At Whipple Avenue Baptist Church we are enjoying the ministry of Pastor Jesse W. Quapourlee from Monrovia, Liberia.
Liberia has suffered many difficult things in recent history. A fourteen year civil war claimed the lives of about 250,000 people out of a total population of less than four million. That war only ended in 2003. The country suffers from an overall lack of infrastructure and industry. Unemployment is 85%. Most Liberians live on less than $2.00 (US) a day. The war left many orphans and widows who have very limited means.
Brother Jesse is the founding pastor the New Testament Baptist Church near Monrovia. This evangelistic church has grown from 10 members in 2003 to 70 members today with a weekly attendance of about 200. NTBC is doing what it can to help with the education of orphans and the relief of widows and orphans. They have also begun church plants in two other communities - Bong Mines 200 miles away and District No. 7 about 75 miles away.
Brother Jesse's preaching is very refreshing to me. He has a simple expository approach to preaching that is clear and compelling. He demonstrates a thorough knowledge the Bible, with large portions committed to memory. Part of this is due to growing up in the home of a pastor and hearing these things from his childhood. But I admire the way he has equipped himself with education and study over a period of time when he was often on the run or in hiding because of the war that raged around him.
Listening to him preach is a delight. English is taught in Liberian schools, but it is not a native dialect. Consequently Jesse's choice of words is sometimes unexpected. This is a blessing because it is clear that he is not just repeating cliches - but expressing things that he has thought about and brought into English for us.
Jesse preaches with authority. He knows what the Bible says and he proclaims it boldly. He uses situations that he has faced in Liberia to illustrate his points and makes it very clear that the sins and struggles of our country are the same as in Liberia. But beyond that, the salvation and spiritual work of the Holy Spirit are the same there as here. The same Holy Spirit uses the same word of God to produce the same fruit in lives all around the world and in very different cultures.
It is easy for me as an American to think paternalistically about the Liberian Christians. In my nationalism I tend to think that we are more sophisticated, educated, cultured, and technologically advanced than anybody - let alone a country that has had the problems Liberia has faced.
Jesse shows that to be baloney!
We are brothers and sisters in Christ. In many ways we have it easy compared to the difficulties they have faced and are facing, BUT they are every bit as spiritual, complex, inventive, educated, equipped, and devoted as we are! In many ways they have the spiritual advantage over us.
Jesse is about 36 years old and has a small build. When he came out of the gate area at the airport I had to look twice because he could be mistaken for a young teen at first glance. But Jesse W. Quapourlee is really a hero of the faith. He is facing tremendous difficulties and doing amazing things in the service of our Lord. He is putting himself on the line everyday for the cause of Christ. He deserves our respect, our prayers and our considered support in his work!
Come hear him preach Monday through Wednesday (8/25-8/27) at 6:30 PM at Whipple Avenue Baptist Church. Call 330-477-5069 for more information.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
Be Real!
Genuine is good. Fake is bad. Hypocrisy is nauseating.
Unfortunately, religious venues can harbor hypocrites. You know what I mean. In church people act one way and confess a religious world view that they take off on their way out. The religious values they sang about inside are not apparent in their personal and business life.
Jesus said of such people, "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me." (Matthew 15:7-8)
Jesus also said:
We are not called to put on a show. Our pompous proclamation of our own righteousness and spiritual sensitivity doesn't make it so. It only stokes our pride. God is not deceived.
Religious ritual, formalism, legalism, traditionalism and the praise of men will not make you right with God. These things are all external, but they don't change the bottom line - people are spiritually dead and corrupt apart from God's grace. As Jesus said to the hypocrites, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness." (Matthew 23:27)
The only help for it is the saving work of Christ that comes through grace.
We want people to be right with God through faith in Jesus Christ and to put off their pretense in humility and honesty. Then they will have a heart for the weighty matters of the law... justice, mercy and faith.
Unfortunately, religious venues can harbor hypocrites. You know what I mean. In church people act one way and confess a religious world view that they take off on their way out. The religious values they sang about inside are not apparent in their personal and business life.
Jesus said of such people, "Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me." (Matthew 15:7-8)
Jesus also said:
- They make a big show of their charitable deeds to get glory from men. (Matt. 6:2)
- They love to stand and pray loudly in public places to be seen by men. (Matt. 6:5)
- They make a big show out of their self-denial to get praise from men. (Matt. 6:16)
- They cheat poor widows but turn around and make pretentious long prayers (Matt. 23:14)
- They are picky about small things, but neglect justice, mercy and faith. (Matt. 23:23)
- They obsess about religious traditions, but are full of self-indulgence. (Matt. 23:25)
We are not called to put on a show. Our pompous proclamation of our own righteousness and spiritual sensitivity doesn't make it so. It only stokes our pride. God is not deceived.
