The last two episodes of the Jesus' Outsider Podcast have focused on different aspects of being the church in a time when we are no longer the dominant force in American culture. The first, Cultural Tipping Points and Revival, showed that we are past the point of no return yet there is still a role for a revived Body of Christ. The second, The Unity Mandate, is about the need to unite across denominational, racial, and ethnic lines upon the sure foundation of Christ to fulfill the mission of reaching the world with the Gospel. Both of these are challenging to hear and, at least for me, moreso to speak. They are a hard word, if you will.
Both episodes speak to a stirring in my heart and, I hope, in the hearts of many Christians in this nation. We are long past the point of any political solutions to the nation's and the church's ills. We are in a huge crisis. However, it is exactly where God needs us to be.
Crisis causes things to happen. It's painful. It flies in the face of a comfortable Western church's theology. In truth, we are soft and have allowed doctrines of comfort, ease, wealth, and complacency to dominate our pulpits, bookshelves, and media. To paraphrase I Samuel 18:7, "Poverty has slain its thousand, Prosperity its ten thousands." Pardon the use out of context but there is truth in this statement. The overall wealth and political power of the American Christian Church have left us ill-prepared for the dark days to come. Fragmentation, division, and doctrinal arguments about minutiae are a luxury of a church that has few battles to fight and has lost its identity. So, as the crisis grows, what shall we do?
Our instincts are to do what we have always done. Fight the war in the public arena, shout our beliefs from the mountaintops, and declare our rights in the streets and social media from the safety of our church bunkers. Hunker down, dig our trenches, and stand against the world in our separate congregations. I wish I was exaggerating but that is what has happened. We want to cling to what we've already done thinking it will work.
The second option is to compromise. Go along to get along, as the old idiom goes. Ignore or utterly refute Biblical teachings on sin, repentance, and the need to live holy, pure lives before God and man. Join in the calls for secular versions of justice and disregard the deeper understanding offered in the Word of God. Become just like the world or preach doctrines that allow us to look like the world while still believing we are right with God. This too is happening all too often.
Based upon what I've seen on social media and heard in conversation, one of these first two options are being taken by an increasing majority of those who call themselves Christians. Politics, protests, speeches, and often mean-spirited debate dominate the cultural landscapes and too many Christians are in the forefront. Infighting is growing even if much of the specifics have changed. We are as divided as we have ever been. However, there is a third and better way.
In times of persecution, the church thrives. Why? Because we are forced to focus on what matters. When we are fighting to grow the Kingdom of God against great adversity, we don't have time to argue doctrinal nuances or about denominational loyalty. We are on a rescue mission behind enemy lines and we need to be equipped with the power of God, His Word, and, above all, His love. We need to demonstrate a difference between us and the world that can only be done when we are truly obedient to the Word, pursue holiness and love, and cast aside the divisions that become prisons. Bind yourself to true brethren in Christ and work as a united force for Christ our Lord and King.
It's time to cast off the old loyalties, reliance on programs and church staff, and minute differences and center who we are upon Jesus, the only true King of Kings. We are citizens of His kingdom and need to act accordingly. Our purpose is to be the light of the world as we shine with the light of Jesus and bear His mark. We are to be different and by that difference, bring more into His life, His Kingdom, and His family. Once that is done, we are to equip them through teaching, encouragement, and example to do the same.
Will you join us and be part of the change? Will you help purge sin from the Body of Christ so that we will no longer resemble the world? Will you live humility, love, and true justice before a world that hates you? Will you love your enemies? Will you fight for those you love on your knees not caring about the so-called big picture? Will you trust the Lord for that? Can you love and work with someone whose doctrine isn't exactly like yours? (That's assuming they're not ignoring sections or adding to the Word.)
We cannot afford to remain as we have been. We can start to change now while we're still in the opening days of persecution and be prepared when it falls or we can wait and take much greater casualties. Which will you do?
