Jesus, My Intercessor Forever

Hebrews 7:25.

"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them."

My eyes were opened this morning. This is a truth of the Gospel that has always been before me, and now it makes perfect sense. Before we can truly understand what Christ did for the world, one must first wrap his/her mind around what God's people went through on a daily basis to get to God.

The typical church goer will have somewhat of an understanding regarding the concept of "tithe." It is typically as a tenth of all our gross income which we give back to the church. This concept has its roots in the practice of offering the "first fruits," or "tenth" of one's wealth taken to the High Priesthood. Upon receiving the offering, the priest goes into the Temple of God on behalf of the people. 

So this was the way of life. One brings an offering, a priest offers it to God, then comes out and essentially says, "Thank you for your devotion to The Lord. You are now free to go... for now. See you next time." It goes on and on for generations, until God decides it is time to do something no one expects. He comes to earth in the form of a man.

Enter Jesus.

The only people who seem to have a problem with this intelligent, witty, and authoritative "nobody" are the priests. Christ was a kind of mirror showing these puffy teachers of the law that their place of intercession was coming to an end. They were jealous. 

Yet, as the story concludes, we see not an ultimate grain offering, not a sheep or a ram, not a "tenth" or a "first fruit" from the fields. We look up and our eyes behold the Christ, who being the very likeness of God himself, is pouring out his own blood on the very same day that the rest of Israel is offering their own ritual "tithes." Coincidence?

Upon his death we read that there is a an earthquake, the sky darkens, and the temple curtain behind which the priest offered "tithes" before God is TORN WIDE OPEN. What, I ask, do you think that represents?

That was the sacrifice, then three days later... Christ is alive and will never die again.

He appears again to his followers and, after being with them a while, returns to the Father as their Intercessor Forever. No more priests, no more temple curtains dividing the people from God. Now everyone who confesses, "Jesus Christ is Lord," never again has to rely on a priest to get access to their Eternal Creator. This is what it means when the author of Hebrews writes, "Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." Because he was not only the ultimate sacrifice, but now, yes even this very moment, he intercedes for you before a True and Just judge!

More on this to come!

Inalienable Rights or Faith in Christ

Recently there has been a lot of news regarding religious freedom. Whether it's a floral shop in Washington, a cake shop in Colorado, or a home schooled family in Arkansas, from the out-side looking in one might conclude that the government is "out to get us!" In this post I will try my best to avoid taking sides and I will admit that because of my background I have an unavoidable bias. Yet, this post is less about who is right and more so about how we as Christians should respond.

The typical knee-jerk reaction to threats to freedom of religion is to run back to the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. These are masterfully written documents  worthy of great respect. But they can't save us. We should and ought to defend the original, and historical context in which they were written, but we should also be prepared to face the reality that they can and will be used against us.

We often shake our fists against Congress and the Department of Justice for forcing their misinterpretations on us. Yes, I will also say that we ought to keep our legislatures accountable to a right and true interpretation of these documents. Yet, let us also not deny that there are powers working against Christ and his followers. Therefore let us not be taken off-guard when injustice knocks at our door.

Now then, how shall we as Christ's followers respond when our shops face bankruptcy or our kids are forced into public schools. Is it to latch onto our our "God Given Rights," as granted through our Founding Documents and cry out for justice? Well, yes, indeed we should not just bow our heads in defeat to the powers and principalities that oppose us. But, I believe it should be coupled with a more powerful response. What is this response?

Recently a group of Christ's followers were executed in Libya for one thing and one thing alone. They served Christ, and they refused to bow to anything else. It has been recorded that they sang praises to Jesus as they gave their lives.

Brothers and Sisters, we are blessed beyond measure to have the freedoms that God and our Founding Fathers laid out for us. Though we must fight, let us also remember that to suffer on account of our Faith is an indication that we are counted worthy of the eternal rewards Christ has in store for us. Let us stand for a right and true interpretation of founding documents, but let us also remember that to suffer for Christ's Name is a vital part of our Faith. Let us also remember that Christ has also overcome the injustices we will face in this world. May I repeat the words of Jesus himself, "yet, when the Son of Man returns, will he find FAITH on the earth?"

