Last night, an atheist told me that the pope said  atheists can go to heaven if they do good deeds and that there was no longer a need to hold on to "the dogma" of believing in Christ. 
After pointing out the fallacies in this line of thinking, I spent the morning looking for the pope's words. Please understand that being a protestant and a Calvinist, the Catholic church and I differ on many theological issues, but this blog isn't for the purposes of airing out that dirty laundry. As a matter of fact, in these few paragraphs, I am setting some personal convictions aside for a moment to hopefully render a proper interpretation of what the pope had to say. 
  Now for the life of me, I couldn't find the Pope's message to read for myself, but what I did find was an overwhelming response to what the pope discussed- that atheists can also do good along with Catholics and that Christ has redeemed them too and that this was common ground for us to be working together. And that the Catholic church should not hold on to the dogma that only Catholics can do good in this world. The discussion has two basic points. 
   First, people are capable of doing good. Sometimes we evangelicals, and maybe Catholics, run all too quickly to the verse that says that our good works are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). Remember, this scripture is first off a comparative set of words which juxtaposes our righteousness to the righteousness of The Lord. Secondly, this is poetic language which includes hyperbole to get its point across. There are plenty of people in the world today and we Christians certainly haven't cornered the market on doing good and/or right by people. I've covered this in other blogs... go back and read my opinions there.
  Secondly, the distinction between redemption and salvation comes into question. Now, the pope was speaking from Mark 9:33-49 where the apostles were trying to stop someone from doing miracles in the name of Jesus, all because that person wasn't part of their inner circle. Jesus rebukes them about this, but there is NO evidence to point to the fact that the person in question was an atheist. It was a lesson in directing those who are "more in the know about spiritual things" not to handcuff those of little faith. On the contrary, in Matthew 7:21-23 Jesus points out the importance of having faith and a personal relationship with Him. And that salvation IS NOT yours just because you do good deeds, even if they were in the name of Christ!
   Let's look to what the Bible has to say about this distinction of redemption and salvation...
Romans 3:23-25A 
for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood
Here we see the redemptive work of Christ on the cross and what it accomplished (John 3:16A For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son...). I'm guessing (and hoping) that this was the point that the pope was trying to drive home. That Christ has paid the penalty for EVERYONE'S sin, not just Catholics. The question of whether or not the theology behind this is all inclusive of everyone during all of time is a debate better left for another time. The point here, is that the pope was simply pointing out (hopefully) that sin is sin and that Christ has paid the price for ALL sin once and for all.
   But now let's clear up any confusion that may lead to the line of thinking that would bring someone to think that atheists go to heaven because of Christ's redemptive act and doing good things alone. Let's put these two and a half verses in the context of the verses around them. Look at how redemption was Christ's responsibility which has been achieved and the act of salvation is based in faith in Him.
Romans 3:21-26
But now apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of His blood--to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— He did it to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
   Though the price of our sins has been paid by Christ, this redemption only comes to the full fruition of salvation through faith in Christ alone. 
   Again, I couldn't find the pope's speech, but after seeing some of the quotes around the internet, it seems like our selfish desire to get away with as little as possible, with help from 140 characters and a news media that wants to be as inflammatory as possible, mistook the meaning of the words of this man to mean that everyone who does good deeds gets to go to heaven. I don't think this was his intention (if it was, then that will be one more thing we don't see eye to eye on). I trust the pope meant that redemption was available to everyone; that faith in Christ is CRUCIAL for salvation to an eternity in heaven rather than being damned to an eternity in hell; and that we might be able to meet, in this world, in the common ground of doing good to those around us; which in turn could potentially grant Christians the opportunity to earn the respect of atheists so the gospel could be heard; which in turn could possibly bring them to salvation by this redemptive work of Christ. 

