So we were discussing toleration in Principles of Evangelism class this week and I thought why not expand on that. The idea that Christians are intolerant is absurd if we are truly following the principles of Christ we are to be the most accepting people on the planet. Look who Christ was around, the riffraff, the prostitutes, the adulterers, the prisoners, the delinquents, and the lepers. Christ said in Matthew 9: 12-13 "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice. For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."
So if this is so should we, as Christians, not follow after this example? And if we are following after Christ, then why are we considered intolerant? As Christians we accept people from every walk of life and lifestyle into God’s kingdom. Rich, poor, black, white, young, old, straight, gay God desires all of these people to be saved. The reason we are considered intolerant is because once a person has come to Christ, there will be a change in them that pulls them away from sin. They are new creatures with a regenerate nature. So the reason we appear intolerant is because the Church, like God, cannot accept sin into the church. So once a person becomes part of the family of Christ they are also expected to strive for holiness and turn from sin. Why? Because we are to imitate and become like Christ. Sin keeps us from having a perfect relationship with God.
The church cannot be tolerant of sin because we know there is something greater out there. The pleasures of sin are temporary, but the love of God is eternal. We should always strive for holiness because our God is Holy. This is why we may seem intolerant to the world.
So in conclusion we are not to be intolerant of those outside the church, but we are to be intolerant of sin inside the church. Christ takes us where we are and brings us closer to Him.
I leave you with these words from Lady Liberty.
“Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
Just remember who the true door is.
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Confession
Is it really supposed to be like this? The fighting, the ridicule, the finger pointing? Is this what Christ had in mind?
We complain a lot about how screwed up the world is out there. The abortion, divorce, war, etc. But the world is supposed to be like that. The world is lost. The world is bound by sin. So from those bound by sin we should expect such things and not judge the lost for God has set their judgment as He has ours. But is the church supposed to be like that as well?
As most of you know I am a 5 point Calvinist, which mean I believe God has ordained all and is in ultimate control, but according to scripture the church should not be a small microcosm of the world.
The church is in such a distress right now and considering who we serve this should not be possible if we were truly serving Him. In this blog I want to take a minute to look at one specific reason we may be in such dire straights.
I think it is because we have lost all forms of trust in the church, especially when it comes to confession of sin. We no longer are willing to come forth to our brothers and sisters in Christ and admit there is a challenge we face with sin in our lives. But if that sin is discovered the entire body of Christ quickly jumps for the kill.
Here is the question I pose to both myself and my readers: If you are dealing with a sin would you feel comfortable divulging that sin to someone like you?
If there was some struggle in your life and everyone in your church was likely to react as you would if you told them, would you be willing to confess that sin?
What reaction do you have when you hear of someone's failings?
Do you laugh? "I knew it; I knew they were too good to be true."
Do you spread the word? "Hey George, guess what I found out."
Do you get angry? "That *****, I can't believe he would do that!"
Are you jealous because you didn't know earlier? "He should have said something."
Are you in disbelief? "I can't believe that he would.., him of all people."
Are you broken and hurt? "How could he do this to me?"
Are you speechless?
Maybe you experience all those emotions as it processes in your mind. Maybe you are just numb for a while. Whatever your initial response is, there is only one final response that will honor God, prayer. Prayer that that person will come out of sin, that they will be healed with God's power, and God will be glorified.
If that was our response to a confession of sin how much stronger would the church be? How much stronger would we be?
Is it appropriate to judge those that claim the name of Christ? Yes. We are to judge the sins of believers because if we do not the sin will continue, and a full fellowsip with God cannot be realized. But we are to judge as God judges, out of holiness, out of love, and through the blood of Christ.
So what are we to do about this trust issue? Here is the first step: Be honest with yourself about your own sinfulness. Remember that you need a savior too. Step 2: Now that you realize you failings when you hear of others do for them what you ask for yourself. Step 3: Trust someone with confession your sin. Every one of them, not just the small ones that we consider to be frivolous sin (though there is no such thing). Take the risk and pray God will receive the glory from it and bless you with a friendly ear.
Remember those you confess your sins too may not always follow those principles. They may spit in your face and tell the world. But He who saved you is there to comfort you. Be obedient to Him alone, and bear the cross of Christ with His strength. It is not easy to share that we are failures, but scripture demands it.
James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
When we bear our burdens together the load is lighter, and the journey shorter.
