Activity vs. Identity

I ride a motorcycle almost every day of the week. It is my primary mode of transportation. I ride it to work and around town. I am one of the few pastors who makes house and hospital visits wearing a helmet and armored jacket. I ride a motorcycle and enjoy doing so very much, but I am not a biker. I don’t work on my bike. I don’t read motorcycle magazines. I am not part of a club. I spend very little time talking about bikes or other models I might like to ride. I enjoy taking my sons to the motorcycle shop and looking at the shiny new bikes, but that is always about spending time with them. I never go alone. I ride a motorcycle, but riding it does not define me.

On the other hand, I am a runner. I do not currently run every day. Since moving to Arizona my weekly mileage has dropped drastically; some weeks I do not run at all. But I am still a runner. Why? Because running is an activity that defines me. Running is not simply what I do; it is part of who I am. When I am not running, I often think about running. When I finish a run, I am eager to run again. I read books and magazines on running. I make notes about running. I talk to friends about running. Even when I am injured or too busy to run, I am still a runner. It is not just an activity; it is an identity.

For many people being a Christian is an activity. They go to church on certain days of the week. They do religious things like read the Bible or pray. They may even do these things every day. But these are only activities; it is not their identity. Being a Christian is something they do, not fundamentally who they are.

The Bible describes discipleship as an identity, not an activity. True disciples will do certain things, but following Jesus is not the sum of those activities; it is the passionate purpose of their entire lives. Denying self, taking up the cross, and following Jesus is not a list of tasks but the daily and defining rhythm of their existence.

Each of us would do well to meditate on whether we follow Jesus or are Jesus-followers, whether Christianity is what we practice or who we are. The latter always includes the former, but the reverse is not true. Many who do religious things are not really disciples at all. Religion is an activity, not their identity. Which is it for you? –JME

Terms and Concepts

It is very important to distinguish between terms and concepts when studying the Bible and theology. I grew up in churches that usually objected to the term Trinity to describe the tri-unity of God. Those churches taught the doctrine of the Trinity, i.e. there is one God eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Spirit. They refused to use the term Trinity, preferring to use the term Godhead, but they taught the concept expressed by it. They objected to the word Trinity because it is not found in the Bible, but this misunderstands the difference between terms and concepts.

Concepts are doctrines and ideas taught in Scripture. Terms are the names by which we refer to those ideas. Trinity is the term the Church has historically used to name the doctrine of the tri-unity of God. Instead of saying Trinity we could say “there is one God eternally existent in three persons: Father, Son, and Spirit” every time we wanted to refer to that doctrine, but it is easier to name the doctrine: the Trinity. Most major Bible doctrines are referred to by names not necessarily found in Scripture. The question is not whether the term is found in the Bible but whether the concept is taught there.

Terms are helpful in naming and summarizing Bible doctrines and ideas, but they become unhelpful or even dangerous if their meaning is not consistent or understood. For example, some churches claim to believe in the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but they believe the one God sometimes appears as the Father, sometimes as the Son, and sometimes as the Holy Spirit. There are not three distinct persons in their view of God; there is only one; He simply wears different faces at different times. Do they teach the doctrine of the Trinity? No, they deny it! Likewise some will say they believe in the deity of Christ but then claim He was created by the Father before the creation of the world. Is this the biblical and historical doctrine of the Son? No, it is a denial of it. Terms are important and helpful, but the concepts behind those terms are even more important.

Unless we correctly understand what we mean by the terms we use, we may easily fall into false doctrine. We may be using the right terms, but if we mean something other than what the Bible says when we use those terms, we are not using the terms rightly. Both the form of our teaching (the words we use) and the content of our teaching (the doctrine we convey) matter. –JME

What Could Change Your Mind?

My religious convictions have changed quite a bit in the last decade, especially in the last 6 years. After spending more than three decades in the non-instrumental churches of Christ, my views on salvation, worship, baptism, and the church have changed considerably. Some assume the changes in my teaching and practice were the result of worldly motives, but the Lord knows I was not looking to change my beliefs when it happened. The changes in my faith have enriched and blessed my life in many ways, but they certainly have not made life easier. Nevertheless, the changes in my thinking and practice were necessary once my understanding of Scripture changed. I could not believe one thing and teach another. That is hypocrisy.

What could change your religious convictions? Is it possible for your understanding of Scripture to change, or is your mind completely closed? Are you able to learn as you read and study the Bible, or do you do so only to confirm what you already believe? Having confidence in our beliefs is good. We should not continually doubt, question, and worry over settled matters of the faith. But we must still have the humility to recognize we could be (and likely are) wrong about some things we believe. None of us know or understand Scripture perfectly; we all have much to learn and plenty of room to grow. So what could change your religious convictions?

What changed my mind was the consistent and inescapable testimony of Scripture. The more I read my Bible, the more reasons I found to question what I believed. I did not desire or intend to abandon what I had thought for so long, but there are three things I know with certainty that compelled me to continue studying and adjusting my views. First, I know there is a God and that Jesus is His Son. Second, I know the Bible is God’s word and trustworthy in all it teaches. Third, I know we ought to believe and obey the Bible no matter what it costs.

