that is fine. The purpose of Scripture is not to make you feel good, but to give you the truth. No truth is more important than the truth that we are sinners . . . rotten to the core . . . separated from God . . . with no ability to become good enough to impress God.
Unfortunately this is a forgotten truth in America. At every turn we are told how good we are. We are encouraged to think positively about ourselves. We are learning to blame our failures on external things outside of our control. We look in the mirror only to reinforce the cultural message that we are so wonderful.
The Bible is a different kind of mirror. When we gaze deep into it we see a reflection not of skin, eyes or hair, but of the heart, with all of its sinfulness. This mirror cuts through the outward clutter and shows us just where we stand in relation to the God who created us. This mirror humbles us, breaks us, changes us.
This mirror points us to Christ. This mirror leads us to salvation. This mirror reminds us of just how dependent we are on Christ. This mirror is truth. All others are but an illusion.
"There is none righteous, not even one; there is none who understands, there is none who seeks for God. All have turned aide, together they have become useless. There is none who does good. There is not even one." "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
What a negative way to describe the human race. We don't understand. We are not righteous. We do not seek for God. We have all turned aside. We are useless. None of us does good. We have all sinned. We all fall short of the glory of God.
Feel better? I rather doubt it. But that is fine. The purpose of Scripture is not to make you feel good, but to give you the truth. No truth is more important than the truth that we are sinners . . . rotten to the core . . . separated from God . . . with no ability to become good enough to impress God.
Unfortunately this is a forgotten truth in America. At every turn we are told how good we are. We are encouraged to think positively about ourselves. We are learning to blame our failures on external things outside of our control. We look in the mirror only to reinforce the cultural message that we are so wonderful.
The Bible is a different kind of mirror. When we gaze deep into it we see a reflection not of skin, eyes or hair, but of the heart, with all of its sinfulness. This mirror cuts through the outward clutter and shows us just where we stand in relation to the God who created us. This mirror humbles us, breaks us, changes us.
This mirror points us to Christ. This mirror leads us to salvation. This mirror reminds us of just how dependent we are on Christ. This mirror is truth. All others are but an illusion.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Scouts are in Trouble
The Boy Scouts are in trouble. Last summer the Boy Scouts of America affirmed its policy of excluding openly gay men as leaders. In doing so they were upholding a policy that it had affirmed for generations. A committee of eleven members conducted a two-year study and unanimously concluded that homosexuality was counter to the Scout's oath on morality.
On January 28, 2013 the Scouts announced their intention to revisit this issue and likely change its policy to allow gays to participate as members and leaders in the Boy Scouts. Keep in mind that this was just six months after spokesman Deron Smith announced that the decision made last summer to maintain the ban was "absolutely the best policy for the Boy Scouts."
In a U.S. Supreme Court decision as recently as 2000 it was made clear that the Boy Scouts had a constitutional right to set its own membership standards. However, the Boy Scout leadership appears to be on the precipice of stepping off of a moral cliff that will doom the Boy Scouts of America.
On Sunday afternoon just before the Super Bowl, President Obama was asked if he believed gays should be allowed membership and leadership positions in the Boy Scouts. Without hesitation he reply in the affirmative. He went on to say, "my attitude is that gays and lesbians should have access and opportunities, the same way as everyone else does, in every institution and walk of life.” (Emphasis mine)
Think about that statement for a moment. In its immediate context he is saying that he does not believe the Boy Scouts of America, a private organization, have the right to determine the guidelines for their own membership. That is a freedom issue. But in a broader sense, think about his statement. He believes gays and lesbians should have equal access and opportunities in "every institution and walk of life."
That my friends, is a frightening statement, reflecting an equally frightening position. Every church is an institution. Every religious college and seminary is an institution. Every missionary sending agency is an institution. Let the ramifications of that sink in for a few moments.
The Boy Scouts are in trouble. This wonderful organization taught me to "be prepared." It reinforced moral principles that were being taught in my home and church. It offered practical lessons of life and helped prepare me for manhood.
I cherish the memories of my scouting experiences. I remember the night when I was "tapped out" as an Order of the Arrow candidate. I appreciate the men who modeled manhood and encouraged my progress toward responsible adulthood. I am grateful for the the principles and convictions that undergirded scouting and added to my own moral development.
The Boy Scouts are in trouble. The cultural war on values is about to claim another victim. I grieve for generations of young men who will miss what I had.
On January 28, 2013 the Scouts announced their intention to revisit this issue and likely change its policy to allow gays to participate as members and leaders in the Boy Scouts. Keep in mind that this was just six months after spokesman Deron Smith announced that the decision made last summer to maintain the ban was "absolutely the best policy for the Boy Scouts."