Where is our faith? The Constitution, or Christ himself? What speaks the truth of the Gospel more; Creating a Youtube Video describing our plight, or singing praises to God despite of what this world throws at us?

"All We Need is... Jobs?"

Of course we all remember the song by the iconic 60's band, The Beetles. It was a time when an unpopular war raged on and a young, angry, generation looked for idealistic alternatives to solve the world's problem. Back then, it was all about "love," now, according to a State Department Spokesperson, it's all about jobs. "We're killing a lot of them," said the spokesperson, "and we're going to keep killing more of them... But we cannot win this war by killing them. We need... to go after the root causes that leads people to join these groups, whether it's lack of opportunity for jobs whether-" upon which she was interrupted by the interviewer.

The idea is that if one only had more opportunities to get higher paying jobs, it would lessen the appeal to join radical groups such as ISIS. This leads to a number of questions on how the State Department plans implement the strategy. According to the spokesperson, it would take working with foreign governments to provide such opportunities.

Okay, so lets say that the plan is executed and several governments are able to provide good, higher paying jobs. Will this stop the growth of radical groups? Taking from what I know of the human heart, not likely.

I work with a number of individuals who have medium income jobs. Even with all the money they make, their job still turns up short of ultimate satisfaction. One get's up, they go to work, they come home and try to have some time with family, go to bed, get up, and do it all over again. It becomes meaningless. There is little hope for their job situation improving.

Now compare a medium income job which provides little purpose to a idealistic religious desire to take over the world. Which would you say provides a greater sense of purpose?

The Spokesperson has a point, we can't just beat these movements down with military force forever. So where is the solution? My friends it is the hope, grace, mercy, sense of belonging that comes through Gospel of Jesus Christ. In Christ there is purpose and belonging. In Christ there is life and life more abundantly. And we, the Church can provide a path to ultimate fulfillment. This is the only thing that can compete with the appealing message of world domination, and it is the only hope for world peace.

Com'on fellow Brother's and Sisters!

Please comment on how we can articulate this good news of ultimate fulfillment to a world starved for purpose.

The "After Church... Crush"

If you go to church on Sunday, you probably also go out to eat from time to time with friends. It makes for a nice social gathering. We don't have to prepare the meal, so we have more time to talk. I must admit, it is nice to not have to prepare anything on a Sunday afternoon. Yet, my perspective has changed a little bit. "Why," do you ask? Well, I now happen to be a Server.

My question is this: why is there such a negative view of "Christians" in the market place? After asking managers and co-workers it seems to be the same answer across the board. "Christian don't tip well; they are demanding; they are mean," and the list goes on. I have also learned that Sunday is the most difficult day to schedule, because every worker wants the day off. "It's not worth my time," says one of my co-workers.

Now is the answer to this problem "DON'T go out on Sunday." Well, I don't think it's as simple as that. You see if all of Christendom were to just "STOP," I don't know how that would help. What is to stop the same "Christ Following Family" from going to that restaurant on a Thursday night and be just as destructive? So the problem is more than just where and when we go, but rather how we represent the message we profess.

Let's put it this way. My family sits down to a meal at a nice Italian restaurant. Everyone is dressed in their Sunday best. Before the meal, we bow our heads in full knowledge that our server is probably waiting for us to finish. We enjoy the meal, but not without requesting our server to bring us more bread three times... or asking for four refills of soup and salad... or requesting more napkins... you get the idea.

At the end, we receive the bill from our exhausted server who probably isn't living a godly life. We are surprised at how expensive the meal turned out to be, so when it comes to tipping, we leavethem what we feel we can spare... even if it's only $2... at least it's something right? Smiling, we return the check to the server and we are careful to leave a "Come To Jesus" message on the table. As we leave the restaurant we feel we have done our part in witnessing to that poor, lost soul.

