Author Archives: Bob Sims

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When Church Hurts

I never thought my greatest wound in ministry would come from the person I once called my best friend—a man I served with, prayed with, and dreamed with. For six years, I stood shoulder to shoulder with a fellow pastor, giving my heart to a church  (a church that was dying when we arrived). And God moved. We saw spiritual growth, new life in the pews (okay, the pews had already been replaced with chairs, but you get the point), and genuine transformation.

But then came the shift. People left. Tensions rose. Looking back, I can see how I should’ve spoken up, loved, and stood in the gap more. But I was following my pastor’s lead. And when the dust settled, I was no longer at the table—I was on the outside looking in. I was suddenly excluded from the ministries we started. Decisions were made without me. My wife felt it, too, the feeling of being ostracized, dismissed with disdain from those who were our friends, almost like family.

I wasn’t met with compassion or grace when I finally brought my concerns forward. Instead, I was asked to step down—to “seek counseling.” That moment left my wife and I  stunned, grieving, and eventually walking away from a church we once called home. And the deepest cut? It wasn’t just the ministry shift. My pastor, whom I once showed grace to in one of his darkest hours, didn’t return that same grace when I needed it most. Actions indeed speak louder than words.

But, friend, if you are dealing with a situation like this, here’s what I’ve come to understand: this is not the end of the story. The enemy would love for you to quit. We must remember that Satan is a master manipulator. He prowls like a lion (1 Peter 5:8), not just in the world but even more so within the church, looking for ways to divide, distract, and devour. And what better way to do that than by wounding leaders, worshippers, and those faithful to the flock? Abraham Lincoln once said that a house divided against itself cannot stand. This is even truer when applied to the local church.

Make no mistake—church hurt is real. Never minimize someone who the church has hurt. We cannot let Satan write the final chapter of our story. We cannot surrender our calling, joy, or identity to the enemy’s deceitful tricks.

Remember: When People Fail, God Remains Faithful.
In moments like these, I cling to Romans 8:28 (CSB):
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

That includes the things that break us, the betrayals, and the seasons that end in silence instead of celebration. God is sovereign and in control. He knew this chapter would come, and He is not finished with you or me!

Another verse that comforts me is Romans 11:29 (CSB):
“Since God’s gracious gifts and calling are irrevocable.”

Let that sink in—no one can cancel the calling God has placed on your life. Not a pastor. Not a deacon. Not even a church split. Your calling stands because it came from the unchanging Christ (Hebrews 13:8).

Even when it hurts, we must forgive. Forgiveness is not optional for the believer. Jesus modeled it on the cross when He prayed, “Father, forgive them because they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34, CSB). And if we’re being honest, some of the people who’ve hurt us in the church may have thought they were doing the right thing at the time.

We are called to extend grace—even when grace wasn’t extended to us. That doesn’t mean you must return to that place or rekindle the relationship. But it does mean you release the bitterness before it poisons your soul and hinders your ministry.


I now see this painful season as one of God’s strangest blessings. Because through it, I’ve learned what kind of pastor I don’t want to be. I’ve learned to see those hurting in the pews and to seek the one even when it means leaving the ninety-nine. My former pastor may not have shown me the shepherd’s heart, but that doesn’t mean God won’t use this experience to form that heart in me.

Friend, don’t give up if you’ve been hurt in church. Don’t check out. Don’t let Satan convince you that you’re disqualified. If anything, your scars may be the credentials and real-life illustrations God will use to reach the broken people He’s calling you to serve next., so keep fighting the good fight!
The apostle Paul wrote from a place of hardship and betrayal but still said:
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” – 2 Timothy 4:7 (CSB)

You can, too. Not because it’s easy—but because Christ is worth it. And while church leaders may fail you, Jesus never will.

A prayer like this is hard but necessary.
Father, I come before You not with anger but with a heart that is still healing. I lift up those who have hurt me—not with bitterness, but in obedience to Your Word. May You bless and guide them, and may their ministry flourish as they align their hearts with Scripture. Lord, though they hurt me, I release them to You. Heal the broken places in me, and restore the joy of Your calling on my life. Use my pain for Your glory. Give me peace, strength, and renewed purpose to serve You well in whatever comes next. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Believer’s Baptism?