Why stainless steel? To keep it from breaking due to overuse, of course!
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Friday, February 16, 2018
In The Wake
Once again, we sit in the wake of another mass shooting, this one at a high school in Florida. The senseless death and violence at the hands of a disturbed individual rocks us to the core. We see human nature on display in the reactions. We see the best in the teachers who died to save others. We see some of the worst in the blame throwing in the media, online, an in the halls of politics.
A few months ago after another shooting, I recorded an episode called The Growing Stigma about my concern that the mentally ill would become even more ostracized than they already are in our society. That concern is growing with each incident.
The battle lines have been drawn for a long time. People on front lines are increasing the assault with their rhetorical weapons. Some blame guns while others blame mental illness or the medications used to treat it. The government, people who interact with the shooters, and anywhere the blame can be cast fill the online world. People are demanding a solution and none of them will be happy unless it's their version that wins. The tribalism that has been rising in America is on full display.
Very few are hitting close to the mark. We live in a secular society that has cast off the safety lines of religion and morality. It's like trying to steer a ship without a navigation system. You don't have any idea where you're going and no idea how to get there even if you did. Worldviews have consequences.
As faith and religion have been systematically removed from culture it has been replaced with an almost nihilistic society with no purpose and no real meaning. In a world of Darwin, Planned Parenthood, and environmental extremism that puts the Earth and animals above humanity, life has lost all meaning and is cheap. We're nothing more than animals who won the evolutionary lottery and got big brains. Mankind isn't special or unique. Why should we give more thought to ending a human life than we do to killing a dangerous stray dog? In fact, many environmentalists are also abortion activists that do put the life of an animal or plant above human life. This is the main message in the media and education system. Is it any wonder why violence is on the rise?
Mental illness is not to blame. Guns are not to blame. The FBI and government aren't to blame. Large, sweeping legislation to change or alter any of those will not solve the problem. As long as we teach our younger generations that human life has little to no value, we will have shootings. We will have death.
Just over thirty years ago, I was a lonely, nerdy kid. I had few true friends and even fewer that knew about the anger that was seething within me. I lived angry. I was constantly bullied by the jocks, preps, and any other group that could get away with it. In today's world, I would have been an at risk youth to be one of these killers. However, we still lived in a culture that largely respected life. For all of the failings of the Eighties, that much was still true. The idea of shooting my tormenters never crossed my mind even when I had my hunting bow at school for archery class in PE. (It was a lot of fun to see them try to draw my bow and fail.)
Beyond the respect for life, I had people in my life that would have seen something if there was a problem and acted. I also found target shooting to be very therapeutic. I could send my rage into that target and feel the stress leaving. It was my best outlet. I shot a lot of arrows in the range my parents set up in the basement of our house. In my case, a weapon was a great relief valve that I used often.
Jesus warned us that in the last days, the love of many would grow cold. (Matthew 24) Is there any doubt that we are in such times? We scream and shout about bullying yet certain groups are socially acceptable targets. We talk about compassion for the masses but the individual slips through our fingers. Compassion and love are not for the masses but for each person. Real love is shown not on grand scales but in small acts of kindness, respect, and mercy.
The shrinking Christian minority needs to withdraw from these huge debates about massive programs and legislation save to say that these solutions will fail. Only by demonstrating the real love of Christ can we hope to change the direction. Human life will still have little to no value as long as we continue on this path. Those who are outside of Christ do not have an understanding of love, mercy, and justice. If we live such things in obedience to the Word of God, we can be the shining example we are called to be. If we engage in the blame games of the world, we lose and our society is lost.
A few months ago after another shooting, I recorded an episode called The Growing Stigma about my concern that the mentally ill would become even more ostracized than they already are in our society. That concern is growing with each incident.