Religious ritual, formalism, legalism, traditionalism and the praise of men will not make you right with God. These things are all external, but they don't change the bottom line - people are spiritually dead and corrupt apart from God's grace. As Jesus said to the hypocrites, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness." (Matthew 23:27)
The only help for it is the saving work of Christ that comes through grace.
(Ephesians 2:8-9) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.People are made right with God when they finally admit their own sinfulness and inability to please God, and turn their trust to the saving work of Christ. Then in genuine humility they acknowledge that every good thing that shows up in their life comes from God.
(2Corinthians 5:17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
(James 4:6) But He gives more grace. Therefore He says:
“God resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”
(Galatians 2:20) "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."Do we really want people to "Be Real?" What if real means selfish, proud, greedy, and depraved?
We want people to be right with God through faith in Jesus Christ and to put off their pretense in humility and honesty. Then they will have a heart for the weighty matters of the law... justice, mercy and faith.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Pens That Won't Write
I pick up a pen to jot down a note.
Some pens write and some pens don't.
What now? My pen is skipping.
I write over the line of words again - and again. I press harder. I scribble in the corner of the page. I shake the pen.
I try again.
It makes me wonder how the Lord feels when He tries to use me in His service. Sometimes I serve well to spell out God's glory. Sometimes I dry up and God's line is blurred by my inconsistent life.
Maybe that is when I feel pressured because the Lord has to press harder on me to get His work done. Maybe that is when I find myself retracing my steps to get it right - or even scribbling in a corner until I get done skipping.
I like a fresh new pen and a clean sheet of paper!
I want to be that fresh new pen in God's hand on the clean page of each new day!
No skipping. No blobs or blots. I'll be ready and responsive to His every impulse. I'll put down exactly what He intends. I won't fade out early. I want every word and action to follow my Master's will.
Some pens write and some pens don't.
What now? My pen is skipping.
I write over the line of words again - and again. I press harder. I scribble in the corner of the page. I shake the pen.
I try again.
It makes me wonder how the Lord feels when He tries to use me in His service. Sometimes I serve well to spell out God's glory. Sometimes I dry up and God's line is blurred by my inconsistent life.
Maybe that is when I feel pressured because the Lord has to press harder on me to get His work done. Maybe that is when I find myself retracing my steps to get it right - or even scribbling in a corner until I get done skipping.
I like a fresh new pen and a clean sheet of paper!
I want to be that fresh new pen in God's hand on the clean page of each new day!
No skipping. No blobs or blots. I'll be ready and responsive to His every impulse. I'll put down exactly what He intends. I won't fade out early. I want every word and action to follow my Master's will.
(Psalms 19:14) "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer."
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
The Church In A Consumer Culture
Do I need to mention that we live in a consumer culture?
Since we are naturally selfish, self-centered, whiners - we like it when people cater to our every whim. But what about at church?
The church is made up of people, but it belongs to Jesus Christ. When we get to the Church of Jesus Christ we need to get over our rabid pursuit of our pleasure. In fact, followers of Jesus are not supposed to be caught up in the rabid pursuit of their own pleasure at all - not at home or the marketplace - and not the church. We are servants - slaves - of Jesus Christ. In His organization, His pleasure is paramount.
These are not servants of Christ seeking a place to honor Him by using their talents in His service. They are consumers - seeking a "bang for their buck." They have particular tastes in music, preaching, scheduling, programming, etc. In many cases their preference is evidently a God themed entertainment, rather than God honoring, life transforming, proclamation of the inspired Word of God.
The self absorbed consumer culture in much of Christianity is not just a shame. It is a sin!
- The customer is always right.
- Have it your way.
- Customized.
- Personalized.
- Flexible.
- User Friendly.
- Pampered...
- Service Economy
- The most important thing is that I get what I want.
- If you have it, you should give it to me.
- If you don't have it, you should get it for me.
- If you won't get it for me, I have no use for you.
Since we are naturally selfish, self-centered, whiners - we like it when people cater to our every whim. But what about at church?