I only wish that was an exaggeration, but the truth of the matter is... that's reality. I've experienced first hand what it feels like to be that exhausted server. If I wasn't a believer already, I don't know if I would want to be after an experience like that. Would you?

Now, not all Christian tables are like these. I thank God for the genuine encounters I have had with His people where I work. But I think we all need to be aware about how we represent Christ wherever we are... especially on Sunday!

He Fights for Me! He Will Provide!

Since the month of February, I have traveled through seasons of want and of plenty. There have been times to strive, to thrive, to fly and to dive, and I have dealt with my fair share of trials over the past 6 months. Let me give you a quick play-by-play.

December '12: I left a position as a Tech Specialist. I didn't think it would take about 8 weeks to find work again. Elena and I survived off of her 20 some hours a week and savings. She graduated from College and the prospect of loans coming out of Grace Period was all too real. I needed a job... and soon!

February '13: Landed a job as a team member at a local coffee shop. I was hired on beginning at around 30 hours a week which was just enough to pay the bill with Elena's job. Then things took an unexpected term. A misunderstanding and miscommunication between Elena and her managers led to her losing her job. In a matter of a week, we went from celebration to survival mode again.

March '13: Elena went almost a month without work, but she was able to find a similar position which paid more with a local cleaning business. We celebrated the Lord's goodness, but then things took another turn. Because of circumstances beyond our control, sales dropped dramatically which effected my hours. What was 35-40 hours dropped to 25-30, then 15-20, and for 3 weeks I endured less than 10 hours a week until sales finally picked up again in June.

June '13: Business picked up, and I was able to land a second job at a good restaurant in the MOA. We started talks with a church in Northern Minnesota which would potentially turn into an apprenticeship. Things are finally starting to look up. I have a guaranteed 20hrs at the coffee shop, Elena is keeping the same amount at her job, and we are in talks with a church! This was also the month of our big from living on-campus to being closer to work.

July '13: Elena and I now live minutes away from work. I took on more hours which by the end of the month got me working close to 60hrs a week! Elena is not only doing well at her new job, but she received a raise as well! Then things took another turn. The church we were talking with decided that they no longer desired to pursue the apprenticeship. Rejoicing turned to pain once again, but I wasn't about to give up. I sent an email communicating my desire to learn and experiment. After sending the message awaited their response.

Now Aug. '13: For the sake of physical health and my relationship to my wife, I have cut back on a few hours. I am working a manageable 40-50 hours and Elena has a stable job. I did actually receive a message back from the church stating they would like to continue considering the apprenticeship. Elena and I are now actually bringing in a small surplus which we will be able to put toward loans as well as invest a little more into our relationship.

What is the over all lesson learned from this? God not only cares. He fights! He not only sees. He intervenes on behalf of those who love him and are called to his good purposes. Co-workers at the coffee shop could not understand why I did not quit when my hours dropped to a mere 9.5 hrs/week. I would reply, "God is fighting for me, and he will provide." When anger flared up over my frustations with Elena's managers terminating her employment over their mismanaged situation, I told myself, "God is fighting for me; He will provide!" And when I received a message that the church was no longer interested, I took hold of that truth again, "God is fighting for me; he will provide."

Are you in a tight fix and wondering what God is doing? I know it is frustrating, but the reality is that we have very little knowledge when it comes to God's work in the cosmos. In the grand scheme of things, how many calculations, how many situations, how many possible outcomes does God have to think through before he comes through for you and me. The answer? Every single one of them! If it takes a little time, it is for our good. To strengthen us, humble us, and to help us become more... well Human (That is in the glorious way God meant it to be)... so that we may reflect on His name well. But it is not only for His good purpose, but for our good as well. God does not use to abuse. He uses to make useful that which has lost it's own sense of meaning and purpose in a world departed from Him. Is this not true?