Baptism does not save you, but more importantly, I am only echoing what Scripture clearly states.

Bob sims

On June 8th,1979, I entered this world five minutes after my twin sister Becky. Side note: I was the last of four children, and as a practicing Catholic, my mom held onto her rosary beads as she delivered my siblings. Why did she not hold her rosary beads when she gave birth to me? She did not know that she was having twins, so when the doctor informed her about me, she dropped the rosary beads on the delivery room floor. But I digress. Soon after my sister and I were born, we were baptized at St. Louis Catholic church; incidentally, that is where I eventually attended Catholic grade school. What is the point you are probably thinking? I am getting there. So I was baptized as an infant into the Catholic Church; no accident would land me in limbus infantium.


I am purposefully speaking tongue-in-cheek. Even before I became a Christian, I always thought infant baptism seemed too good to be true. I reasoned that if infant Baptism achieved eternity in Heaven, what would be the point of attending church, praying, and doing “church stuff”? I thought if you receive the golden ticket to the mansion on the hilltop only days into your life on earth, wouldn’t that negate the entire concept of Christianity? It just did not add up, and I barely even believed in God when I began to make these realizations. However, my opinion of Baptism in general soon would dramatically change.

When I came to faith in the Lord Jesus, it was a shock to my family. Both my father and stepmom were Catholics-not practicing Catholics. My conversion occurred at the tail end of my Senior year in high school. Soon after I was saved, the pastor at my church shared that I should be baptized again; he called it “Believer’s baptism” and added that it was the first public statement of faith I needed to make. And so, I was baptized.


Baptism does not save you, but more importantly, I am only echoing what Scripture teaches. I do not embrace the idea of “baptismal regeneration, the notion that “baptism affects a transformation, bringing a person from spiritual death to life”. [1] Baptism is best described as a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ[2]. In other words, it is a picture of the Gospel. Baptism, rightly, is only for believers. Those persons who have placed their trust and faith in Jesus are whom baptism is reserved for.[3] Furthermore, baptism should be by immersion for the original Greek word baptizo, which means to immerse, is the only word within Scripture to describe Christian baptism. The word is not even translated; rather it is transliterated. There is no way around it; the word means to immerse or dunk.

Lastly, believers should be baptized because they are mandated to (Mt 28:19). If Jesus is their Lord, the new believer should follow His commands and be baptized (Jn 14:15). I have witnessed many new believers struggle with following through with baptism. Still, when they do, many will share that they wished they had done it sooner. Also, when a believer is baptized, it conveys the message of the Gospel and shows their lost friends and family that they are walking in the newness of life in which they now live (Rm 6:4)!
Because of Him,
Bob
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[1] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, 3rd ed (Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Academic, 2013), 1018.

[2]  Romans 6:4-7, Therefore we were buried with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too may walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death, we will certainly also be in the likeness of his resurrection. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin.

[3] Acts 2:41, So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them.

Acts 10:46-47, For they heard them speaking in tongues and declaring the greatness of God. Then Peter responded, “Can anyone withhold water and prevent these people from being baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?”

Acts 16:31-33, They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him along with everyone in his house. He took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds. Right away he and all his family were baptized.

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Recapturing the Voice of God: Shaping Sermons Like Scripture

Smith, Steven W. Recapturing the Voice of God: Shaping Sermons like Scripture, Nashville, TN: B&H Academic 2015. 243 pp.

Biographical Sketch of the Author

            Currently, Steven W. Smith serves as Senior Pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock, Arkansas. Additionally, Smith is on the faculty of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary as Professor of Preaching and Pastoral Ministry, Senior Preaching Fellow, Spurgeon Library. Prior to his roles at Immanuel Baptist Church and Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Smith served as Vice President for Student Services and Professor of Preaching at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Pertinent to this review, Smith has a robust background in Communication holding a B.S. in Communications from Liberty University, MDiv from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Ph.D. in Communications from Regent University. Smith has authored two books: Dying to Preach and, Recapturing the Voice of God. Additionally, Smith co-authored Preaching for the Rest of Us[1].