The church is made up of people, but it belongs to Jesus Christ. When we get to the Church of Jesus Christ we need to get over our rabid pursuit of our pleasure. In fact, followers of Jesus are not supposed to be caught up in the rabid pursuit of their own pleasure at all - not at home or the marketplace - and not the church. We are servants - slaves - of Jesus Christ. In His organization, His pleasure is paramount.
(Galatians 2:20) "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."It gives me a perfect fit that people hop from church to church seeking a perfect fit.
These are not servants of Christ seeking a place to honor Him by using their talents in His service. They are consumers - seeking a "bang for their buck." They have particular tastes in music, preaching, scheduling, programming, etc. In many cases their preference is evidently a God themed entertainment, rather than God honoring, life transforming, proclamation of the inspired Word of God.
(Romans 12:2-6) "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.People should be asking important questions about their churches.
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.
4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function,
5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.
6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them:"
- Is the word of God central?
- Is the gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed?
- Are sinners called to repentance?
- Are believers called to transformation and holiness?
- Is biblical teaching a high priority?
- Can I serve here?
(Colossians 1:18) "And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence."Is there something that needs to be cleaned, repaired, changed at your church? Do you think there should be a new program or service provided? What's stopping you? Step up to the ministry God has called you to do!
The self absorbed consumer culture in much of Christianity is not just a shame. It is a sin!
(James 4:1-4) "Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?Should the church cater to this consumer culture in order to fill their buildings with people who want to be petted? God forbid!
2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.
4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."
(2Timothy 4:2-5) "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."
Saturday, July 19, 2008
(Proverbs 18:2) "A fool finds no pleasure in understandingThis is an interesting verse, isn't it? I try to keep it in mind when I am blogging. It comes to mind frequently when I review discussion threads about religion.
but delights in airing his own opinions."
Everyone has an opinion. Not so many people care about true truth. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." (John 14:6)
Many people are sure that this is just a statement of Christian arrogance, so they arrogantly say that it can't be true. To them every religion is pretty much the same. For them hell is an abominable thought. They believe science has proved there is no god. They chafe at the idea they should subject themselves to biblical morality. The idea that Jesus is the exclusive way of salvation offends them.
(Proverbs 18:2) "A fool finds no pleasure in understandingTo what authority do they appeal? "Everybody knows..." "Most scientists believe..." or, most prominently - "I think..."
but delights in airing his own opinions."
So on these social networking pages and discussion threads we find much more heat than light. Very few facts. Very few appeals to scripture. Very few references to any authority.
Autonomy is the god of the age.
(Proverbs 14:12) "There is a way that seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death."
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Millions of young people know amazing details about the history, technology and personalities of fictional worlds - Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica, Star Wars, The Matrix, Harry Potter, etc.
What does this mean? Is it just a harmless hobby? Is it possible that entertainment is so huge in American culture that the lines between fact and fiction are blurred? Is it possible that some people don't know the difference between real life and entertainment?
Why are entertainers paid more than teachers, doctors, engineers, lawyers, scientists, etc.? Why are entertainers sought out as spokespeople for various products and causes. (Remember the ad, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV...?)
Have you noticed the magazines and newspapers in the checkout lines at Wal-Mart? They are all about entertainers - who they are marrying or divorcing or living with. Whether they are fat or thin, sick or healthy, happy or sad, in love or out of love. Many magazines provide interviews with the stars - their advice on gardening, cooking, relationships (!), politics, religion and careers. Why should an entertainer have any special credibility when talking about anything outside of their field of expertise? But they do.
I am fascinated by the books of information detailing the history of fictional civilizations in fictional worlds of science fiction. People clearly spend lots of time memorizing these histories so they can discuss it with other people for hours on end. (What if they spent this much energy and attention learning math, science or real history?) They even debate what WOULD have been (fictionally) true if something else had happened in the fictional storyline.
The religion of Scientology was developed by a science fiction writer named Ron Hubbard. This "religion's" narrative of origins is indistinguishable from science fiction writings and is based on no objective authority other than the writings of Hubbard. How interesting that the major spokespersons for this group are entertainers!
I think that the focus on entertainment is a dangerous trend. Instead of living a life of real meaning a purpose, people are pouring their energies and resources into fiction. There is a place for entertainment, but this is beyond diversion or recreation.
People need to live in the real world and be grounded in the truth. They need to give the best of their resources to finding the meaning and fulfilling the purpose that has been given to them by their Creator.
(Hebrews 9:27) "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,"
Will God be impressed at the judgment, by a thorough knowledge of the blueprints of the Starship Enterprise?
