When Storm Clouds Gather

 

   For those of us who care about the moral fabric of our country, the Supreme Court decision on Wednesday was disappointing.  As I busied myself with chores around our home, I deliberately kept the T.V. off as I knew the news channels would beat the subject to death.  Instead, I turned on inspirational hymns and music that soothe my mind.
     By late afternoon, I came across a wonderful article written by Dr. Albert Mohler entitled "'Waiting for the Other Shoe' - the Supreme Court Rules on Same-Sex Marriage" (the article can be found at Albertmohler.com ).  There was comfort in his words and wisdom.  Then, on Thursday, a dear friend posted to her Facebook page another great article entitled "The Right Side of History is Full of Rewrites" by Ted Olsen.  I found the article well written and thought out as it presents the history of the conflict of moral world views which has been raging for some time (the article can be read in full at Christianity Today - http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2013/june-web-only/same-sex-marriage-supreme-court-doma-right-side-of-history-.html?start=4 ).
     As I prayed about what I had read and discussed the issues at hand with my husband, I came to a place of peace in my heart.  Why?  God has written in His Word the story of man's life from creation to the culmination of end times.  He is sovereign over all the affairs of men so He is not surprised by this decision.  Likewise, just because a branch of government issues their decision does not negate the truth that is found in the Bible.  What God has said, He will do.  What He has begun, He will complete with or without man's cooperation.  We do not have the total picture of what our Lord is doing behind the scenes.  We only see in part, but one day we will understand and see God's total plan unfolded before our eyes when we enter heaven.
     When I consider Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his example during the reign of Hitler, I find someone who did not flinch under the restrictions placed upon Christians and the church.  Instead, he continued to teach, preach and work to preserve the truth of God's Word.  Often, when the church is persecuted or limited in some way, this is the time when the greatest growth is about to happen.  This is how I view what is taking place in our country now.  So what can we do?
     First, I believe we are called to pray even as Daniel did.  Daniel lived in a pagan culture, but he never neglected to pray to God daily.  When he was ordered to stop this practice, he was willing to be thrown to the lions.  We know that God preserved his life and kept him from harm.  He followed God's Law and not man's.  Prayer avails much and we need to diligently seek the Lord daily for our nation, our leaders, and our families.
     Secondly, we are called to stand.  Paul's letter to the church in Ephesus admonished these believers to put on God's full armor so they would be able to combat the enemy of their souls.  Chapter 6:13 reads:  "Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."  The victory, we must remember, belongs to those who stand firm in their faith and demonstrate the love of Christ.  The battle belongs to the Lord who alone has the power and authority over the enemy of our souls.
     Finally, we are to live in the strength of the Holy Spirit daily so that we may demonstrate to our culture what a Christian looks like.  As we live out biblical marriage, love our neighbors as ourselves, and serve where God has placed us, we will be living witnesses to the truth found in the Bible.  In addition, we need to tell others the Good News and the hope that is within us.  This is the greatest need we have in our country at this time.
     Many of us felt a blow to our mid-section this week with the decision by the court.  However, I am reminded of a similar blow struck against our country when the Japanese attacked us at Pearl Harbor.  A famous Japanese naval General Isoroku Yamamoto is quoted as saying after this attack:  "I fear all we have done is to awaken a sleeping giant and fill him with a terrible resolve."  Indeed, he was right.  However, the weapons of our warfare come from the sword of God's Word and they are not aimed at flesh and blood as Ephesians 6:12 tells us:  "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."  We must remember where the darkness comes from and further, that we are to be the lights which illumine this world.  God has chosen us from before the foundation of the world for such a time as this.  Take heart and join me in prayer for our nation and world.  More than ever, let us strive to be holy even as God is holy so that we might shine brightly at this time in His-story.  We know how the Bible ends.  Let us share this Good News with others that they too may come into the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.  Selah!

Why People Leave a Church

Westminster Abbey in London, England

     There have been a number of research polls taken on why people leave a church.  Some of the reasons are valid such as moving away to a new location or a change of jobs.  Likewise, a lack of sound biblical teaching is another important reason to depart.  However, there are also reasons which seem not as clear:  hurt feelings; dislike of the pastor; disagreement over carpets, paint or physical facilities; finances; being too busy;  marriage issues; gossip within the Body; no one called to visit them.  I know a number of people who will never darken the door of another church because of one of these issues.
     Having gone through the pain of leaving a church myself, I know, firsthand, how difficult it can be.  My husband and I did so only after much prayer and soul searching.  We felt we could not stay due to differences in doctrinal teaching.  Afterwards, it took us some time before we were once again able to fellowship in a church body.  Such an action can be devastating emotionally and spiritually.  By God's providence, we were invited to our present church home by our current pastor.  With the invitation to come and visit, he also gave us time until we felt ready to plunge in once again.
     When I hear people say they want to leave their church home, I think of the article I read some time ago by Dr. Dale A. Robbins entitled "Before You Quit Your Church".  He listed five things to consider before leaving:  "If you are presently in a church that  1) is scripturally sound 2) is reasonably stable and  loving, 3) has godly moral leadership 4) is doing their best to exalt Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and 5) if they're making a reasonable effort to minister to you and your family then hang in there and remain faithful!  You don't know how blessed you are to have a healthy church like that."  These are some good guidelines for all of us to keep in mind whether counseling someone who is about to leave their church or for ourselves if we are contemplating the same.
     God has some excellent reasons why we need to belong to a community of believers.  People tend to overlook these in their effort to find the "exit" door of a church.  First, God commands us to fellowship with other believers.  Hebrews 10:25 reads:  "...not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."  Within the Body of believers, we are intended to grow and help each other in our daily walk with Christ.
     Another important reason to be in fellowship is for the preaching and teaching of God's Word.  Paul exhorted young Timothy (II Timothy 4:2) to "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching."  This is how God will refine us if we sit under the teaching of His Word.  Yes, we can read it on our own, but there is no accountability outside of the church to help us stay on the right path.
     Thirdly, sitting in corporate worship allows us the chance to pray together, praise the Lord, take communion and encourage each other.  This is something we cannot do on our own.  Jesus told us that He would be present whenever two or three are gathered in His name, and He gave us an example of fellowship Himself as He went regularly to the synagogues and Temple to teach.  He did not isolate Himself.
     Finally, within the boundaries of the church body, we can serve one another and bring encouragement to one another.  Galatians 5:13-14 says:  "For you were called to freedom, brothers.  Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.  For the whole law is fulfilled in one word:  'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"  Our freedom that was bought by Jesus Christ gives us the privilege of being His hands and feet to bless those around us through service and encouragement.  The church is like our family and as we reach out to share the love of Christ with others around us, we will find the joy of the Lord.

St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland

     God's plan for believers is for us to work together to serve Him and bring glory to His name.  We are the Bride of Christ for whom He died.  Therefore, if you are thinking of leaving a church, consider the reasons for staying that Dr. Robbins listed.  If you have been through the pain of leaving a church, think about all the reasons why you need to find a new place to fellowship.  No place of worship is perfect because we are all sinners.  However, as forgiven believers in Jesus Christ, together we can glorify His name  through service in His Bride the church.  Selah!

Have you ever had to leave a church?  If so, how did God help you come back into fellowship?
I welcome your words of encouragement to help others in their walk.