In a U.S. Supreme Court decision as recently as 2000 it was made clear that the Boy Scouts had a constitutional right to set its own membership standards. However, the Boy Scout leadership appears to be on the precipice of stepping off of a moral cliff that will doom the Boy Scouts of America.
On Sunday afternoon just before the Super Bowl, President Obama was asked if he believed gays should be allowed membership and leadership positions in the Boy Scouts. Without hesitation he reply in the affirmative. He went on to say, "my attitude is that gays and lesbians should have access and opportunities, the same way as everyone else does, in every institution and walk of life.” (Emphasis mine)
Think about that statement for a moment. In its immediate context he is saying that he does not believe the Boy Scouts of America, a private organization, have the right to determine the guidelines for their own membership. That is a freedom issue. But in a broader sense, think about his statement. He believes gays and lesbians should have equal access and opportunities in "every institution and walk of life."
That my friends, is a frightening statement, reflecting an equally frightening position. Every church is an institution. Every religious college and seminary is an institution. Every missionary sending agency is an institution. Let the ramifications of that sink in for a few moments.
The Boy Scouts are in trouble. This wonderful organization taught me to "be prepared." It reinforced moral principles that were being taught in my home and church. It offered practical lessons of life and helped prepare me for manhood.
I cherish the memories of my scouting experiences. I remember the night when I was "tapped out" as an Order of the Arrow candidate. I appreciate the men who modeled manhood and encouraged my progress toward responsible adulthood. I am grateful for the the principles and convictions that undergirded scouting and added to my own moral development.
The Boy Scouts are in trouble. The cultural war on values is about to claim another victim. I grieve for generations of young men who will miss what I had.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Beginnings 2012
God is a god of fresh starts and new beginnings. I've said that hundreds of times over the years. Sometimes in the context of a sermon and other times in an intimate counseling setting. There are times when we just need to be reminded of that fact. When you look at the pattern of God's activity you will see that new beginnings are built into every area of creation.
Every 24 hours we get to start a new day. Every seven days we get to start a new week. Every thirty days (or so) we get to start a new month. Every 365 years (or in the case of 2012, 366 days) we get to start a new year. God has designed all of creation around cycles which provide multiple opportunities for fresh starts and new beginnings. What a blessing! No wonder Solomon wrote "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under Heaven . . ." He then proceeded to offer examples of the way life runs in cycles.
Today it is January 2, 2012. One day is past. 365 are yet to be lived. Each one provides a wonderful opporunity for a new beginning. This keeps life fresh and interesting. I look forward with great anticipation to seeing what each of those days will hold.
Father, I praise You as the ultimate Creator. Thank you for being a God of fresh starts and new beginnings.
Every 24 hours we get to start a new day. Every seven days we get to start a new week. Every thirty days (or so) we get to start a new month. Every 365 years (or in the case of 2012, 366 days) we get to start a new year. God has designed all of creation around cycles which provide multiple opportunities for fresh starts and new beginnings. What a blessing! No wonder Solomon wrote "There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under Heaven . . ." He then proceeded to offer examples of the way life runs in cycles.
Today it is January 2, 2012. One day is past. 365 are yet to be lived. Each one provides a wonderful opporunity for a new beginning. This keeps life fresh and interesting. I look forward with great anticipation to seeing what each of those days will hold.
Father, I praise You as the ultimate Creator. Thank you for being a God of fresh starts and new beginnings.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Christmas Music and Movies
We are less that one week away from Christmas Day. That means I am in full-Christmas mode. And that means the Christmas music is playing non-stop and the Christmas movies are being watched. Although I have watched fewer by this time than in previous years. Joy comes home tonight, so we'll be catching up on the movies. Some of my favorites include, It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, The Christmas Wish, The Santa Clause (1,2 and 3), Christmas With the Kranks, Polar Express, White Christmas, A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Home Alone (1 and 2), Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Carol (George C Scott version) . . . well, you get the point. I'm sure I will think of an obvious one that I left out after I publish this blog.
Watching Christmas movies takes time and focus. Maybe this is why I am a bit behind this year. It has been a busy season. Listening to Christmas music is another thing entirely. I can listen to music and do almost anything. Therefore, the music stays on most of the time. I love the classics by Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and so many others. I also enjoy the Christmas music of Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, Big Daddy Weave, Casting Crowns, Third Day and MercyMe. This year I have added some new artists to my Christmas play lists; Straight No Chaser, Dave Barnes, Lady Antebellum, Rosie Thomas, Taylor Swift and Michael Bublé
Could you have Christmas without the music and movies? Absolutely. But I surely do enjoy those two aspects of Christmas. It's Monday of Christmas week. I am looking forward to HDBC's annual Christmas Eve Service this Saturday night at 9:00 p.m. and the Christmas day worship service at 10:15 a.m. At the heart of it all is the worship of the Son of God. What a blessing to join with other believers as we worship the King.