The Jews in Berea listened to Paul’s teaching with great eagerness (Acts 17:11). They did not accept his teaching uncritically, but they listened carefully and searched the Scriptures daily to see whether what he said was so. We ought to do the same. Every time we open the Bible we can learn and grow. We can be confident in the teaching and authority of Scripture. Men make mistakes, but the word of God will not lead us astray. Be willing to let the Bible change your mind, and read it accordingly. –JME

In Spite of It All, They Still Sinned

“In spite of all this, they still sinned; despite his wonders, they did not believe.”
(Psalm 78:32)

Psalm 78 powerfully testifies to God’s gracious faithfulness and Israel’s stubborn perverseness. The text recounts the abundance of God’s mercy, kindness, and blessing on His people while at the same time noting the wickedness, ingratitude, and rebellion of the people. The verse quoted above largely sums up the story. God was good to the people, but in spite of His goodness, they still sinned.

Psalm 78:32 reminds me of...well, me. Israel’s story is a lot like my story. God has been good to me, so very, very good. But I still sinned. Even after coming to know Christ and being given a new heart, I still sin far too easily, far too often, in far too many ways. I look back on my life and see years and years of God’s kindness, goodness, and blessings. But I also see train-wrecked relationships, misguided zeal, anger, ingratitude, and worldly desires. All of the good parts of my story I owe to God. All of the other stuff, well, that was the part I contributed to my life-story.

Fortunately, there is good news. Israel’s story is not my story, even though similar at many points. As you look close you realize Psalm 78 is not describing shortcomings; it is describing apostasy. It is not Israel’s mistakes the psalmist is lamenting; it is her abject unbelief. I may be a mess and a long way from the kind of consistent holiness I am called to in Christ, but by the grace and promise and power of God, I remain a believer in Christ, kept through faith for salvation, and enabled to persevere by His good work (Php. 1:6; 1Pet. 1:3-5). There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Rom. 8:1-4). Praise God my salvation depends not on the consistency of my walk with God but on the quality of His work for me (2Cor. 5:21)!

You may find yourself despairing because of your shortcomings. If you never did, chances are you do not see yourself or your sin biblically. You are not taking sin as seriously as you should. But there is hope. In Christ we do not remain broken forever. We will not always fall short in these ways. You do not have to ever feel hopeless, because Jesus saves. He came not for the righteous but for sinners. That is good news for me. God’s goodness will not be in vain in my life. There is hope in Christ. Cling to Him. Lean on Him. Never let Him go. He will bring you safely through the wilderness. Now go read Psalm 78, and pay attention to how the story ends. –JME

Read the Bible, but Live in Psalms and Proverbs

All Scripture of God-breathed (2Tim. 3:16-17), and we need to be reading all of it on a regular basis. Bible reading plans should be systematic and comprehensive, not sporadic and selective. Whether the entire Bible is read once a year, once every two years, or multiple times each year, all of it matters, all of it is valuable, and all of it should be read.

I read the Bible, Old and New Testaments, on a daily basis, but I live in the Psalms and Proverbs. In addition to several chapters in the OT and NT, I read (usually) 5 psalms every day and 1 chapter of Proverbs. In this way, I can cover the entire books of Psalms and Proverbs every month. Why do I read Psalms and Proverbs more than any other part of the Bible? Because Psalms is the prayer book and hymn book of the Bible. It leads the reader into worship and prayer. It vividly expresses the entire range of human emotions and accurately describes our human experience. No matter how you are feeling, no matter what is occurring, if you read 5 psalms, chances are you will find one that speaks directly to your circumstances. Similarly, the Book of Proverbs is godly wisdom for living. It expresses in practical and easy to understand ways how we ought to live in this world, what difference the fear of God ought to make in our lives.

Prayer, praise, and practice. This is how Psalms and Proverbs help us. This is what we so desperately need every day. These books are not the only thing we need, and they do not contain everything we need. But these two books in the canon ought to fill our hearts and minds. We need to soak in the truth of these texts and allow their words to shape our thoughts and prayers and praise and life.

There are many ways to read Psalms and Proverbs, but let me suggest that, however you choose to do so, you make reading these two books a separate, daily discipline of reading in addition to the rest of your Bible reading. You will find your heart calmed, your spirit uplifted, and your prayers and praise of God strengthened. Read the Bible, but live in the Psalms and Proverbs. –JME

First World Problems

If you have a Facebook account, you know something about first world problems. First world problems are the kinds of issues people complain about in the free, capitalist countries of the western world. The first, second, and third world terminology developed during and after WWII to describe the free, capitalist nations in the West, the repressive, socialist nations in the East, and the developing nations not allied with either of the groups. Typically the third world is applied to certain countries in Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia which are more primitive, unindustrialized, and characterized by significant poverty.