{Chiasmus is the figure of speech in which two or more clauses are related to each other through a reversal of structures in order to make a larger point; that is, the clauses display inverted parallelism. The elements of simple chiasmus are often labelled in the form A B B A, where the letters correspond to grammar, words, or meaning. Here, instead of dealing with one of the many direct chiamus found in scripture, I have collected several scriptures and put them into the form of a chiamus to make a larger point.}

Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am.” –John 8:58

and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma. – Ephesians 5:2

About the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” – Matthew 27:46

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Who will bring a charge against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies; who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us. Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:31-39

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. – Romans 12:1

Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” – Isaiah 6:8

We must be diligently growing in our knowledge of the Word. This discipline, however, comes with a price. It becomes difficult to sit still when others do or approve of things that are sinful or even blasphemous which are so obviously spelled out in scripture. 
   My wife and I sat through a play last night, whose setting was the night before Martin Luther King Jr.'s murder. This scenario was used as a vehicle for blasphemy against the Word of God. It was all very "spiritual" and made allusions to God and the afterlife, but no truth was contained in the words. Why we never got up and simply walked out, I don't know. 
It was all very "christianized" but there was no Christ in it. Worse yet, it totally misrepresented the seriousness of sin and evil that we must continually struggle against, all the while the characters were sinning in the progression of the story line. And the nail in the coffin was its total disregard for Christ's work on the cross. Rather than that saving grace that redeems us from sin, the play presented this idea that after we die somehow we are sent back to Earth as angels to accomplish a task to earn that forgiveness! UGH!!! Hopefully you can see more than just two things wrong with that line of thinking. 
   And now for the topper... I would say that Carla and I, even at our age, were by far some of the youngest people in the room. At the very end, the actor portraying MLK Jr. addressed the audience and called out, "Can I get an Amen?" And he got it... TWICE! After it was over, many stood up and applauded cheering on this hour and half long blasphemous drivel with so called Christian-overtones. Where was the wisdom of elders in that place?!? Where were the Bible Scholars and Sunday School Teachers? (Probably at home with good sense enough not to be there in the first place)
  Many of you who know me, know that in that public spectacle called "the arts," it is my opinion that we need to "bring back the boo." All too often, due to social convention, we applaud those who shouldn't be applauded which only gives rise to those few who actually thought it was good, so they in turn give a standing ovation to something that really isn't worthy, which in turn only adds to the peer pressure of the moment for others to stand up because "that's just what you do" at things like this.
   I didn't applaud, I didn't stand. But that is my problem this morning. Pray for me today as I seek forgiveness from Christ, my Lord and Savior that I didn't stand up for Him in that moment. When that actor called for an amen, I so wanted to exhort (loudly), "Read the Bible and learn about the God you've been blaspheming for the past hour and a half!" But I didn't. I even got a second chance a moment later! The actor had the audacity to call out to the audience again, "I said, can I get an amen?!?" Again I failed. Social convention got the better of me. There are times however, where "proper etiquette" needs to be shunned. Last night was one of those times. As my brothers and sisters in Christ, I ask your forgiveness for not standing up for our Lord. He was persecuted and hung on a cross for me and I couldn't even say a single sentence to honor Him. May I never be silent again.
       Lord, forgive me. 

Romans 1:32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things {unrighteousness} are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.

James 4:17 Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.

So as most of you may know, I am an extrovert and socialite by nature. I gain energy from being with others and serving/fellowshipping alongside them. Without that, I tend to feel like our buddy here in the photo, the red panda. NOT having people to do life with tends to sap my energy. Thankfully, I belong to a big family- the Church (with a big "C"). There are brothers and sisters around almost every corner, and with just a little bit of effort we can be a blessing to each other. I was very blessed by a fellow brother who invited me out to breakfast this morning. He is a self-admitted introvert, but as I sat in his car he commiserated, "I know how it is to be the new guy." We had a great time of fellowship as we sat and discussed all sorts of things over some pancakes and french toast. 
For us extroverts, doing things like this can be second nature (if we stop long enough to pay attention to our surroundings and think of others). For introverts, I am told, this sort of thing represents a challenge and they must expend sweet sweet energy juices to do something like this. 
But think of the difference we can all make, if we take the time to relate to one another on a more personal level. Be that person today. Invite someone to do something. Instead of being the sponge that sucks up, be the sponge that is squeezed and pours out the grace of God over someone. 
1 Thessalonians 3:12 "and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you.

