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I attended two funerals recently.  Though the occasion was the same, what I heard at these two services was world's apart.

At one funeral, the minister (I am very hesitant to use the word "pastor" here) did read some Scripture, and he did talk of Jesus, even faith in Jesus.  So far, so good.  But at some point in his funeral message, he felt the need to strip God of His sovereignty.  This minister wanted everyone to know he did not believe God had anything to do with sicknesses, diseases, hard times, pain, suffering, or anything that does not make us smile and ask for more.  God does not send pain or hard times into people's lives, he quipped, in order to grow them or teach them or correct them.  Rather, this minister said all these things are "just the world we live in."  That's just how things are.  People die.  People get sick.  People suffer.  People win some and lose some, but God is not to be located within any of it.

I wondered how many listeners recognized that this so-called preacher was presenting the god of Deism to them, and not the God of the Bible.  Deism claims God made the world then just left it to its own devices, to run on its own, if you will.  So, do not look for God in the dark valleys of life - He's not there!  He's just sitting back watching the train wreck and hoping for our best.  Hope?  Guess not. 

Saddest of all, this "man of the cloth" used Jesus as his "reason" for believing what he proclaimed!  He said Jesus never gave anybody a disease, so that must mean God has nothing to do with anything hard or calamitous in our lives.

Well, a few days later I sat at another funeral.  This time the Preacher told listeners that people die because they are sinners, and that God Himself decreed death as the "wages of sin."  He said death reminds us all that we are under God's wrath.  This Preacher proclaimed that insteads of sitting back and watching the human train wreck, God actually sent His Son Jesus into the world to live a perfect life (satisfy God) and then God punished Jesus on the cross for the sins of all who would ever believe in Him.  This Pastor then claimed the only way to escape the everlasting wrath of God in hell was to turn from sin and trust everything to the finished work of Christ on the bloody cross.  Here's hope!  Jesus died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried and was raised from the grave three days later!  Look to Him in faith and live forever in His presence.  Reject Him and your sure destiny is to be cut off from God in the fire of hell.  There was no "being good enough" to get to heaven.  No working for it.  No checklists.  Only Jesus saves!  That's what I heard at the second funeral.

Now, I sat there wondering how a non-Christian, or a person who thinks he or she is saved but is trusting in someone or something other than Christ, would possibly make sense of things if he had sat in both funerals as I did.  I mean, which preacher should I believe?  It made me sad, but also glad that the Holy Spirit can and does do His work of changing hearts and creating faith in Christ regardless of bogus preachers.  But friends, let's not kids ourselves.  It is the true gospel, God's gospel that "is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes" (Rom 1:16).  God hates false gospels (Gal 1:6-7).  The minister of the first funeral, according to God's own word, is called "accursed."  That's serious.  And sad.

If we are to take the first minister's message seriously - that God is simply not involved in bringing suffering or hardship to people - then we should shred the story of Joseph in Genesis 37-49.  We'll need to expunge the Book of Judges from the Bible, because that's where God actually punishes His own disobedient people by sending enemy armies to plunder them.  We definitely need to rip out and burn the Books of Job and Jonah.  All that stuff about God making Ezekiel lay on his side for a year and eat food cooked over cow dung, yea, ignore it too.  The Babylonian Exile?  Must be a joke.  And what in the world is the Prophet Habakkuk so upset about?

Oh, and then there's the New Testament.  Throw out the man born blind (John 9), which Jesus said was a specific act of God done to bring Himself glory as Jesus gave that man both physical and spiritual sight.  And please do not read the account of Paul's conversion, where Jesus (meek and mild as He was) blinds Paul then tells him he is going to have to suffer much for the cause of Christ.  Stephen's stoning?  A cosmic accident and I guess King Jesus stood idly by helpless to stop it.  All those martyrs in Revelation?  The tribulation of the saints?  Nah, surely God is in no way involved in all these things, right?!

Do you see how a preacher, or any believer, getting sloppy with the Gospel is a really, really big deal?  The preacher of the first funeral made a mockery of the Cross of the Lord Christ.  For my Bible tells me that God planned to crush His Son on that cross before the world was ever made (Acts 2-4).  And that meek and mild Jesus proclaimed by that so-called minister, He is coming again in a fury that shall consume all His enemies (2 Thess 1; Rev 6:15-16; 19).  And those who are saved were "chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world" (Eph 1:4).  And God sends suffering to His people to bring Himself glory and enable them to serve others who are suffering (2 Cor 1).  God is sovereign.  Period.  Try as he may, that weasly minister simply cannot make God anyone other than Who He is.  He is I AM.