I'm about to do something that I may regret, but I feel it necessary to prove my point. Below is a list of every sin I have dealt with both past and present. It is not an exhaustive list as many times I sin and do not even realize it. I tell you this for several reasons. First, my God has forgiven me and is bringing or has brought me out of each one and He receives the glory for that. The victory was won at the Cross, and I'm just battling myself and the enemy that hasn't gotten the message yet. Second, I desire you to realize I write these words out of personal conviction and not mere judgment on others. Third, I ask for prayer over these sins that I may still face. Finally, I pray it will shed some light on sin in your life that you may confess it before God and man, and join me in broken repentance.
Lust, Pride, Jealousy, Covetedness, Racism, Slothfulness, Gluttony, Theft, Disrespect of authority, Idolatry, Hatred, Lying, Betrayal, and Blasphemy.
My sins are great, but I serve a God greater than them. Judge as you wish, but my lot has been cast, and my chains have been broken. I am freed.
What about you?
In God we Trust,
Jason Vaughn
We complain a lot about how screwed up the world is out there. The abortion, divorce, war, etc. But the world is supposed to be like that. The world is lost. The world is bound by sin. So from those bound by sin we should expect such things and not judge the lost for God has set their judgment as He has ours. But is the church supposed to be like that as well?
As most of you know I am a 5 point Calvinist, which mean I believe God has ordained all and is in ultimate control, but according to scripture the church should not be a small microcosm of the world.
The church is in such a distress right now and considering who we serve this should not be possible if we were truly serving Him. In this blog I want to take a minute to look at one specific reason we may be in such dire straights.
I think it is because we have lost all forms of trust in the church, especially when it comes to confession of sin. We no longer are willing to come forth to our brothers and sisters in Christ and admit there is a challenge we face with sin in our lives. But if that sin is discovered the entire body of Christ quickly jumps for the kill.
Here is the question I pose to both myself and my readers: If you are dealing with a sin would you feel comfortable divulging that sin to someone like you?
If there was some struggle in your life and everyone in your church was likely to react as you would if you told them, would you be willing to confess that sin?
What reaction do you have when you hear of someone's failings?
Do you laugh? "I knew it; I knew they were too good to be true."
Do you spread the word? "Hey George, guess what I found out."
Do you get angry? "That *****, I can't believe he would do that!"
Are you jealous because you didn't know earlier? "He should have said something."
Are you in disbelief? "I can't believe that he would.., him of all people."
Are you broken and hurt? "How could he do this to me?"
Are you speechless?
Maybe you experience all those emotions as it processes in your mind. Maybe you are just numb for a while. Whatever your initial response is, there is only one final response that will honor God, prayer. Prayer that that person will come out of sin, that they will be healed with God's power, and God will be glorified.
If that was our response to a confession of sin how much stronger would the church be? How much stronger would we be?
Is it appropriate to judge those that claim the name of Christ? Yes. We are to judge the sins of believers because if we do not the sin will continue, and a full fellowsip with God cannot be realized. But we are to judge as God judges, out of holiness, out of love, and through the blood of Christ.
So what are we to do about this trust issue? Here is the first step: Be honest with yourself about your own sinfulness. Remember that you need a savior too. Step 2: Now that you realize you failings when you hear of others do for them what you ask for yourself. Step 3: Trust someone with confession your sin. Every one of them, not just the small ones that we consider to be frivolous sin (though there is no such thing). Take the risk and pray God will receive the glory from it and bless you with a friendly ear.
Remember those you confess your sins too may not always follow those principles. They may spit in your face and tell the world. But He who saved you is there to comfort you. Be obedient to Him alone, and bear the cross of Christ with His strength. It is not easy to share that we are failures, but scripture demands it.
James 5:16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
When we bear our burdens together the load is lighter, and the journey shorter.
I'm about to do something that I may regret, but I feel it necessary to prove my point. Below is a list of every sin I have dealt with both past and present. It is not an exhaustive list as many times I sin and do not even realize it. I tell you this for several reasons. First, my God has forgiven me and is bringing or has brought me out of each one and He receives the glory for that. The victory was won at the Cross, and I'm just battling myself and the enemy that hasn't gotten the message yet. Second, I desire you to realize I write these words out of personal conviction and not mere judgment on others. Third, I ask for prayer over these sins that I may still face. Finally, I pray it will shed some light on sin in your life that you may confess it before God and man, and join me in broken repentance.
Lust, Pride, Jealousy, Covetedness, Racism, Slothfulness, Gluttony, Theft, Disrespect of authority, Idolatry, Hatred, Lying, Betrayal, and Blasphemy.
My sins are great, but I serve a God greater than them. Judge as you wish, but my lot has been cast, and my chains have been broken. I am freed.
What about you?
In God we Trust,
Jason Vaughn
Christians tick me off!