Summary of the Contents

In Recapturing the Voice of God, Smith “unashamedly” hopes that the book will “contribute to the work of those who want to explain the text” of the Bible (1), adding that “expository, text-driven preaching is not a style but a theologically driven philosophy of preaching whose purpose is to get as close to the text as possible” (1). His justification, or rationale for the book “hangs on two axioms” that “Preaching is re-representing the Word of God” and “The structure of the text influences its meaning” (1-2). Smith states that “we preach the Word of God as influenced by the voice of God” (2), adding that “the simple proposition is that the shape of the text determines the shape of the sermon” (4). To persuade the reader of this, after a brief introduction, Smith utilizes twelve chapters to convert the reader to align themselves with his thinking. The first two chapters are devoted to the mechanics of preaching. Chapter one focuses on “Recapturing the Voice of God: Pitch, Rate, Volume” (5) whereas chapter two centers on “Text-driven Preaching: Substance, Structure, Spirit” (17). Chapter three covers “Preaching and the Genre of Scripture: Story, Poem, Letter (27), and with chapter four, Smith turns his attention to preaching the various types of books and genres in the Bible, beginning with the Old Testament (37), and concluding with chapter twelve which examines preaching the book of Revelation (197).

Critical Evaluation

The simple proposition that Smith propagates is that “the shape of the sermon should be influenced by the shape of the text” (3). The “shape”, that is, the genre in which a certain text is written, is what communicates the “author -intended emotional design of the text” (2).  Primarily, this book seeks to not only be used as an introductory reference to assist less experienced preachers but also to be used by the experienced preacher with many years of preaching familiarity. Smith unmistakably and successfully shows the significance of genre translation in homiletics. He adequately clarifies the inadequacy of a cookie-cutter type of sermon structure considering the unique nature of sacred text (10).

Stating that the goal of preaching “is not to sound like preaching”, but rather “to sound like God’s word”, Smith essentially calls out countless preachers who, for lack of a better term, parrot, other preachers (10). Smith continues this line of attack saying that “preaching that makes points from a text but avoids the meaning of the text makes our people vulnerable” (19). His reasoning that preaching of this sort results in congregations that are vulnerable is that in doing so, “Avoiding the meaning of the text is not lying to people, but it prepares our people to accept lies” (19). Smith states that “everything we say in the pulpit we say to the exclusion of something else” which could be one of the sub-themes of this book as Smith repeats it throughout the work (19). He stresses the importance of this idea because every person who stands in the pulpit to preach on any given Sunday only has a limited time in which to preach the sermon. And even if one creature is allotted forty-five minutes or more, that is still a minuscule amount of time when one realizes that this might be the only time that the congregation here’s the word of God preached in seven days. Therefore, according to Smith, it is key that the preacher rightly interprets but re-presents what God is saying not forcing the text into a rigid homiletical structure (21). Smith effectively drives this concept home stating that “The point is clear enough: there is someone who is responsible for the explanation of the Word to the people”, and that person is the under-shepherd, the local pastor of any local congregation (24).

A strong argument with numerous examples regarding the situational and moving nature of genres, the focus of Smith in chapter three (30). Smith successfully Is how every genre is ultimately influenced by it immediate and macro context; and further, he shows how each genre essentially points to Jesus Christ (40,55,68,70, 91, 197). Smith delineates the significance setting plays by showing how the book of Hebrews cannot be completely understood without a comprehension of Psalm 110 (180).  Peculiarly to this reviewer, Smith invests a lot of energy in interpreting the various books of the Bible according to their genre. However, he does so effectively, and, moreover, this content would be advantageous to any student of the Bible, but even more so for the preacher of the Word.

