Taking the Plunge

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2 Corinthians 5:17

Cleanliness is next to Godliness.

You won’t find this familiar saying anywhere in the Bible. But many people think it’s the Gospel truth. We start or end most days with a hot shower or bath. We stock our bathrooms with antibacterial soaps. And we buy costly laundry detergents and bleaches promising brilliant whites and vivid colors. It all adds up to a soap and detergent industry involving about 700 companies with combined annual revenues of billions of dollars.

Our desire to stay clean seems to be hard-wired into our DNA. But this intense longing covers much more than our face and hands. We also want to be just as clean on the inside. That means a clean heart and a clean conscience. And we so much want a clean start.

That’s where baptism comes in: that public demonstration of faith that one has turned his or her back on their past, renounced their sins and been re-born into a new life through faith in Jesus. The Apostle Paul paints baptism as a wondrous portrait of death and resurrection; one where the old ways have perished and a brilliant future has begun:

“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

So what about you? If you could, would you turn back the clock and start your life over again? It sounds like a fantasy, but there really is a way. The saying goes that this new beginning is only a few inches away; it’s that short distance from your heart to your head. The first step on the journey is to realize that you – just like everyone on Earth – has failed to live up to God’s standards and expectations. The next is to trust in Jesus to save you from the penalty we all deserve – eternal death and separation from God. That’s because Christ is the One Who has already paid our way into God’s kingdom by dying for all the past, present and future wrongs we’ve committed in our lifetime. His is a free gift of immense cost. But like any gift, it’s of little use if we don’t accept it.

And then it’s time to (literally) take the plunge into a new life through baptism. Let’s look again toward Jesus as our example. Although He lived a perfect, spotless life with no sins of His own to be forgiven, Christ still demanded this symbolic re-birth and cleansing for Himself – as well as His followers in the centuries to follow.

"This is my Son, whom I love,” a voice from heaven said as Jesus arose from His baptism in the Jordan River. “With Him I am well pleased."

Altar Call

Have respect for marriage. Always be faithful to your partner, because God will punish anyone who is immoral or unfaithful in marriage.

-- Hebrews 13:4

For better or for worse, there's been plenty of talk the last few years about our country's need for fundamental change. But the fact is that America has changed drastically since the end of World War II without the help of celebrities and politicians. There are the obvious things -- like the growth of the suburbs, 24-hour Walmarts, and cable TV. And of course, there's the Internet.

Those changes may be good or bad depending on your perspective. But one change that's definitely negative involves society's attitude toward marriage and family. Fifty years ago, news of a couple living together outside of marriage would have been considered scandalous at the very least. And in some states, it could actually lead to jail time for the offending parties. But consider how much has changed now that we are so much more "enlightened" than our parents and grandparents! Think of everything we've gained now that such a large segment of the populous has turned its back on committed marriage (the "death 'til you part" type). With more flexible laws and the literal promotion of adultery in popular culture, it's no wonder that more than 40 percent of marriages end in divorce. It's also no wonder that so many people figure that marriage isn't worth the trouble. Living together becomes their rational option.

But along with the devastating emotional toll comes the burden from the skyrocketing rates of out-of-wedlock births - now reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to near 40 percent. The common denominator here is that our society has walked -- or more accurately run -- away from Biblical ideals like marriage. Specifically, we have turned from God and His teachings as a whole -- the ones He gave us for experiencing meaningful, fulfilling lives. What were once considered clear black and white issues of right and wrong have blended over the decades into murky shades of gray. But it's all relative, right? Who needs those pesky 10 Commandments and Jesus' teachings, anyway?

That's obviously not God's standard when it comes to committed relationships between men and women. He had a perfect plan from the very beginning -- and He was quick to share it. We need read only a few pages of the Bible's very first book before we reach this ancient yet refreshing passage:

For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.

That sounds very permanent. But to many modern-thinking couples, living together without any strings attached is a more progressive and tolerant lifestyle choice. After all, commitment is such an uncomfortable word - a word that implies responsibility, faith and total dependence on a much greater and wiser Power.

But come to think of it, isn't that what it means to be a Christ-follower?

Mama Mia

Listen, my son, to your father's instruction
and do not forsake your mother's teaching.

-- Proverbs 1:8

He’s considered by many historians to be one of our nation’s greatest presidents. He led the United States through the dark days of the Great Depression, defeated the Axis powers in World War II and won an amazing four presidential elections.

He was Franklin Delano Roosevelt (“FDR”). By the time of his death in 1945, he was the most powerful leader of the world’s greatest military machine. And he was also a bit of a mama’s boy.

FDR’s mother was Sara Roosevelt, described as a “strong-willed widow who wasn't about to give up her hold on her only child.” She made the future president wear a dress until he was five years old. When young Franklin left home to attend Harvard, his mother followed him to college and moved to Boston. And after FDR’s marriage to his fourth cousin, his mother bought the newlyweds a fine home in New York City – and then moved in herself to run the household. It was years later that FDR’s wife Eleanor wrote, ''you were never quite sure when (my mother-in-law) would appear, day or night.''