What does this mean? Is it just a harmless hobby? Is it possible that entertainment is so huge in American culture that the lines between fact and fiction are blurred? Is it possible that some people don't know the difference between real life and entertainment?
Why are entertainers paid more than teachers, doctors, engineers, lawyers, scientists, etc.? Why are entertainers sought out as spokespeople for various products and causes. (Remember the ad, "I'm not a doctor, but I play one on TV...?)
Have you noticed the magazines and newspapers in the checkout lines at Wal-Mart? They are all about entertainers - who they are marrying or divorcing or living with. Whether they are fat or thin, sick or healthy, happy or sad, in love or out of love. Many magazines provide interviews with the stars - their advice on gardening, cooking, relationships (!), politics, religion and careers. Why should an entertainer have any special credibility when talking about anything outside of their field of expertise? But they do.
I am fascinated by the books of information detailing the history of fictional civilizations in fictional worlds of science fiction. People clearly spend lots of time memorizing these histories so they can discuss it with other people for hours on end. (What if they spent this much energy and attention learning math, science or real history?) They even debate what WOULD have been (fictionally) true if something else had happened in the fictional storyline.
The religion of Scientology was developed by a science fiction writer named Ron Hubbard. This "religion's" narrative of origins is indistinguishable from science fiction writings and is based on no objective authority other than the writings of Hubbard. How interesting that the major spokespersons for this group are entertainers!
I think that the focus on entertainment is a dangerous trend. Instead of living a life of real meaning a purpose, people are pouring their energies and resources into fiction. There is a place for entertainment, but this is beyond diversion or recreation.
People need to live in the real world and be grounded in the truth. They need to give the best of their resources to finding the meaning and fulfilling the purpose that has been given to them by their Creator.
(Hebrews 9:27) "And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,"
Will God be impressed at the judgment, by a thorough knowledge of the blueprints of the Starship Enterprise?
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Godliness is a moral choice
Over time you meet all kinds of people. There are people who are very meek and quiet. There are people who are bold and loud. Here is a gentleman, there is a roughneck. You meet intellectuals who pride themselves on their deep thinking and broad scope of knowledge. You meet others who avoid any intellectual pursuit to live according to the impulses of the moment.
How does temperament/personality/culture affect your relationship with God? How does your relationship with God affect your personality? If a person is arrogant, outspoken, and sarcastic - can that person be godly? If a person is meek, quiet, and non-confrontational - is that person godly?
The Bible says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2Corinthians 5:17) This certainly implies that people who come to know Christ will be transformed by the experience.
The Bible urges the disciples, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)
Pursuing godliness requires pursuing personal changes that honor God. The godly person is not serving SELF, but Christ. The godly person is not living by the values of this world, but by heavenly values. The godly person is not controlled by temperament, culture or personality - but by the word of God applied by the Spirit of God.
A person's underlying personality might not change - but their use of that personality must be brought into the service of Christ.
No more excuses... "It's just the way I am." "It's the way I was brought up." "I'm just outspoken." "I'm just being true to myself." "I don't know any other way."
The godly person is one who has come to believe in Christ Jesus. This person has seen himself as a sinner and has repented of his sins. He has turned from the false gods of this world and has committed himself to following the One True and Living God. This person has made a decision that by God's help he will accept his responsibility to choose the things that are right in God's sight. No excuses.
Godliness is a moral choice.
How does temperament/personality/culture affect your relationship with God? How does your relationship with God affect your personality? If a person is arrogant, outspoken, and sarcastic - can that person be godly? If a person is meek, quiet, and non-confrontational - is that person godly?
The Bible says, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." (2Corinthians 5:17) This certainly implies that people who come to know Christ will be transformed by the experience.
The Bible urges the disciples, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:1-2)
Pursuing godliness requires pursuing personal changes that honor God. The godly person is not serving SELF, but Christ. The godly person is not living by the values of this world, but by heavenly values. The godly person is not controlled by temperament, culture or personality - but by the word of God applied by the Spirit of God.
A person's underlying personality might not change - but their use of that personality must be brought into the service of Christ.
No more excuses... "It's just the way I am." "It's the way I was brought up." "I'm just outspoken." "I'm just being true to myself." "I don't know any other way."
The godly person is one who has come to believe in Christ Jesus. This person has seen himself as a sinner and has repented of his sins. He has turned from the false gods of this world and has committed himself to following the One True and Living God. This person has made a decision that by God's help he will accept his responsibility to choose the things that are right in God's sight. No excuses.
Godliness is a moral choice.
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