The chief criticism of this book is the absence of its supposed main thrust: the structure of the sermon based on the shape of the text. The amount of time that Smith spent on interpretation seemed to overshadow the portions devoted to the structure and shape of the text. And while the interpretation content was solid and beneficial, it seemed to outshine the shape and structure theme. Furthermore, some preachers might be discouraged, or at the very least confused, if they recently read any of the sermon books published that focuses on the traditional sermon and homiletical principles.

Conclusion

Recapturing the voice of God is a beneficial read for any pastor or teacher who preaches the Word. Smith Has done a fine job of making the case that a cookie-cutter approach to sermon creation should not be the standard and furthermore, he has shown that it can be irresponsible at the very least but could be dangerous at its worst. Having read a later work of Smith’s, Preaching for the Rest of Us, this reviewer feels that Smith was able to succinctly make his case more so than he does in Recapturing the voice of God.

  Even though Smith spent much of his writing focused on interpretation, his writing was solid and grounded in Scripture which is commendable. The thesis of the book was, “The humble ambition of this book is to show a preacher or teacher how the genre influences the meaning of the text and give practical help for those who want to know how we can shape our sermons to reflect this meaning” (2). To this end, Recapturing the voice of God adequately fulfills this goal.

[1] “Steven W. Smith,” October 23, 2021, https://www.mbts.edu/about/faculty/steven-w-smith/.

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Christianity, Life

Death and Time…

pexels-photo-707676.jpegBen franklin famously wrote “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes”. And while I certainly think that this is an oversimplification, it still does ring true.

One hundred percent of those who read this blog post will eventually die; that is a fact! Regardless of their stellar gene pool, workout regimen and diet, one day they will indeed, perish. It is unmistakably unavoidable. Choosing to ignore the topic of the brevity of life in no way changes the fact: death is coming to us all.

Human beings are quite unusual when compared to the animal kingdom (and this is because we are made in the image of God which is a topic for another day), and in more ways than just one. Specifically, however, I am referring to the fact that human beings fully understand that they are temporal, finite, beings. Beings who, for all their great accomplishments, in no way can extend their time on this earth, indefinitely. It is truly remarkable that humans wake up, go to work; laugh; play; love; hate; and so on and so forth, all the while knowing full well that they cannot escape the finitude of their own life.

Over the last week or so, several deaths have made the headlines. First was R. Lee Ermey, an actor known for his role in Full Metal Jacket (and a plethora of other roles in films and television, including Toy Story!). He was 74.

The next death was that of Harry Anderson, of Night Court fame. I can still remember watching Night Court when I was a kid. The character he played was silly, but I loved it. And that he did magic tricks was a bonus (he actually was a magician in “real life”). Harry Anderson was 65.

Barbara Bush, the former First Lady to President George H. Bush, and mother to President George W. Bush, was the next death that pinged on my phone as notification after notification from every major news app that I have installed in my phone filled up my screen. Tributes began pouring in, which honestly, made my heart glad. It is nice to see some honest, non-partisan, kind words. Barbara Bush was 92.

Lastly, and without a doubt, most heartrending, was Jennifer Riordan. Jennifer unfortunately, was the passenger on Southwest Flight 1380 who tragically lost her life when one of the plane’s engines malfunctioned causing debris to puncture the plane. She was a wife, mother and successful in her occupation. Jennifer Riordan was 43.

Death is unavoidable.

Rarely in the span of such a diminutive amount of time do we see headlines of those who died in such close succession, yet their dissimilarities abound all the more. Two were actors (and I would say they were successful actors). One, a prominent political matriarch. And the last, though unknown to the greater populace, nonetheless, she was known throughout her community, industry and family (and according to all accounts, a great person). Their ages, however, is what piqued my interest.

The youngest was only 43, which sounds too young to die in modern, scientifically and medically advanced, times. However, tell that to the countless parents who have children battling all forms of terrible cancers who would give anything to see their child make it to only 18. Perspective. The oldest was 92 which sounds much better. The other two, at 64 and 75 fall in the middle. Although, I read numerous comments on social media that 65 is “way too young to die”. The bottom line is no one, if they are being honest, wants to die.