Facebook is largely (though not exclusively) devoted to pampered people complaining about first world problems. The contrast between what Americans complain about and what a starving mother in Ethiopia faces is considerable. The former complain about the paucity of gluten-free options on a restaurant menu or the inadequate amount of caramel in their $5 latte. The latter does not have a platform on which to complain, nor would she have time to do so. She is too busy trying to keep herself and her children alive.

There is a lesson here for all of us about gratitude, complaining, and perspective. The Scriptures speak at great length on these issues (Prov. 15:15-17; Php. 2:14-16; 4:4-8). But setting the personal context aside for a moment, think of the corporate and congregational application. How many of the concerns, complaints, and controversies in the local church really are first world problems? Do you suppose the Jerusalem church argued much about music while Saul was wreaking havoc on their fellowship, kicking in doors and arresting Christians (Acts 8:3)? Do you think the saints who prayed all night while Peter was in prison expressed their disappointment at the available refreshments (Acts 12:5, 12)? How many of our complaints and controversies would make sense to third word churches today?

This is not to invalidate every concern that is raised or to suggest it is never appropriate to be dissatisfied with our present circumstances. But it is to encourage us all and me first of all, to place that dissatisfaction in context. Would it really matter if we were meeting in a dirt hut in Africa? Should it really matter at all? May the Lord help us to make the main thing, the main thing. –JME

Why RBC Will Begin Offering Communion Wine

Recently the elders in our congregation decided to make a few adjustments to our practice of communion. Starting next week there will be a few differences in our celebration of the sacrament. First, we will be using freshly baked unleavened bread, and the loaf will be blessed and broken in front of the church before being distributed (Matt. 26:26; 1Cor. 10:16-17). Second, the elders will carry the trays containing the bread and the fruit of the vine to the congregation, emphasizing in a symbolic way their responsibility to feed the flock. Third, cups of wine will be added to the trays so those partaking may choose either the traditional communion wine or grape juice as we used before. We recognize this third change, the offering of wine in addition to grape juice, is likely to be the most surprising or potentially offensive to some members, so we thought it wise to briefly explain why we decided to begin doing so.

            There is absolutely no doubt the Church used (fermented) wine in communion for almost two thousand years after Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper. The process for pasteurizing grape juice was only invented in the late 1800’s (by a man named Welch). The widespread use of grape juice in communion is almost entirely a modern, American phenomenon. So how did it get started, and why? It largely began as part of the Temperance Movement in the 19^th century. Some Christians and advocates of social change responded to the frequent abuse of alcohol by campaigning for complete abstinence. Prohibition was one, temporary, result of this social movement. The use of grape juice in communion was another, one which endures to present day.

            Contrary to what many American Christians believe (and some denominations affirm), the Bible does not universally forbid drinking alcohol. Scripture does strongly condemn drunkenness (Prov. 20:1; 23:20, 29-35; Gal. 5:19-22), but wine is a symbol of God’s grace and abundant blessing on His people (Deut. 7:13; Psa. 104:15; Joel 3:18). Wine is to be enjoyed by God’s people, in moderation and not to drunkenness, as a celebration of His goodness in our lives (Deut. 14:26; Isa. 55:1; John 2:1-10). It is perfectly lawful for a Christian to choose to completely abstain from alcohol, and some probably should do so for reasons of health. But drinking alcohol moderately is a matter of Christian liberty, and its use in communion is a fact of biblical and Christian history.

            Some may object that using wine in communion may cause a brother or sister to stumble, but practicing biblical ordinances with biblical elements and using them in a biblical way is never a cause for stumbling. Furthermore, grape juice will continue to be provided in the same trays for those who wish to abstain, so no one will ever be asked to do something which violates their conscience or might lead them into sin. Brothers in Christ must be careful not to exercise their liberty or scruples in a way that causes another to stumble (Rom. 14:1-23), but this is just as true for the “weaker brother” who refuses to drink wine as it is for the “stronger brother” who does so. Both are instructed to follow their own convictions without forcing the other to comply.

            Starting next Sunday the trays containing the fruit of the vine will have two options. In the center of the trays will be cups containing grape juice. The outer two rings will contain cups of wine. We will use white grape juice and red wine each week to make the distinction more obvious. Each participant can choose for themselves which emblem to drink. Either will satisfy the biblical requirement of using the “fruit of the vine” (Matt. 26:29). No one is made better or worse by using one or the other. The point of communion is Christ, not the presence or absence of fermentation.

            One final question ought to be answered. If grape juice will suffice for communion and the Bible does not specifically command wine, why make any change at all? The reason is simple. We are interested in pursuing biblical reformation. We do not make changes capriciously or according to personal preferences. We do not endeavor to design church according to the spirit of this age or what is fashionable in this moment. Rather we are committed to practicing historic, biblical Christianity. The practice of using grape juice for communion is very new, very modern, even if it is the only tradition many of us are accustomed to. We see value in returning to the ancient, historic, biblical tradition of the Church. We are not looking for new ways of doing church but ancient paths, the original teaching handed down by Christ and the apostles (Jer. 6:16). Yes, grape juice will suffice, but the Church has used wine for almost two thousand years. We are happy and content to do the same. –JME