COURAGEOUS COMMUNICATION

“Evan-jellyfish,” is a term I have heard used to describe evangelicals without a spine.  To such, Christianity is about being nice—just like Jesus.  After all, “He gets us,” as the multi-million dollar TV campaign nicely presents. Of course Jesus was nice, except when He was flipping over tables, cracking a whip, demanding repentance or you perish in hell, calling people vipers, and prophesying wrath to come!  

Yet, Jesus spoke the truth in love. He neglected neither. Christ was “full of grace and truth,” (John 1:14). Our message is not one of condemnation, but compassion. Yet, the way out of condemnation is not human goodness (however we define it), but heavenly grace. To promote love without truth is liberalism that has no saving power.  If we are already nice, then we can have this very nice Jesus whomever we imagine Him to be, and think all is well for the afterlife—whatever we conceive that to mean.

Paul is contrasting the ministry of the Old Covenant with the message of the New Covenant in chapter three of 2 Corinthians. There was a glory in the law given to Moses, for it came from Holy God. It set forth God’s standard, but gave no means to keep it. Moses’ face reflected the glory for a time, but it faded. In opposing liberalism, we are not promoting legalism. That is a ministry of the letter that kills. 

Rather, we have a ministry of righteousness—that very righteousness which comes by faith in Christ and gives us grace to change from the inside out. The Apostle would later state in this letter, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (‭5‬:‭17‬‬). It is the ministry of the Spirit that gives eternal life.  Our focus is on courageous communication that Paul commends in 2 Corinthians 3:12, “Therefore, since we have such hope, we use great boldness of speech—”. 

This conveys THE BASIS OF COURAGEOUS COMMUNICATION, “Therefore, since we have such hope…”.  The unshakeable hope we have rests in the finished work of Christ. It is a not the “hope so” of legalism or liberalism, but the concrete assurance of justification from Christ’s work in the past that saves us from sin’s penalty, sanctification in His ongoing work in the present that saves us from sin’s power, and glorification at His return that saves us from sin’s presence. There is no hope to be found in a message that declares we are good already as liberalism does, or demands that we be good in our own ability as legalism does. Rather, it is about Jesus who is, “the Way, the Truth, and the LIfe.”  The only hope, for none come to the Father but by Him, (John 14:6). 

This means we can have THE BOLDNESS OF COURAGEOUS COMMUNICATION, “we use great boldness of speech—”.  Paul did not say, “I’m OK; you’re Ok” but confronted us with the reality of our sin and the gravity of the sentence upon us. Nether did he tell us to pray to Mary, confess to a priest, keep some ritual, be nice and so forth—hoping that in the scales of justice, the good may outweigh the bad.  False religion—whether of a cult or some perverted Christianity—has the works of bad people put in the scales and so our religiosity and ritual on the other side tip the balance in our favor. The problem with that it is actually the holiness of God in one side of the balance, and whatever we put into the other side will not even move the scale. Only one human ever equaled the perfect righteousness of God—the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, we boldly proclaim the Gospel. 

This is the good and glorious work that Christ does in us by His Spirit who regenerates and sanctifies. In HIs abiding presence and our pursuing an abiding relationship with Him that transformation occurs: 

“Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” (2 Cor. 3‬:‭17‬-‭18‬‬). 

Our courageous communication is of freedom in Christ—free to be all that God wants me to be, realizing it in increasing measure, as I grow and glow from the glory of Christ in and with me. “He gets us,”—yes, if you mean Christ gets us by reaching into the pit of sin and pulling us out of the muck and mire, cleaning us up, and clothing us in His righteousness, fitting us for glory. 

Hallelujah, what a Savior we preach!  May His Gospel be our courageous communication!

SKILLED SWORDSMEN

While we must ever lean on the Spirit, we can also learn better skills in communication. It is the Sword of the Spirit we must wield, but doing so with competence brings victory.

Spurgeon said:

I heard one say the other day that a certain preacher had no more gifts for the ministry than an oyster, and in my own judgment this was a slander on the oyster, for that worthy bivalve shows great discretion in his openings, and knows when to close. If some men were sentenced to hear their own sermons it would be a righteous judgment upon them, and they would soon cry out with Cain, "My punishment is greater than I can bear." Let us not fall under the same condemnation. (Lectures to My Students, p. 209). 

SEMPER FIDELIS

 

“Semper Fidelis,” is the Marine Corps motto. It is Latin for, “always faithful.”  It is an apt description for a soldier of the cross, also, and is illustrated by the Gospel general, Paul, as we see him in his ministry. Like the Apostle here, we find ourselves in a carnal Corinthian culture.  The words of our Lord to Paul speak to our ministry today. 

It is a call to COURAGE, “Do not be afraid.”  Fear will bid us flee if we listen to its threats. Yet, we are called to go forward in faith. Don’t look around at the danger, but look up to the Savior—“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Heb.‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬‬). 