The battle lines have been drawn for a long time. People on front lines are increasing the assault with their rhetorical weapons. Some blame guns while others blame mental illness or the medications used to treat it. The government, people who interact with the shooters, and anywhere the blame can be cast fill the online world. People are demanding a solution and none of them will be happy unless it's their version that wins. The tribalism that has been rising in America is on full display.
Very few are hitting close to the mark. We live in a secular society that has cast off the safety lines of religion and morality. It's like trying to steer a ship without a navigation system. You don't have any idea where you're going and no idea how to get there even if you did. Worldviews have consequences.
As faith and religion have been systematically removed from culture it has been replaced with an almost nihilistic society with no purpose and no real meaning. In a world of Darwin, Planned Parenthood, and environmental extremism that puts the Earth and animals above humanity, life has lost all meaning and is cheap. We're nothing more than animals who won the evolutionary lottery and got big brains. Mankind isn't special or unique. Why should we give more thought to ending a human life than we do to killing a dangerous stray dog? In fact, many environmentalists are also abortion activists that do put the life of an animal or plant above human life. This is the main message in the media and education system. Is it any wonder why violence is on the rise?
Mental illness is not to blame. Guns are not to blame. The FBI and government aren't to blame. Large, sweeping legislation to change or alter any of those will not solve the problem. As long as we teach our younger generations that human life has little to no value, we will have shootings. We will have death.
Just over thirty years ago, I was a lonely, nerdy kid. I had few true friends and even fewer that knew about the anger that was seething within me. I lived angry. I was constantly bullied by the jocks, preps, and any other group that could get away with it. In today's world, I would have been an at risk youth to be one of these killers. However, we still lived in a culture that largely respected life. For all of the failings of the Eighties, that much was still true. The idea of shooting my tormenters never crossed my mind even when I had my hunting bow at school for archery class in PE. (It was a lot of fun to see them try to draw my bow and fail.)
Beyond the respect for life, I had people in my life that would have seen something if there was a problem and acted. I also found target shooting to be very therapeutic. I could send my rage into that target and feel the stress leaving. It was my best outlet. I shot a lot of arrows in the range my parents set up in the basement of our house. In my case, a weapon was a great relief valve that I used often.
Jesus warned us that in the last days, the love of many would grow cold. (Matthew 24) Is there any doubt that we are in such times? We scream and shout about bullying yet certain groups are socially acceptable targets. We talk about compassion for the masses but the individual slips through our fingers. Compassion and love are not for the masses but for each person. Real love is shown not on grand scales but in small acts of kindness, respect, and mercy.
The shrinking Christian minority needs to withdraw from these huge debates about massive programs and legislation save to say that these solutions will fail. Only by demonstrating the real love of Christ can we hope to change the direction. Human life will still have little to no value as long as we continue on this path. Those who are outside of Christ do not have an understanding of love, mercy, and justice. If we live such things in obedience to the Word of God, we can be the shining example we are called to be. If we engage in the blame games of the world, we lose and our society is lost.
Monday, January 29, 2018
The Worst Advice
We say it all the time. Books with this advice sell millions of copies. Speakers and preachers proclaim it all the time. We tell it to our children. The truth is, it might just be the worst advice we can give someone. There is something better. ©2018 Mike Kerby & Jesus' Outsider Ministries
Check out this episode!
This episode was very challenging. I knew that by taking on the whole "chase your dreams" mentality that permeates our culture and the church that I was doing something unpopular. Given the number of messes that our team has cleaned up in the wake of a conference, book, or what passes for revival in some churches, I couldn't keep silent.
The longer I follow Christ, the more that closer adherence to what the Word of God actually says becomes important. Fast and loose interpretations or subtle worldly influences drop away in the light of His real truth. Finding who we are called to be and the good works prepared for us ahead of time is far more important than dreaming big dreams and chasing them. Like it or not, most of us are not called to do what we would consider large and important. However, God is often in the things we see of little impact in our fleshly mind but are huge in His Kingdom.