Seriously, some "Christians" are just plain ignorant. Recently, it was revealed that someone I know was struggling with the sin of homosexuality. I found this out because a fellow Christian told me about it. What upsets me is that he told me in gossip (a sin itself) instead of in brokenness and concern for the individual. It really annoys me that certain sins Christians would rather make fun of someone instead of embracing them and praying for them to find a way out of that sin. It truly is ridiculous. When it comes to sins of adultery, homosexuality, and promiscuity Christians are more likely to completely cut that person off than to love them. I am not saying that we should accept these sins, but I am saying that each and everyone of us has been caught up in some sort of sin at some point in our lives, and the blood of Christ covers the sin of adultery as well as the sin of gossip.
I have to admit I find myself guilty of this same stupidity. I talked about certain person that recently left his wife and instead of showing concern laughed and made jokes concerning it. Now I feel that we do this at times because we don't want to realize the truth of what is happening. Concerning the man that committed adultery, he was a man I looked up to and once I stopped being moronic and looking at it I realized how much it hurt. That can never give us a right though to sin in return by gossiping or making light of sin.
I truly feel that we must stop being so stupid when it comes to others sin. Each of us has accepted Christ still struggle daily to honor Him and many times we fall. Yet, when we discover a brother’s sin our immediate fleshly reaction is to tell someone else. "Wait till so and so hears this...”
In Luke 7:47 Christ says "Therefore I tell you her sins, which are many, are forgiven--for she loved much. But he, who is forgiven little, loves little." Maybe the reason we find it so hard to accept these people with concern is that most of us have never been part of that sin. But that is not because of our righteousness or holiness it is because God Almighty, as was stated in my class today, saves some people from it, and others out of it. Just because God decided to save us from it does not mean we are greater it is simply what God in His sovereign judgment has chosen to do. If not for His grace who knows where we would be and what abominations we would be committing.
As many of you know, when I was ten years old I was molested. Because of this traumatic experience I struggled for years with sexual sins, and it wasn't until very recently God started to completely free me of that. Until last year I had never even told a fellow believer, except my youth pastor, about the struggle. I praise God that He brought me out of that and used that to help me understand the struggles of others. I pray God does not have to submit you to that before our eyes will be opened to the challenges some believers face. I urge each of you to look at your past and realize whether or not God has saved you from sin or out of sin He still had to do the saving. Without His working in our life we not only we be enthralled by the world, but also by damnation. We aren't perfect and we shouldn't expect others to be, though we should continue to pray those that have fallen because only God can pick them up. So next time a brother comes to you and says "Guess what I heard about...” why don't you ask him if he is telling you out of concern or gosip. Either way we should take the next step and pray for both of those brothers or sisters. Remember, you needed a savior too.
In God we Trust,
Jason Vaughn
I have to admit I find myself guilty of this same stupidity. I talked about certain person that recently left his wife and instead of showing concern laughed and made jokes concerning it. Now I feel that we do this at times because we don't want to realize the truth of what is happening. Concerning the man that committed adultery, he was a man I looked up to and once I stopped being moronic and looking at it I realized how much it hurt. That can never give us a right though to sin in return by gossiping or making light of sin.
I truly feel that we must stop being so stupid when it comes to others sin. Each of us has accepted Christ still struggle daily to honor Him and many times we fall. Yet, when we discover a brother’s sin our immediate fleshly reaction is to tell someone else. "Wait till so and so hears this...”
In Luke 7:47 Christ says "Therefore I tell you her sins, which are many, are forgiven--for she loved much. But he, who is forgiven little, loves little." Maybe the reason we find it so hard to accept these people with concern is that most of us have never been part of that sin. But that is not because of our righteousness or holiness it is because God Almighty, as was stated in my class today, saves some people from it, and others out of it. Just because God decided to save us from it does not mean we are greater it is simply what God in His sovereign judgment has chosen to do. If not for His grace who knows where we would be and what abominations we would be committing.
As many of you know, when I was ten years old I was molested. Because of this traumatic experience I struggled for years with sexual sins, and it wasn't until very recently God started to completely free me of that. Until last year I had never even told a fellow believer, except my youth pastor, about the struggle. I praise God that He brought me out of that and used that to help me understand the struggles of others. I pray God does not have to submit you to that before our eyes will be opened to the challenges some believers face. I urge each of you to look at your past and realize whether or not God has saved you from sin or out of sin He still had to do the saving. Without His working in our life we not only we be enthralled by the world, but also by damnation. We aren't perfect and we shouldn't expect others to be, though we should continue to pray those that have fallen because only God can pick them up. So next time a brother comes to you and says "Guess what I heard about...” why don't you ask him if he is telling you out of concern or gosip. Either way we should take the next step and pray for both of those brothers or sisters. Remember, you needed a savior too.
In God we Trust,
Jason Vaughn
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