I have no doubt that He continues to fight on my behalf, and I have no doubt that He will continue to fight for you too!

Reach Out and Touch Them!

Many of those reading this know what I refer to as "Downtown Street-Corner Preachers." Others may remember the Facebook Post from last summer after my first encounter with them. For the record, they do seem to believe that they are on a mission from God. They preach a kind of "in repentance... is your salvation," (See Isaiah 30:15, read it in context!) but as many of us well know... even though the words they preach seem like truth from God's word, it just doesn't sound quite right.

It had been a long day at work and I, while disembarking from the light-rail station, decided to take a stroll through Downtown last week. Sure enough, there they were preaching the same, message as always. "God hates your sin!" It's a message they proclaim over a listing of select sins according to the book Leviticus. They wear this listing on themselves like those of a "LIQUIDATION SALE" sign on a poor furniture store employee. When I saw them, a kind of fire flared up in me -- don't get me wrong, it wasn't so much anger as a desire to set things right -- so I approached one of the preachers.

It turned out that a nicely dressed, older gentleman had reached the preacher just before me. He was calm, collected, and not especially bothered by this wild eyed instrument of God's judgement. I walked up beside them and decided to listen a while as I waited my turn. This is more or less how the conversation went:

"Hello, brother," said the businessman to the preacher, "how are you?"

"I'M OKAY!" shouted the preacher for all to hear, "HOW ARE YOU???"

"I'm doing well," the business man quietly, for I could hardly hear him myself. "Say, why do you shout all the time?"

"I'M NOT SHOUTING! I'M PROCLAIMING, more like PREACHING!"

"Well I see that, but it's coming across as a little offensive, do you think you could tone it down a little?"

"NO, I DON'T BELIEVE I CAN DO THAT. YOU SEE, These people's SINS need to be EXPOSED through the LAW! Is it offensive? YES, because GOD's WORD is offensive to this culture of PHARISEES! It's a kind of RIGHTEOUS anger."

"Pardon me, sir." said the businessman very politely, "I'm a brother in the faith--"

"OH, that's GOOD!!!!!"

"Yes... er... right, I'm a brother in the faith and I'm still working through some of the sins that your preaching against. I don't claim perfection yet, but I'm working on it. Anyway, I just think you need to tone it down and be a little more polite."

"WELL, even JESUS had RIGHTEOUS ANGER TOO!"

"I understand that... in certain cases, but I just think you are coming off as offensive. I have to go now--"

The businessman then looked at me and smiled as though to say, Your turn! I shook his hand, and he sped on his way.

I can't really give you a step by step relay of what went on after that. But suffice it to say that within the verbal boxing match which ensued, I was interrupted, misunderstood, and accused of being a "PHARISEE!" as well as one who "BEARS BAD FRUIT!" After about 2 minutes of trying to make sense of the situation, another preacher joined and the two proceeded to ram me with scriptures... which seemed to have no discernible Biblical context. One of these Scriptures in particular was Romans 2:8 which I will get to in a bit.

After about five minutes, they decided they had enough of me and said, "This guy doesn't know what he's talking about!" As they hurriedly left to cross the street, I decided not to give up just yet. "Hey!" I shouted and stretched out my hand, "Thanks for talking with me, I really appreciate it." The second preacher hesitated only a moment, "Yeah... uh, no problem," and he shook my hand.

Now the story takes another turn, because on the journey home I saw an older, disheveled, gentleman holding a sign which read, "Just Need Food." I felt compelled towards him (which doesn't happen very often mind you) and said, "Hi! How are you?"

"Eh? What did you say son?" He answered.

"I said 'hoooow... aaarrreee.... yoooouuuu."

"Oh! Doing well, doing well."

"Is there anything I can do for you today?" It was amazing how naturally I formed those words. Only a moment before I felt so flabbergasted that I could hardly get a word out. Wouldn't you know it? Maybe it's because I work in customer/food service! Just goes to show that one never knows when his/her trade will can be used for God's purposes.