Thursday, December 28, 2017
All In! (Albeit a Little Earlier Than Planned)
Well, here we sit at a crossroads. It's not one that we expected to approach this soon but the Lord used circumstances to give us a much needed push. We are completely in the hands of God and His faithfulness.
What do we mean by all in? All we have left is Jesus' Outsider Ministries and the Deep Mystery Studio. Challenges with my now former part time income have left us with no other potential sources of income. No, there is not a possibility of unemployment since I have worked as an independent contractor for the last several years. Plans that we had been working on that were meant to gradually replace that income have to be put into effect now with no time for buildup. So, we are all in with ministry and, as we can find opportunity, freelance media production and writing.
Nothing in the current ministry schedule is going to change. Events already on the docket will go forward as planned. However, some changes are going to happen out of shear necessity and we will be looking for additions to it.
Plans were already in place to make this transition. Part of those plans included a conviction that we weren't doing enough ministry in Central Illinois. As we prayed about it, we knew that it wasn't to do more in our church homebase. Rather, I need to get out and start preaching, teaching, and supporting local ministries. It's a bit of a daunting task since I've been working primarily online and out of the area for several years. The only local event we've done was the Sex, Porn, and Freedom conference held back in June of 2016. We need to change that. Not only are we going to organize local events (including one already scheduled), we are going to do more to support and teach at others events.
We have a message. We have a mission. Now, we need to fulfill it. While the lovely bride is still working on her speaking skills and comfort level (it's not natural to her), I will be putting myself out there for pulpit supply, guest speaking, and teaching on our main topics in various events. Of course, with six years of podcast archives available to listen to, my doctrine and views are well known. Whether in person or online, I strive to faithfully preach the Word of God and give glory to our Lord Christ Jesus.
Before you ask, no, the effort to preach locally isn't a financial decision. Making a living from honorariums is pretty far fetched for a local preacher. Sure, there are some big names that can command large fees just to show up and speak a few words. I have no such illusions that I am one of them. Over the years, I've preached for free and I've received some very generous gifts for proclaiming the Word. It's time to proclaim God's Word to all that will listen and trust the Lord for His provision.
We will also be starting fundraising efforts for the upcoming Out of The Shadows Conference. The YouCaring page is already set up but needs some tweaking to be more effective. Look for it to be ready the first of the year. Our current situation means that we will have to raise more money than we had originally planned but not a lot.
If you want more information, drop me an email at mike@jesusoutsider.com.
What do we mean by all in? All we have left is Jesus' Outsider Ministries and the Deep Mystery Studio. Challenges with my now former part time income have left us with no other potential sources of income. No, there is not a possibility of unemployment since I have worked as an independent contractor for the last several years. Plans that we had been working on that were meant to gradually replace that income have to be put into effect now with no time for buildup. So, we are all in with ministry and, as we can find opportunity, freelance media production and writing.
Nothing in the current ministry schedule is going to change. Events already on the docket will go forward as planned. However, some changes are going to happen out of shear necessity and we will be looking for additions to it.
Plans were already in place to make this transition. Part of those plans included a conviction that we weren't doing enough ministry in Central Illinois. As we prayed about it, we knew that it wasn't to do more in our church homebase. Rather, I need to get out and start preaching, teaching, and supporting local ministries. It's a bit of a daunting task since I've been working primarily online and out of the area for several years. The only local event we've done was the Sex, Porn, and Freedom conference held back in June of 2016. We need to change that. Not only are we going to organize local events (including one already scheduled), we are going to do more to support and teach at others events.
We have a message. We have a mission. Now, we need to fulfill it. While the lovely bride is still working on her speaking skills and comfort level (it's not natural to her), I will be putting myself out there for pulpit supply, guest speaking, and teaching on our main topics in various events. Of course, with six years of podcast archives available to listen to, my doctrine and views are well known. Whether in person or online, I strive to faithfully preach the Word of God and give glory to our Lord Christ Jesus.