It is a call to COMMUNICATE, “speak, and do not keep silent… for I have many people in this city.”  There is power in the Word of God. It is the Sword of the Spirit and will always accomplish its purpose, (cf. Rom. 1:16-17; Isa. 55:11). We call out those God has already chosen. We do the speaking, God does the saving. Even in a pagan place like Corinth, God had His elect.

It is a call to COMMUNION, “for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you.”  God + 1 = a majority!  With Christ by our side, what do we have to fear?  Let us cultivate our communion with Him instead of concentrating on the challenges before us.  That communion will inspire confidence.

It is a call to COMMITMENT, “And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.”  Stick with it—always faithful. Stay in the Word and share it consistently. It will get the job done.

Semper Fidelis!

BREAKING DOWN OR BUILDING UP?

Words have tremendous power—power to harm or to heal. We can build bridges to God and man or barriers between us with our speech. It is possible to use our mouths to supply grace or to siphon it.  

This is true for all of us, but is particularly a concern for those who preach and teach God’s people. Hence, the warning of James, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.” (3:1)‬‬. 

This begins a powerful section in James’ epistle on the potential of our talk for good or evil. One who has authoritative communication and an audience to impact faces a more intense scrutiny of his speech. It is a sobering consideration. As the children’s song warns, “Be careful little lips what you say.”  Paul echoes that here, and we must ask does my talk as a pastor break down or build up?

The speech that breaks down is described as, “corrupting talk.”  Our lips can spread toxic talk that infects others with harm. There are at least three ways this occurs.

We may speak words of discussion that are filthy. Usually, these are private conversations. It is the use of innuendo around the opposite sex, and locker room talk around our fellow man. 

We might speak words of delusion that are false. Doctrinal error in the pew comes from deviants in the pulpit—the malignancy of heresy that threatens the church’s life. 

We can speak words of division that are fractious. Our words, rising from a bitter spirit, infused with anger, turn the preacher into a fire-breathing dragon with potential to burn the church down. 

Instead we must aim for the speech that builds up, “good for building up.”  Our sermons in public and speech in private are to be edifying.  Paul points to three needful qualities. 

Such talk is intentional, “but only such as is good for building up.”  It is a matter of choice. God has given us the power of His Spirit to equip us to excise corrupting speech and extend constructive words.

Such talk is instructional, “as fits the occasion.”  It is a matter of context. There are times when the context of a congregant’s conduct demands confrontation and at other times  consolation. The way we say something, when we say it, and why we say it can be as meaningful as what we say.

Such talk is incarnational, “that it may give grace to those who hear.”  This is a matter of content. Our messages are to be filled with grace. We can impart that from God’s Word because we have ingested it from it. Our lives as well as our lips witness to the incarnation of our communication. Our objective then is to be channels that bring grace to those who hear and heed our message, so it will become incarnate in them.

Will we speak words that break down or build up?  One day we will give answer to Christ, the Living Word, for the life or death from our tongue.

STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #23

 ENGAGE YOUR MIND BEFORE YOU OPEN YOUR MOUTH

You have likely heard that God gave you two ears and only one mouth for a reason—listen more than you speak. James tells us that is vital, and connects it with controlling your temper. Fiery words often ignite furious wrath, and that is not productive. Someone may argue, “I just say what I think!”  I think we ought not think some of what we think and despite the claim may have engaged our mouth ahead of our mind!  But, like squeezing a tube of toothpaste, once it is out you cannot put the toothpaste back in the tube. So, when those words go out, you cannot grab them and retract them.

But, do people talk anymore?  We do produce a steady stream of words, but often in an email, text, or social media post. If I blow up face to face with a person—that is bad, but the damage may be limited, and based on their reaction I can see, I can begin to deal with what I said.

The internet is a different matter. When it goes out, there is a permanent record. The tone of voice and body language are absent. The means of emojis may compensate a little, but not a lot.  Some people will read it and not respond, while in their heart be offended and “unfriend” you.  They can screenshot it and share it widely.  Like a cancer, malignant words can be deadly.

Have an honest, wise friend read your email, text, or social media post before you hit send, if you have some concerns. When in doubt—don’t!  It is so easy to get in the fortress at our desk and launch flaming arrows of verbiage as a keyboard warrior.  I fear I have done it too.

Some things need to be said, even if it makes people upset and angry. Truth can do that. But, make sure the conviction is accompanied by compassion, and packaged in the best way for the content to be hopefully received and not rejected.  Maybe you have seen the acrostic: THINK: before you speak ask, “Is it True? Helpful? Inspiring? Necessary? Kind?”

Engage your mind before you open your mouth—and before you hit, “send”!

STUFF I’VE LEARNED THAT SEMINARY DIDN’T TEACH ME #19

Put the cookies on the shelf where people can reach them.  The preacher is not there to bewilder with theological terms, awe with Hebrew and Greek words, or impress with English eloquence. That is not to say lofty doctrinal concepts cannot be presented, but that the intent is not to amaze the audience with our oratorical splendor rooted in seminary speak, but to make truth accessible to understanding and applicable to daily life. 