OK… Maybe Sara Roosevelt took motherhood a bit too far. But FDR obviously would do (and did) almost anything for her. When she died in 1941, the president wore a black armband as a sign to the nation of his deep mourning and affection. Perhaps FDR’s old-fashioned attitude can teach us a thing or two about appreciating our mothers and their irreplaceable roles in our lives.

With the traditional family under attack from “progressive” thinkers, Hollywood celebrities and the so-called cultural elite, it’s God’s Word – the Bible – that once again proves to be our source of truth about the strength and value of motherhood. Where would our society be without strong mothers teaching the next generation to walk in God’s ways? It’s through the examples of good mothers that we learn about compassion, character, work ethic and faith.

King Lemuel wrote these observations in the Old Testament book of Proverbs :

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

These were words of wisdom and truth centuries ago – and they still are for Christ-followers today. Which only goes to show that FDR was right all along.

So maybe there’s something to be said for being a mama’s boy (or girl).

Can You Relate?

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

-- Ecclesiastes 4:12

You know who they are.

Maybe they’re a co-worker, neighbor or even your uncle. They’re the ones who always seem to know who to call for impossible situations. Like the time you needed a pair of concert tickets or a decent plumber to fix a broken pipe late on a Sunday night. He (or she) always comes through for you. You won’t soon forget that super mechanic he recommended. And how about that Nintendo Wii he found for your child last year – just when you were sure that all the stores had sold out?

No doubt it’s wise to keep these special folks high on your Christmas card list. They’re the people who know someone who knows someone. Simply put, they have connections.

And so do we as Christ-followers. That’s because ours is a faith that embraces relationship over religion. Specifically, there’s the ultimate parent/child relationship between us and God. It’s a bond only made possible through Jesus’ death on the cross – a punishment that we all rightly deserve for our lifetimes stained by personal failures and shortcomings (collectively known as “sin”). But since we’re connected with the right Person (Jesus), He’s already paid the price to save us from this certain death. Christ has fixed us up so well in fact that we’re now literally heirs to His Father’s Kingdom.

(Talk about connections!)

That’s the primary relationship we enjoy as Christ-followers. But God also wants us to take pleasure in close relationships with travelers on the same faith journey. That means gathering with fellow believers on Sunday mornings to worship, celebrate and praise Him. And then there are those other important occasions like weekly Small Group meetings. They’re friendly, informal get-togethers where Christ-followers and seekers come together to pray, play, learn, laugh and grow. Think of Small Groups as friends in faith that “do church” together in homes throughout our community.

So how are your relationships these days? Do you know someone who knows someone? Are you really connected?

You need to be because Christ-followers weren’t made to go it alone. After all, life is full of breaks, bruises and impossible situations that need fixing. We know we can’t do it ourselves. Which is why it’s so good to know that through Jesus, we don’t have to.

Training Camp

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

-- 1 Corinthians 9:25

There’s something strangely appealing about rooting for the underdog. So maybe that helps to explain the lasting popularity of Rocky and its many sequels.

If you’re one of the dozen or so people in America who have never seen this modern-day cinema masterpiece, Rocky is essentially the Old Testament story of David and Goliath set in run-down 1970s Philadelphia. Rocky Balboa is a washed-up, down-on-his-luck boxer who gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fight the reigning heavyweight champion of the world named Apollo Creed. The match is simply a stunt dreamed up by Creed’s public relations machine, and no one gives Rocky (played by Sylvester Stallone) much chance of surviving the fight’s early rounds.

No one takes the match seriously. Except for Rocky. And as he begins to prepare and reaches milestone after milestone, even his skeptical girlfriend, co-worker and trainer begin to believe there might be at least a glimmer of hope.

Rather than the dramatic – but somewhat unrealistic – fight scene, the footage of Rocky’s unorthodox training regimen is arguably the best part of the movie. We see the blue collar boxer working out in the local meat processing plant, strengthening his body by drinking (yeech!) a raw egg breakfast cocktail and then building his endurance by jogging through the mean streets of Philadelphia. The sequence ends triumphantly as Rocky races up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, raises his arms in victory and surveys his beloved City of Brotherly Love.

At first glance, good’s ability to triumph over evil is Rocky’s lesson for movie-lovers. But the less obvious New Testament message is the value of training and discipline in our lives. As Christ-followers, we need to develop and use the gifts and talents that God has given us to make a positive difference in our community and world. For instance, we’re called to explain the basis of our faith to anyone who asks us. But how can we answer questions from a neighbor or co-worker if we don’t set aside time each day to read and study the Bible and know what we’re talking about? This type of spiritual training is also a great way to grow closer to God by develop the ability to listen for His voice. And in turn, it helps us to discern right from wrong when faced by those modern day scenarios that are so rarely black or white.