Before you ask, no, the effort to preach locally isn't a financial decision. Making a living from honorariums is pretty far fetched for a local preacher. Sure, there are some big names that can command large fees just to show up and speak a few words. I have no such illusions that I am one of them. Over the years, I've preached for free and I've received some very generous gifts for proclaiming the Word. It's time to proclaim God's Word to all that will listen and trust the Lord for His provision.
We will also be starting fundraising efforts for the upcoming Out of The Shadows Conference. The YouCaring page is already set up but needs some tweaking to be more effective. Look for it to be ready the first of the year. Our current situation means that we will have to raise more money than we had originally planned but not a lot.
If you want more information, drop me an email at mike@jesusoutsider.com.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Science and Miracles
Okay, I admit it, I'm a nerd. I love science. Before going into ministry, I started life studying engineering with a real love for physics. It was only doing the job that I learned that while I love math and science I really hated engineering. I am grateful for a solid scientific education but am just as grateful not to be spending my life in a fabric box. My hat's off to everyone who loves the work. (You da real MVPs)
A Pew research poll released this morning surveys people who have left church who now profess to have lost faith in God. Many, I'm willing to bet, were raised more as cultural Christians (a large number admitted to never having really believed). The ones that stood out are those who stated that rational thought or science cancel out religion. I tend to disagree with that idea.
Several months ago, I had a chance conversation with someone who stated that he left church because no one could answer his questions. So, I responded out of genuine curiosity, "Okay, like what?"
He stood up straight and in a strong defiant tone made a statement rather than asking a question. "Miracles violate all laws of science!" He obviously thought that this would end all discussion. His tone indicated that he would brook no argument to his position.
Undeterred, I looked at him, "So, you don't have a question but a wall. Miracles, by definition, are violations of the known laws of science. If they fit in our understanding of science, they wouldn't be miracles." I'm not sure but I'm willing to bet that he had heard something similar before our conversation. He got very huffy and even more defiant. He made it clear that he wanted no more of this kind of talk. I think he was hoping that I would fumble and stumble or maybe try to use weak science or rewrite the Biblical account to explain miracles like some do. I merely stated my logical belief.
There are a lot of people who are striving to demonstrate a fictitious divide between faith and science. Vocal atheists including Bill Nye state their belief plainly that no one who believes in God can be a scientist. Personally, I find that statement to be completely irrational as I see the hand of a Creator through science. I believe that some of that is simply that the idea of the miraculous, even when there is evidence to prove that it occurred, breaks their safe world.
I am a logical, rational man with a background in physics. Of all the scientific disciplines, apart from healings, physics seems to be the one most often on the receiving end of these alleged violations. Walking on water? Crazy, right? What about that whole dividing the Red Sea thing? Liquid water doesn't behave that way. That's why they're miracles. In each of those two cases, water changed its properties. In one case, a liquid supports the weight of not only Jesus but Peter as well. The surface area of the human foot is no where near sufficient to create buoyancy. Water splitting and becoming walls on either side of the gap? Don't even get me started on why that just doesn't work.
I chose these cases because they are dramatic example of something that could not be easily dismissed. No attempt to alter the Biblical account has ever been able to measure up to each detail of the event. My scientific background says that these could not have happened. However, that same science points me to the Creator. Logically, if there is a Creator, He can exert His power over the universe he created.
Yes, there is an element of faith involved. However, it is my experience that science also involves an element of faith. Sometimes, the faith isn't in the actual data but in the interpretation of that data. For the man I mentioned earlier, he was hung up on how he saw the world and couldn't put it aside. He had faith in his interpretation of the world around him and anything that contradicted that could not be accepted. In truth, I didn't continue the discussion because I knew that he wouldn't be receptive to a word I had to say.