Terrible microphones and a move to another state has kept me busy for the past several weeks without any video either (I hope to correct this soon). We've moved to the D.C. area and are excited to see what The Lord has in store for us.
I've been here two weeks ahead of my family looking for a ministry to get involved in. It has been apparent how much of a social person I am. Without having several options of people to pour into, I have been considerably taken out of my element, and simply put... beside myself. Ministry is best served (in my opinion) within relationship, which I am having to start over from scratch in these new surroundings.
When starting from scratch, it is a great opportunity to reflect on past mistakes and reevaluate what is important to you. I want to be able to make the most of every moment, but today's trappings make it so easy to think of these things, but never get off the couch to put them into action (with the exception of your work life).
Please be praying for us as we seek out relationship, ministry, church, and ways to spend our time in service to The Lord.

<--- Cleans off dust from blog... "Cough Cough" Well hey howdy hey, it's the New Year! Sorry I've been silent for so long, but let me just start off by saying that I have a few things in the works that should start up this week or next that I think you may enjoy. <smirk> 
   And in saying that, let me get straight to the point. Have you ever become excited to do something (resolutions come to mind), but then let the process overrun your enthusiasm? Technology does that to me too often and it happened again last night. I was going to start a little private journal for myself and then proceeded to spend the next 2 hours trying to find an app that served my purposes! (I mean, REALLY?!? a simple notebook style app that lets me add a bunch of photos on a page, resize them, and type my text in on the page without having the most convoluted UI ever created by man, that will also save to the cloud? Is that too much to ask in this day and age? {side note: finally settled on SpringPad})
   Certainly, looking around to find the right process will save a bunch of time and frustration over the long haul. But this search for a process shouldn't become some monster of a thing that overpowers the actual task we have in mind. Technology and the internet comes with that allure built in: that there is something else out there, something better, something more effective, something that will fit our needs perfectly; if only we can find it: the perfect website/app/program- surely it must be out there. 
   Now, for us spiritually minded out there, we could totally leap into "The One who is the perfect fit for what you are searching for", but let's not over-spiritualize everything and try to stay on track, shall we?
   What I would like to emphasize is though deciding on a process should have a certain level of priority, it shouldn't supersede the priority of the actual outcome in mind. Have an honest look at what you are trying to accomplish and recognize how important having "just the right way of doing it" is really going to matter. In some instances, yes... it must be done in a precise way, but don't be tricked by past failures. "Oh, I tried it this way last time and didn't follow through so I better look for some other way of doing it." We need to be honest with ourselves, and try to figure out if it was a problem with the process, or really was it a problem with our perseverance {all you spiritually minded can add another sermon on persevering here}. 
   Certainly take the time, find the technology that will end up somewhere on the scale between "that'll work" and "that's the best thing since sliced bread!" Just set a certain amount of time in your mind and stop once you've spent that time. THEN proceed to get done whatever it is you set out to accomplish in the first place! {Ironically enough, after typing this I thought of another better option to my little private picture type of journal that I am already using, Pinterest. ***facepalm}
   And as a post-script: maybe, just maybe, that piece of technology... has nothing to do with a computer or smart phone at all! Now, I can hear some of you already, "Blasphemy!" I know, I know. You spent sooo much for your device, it's the newest thing, yadda yadda yadda. Sometimes, nothing beats the simplicity of a piece of paper and a pen. Just Sayin'
   And now, a quick note for what I am kicking around in my head. I think I might turn this into a Vlog instead! For those who don't know the difference between a blog and a vlog... the v stands for video. I know I may not be the prettiest face on the internet, but I think twice a week for a few minutes may not crack your screens too badly. We'll see how it goes. Be looking for it here, and on YouTube. 