Rocky Balboa’s chilly, early morning jogs through Philadelphia’s rugged streets also remind us about the critical need for endurance in our spiritual journey. The road we travel as Christ-followers is anything but straight and easy. As Jesus advises, “Enter through the narrow gate. The gate is wide and the road is wide that leads to hell, and many people enter through that gate. But the gate is small and the road is narrow that leads to true life. Only a few people find that road.”

Rocky is much more than a classic underdog tale: it also conveys a key biblical principle. It was the blue collar boxer’s steadfast adherence to a grueling diet and training regimen that helped him become a great champion. Likewise, it takes focused training, discipline and endurance for Christ-followers to become the great faith-driven people God envisions us to be.

Love Languages

He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.

-- Isaiah 40:11

What’s your love language?

According to relationship expert and counselor Gary Chapman, husbands and wives show their love for one another in distinct ways. Some show it through words of affirmation or acts of service while others speak it through physical touch or quality time. And not surprisingly, another popular marital love language involves giving or receiving gifts.

We learn through the Bible that God also shows His love in several different ways. Think about the famous story of the Prodigal Son, where the loving father welcomes back his wayward – and totally undeserving – child with open arms. Or what about the shepherd who searches tirelessly for a single missing sheep? When he finally finds it, he returns it triumphantly to the rest of the flock.

Jesus also paints this remarkable word-portrait of love, which the agrarian people of His day would have recognized immediately:

“I am the good shepherd,” Christ tells us in the Gospel of John. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

Jesus also told His disciples about the man who sells all his possessions to buy a field. But not just any ordinary field, but one holding buried treasure. The cost to buy the land was staggering, but the man does whatever it takes to gain the prize.

And that’s how God loves us. He’ll go to any lengths to bring you and me into His family. Perhaps the most famous passage in the New Testament (John 3:16) tells us that God loves the world so much that He gave His only Son (Jesus) so that those who believe in Him will have eternal life. God willingly let Jesus suffer and die to pay for all our wrongdoings -- past, present and future. We rightfully deserve death because of how we’ve lived our lives. But God’s love offers us joy and happiness if we’re only willing to accept it. By living on Earth among everyday people and then dying for our sins, Jesus has already paid the ultimate price.

Yes, the limits of human vocabularies keep us from fully describing the meaning and implications of how God cherishes His children. We can only skim the surface of this deep and vast ocean. But maybe it’s really not that difficult. After all, it takes only three simple words from the Book of 1 John to sum up the Creator’s love language:

God is Love.

Show Me the Way

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

-- Matthew 7:13

It was a tragic story that dominated the news and perpetrated the legend of the Kennedy family curse. What the world wanted to know was what caused the 1999 plane crash that killed John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife and sister-in-law.

Conspiracy theorists pointed to political operatives who would stop at nothing to keep Kennedy from entering national politics and upsetting the 2000 presidential election. So-called “witnesses” even claimed to see his Piper Saratoga explode in mid-air. But for many others, the tragedy is simply that: a tragic accident. They point to the young pilot’s relative inexperience with instruments-only flying procedures. The weather was supposedly hazy and visibility less-than-ideal. The answer – they claim – is that JFK, Jr. became disoriented during the flight and failed to trust his instruments. He instead decided to trust his instincts and literally flew his airplane into the ocean.

Whether or not this scenario is accurate, it is plausible. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, Kennedy lost control after his plane made a series of rapid turns and altitude changes as it approached the airport. Veteran flight instructor Ernie Carnahan says this disturbing aerial activity is commonly known as a graveyard spiral.

Did JFK, Jr.’s self-reliance and refusal to believe the truth (his instruments) result in disaster? If so, he wasn’t a trendsetter. As King Solomon observed centuries ago in Proverbs, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”

That’s true for physical death. But it’s also the case for spiritual death; a stern warning that Jesus reiterated to His followers and enemies alike. He understood 1st Century ideas about faith and spirituality, and how in many ways they would never change. The Roman Empire that governed Biblical Israel was one of multiculturalism. Although the Jews worshipped the true God, the Romans and other peoples worshipped multiple false, manmade deities. But if they were willing to worship Caesar as Lord, all was good and tolerated.

Modern society continues to embrace a multiculturalism and political correctness that declares no faith to be better than any others. Christianity, Islam, Hindu, Buddhism; it makes no difference – particularly if you’re sincere in your faith. Those who stand for Biblical principles are denounced as naïve, bigots and intolerant. Today in Canada, Holland and other nations, those who denounce the evils of Islam are brought up to special commissions for questioning and prosecution. The United Nations even seeks to adopt binding legislation against blasphemy… and certainly not to protect Jesus’ good name!

Jesus – who was at the foundation of the world – knew that man’s self-reliance and understanding concerning faith and salvation meant destruction, death and separation from Him. To this, he answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. “No one comes to the Father except through me.”

An outrageous and intolerant claim? Only to those who refuse to believe in Him. But to those who follow Jesus as their Lord and Savior, His stunning declaration is a simple roadmap that shows the only trustworthy pathway to truth and eternal life.