Oh, and by the way, the Preacher of the second funeral was my fellow Elder at Corydon Baptist Church.  What an honor to serve King Jesus with him.  God help us keep cutting it straight, for the glory of the Sovereign, Risen and Reigning Savior and Judge.  Amen.                              

Yesterday at church ( I love my church), i found myself wishing to be anywhere but there. I felt like I needed to find a corner that was dark and get in until all those precious people who I love so much were gone. I have found myself feeling that way at home..at church..pretty much everywhere. I need to hide. So I asked myself yesterday..Lori what are you hiding from and the sad sickening answer was sin...my sin. I have felt such conviction in the last few weeks over several areas of my life and I have refused to bend my knee to Jesus and repent. His has caused me to need to be in quiet safe places that lack accountability...that is not my home or my church. Thank God he has hemmed me in on all sides and will not let me go. I am so grateful for his mad love for me and his refusal to let me stay in sin. But this does not keep me from being afraid of being found out or afraid of not being loved once people really know me. The weight of my sin is huge but the weight of fear of being revealed is just as huge. When my sin becomes heavier than my fear....I can either give in and give up or plead GOD forgive me. I am pleading forgiveness and freedom. I repent of manipulating truth so that Cliff would look guiltier than he is and of not responsibly spending our money. I repent of being short and angry with my family because things are not the way I want them. I am thankful for grace that has forgiven me and set me free. You may think less of me but my weight cannot be lifted by you so my only concern is my King who died for me. I pray that you find the same freedom to cry out to Jesus when everything in you wants to run and hide...wants you to go for cover...wants to drop out of sight until things settle down....praying you stay true to the Savior who has already set you free from the weight of your sin. I am thankful to him for his unconditional love...to my family for their grace with me and to me...and to my God family who I pray continues to love and pray for me. In Christ...your weightless sister

I am sad to say that I wasted two years of my life pursing a degree in secular psychology. STUPID...There is no other word to describe the waste of time and money that pursuit was. I have decided to share some of my "knowledge" with you all and then you can decide what the real truth is. Here goes::

Last week, two momentous occasions passed.

First, it was the horrible anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our nation.  Like all Americans, I remember exactly where I was on that day, and distinctly remember watching that second plane dive into the second tower.  I was fresh out of the Marine Corps and still had 3 years to serve on my contract as Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).  This meant I could be called back into active duty, and my wife and I fully expected I would be after 9/11.  But, in the providence of God, the Corps did not come calling.  But, I actually did wrestle with the idea of just going back to active duty voluntarily (an idea that sounds crazy to those who have never served).  I had skills the nation could use, and I knew my brothers in arms would be in one huge mess very, very soon.  I really was torn between my loyalty to my now growing family at home, and my loyalty to the Corps and Country.

I was, and am, a patriot.  I am thankful to be an American.  God has been so immeasurably good to us in the USA.  When I think of how our nation continues to dishonor God in so many ways, it is astounding to me that we are still here and still so very free.  And, for all our weaknesses, we still send more Christian missionaries around the world than any other nation.  [Ironically, a study done by the North American Mission Board of the SBC also finds that more missionaries are now being sent into North America than any other country, too!]

Like most Americans, I did hit pause last week to remember our loss, and pray for healing, and beg God for continued mercy on our people and our land.  I was very disappointed at the lack of coverage the major news networks gave the the 9/11 remembrance cermonies.  It's almost as if they want us to forget?  Well, I have not forgotten.  And, I try and lead my family to not take for granted the goodness of our God towards this nation.  We are undeserving wretches, yet He showers grace on us day after day.  I still thank God for America, and still sing "God shed His grace on thee."

The second momentous event last week was the National Quartet Convention in Louisville.  This annual monster of an event brings out all the best in Quartet Singing and Southern Gospel.  My wife and I got to attend Thursday night.  We grew up on this style of music.  We still enjoy it, though we are more fond now of contemporary Christian music that is solidly gospel-centered and Christ-exalting, such as the music being produced by Sovereign Grace Music.  Nevertheless, we enjoyed hearing Greater Vision, the Isaacs, and the McKamy's.  We worshipped.