"Oh, well it's just food that I need," said the man.

"Okay," I said motioning with my left hand, "Target is right across the street. Can I get you some food?"

His eyes brightened up and the sound of that, "OH! Yes! That would be great!"

"Do you have any dietary needs, sir?"

"Well, I have diabetes, you know. So any kind of fruit... er... um... BANANAS! I could use some bananas!

Sure enough, I found myself grabbing two bunches of bananas and a cup of coffee, "With cream and Sweet&Low!" After bringing him his food and drink, I asked if I could pray for him.

"Ah, now that would be great, thank you," he said, bowing his head. I laid my hand on him and prayed something like this:

"Dear Father in Heaven. I thank you for stopping me to help my friend today. I pray that these things would be nourishing to his body. Lord, I also pray that you would continue to compel people of Truth to help him. Surround him with these people. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen!"

"Thank you, son. What is you name?"

"Jacob," I replied with a smile.

"Oh, well I'll remember that," he winked, "That's from the Bible!"

And it was true. What I did was from the Bible. In fact it was exactly what Jesus did in the Bible, and also what the real Pharisees refused to do: to see, to touch, and to provide for the poor in heart, health, and spirit... on a personal, day by day level.

Who are the real Pharisees of today? Well, Jesus described them as loud, burdensome, arrogant, deceitful, and overall hypocritical. Need I say more?

What is truly needed is people with sound conviction of the heart and mind to reach out and touch the people in this culture. For those of us with a heart for culture change, I think it starts right here with our touch. Did not Jesus touch the leper, and yet still retain his righteousness?

Now that you have trekked through this amazing journey with me. Read Romans chapter 2. Remember the preachers used Romans 2:8 to justify their wrathful, angry preaching. I actually chuckled when I read the first few verses. Can you tell why? Read the whole chapter and always, always test the way people use the Word by putting it back into the context of what was actually written!

Blessings!

Who Will Make it Right Again?

As you may know there is a lot of buzz on the streets around the nation today. On the surface it may seem like a bunch of discontented, disgruntled, and unhappy individuals who are frustrated with the way the world is moving. You may sympathize with them, or you may despise them. But over the past week, I have opened myself to a new realization. It did not come from Fox News, CNN, or NBC. Nor has it come from a presidential candidate. It has come from the very cry of those who are crying in the streets. The realization hit me right between the eyes.

These are people. What is the church doing for them? What am I doing for them?

Put aside the demands, the protests, the tents, and sleeping bags. Put aside the civil disobedience, the riots, and the arrests. These are all distractions inflated by the media to persuade you either to the left or to the right. We have become distracted to the real cry of these people. A cry that can only be answered by a community which already has claim to the light, the way, and the Answer. Yet how many of us have ventured into those dark streets. I honestly have not, but are we afraid? Do we think the one we serve is incapable? Or do we simply believe they don't deserve to be reached?

What they cry out for, Wall Street cannot give them. Their demands will never be met by the government. So what will they do when the government and Wall Street fails them, because fail they will! They shout to Wall Street as though it has the power to make everything right again! Critics say "Go protest the White House," as though even they have the power to make it right again.

Yet, there is something that can make it right again. We dare not think about it, because it is much too terrifying. It means laying aside all the political rights and lefts you hold so dear. It means understanding that your American "rights" may have to go on the bench. It means you might just have to act on what you believe in. It means our Light cannot, must not, and will not go unlit anymore.

I am calling anyone who will go with me to "Go! And let His Presence Occupy!"

What a wonderful opportunity! How many chances do we have to go into a community of hungry souls right on our back door. Once more, we did not have to create this gathering. We did not have to spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to gather these people. They are already there and they are waiting to be reached.

I am currently working through a strategy and I will be consulting with professors whenever possible to gain insight into this great opportunity. Come, join me, and may we bring our Light to this darkness!