I believe that this struggle is more common than we want to admit; however, it must be over come.  First place is to acknowledge our own failings, brokenness and sinfulness.  Get over ourselves and realize – yeah, I am not perfect and also realize everyone knows it.  Secondly, despite how I feel about an issue (failing or sin) – it is in the best interests of my friend/child to address the issue.  I am helping no one, least of all them, by ignoring the issue because of my own history – that’s actually a very selfish way to look at things.  I know, because I have been there (being selfish).

No two people are completely alike.  We all have histories and stories that have shaped us and made us into who we are and into who we are continuing to become.  It is best to take time to read someone’s history – listen to their stories and understand them.  This presupposes that you care enough, not only about whatever the issue at hand is but even more about the person.

By taking time to read and understand a person, you show them respect.  No one wants to be impersonally corrected on any issue.  And let’s get this straight, we want to do more than straighten out people – we want to help and get people on a path of healing and growth.  If you have ever had one of those experiences in which someone dumps a load of bricks onto you (heaps shame) and pulls away saying that they only did it because they love you – you know what I mean.  I am not sure what that is; however, I am pretty sure it ain’t love!

When you read a person, speak to them and help them to hear you.  Ask lots of questions with a humble attitude and wait for answers.  After all, you may be wrong.  Many people don’t realize how their actions and/or words are sinful on their own – someone has to graciously show them.  This must be done with the utmost humility – because, but for the grace of God – you would be the one with the issue.

Offer assistance.  For the life of me, I can not understand how someone would point out a sin or issue and then leave someone to sort it out on their own.  Again, I reference the load of bricks.  That just isn’t love.  Walk with the person – offer to read Scripture, a book or study a combination of both.  Plan ahead to invest this sort of time helping a brother or sister.

If the matter is of a more serious nature, offer to go to a Pastor with them.  Don’t simply say, “now go see Pastor.”  Go with them – walk that distance with them because it is a lonely walk and shame can become an unbearable burden.  We must; we must help carry these burdens.

To say we love and allow the people we love to fall off an abyss into sin is to lie.  We have to stand behind our words with actions of love; otherwise, we say to the starving man – “be warm and filled” and do nothing.

I tell you, people are worth the read – you will learn more about yourself, the grace of God and others when you take the time to listen to their stories and get to know them.  This is so important before you move into their lives to correct them.  Some have said, “you need to earn the right to be heard.”

I have to be honest, this has not been a snap for me.  Meaning, I have felt the pull not to associate so deeply with guys who have some differing theological positions (however peripheral they may be).  We agree on the essentials – the deity of Christ, the sufficiency and authority of Scripture and salvation by grace received only through faith.  But there is stretching that takes place when you’re out of your comfort zone.  Its a good stretching though.  I have learned a lot about myself and my Lord as I have leaned on Him as I have taken steps to move out and grow.  I believe this to be the right thing to do – these are my brothers.  The old jokes about which denomination will have a corner on the market in heaven has ramifications.  There are the traditional hang ups and baggage that must be examined and discarded in many cases in order to truly embrace Biblical living.  All of this takes time and is not without it’s angst.

I have been emphasing in my recent preaching that we’re (Christians) at war (1 Peter 2: 11) and in a battle between sin and our very souls.  It was a R&R type of thing to come together and pray for one another – getting to know where we all have come from and what is the desire of our hearts – Jesus and His growing Kingdom in Kirkland and beyond.

It was a good reminder that we are not lone soldiers in this battle, we’re in this together.  I am fond of reminding people – we need to care for one another.  It was nice to be cared for and in the presence of men who are caring for their flocks and striving to build the kingdom of God against most all odds.

Don’t go it alone.  If you’re reading this and feel isolated and cut off – reach out to me.  I understand when someone says to me that they’re a recovering __fill in the denomination___.   Don’t get me wrong and over react, there is nothing wrong with being a Baptist, Nazarene or whatever – there is history and rich heritage there; however, let’s not make the mistake of pretending that one denomination is superior to another.  I am here.

This is the video referenced in this message:

This morning Ethan heads off on his first serious hiking/camping trip without any family.  Sure, he’s going with a great group of guys; however, saying good bye this morning brought all these feelings to the surface.  I really enjoyed the sense of goodness that I felt as he descended down our stairwell with one of his buddies.

It is a strange feeling to hug your son and have his collar bone strike you in the cheek.  For some 18 odd years it was the other way around.  Having Chase sit down and talk with me, man to man, over a cup of coffee and a Jones soda is moving.  Meeting Mykaela for lunch and hearing about her work and life is powerful.  I can remember taking her to the airport the first time she went away to school.  She sat right behind me in the red van and sang along to an Avalon CD as if it were a regular day’s drive – for me it was the cataclysmic changing of my life – my first and oldest leaving the nest (I didn’t know that she would be back as she now is). 