Our favorite group of the night, however, was new to us.  The Collingsworth Family blessed our socks off!  What an amazingly gifted family (Dad, Mom and several teen children).  Momma Collingsworth played an instrumental rendition on the piano of "Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory" (a song I actually do not like at all for both theological and practical reasons) that brought the house down.  The poor song selection notwithstanding, I have truly never witnessed a "piano event" quite like what I saw that night.  It was stirring and Mrs. Collingsworth nearly had to be carried off the stage by her husband after the performance.  She was obviously exhausted from it and I was exhausted watching her!  The crowd gave a standing ovation.And, earlier, when the Collingsworth Family sang "God Bless America" they also stood and removed hats and crossed hearts.  I appreciated the patriotism of these older Americans, many of whom have lived through truly sacrificial times, such as WWII

But later, when a Trio of Sisters called - you guessed it - "The Sisters" sang "It Is Well With My Soul" this same patriotic crowd was so noisy, distracted, moving about, going to get popcorn, visiting with neighbors, that I could hardly hear it.  I sat in my chair with my arms raised to heaven and my eyes closed, trying with all my might to focus on singing to my Precious Savior -

My sin, O the bliss, of this Glorious Thought

My sin, not in part, but the whole

Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more

Praise the Lord!  Praise the Lord, O My Soul!      

I wondered, where was the patriotism now?  Why would we stand and shout and cheer wildly for a song written glorifying  our Nation's Civil War, while milling about distractedly and sitting on our hands when the Gospel-Centered lyrics of this amazing old hymn were being sung?  Friends, I am afraid for some Christians, patriotism has become idolatry. 

American does not have to continue, and by all indications, she will not continue.  But the gospel is forever!  The atonement of Jesus on the cross for those who believe is forever!  The Word of God shall not pass away!  May God make us a people who get far more excited about the gospel than we ever do about politics or our nation or our military.

"Some trust in horses and some in chariots,  but we will trust in the Name of the Lord our God" (Ps 20:7).

"He said to me, 'Son of man, feed your stomach and fill your inward parts with this scroll which I am giving you.'  Then I ate it, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth" (Ezekiel 3:3).

A few days ago I heard a popular outdoor speaker brag on his grandmother's godliness.  Now, I do not doubt for a second his grandmother's godliness.  But, the "proof" the speaker offered the audience of this godliness was that grandma had read the Bible three times.

"Three times" the speaker exclaimed!  "Three times . . .the WHOLE Bible!"  I guess this was intended to "Wow" us.  Maybe some listeners were "wow'd."  I was not.

The emphasis this man placed on her reading the Bible three whole times saddened me.  He said it as if that were an unbelievable feat, something only the holiest of saints could ever aspire to.  Perhaps it was wrong of me, but I admit this thought crossed my mind:

Maybe if you did not spend 90% of your time chasing deer and traveling the world to hunt you would have more time to read through the Bible yourself. 

Now, I am an outdoorsman myself.  I have often thought that if duck season were 9 months long I might not ever get anything else accomplished in life!  So, I am not against outdoor recreation.  And, maybe my assessment of this particular man is dead wrong.  Maybe he does not spend an exhorbitant amount of time in treestands.

My real point here is that it should strike us as sad when a grown man who claims to have been a Christian for many years thinks that it is a monumental accomplishment for someone to read the Bible three times over the span of 70-80 years. 

I distinctly remember when God convicted my wife and I to begin reading through the Bible each year.  It was about five years ago.  We have read the Bible through at least 5 times now, and have no plans to stop!  God has worked more powerfully in our marriage, our home, our witness, our giving, our repenting, our resting in Christ, through this simple discipline of reading His Word than any other thing we have experienced.  The more we have been in the Word, the more hunger we have for it!

For those of you who are doing gospel life together with us at Corydon Baptist Church, begin praying and preparing your hearts now to be in the Word more in 2013 than ever before in your lives.  Be ready to be challenged to read through your Bibles together next year.  Be ready to ask God to make you willing to teach the Bible in your homes day-by-day.  I believe with all my heart there is nothing more valuable we can do together as the family of God in Christ than "Get in the Word and Stay There!"  Three to four chapters a day, 20 minutes a day, that's doable for every one of us!

If God grants us several more years of life, may we ALL be able to say we have read His Word through more than 3 times!  And, let's keep this spiritual discipline in its proper perspective.  The speaker mentioned above did not just grieve my heart by his amazement at someone reading the Bible three times.  He also disturbed me by his comment insinuating that if grandma - someone who had read the Bible a whole 3 times - could not make it to heaven then surely nobody could.