   Lately, the Lord has been impressing upon my life the need for more character and dignity. Many would quickly lump the second in with the first, and maybe they might be right, but 1 Timothy 2:2 may make a case for a subtle distinction between the two.
"... so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity."
In my last post, I mentioned the dynamic of being lost among the throng of neighborly people who do right by others but have no functional knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ or who outright deny Him. Maybe this dignity piece is a way for us to stand out again. 
   Our culture seems sorely lacking this trait. Simply walking down the street or turning on the television is, or should be, more than enough to convince someone (if they were to be truly honest about what they saw and heard or maybe what they didn't see or hear). Interestingly enough, Mr. Rogers of television fame, got into the business because he did not approve of how the medium of television was being used at the time. He thought it was deplorable that throwing pies in other people's faces was considered "entertainment" for children. What would he think today???
   It's also interesting to see how this word "σεμνότης" (sem-no'-tās) has been translated through out the years- dignity, gravity, honesty, holiness, purity. Admittedly, this verse is a call for us to pray for our leaders so that we can live a dignified life and that definition maybe tied up in some relation of not being humiliated or used for sport in the Colosseum. But I believe Paul's meaning here carries over to our daily lives as well. You hardly hear of someone being "dignified" any more, or if you do, maybe your first thought is of someone who can't seem to loosen their shirt collar and have a little fun; or maybe it comes with some extra baggage like being snooty or having some holier-than-thou attitude mixed in somehow. 
   I think this is where the "tranquility" comes into play. How many of us can claim that tranquility and quietness typify our daily lives? Do we seek out a peaceful atmosphere to spend the majority of our time? Do we help or hinder creating this type of environment? Do we trust God enough to actually spend devoted time alone with Him in significant portions of our day? These things don't necessarily equate to dignity either, but the Word says there is some sort of connection. We must also trust the Lord enough to be guided by the Holy Spirit in active faith and seek to respond to situations in godliness (character) and dignity. I might even be willing to go so far as to say that dignity is, or should be, the vehicle with which we carry out godliness. Think about it for a second... what would love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control be without dignity? They would be coarse and, dare I say, have less (if any) impact.
   Don't get me wrong, I'm not calling for the end of humor or any such thing; after all, who doesn't love a good pie in the face gag {sorry about that time in Pittsburgh, Nichole}. But in connection with needing to significantly stand out (being seasoned properly with salt, a light to the world, etc.) I feel that this tranquility/dignity piece can go a long way in this day and age, and might just be a key to sustained impact with the people you minister to.