Merry Christmas!
Watching Christmas movies takes time and focus. Maybe this is why I am a bit behind this year. It has been a busy season. Listening to Christmas music is another thing entirely. I can listen to music and do almost anything. Therefore, the music stays on most of the time. I love the classics by Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Ella Fitzgerald and so many others. I also enjoy the Christmas music of Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, Big Daddy Weave, Casting Crowns, Third Day and MercyMe. This year I have added some new artists to my Christmas play lists; Straight No Chaser, Dave Barnes, Lady Antebellum, Rosie Thomas, Taylor Swift and Michael Bublé
Could you have Christmas without the music and movies? Absolutely. But I surely do enjoy those two aspects of Christmas. It's Monday of Christmas week. I am looking forward to HDBC's annual Christmas Eve Service this Saturday night at 9:00 p.m. and the Christmas day worship service at 10:15 a.m. At the heart of it all is the worship of the Son of God. What a blessing to join with other believers as we worship the King.
Merry Christmas!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Get Started
Through the years I have used a number of different plans for my personal Bible reading. Right now I am reading through "Acts and the Epistles," a plan that comes with the YouVersion Bible app on my iPhone. Yep, I often do my personal Bible reading on my iPhone. What a great time to be alive. I have the entire Bible with me everywhere I go through the technology of a smart phone. There are several good Bible apps available and a number of them offer Bible reading plans. Need a plan? Check your smart phone. Don't have a smart phone? You can still pick up the book form of your Bible or go online and follow a plan. The important thing is not the choose the right plan, but to choose a plan and follow it.
So, get started. There is an unlimited supply of blessing to those willing to read God's Word. Check out www.youversion.com for some ideas.
Monday, November 7, 2011
The Culture
I just took a quick look at the hour's headlines. Quite frankly it is sickening. I'm thinking, maybe that was a mistake. And this day was going so well.
High ranking officials at Penn State University are accused of failing to report alleged sexual abuse by a former football coach at the same university. There are several layers to this story which cause concern. First and foremost is the possibility that a man sexually abused as many as eight young boys over a period of fifteen years. That is horrendous. If it turns out that others knew what was happening and failed to report it, as the media is reporting, then the level of outrage is multiplied.
Just below this headline is the story about the allegations of sexual harassment that are being brought against presidential candidate Herman Cain. Only a few know the real truth about that situation. However, a close look reveals serious problems either way. If the allegations are true then we now know that Mr. Cain has some serious character issues. If they are not true, then the accusers are maliciously impugning the character of an innocent man.
In other news, Dr. Conrad Murry has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. Wealth, popularity, power and prestige certainly played a part in the tragic end of a sad life.
That is as far as I wanted to read. This much I know . . . these events and so many others are clear reflections of the universality of sin and of the depths to which sinful people will fall. Some want to naively believe humanity is on the rise toward moral purity. Not so! Left to ourselves we would plunge deeper and deeper into the abyss of depravity. Praise God that we are not left to ourselves. One of the great comforting statements in the Bible is this: Where sin abounds, grace abounds even more. Grace is the great antidote to the guilt and condemnation that accompany sin.
Praise God for His amazing grace.
High ranking officials at Penn State University are accused of failing to report alleged sexual abuse by a former football coach at the same university. There are several layers to this story which cause concern. First and foremost is the possibility that a man sexually abused as many as eight young boys over a period of fifteen years. That is horrendous. If it turns out that others knew what was happening and failed to report it, as the media is reporting, then the level of outrage is multiplied.
Just below this headline is the story about the allegations of sexual harassment that are being brought against presidential candidate Herman Cain. Only a few know the real truth about that situation. However, a close look reveals serious problems either way. If the allegations are true then we now know that Mr. Cain has some serious character issues. If they are not true, then the accusers are maliciously impugning the character of an innocent man.
In other news, Dr. Conrad Murry has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson. Wealth, popularity, power and prestige certainly played a part in the tragic end of a sad life.
That is as far as I wanted to read. This much I know . . . these events and so many others are clear reflections of the universality of sin and of the depths to which sinful people will fall. Some want to naively believe humanity is on the rise toward moral purity. Not so! Left to ourselves we would plunge deeper and deeper into the abyss of depravity. Praise God that we are not left to ourselves. One of the great comforting statements in the Bible is this: Where sin abounds, grace abounds even more. Grace is the great antidote to the guilt and condemnation that accompany sin.
Praise God for His amazing grace.
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