Well, my outdoor speaker friend, if your grandma made it to heaven it had nothing to do with how many times she read the Bible and everything to do with what Jesus had done for her in His life, death and resurrection.  Grandmas and grandkids get to heaven the same way - by the Holy Spirit powerfully birthing them anew and granting them repentance of sin and saving faith in the Son of God, Jesus the Christ.

That said, let's not forget the means the Spirit uses to bring salvation to us: "In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth" (James 1:18).  And, let's not forget how He sanctifies us: "Sanctify them by your truth; Your Word is truth" (John 17:17).  "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Christ" (Rom 10:17).

The Spirit has lashed Himself to the Word.  We do well to get in the Word and stay there!

Not many weeks ago, a man in our local area died.  There is no need to call his name, as most believers in the Southeastern Indiana region will know about him already.  He wrote a book.  Though I have only read bits and pieces of the book, it was clear to me where he was headed with it.  He began the book by speaking of a "more spiritual" way to read the Bible than all of us ignorant folk who just believe God says what He means and that God actually gave us an accurate history of His dealings with mankind and of the sending of His Son to save sinners.

In short, the man who died not long ago was a "Name It, Claim It" theologian.  Now, this was not his only error.  He also taught that Jesus is not going to return (come again) in the flesh.  Remember, for him everything is "spiritual" as he defines the term.  And, he is one of the few who really knows what "spiritual" means.  Can you say ancient gnosticism repackaged?

But I digress.  The point I wish to make in this post is that this man who taught people in this area that nothing harmful will happen to you if you have spiritual eyes and true faith . . . well, he died.

Now I am not rejoicing in his death.  It saddens me especially since I am not at all sure where he is spending eternity.  But, it must be pointed out that death is the ultimate proof of the fallacy of "Name It, Claim It" theology!  Death is the ultimate expression and manifestation of being under the curse of God for sin.

God told Adam, "In the day you eat of it, you will surely die" (Gen 2:17).

"The soul who sins shall die" (Ezek 18:4).

"For the wages of sin is death" (Rom 6:23).

You see, no amount of faith prevents the ultimate "harm" from coming to us.  No, we are ALL under the curse of death because we are ALL sinners.  Death is the ultimate "sickness" is it not?  One can be healthy and wealthy all his days but when death comes a knockin' all that means squat (see Luke 16:19-31).  I do not mean to be crass or disrespectful, but someone needs to start asking the obvious question:

Why has no "Name It, Claim It" theologian ever escaped death?

Shouldn't their faith have overcome this most poignant manifestation of sin's curse?  They say true faith prevents any and all things harmful or unheatlhy or unprosperous from happening to us.  But, "they" still die.

Friends, do not be fooled.  True Christianity is lived in weakness and trembling, because that is when God shows off how strong He is (2 Cor 7:7-12).  True Christianity knows that sin will bring about its certain consequence in us - death.  True Christinaity knows that sin's ultimate consequence - death - does not have final say because Jesus the Lord smashed its skull with His perfect life, atoning death, and powerful resurrection from the grave (Col 2:8-15)!  True Christianity longs for the resurrected body that is conformed to that of the Savior's (Rom 8:28-30; Phil 3:7-11; 1 John 3:1-3).  True Christianity knows that because Jesus conquered sin and death, He can and will make good on His promise to raise up His followers, not just spiritually through the new birth, but literally one day (John 5:25-29; 1 Thess 4:16; Rev 20).  One day those in Christ will die no more and have no more sickness or tears or pain (Rev 21).  But that day is obviously not yet!

Why can no one "Name It and Claim It" when it comes to our arch enemy - death?  Indeed, One did "Name It, Claim It" over death.  Only One has ever demonstrated such powerful faith:

For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again.  No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative.  I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again (John 10:17-18).

Jesus is the Death Conqueror!  He is the only One who ever demanded that death give up its grip on Him!  He commanded death!  Our faith had better be in Him, in what He has done, in who He is, and in what He will do, period.  And whatever trust and faith we have in Him, all redounds to the praise of His glory and grace (Eph 2:8-10).

The arrogance of the "Name It, Claim It" doctrine is dealt a death blow by death itself. 

To anyone flirting with this dangerous false teaching, I urge you to humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and cry out for mercy to Jesus.  When your faith has found its resting place in Him, and not in faith itself, then and only then will death lose its sting over you (1 Cor 15:54-57).