I wonder how God must look at me?  Does my maturing strike him the same way the maturing of my children strikes me?  In the end, God has blessed my life with these people.  Blessed in ways in which no other human beings on this huge planet for all time ever will.  Imagine that – of the billions of people – no one else will be my sons and daughter.  Raising these people from children to young adults has been a great responsibility and I am profoundly thankful for it.  Never in a million years did I think I would have such a wonderful family, nor did I ever think I was ready for the responsibility – I guess that is where the wonder of God’s grace comes in and leaves me thankful.

On to the next chapter!

“Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
thine eye diffused a quickening ray;
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
my chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed thee.” – Charles Wesley, And Can It Be That I Should Gain

According to Retired U.S. Navy Captain Gerald Coffee, when the POW’s were processing out – one of the Vietnamese officials actually approached him and gave him the opportunity to stay and remain a POW.  He said, “You don’t have to accept repatriation (freedom), you can stay if you want.” (See remarkable video)

The struggle to do what is right before God.  The ability to abstain from sin.   I am thankful that over 25 years ago, God got a hold of my life – showed me my need for a Savior and began transforming my life.  That transformation has had its ups and downs and in retrospect has been quite a battle.

I am reminded of His grace daily.  I came across this video while preparing my sermon series on sanctification.  The idea of remaining in bondage after one has been freed seemed incomprehensible.  Yet, Capt Coffee stated it clearly, his former captors gave him an invitation to stay back with them.  There was just something chilling in that exchange.  Isn’t that the way sin operates – deception and cunning lies are clothed with a smile and invitation?

With my chains off, I have to ask myself am I seeking to honor God, love Him more and obey Him more?  It’s a good question and I believe that it begs a comprehensive look at our lives.  It’s way to easy to be depressed by focusing on a low time and equally too easy to become prideful by focusing on an up time. I guess it would be about fabric and not thread here.

My main concern is that I don’t live like a slave when actually I am free.

A Christian Vampire is someone who wants and relishes the blood of Jesus; however, wants it to consume it on their own desires.  Some might call it “fire escape salvation” or “easy believism” but what ever you want to call it, it is painfully obvious that it is rampant in the church today.

No, the Vampire Christian doesn’t worship hanging upside down nor does he or she have fangs – and no, they don’t dress like a Westley Snipes “Blade” character – they’re pretty much normal everyday looking folks.  They claim the blood of Christ for salvation and will cling to it to the end; however, with that claim they pretty much live their lives for themselves – devoid of the trappings of the Lordship of Christ.  You see, somewhere along the line – they bought into the thinking that once you ask to “be saved” and “claim the blood of Christ” you are “free” to live anyway you want – without any responsibility.  This turns the Gospel into a self serving life rope and not an act of grace by a merciful God upon a lost sinner.

The stake that Vampires hate is called “legalism” – don’t hold me back or put any conditions on my “blood oath” with Christ!  I believe that is a misguided and reactionary response to being called to live responsibly before our Lord.  Romans 6 makes it pretty clear, we have responsibilities as Christians to no long yield our lives for ourselves and wallow in sin.  This sin include attitudes such as selfishness and self centeredness along with a host of other sins listed in various locations in Scripture.  Yes, there is Christian liberty – but there is also wise and responsible living that acknowledges we are members of Christ’s body and with that comes some definite responsibilities (both corporate and individual).  Paul also wrote to the Galatian church in chapter 5 that their “freedom” came with responsibility.

So, while you (If your of the Vampire class) may have a knee jerk reaction to my thoughts and shout – foul!  I ask you to fully hear me out.  I am not calling anyone back under the law or to live under the tyranny of some form of legalism; however, I am asking us all to reconsider what we mean when we call Jesus Christ – Lord.  James said it well of the Christians in his day, “You ask and do not receive because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.”  (James 4: 3)

There is nothing new under the sun.

Across my office, there is a picture of a sailing ship – it is moved and powered by the wind.  Scripture uses the analogy of wind to describe the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives.  If my sails are not up – I am dead in the water – carried about, adrift, by the currents around me.  I must hoist sails – adjust them to the wind and set my course accordingly.

I want fruit to be born of this ministry.  I realize this morning that means going out on a limb and trusting God that it won’t break off behind me.  I can see the fruit.  I can even smell it sometimes.  Alas, it seems just out of reach at the moment.  I feel as though I am crawling out on a limb.

Growing up in upstate New York – on our road there was a couple of apple orchards.  I have fun memories of climbing trees and running around them.

I am praying for God to move me just a bit further.  To move us.  To show us His glory.  Ever so faint is the breeze – ever so distant is the fruit… or so it seems this morning.