Do miracles make rational sense? That depends. It is rational if you accept the reality of a Creator and put your faith in Him. However, for a purely naturalistic world view, anything that violates the known laws of the universe can be a tough hurdle to leap. Miracles definitely break all the rules.
Please, when engaging in these discussions, please don't assume the other is a fool who only needs to come around to your point of view. Debating science versus religion won't get you far. A little piece of wisdom from my father, "A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still."
Remember the mission. It's about Jesus and His work on the cross. Let the faith and belief in miracles take care of itself. It worked with me. I was well versed in science when I came to Christ at the age of twenty-four. Trust the work of the Holy Spirit. He is very good at His job.
A Pew research poll released this morning surveys people who have left church who now profess to have lost faith in God. Many, I'm willing to bet, were raised more as cultural Christians (a large number admitted to never having really believed). The ones that stood out are those who stated that rational thought or science cancel out religion. I tend to disagree with that idea.
Several months ago, I had a chance conversation with someone who stated that he left church because no one could answer his questions. So, I responded out of genuine curiosity, "Okay, like what?"
He stood up straight and in a strong defiant tone made a statement rather than asking a question. "Miracles violate all laws of science!" He obviously thought that this would end all discussion. His tone indicated that he would brook no argument to his position.
Undeterred, I looked at him, "So, you don't have a question but a wall. Miracles, by definition, are violations of the known laws of science. If they fit in our understanding of science, they wouldn't be miracles." I'm not sure but I'm willing to bet that he had heard something similar before our conversation. He got very huffy and even more defiant. He made it clear that he wanted no more of this kind of talk. I think he was hoping that I would fumble and stumble or maybe try to use weak science or rewrite the Biblical account to explain miracles like some do. I merely stated my logical belief.
There are a lot of people who are striving to demonstrate a fictitious divide between faith and science. Vocal atheists including Bill Nye state their belief plainly that no one who believes in God can be a scientist. Personally, I find that statement to be completely irrational as I see the hand of a Creator through science. I believe that some of that is simply that the idea of the miraculous, even when there is evidence to prove that it occurred, breaks their safe world.
I am a logical, rational man with a background in physics. Of all the scientific disciplines, apart from healings, physics seems to be the one most often on the receiving end of these alleged violations. Walking on water? Crazy, right? What about that whole dividing the Red Sea thing? Liquid water doesn't behave that way. That's why they're miracles. In each of those two cases, water changed its properties. In one case, a liquid supports the weight of not only Jesus but Peter as well. The surface area of the human foot is no where near sufficient to create buoyancy. Water splitting and becoming walls on either side of the gap? Don't even get me started on why that just doesn't work.
I chose these cases because they are dramatic example of something that could not be easily dismissed. No attempt to alter the Biblical account has ever been able to measure up to each detail of the event. My scientific background says that these could not have happened. However, that same science points me to the Creator. Logically, if there is a Creator, He can exert His power over the universe he created.
Yes, there is an element of faith involved. However, it is my experience that science also involves an element of faith. Sometimes, the faith isn't in the actual data but in the interpretation of that data. For the man I mentioned earlier, he was hung up on how he saw the world and couldn't put it aside. He had faith in his interpretation of the world around him and anything that contradicted that could not be accepted. In truth, I didn't continue the discussion because I knew that he wouldn't be receptive to a word I had to say.
Do miracles make rational sense? That depends. It is rational if you accept the reality of a Creator and put your faith in Him. However, for a purely naturalistic world view, anything that violates the known laws of the universe can be a tough hurdle to leap. Miracles definitely break all the rules.
Please, when engaging in these discussions, please don't assume the other is a fool who only needs to come around to your point of view. Debating science versus religion won't get you far. A little piece of wisdom from my father, "A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still."
Remember the mission. It's about Jesus and His work on the cross. Let the faith and belief in miracles take care of itself. It worked with me. I was well versed in science when I came to Christ at the age of twenty-four. Trust the work of the Holy Spirit. He is very good at His job.
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