Think of Jesus setting a child on His lap and illustrating the simplicity of faith or pointing to fowls in the sky and flowers in the soil as evidence of God’s care for His children. No wonder that “the common people heard Him gladly” (Mark 12:37 NKJV). When that can be said of your sermon, then you have preached like Jesus!

FOR THE YOUNG MAN IN MINISTRY (OLD-TIMERS MIGHT PROFIT TOO)

 

Now a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus.  (Acts 18:24)

If an arrow is aimed in the right direction, it is more likely to hit its target.  A good beginning as a young man in ministry does not insure a great ending, but it surely helps.  Apollos was one who was aimed the right way, and what a difference it made in him and those he served.  There are a few brief helps drawn from his story in Acts 18 which can guide the young preacher.

Develop your communication skills.  Apollos was “an eloquent man.”  While it might be a few exceptional preachers that are worthy of the description, “eloquent,” we must aim at least at being effective!  Pronouncing words clearly, the cadence of the voice, eye contact, and such may not come naturally to us, but we can work at it and improve.  The best sermon poorly delivered will be a waste of your time in preparation and the congregation’s in attendance.

Immerse yourself in Scripture and expound it.  Apollos was “mighty in the Scripture…instructed in the way of the Lord… he spoke and taught accurately….”  Believe it and apply it every day.  Feed your soul or you will not be able to feed your sheep.  This is more than preparing a sermon; it is preparing the servant—being strong in Scripture in our own personal life, so we can speak with authority in the pulpit.  The mandate is to, “Preach the Word!”  (2 Tim.4:2)   We are not to impose our opinions on the text.  That is pastoral malpractice!  Impressive communication can never substitute for inspired content.

Preach passionately.  Apollos was, “fervent in spirit.”  Why should our audience be excited about the sermon if we are not?  This isn’t just about volume, but we are not giving a classroom lecture on Bible history or theology.  We are enthusiastically proclaiming the truth that will transport one from darkness into light, and transform sinners into saints!  That is something to get stirred up about!

Preach courageously.  Apollos spoke, “boldly,” because he spoke Biblically. The temptation these days is to skirt the tough issues and make the message palatable to the culture.  Open the Book and open your mouth, speaking with clarity and conviction.

Listen and learn all your life.  A godly old couple, Aquila and Priscilla “took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.”  Apollos knew a lot, but he did not know it all.  He was not an arrogant man, but a teachable preacher.  He knew how to talk, but he also knew how to listen.  You cannot teach someone who knows it all!  One thing a young preacher assuredly does not have is experience.  There are lessons learned in the laboratory of life that older, wiser lay people and elderly pastors can teach us.  Our peers are important, but our elders are indispensable.  The white-headed men in suits need to help the spikey-haired men in jeans!  The church needs both.

Exhort the saints and exalt the Savior.  Apollos “greatly helped those who had believed.”  Exhortation is giving people a pat on the back or a kick in the rear, depending on which is needed to move them along, with the discernment to know which is applicable.  Above all keep the focus on Jesus, “showing from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.”  Apollos set that standard for us to emulate.  The ministry is about Jesus and not about us!

 

 

 

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW

Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”  (Matthew 13:52)

The wedding tradition for the bride says she is to wear:

Something old,
something new,
something borrowed,
something blue,
and a silver sixpence in her shoe.

This is supposed to bring the couple good fortune.

What Jesus says here is much the same, except He is not talking about tradition, but truth, and this is not about superstition, but Scripture.  It is not aimed at a bride at her wedding, but for the Bride of Christ in her worship.  The pastor, in this case, is responsible for bringing something old and something new to the celebration of love at 11 AM on Sunday.

He is to be a student, scholar, and teacher.  He is a “scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven.”  A scribe was one who had immersed himself in knowing the truth, and was skilled in communicating the truth.  You cannot tell what you do not know.  The preacher must not be like Old Mother Hubbard who went to her cupboard and found it was bare!  How many come to the house of God hungry for a Word from heaven and don’t even get a bone, much less meat!  Still, we may have the ingredients from our personal study, but unless we know how to prepare a suitable meal and present it in a digestible and appealing form, the “wedding reception,” may still leave the guests unsatisfied.

The preacher is also the manager of the household property.   The state of the house and the care of the family wealth is in his hands.  We are entrusted with leading the family of God as pastors of a local church.  The treasure of truth—the wealth of the Word—is in our hands.  It is our privilege and responsibility to open the Bible each week and from that treasure chest to bring out something new and something old.  That is, the source of our material is old—given under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit—never to be amended.  We do not give any new revelation, but we can make new application for our times and audience.  There is a perennial freshness to the old Story for it is eternal truth—the same yesterday, today, and forever.  We dare not present it in a stale manner.  Our desire is for people to catch a new vision of God’s glory encountered in the old story.  I have found it to be an inexhaustible treasure of incalculable worth, and we can lead our people to experience that also.  If we are not excited about it, then it is understandable if our audience responds with a yawn of boredom, rather than a yell of joy!  God forbid!