For those who don't follow me on Facebook, you might not know that after Day 19 in New Jersey (last Sunday), I began the two day trip home. After visiting with friends over night, I finally arrived home on Day 21 at 5pm (the Tuesday before Thanksgiving) and proceeded to prepare my home for my wonderful in-laws and the Thanksgiving holiday (along with squeezing in time with my wife and son). Now a week later, I have been able to snatch snippets of rest and to reflect on the time the Lord allowed me to have and the service He allowed me to be a part of in NJ. There are two things I would like to impart that I feel are relevant for us all. 
   First, I was entirely blessed by being a part of the efforts there, but more importantly- I was blessed by seeing God's faithfulness in action from beginning to end. Risk-taking, in part, is a great way to experience God's work in your life first hand. As Christians, we should be willing to jump into the unknown (within reason, and sometimes beyond reason) so we can give full testimony to those around us that God truly is in control of our lives and that we have relinquished our own selfish desires, foibles, and concerns in order to more fully trust Him and do what we feel the Holy Spirit is driving us to do.
    Second is for all of us who tend to fall back on the "live out my faith to draw people into asking why I am doing what I do" concept of evangelism. Let me put it bluntly... we MUST be more than this school of thought. There are plenty of nice people out there (there are roughly 7.1 Billion  people on the planet) many of whom do outstanding service to others, that look out for the emotional and physical needs of others, with no need for compensation or thanks, who also have no working knowledge of the gospel or even blatantly deny Christ. Those of us who think we can simply live a life of service that will draw people near to Christ... we are being lost amid the ever growing throng of people who do good because it is "the right thing to do", plain and simple. Don't get me wrong... Of the non-Christians, 0% will make it into heaven, even with all their great deeds. I just don't want us lumping non-Christians into some vilified category that makes them unpleasant to the people around them. Let's not fool ourselves, Christians do not have the patent on being nice, or being pleasing, or even being  a "blessing" to others (though we are the only ones who can give the only true blessing). 
   We MUST be more in order to clearly glorify our Lord, Jesus Christ, in every situation we are in. There is no cookie cutter quick fix answer to how we should change so we can standout. We must be willing to get dirty, work hard, and look to every corner of our existence to figure out how we can take the next step to furthering God's fame in all aspects of our lives. Louie Giglio said it best when he said that the gospel can be offensive, but we don't have to be. This isn't going to be easy to figure out, but where in the Bible does Christ promise easy? However, once we have prayed, thought about, and have been directed by the Holy Spirit about what the next steps to take are, then we must TAKE THAT RISK to follow through with them. That's when we will have something to talk about.
Romans 10:17 "So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the message about Christ." (HCSB)

Well, day 15 has drawn to a close and I am going to say it was bitter sweet. For those who don't follow me on Facebook, I have transitioned to the Recovery unit (demolition and sanitation), having left inventory in Hammonton. I am serving on Long Beach Island in New Jersey. The devastation here is significant.
Boats piled up where they shouldn't be, homes uplifted and rammed into other homes, people displaced with no place to live, vacation homes left unchecked for two weeks and their owners thinking they can clean up in a weekend. Only one business is open on this 1x18 mile island- a 7-11, for anything else you need to leave and come back. Many homes have electricity back but most don't have gas or drinkable water. Along with sand, sea water, heating oil, and debris, the flood waters also had sewage in it. Then there is also the age of the homes to consider and the likelihood of asbestos in floor tiles and such.
That last example was the case on our first assignment today and we had to evacuate this 84 year old man's home. His disabled wife was upstairs, the cat was nowhere to be found, it was a mess.
Then there was the news that independent contractors had come on to the island in droves to take advantage of these poor people- charging ridiculous rates to get things cleaned up and rebuilt.
The topper was our second assignment of the day. After doing half of the work on her home, it became questionable whether or not this was her primary residence (we don't work on second homes). Some are taking advantage of our policies and Christian nature to manipulate the scenario to work in their favor.
So, after taking several showers, saying goodbye to some on our team, and getting a warm meal served by the Red Cross, the remainder of the men here settled into the church where we are staying (Grace Calvary) to relax and have some fellowship. Some even shared the gospel with folks we have met here.
I'm not sure I have a point in telling you all this other than to give you a glimpse of what it is like here, ask you to pray for diligence on my part, and to remind all of us that though vultures may circle, the hope of Christ endures.

Lots of little things happen when you are on a project this big. Forklifts that stall in the most inconvient places, having way too many green beans, needing to stop what you're doing in a moments notice, almost having a trailer repossessed with food still in it, forgetting your sweatshirt in your room, and getting a hole in your glove.
There have been many opportunities for my leadership skills to come into focus while I've been here. But most of all, I have been reminded about what Jesus had to say about leadership: "but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26-28 NASB)
Could you please continue to pray for me that I may continue to seek out being a servant to all. If you ever have a chance to serve in a leadership capacity, may you too be a servant leader. One who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty or get a hole in their glove.