The bible says, yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring — what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes (James 4:14). And how true is that? Very.

Life is like a vapor, here one moment, gone the next. I did not fully realize this until I grew older. Oddly, it seems like just last week I was cruising around my hometown in my 1966 Chey II Nova, listening to a CD (remember what those are?) in my Panasonic CD player as the sound was pumped through a pair of Sony 6×9’s and a pair of Rockford Fosgate subs (and if all those descriptions do not date me, nothing will). The irony is, that was over 20 years ago. How could twenty-plus years go that fast? I do not know how, but they did. As I age, it is as if time is speeding up!

It is impossible to increase our time; yet it is possible to change what we do with our time. All the money, prestige, and power that this world offers cannot add to our time. We can exhaust ourselves, working diligently as possible; and that will not add time to our day. Each person has 1,440 minutes in their day. Factoring in time slept, eating, bathing and going to the restroom, not to mention working, there is not that much time leftover. Each person must ask this question: “What am I doing with my time?”

I have read numerous articles over the years, from varying perspectives, concerning what those who are dying, and looking back at their life, regret. And regardless of which article, not a single one  ever states that those persons looking back on their lives wish that that they would have done the following:

-Worked more

-Made more money

-Acquired more personal possessions

What is done with a person’s time, speaks volumes about that person; in fact, it speaks louder than anything that the person says. I can say that I am a “family man”, or that “I am committed to my faith”, or a host of other things, but if how I spend my time contradicts any of those statements, then I am a liar. Ouch.

How are you spending your time as of late?

Are you loving those that need to be loved? Are you showing grace and kindness to those who desperately need it?  How about smiling; are you smiling more than walking around looking like someone popped the only balloon you have ever had? Are you sharing your faith and hope in Jesus to those who have lost all hope, and even doubt the existence of a God who actually loves them?

Or perhaps, you cannot share about the hope you have in Jesus because you too, do not have that hope. Maybe “God stuff” is not for you, thinking you are far too intelligent to believe in fairy tales. Maybe you are staking your claim on a deathbed conversion at the age of 99; don’t bet on it.

The bible clearly teaches that this world is not all there is. In the gospel of John, these words are found: For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. I underlined eternal as a reminder that this physical life on earth is not all there is.

 Time continues to count down, for everyone. Death is no respecter of person, age, esteem, wealth, or you name it.

Do not waste your life on the wrong things; do not hesitate one more day, to make the decisions you know you need to make! You are not dead….yet!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Christian Worship, Christianity

Sunday after Easter?

Easter, or as I more appropriately call it, Resurrection Sunday, has come, and gone.

Perhaps you consider yourself a Christian, a Believer; and as some would say, a Follower of Jesus. Possibly, you attended a service on Sunday like you normally do. If that describes you, that is wonderful! However, if that description is not accurate depiction of  you, please, read on.

Easter Sunday is undoubtedly, the most attended Sunday in Christian churches in the United States. Depending on which poll is most accurate, anywhere between 51% and 79% of Americans planned to attend an Easter service yesterday. That is a behemoth of a percentage, considering the overwhelming rapid secularization that has occurred over the past few decades, specifically the  last 10 years or so.

Yet still, there is something about Easter.

Each year I am continually surprised when Easter approaches, and a friend or acquaintance (who normally could not care less about church attendance, God, Jesus, the cross, etc.), shares their plans to attend a service. And don’t misunderstand me, I am pleasantly surprised, and genuinely happy they plan to attend; it just makes me think.

If you are one of those persons who attended an Easter service yesterday who has not darkened a church door, since maybe Christmas, or even Easter last year, I commend you! It is not fun, nor enjoyable, attending a church service when it is “not your thing”. And add to that, all that comes with attending, such as getting all dressed up, throwing on a tie or nice dress, when you never dress like that. Or perchance, you attended a hip, relaxed service wearing jeans while you focused on the pastor (after of course, the fog from the fog machine dissipated)  speaking from a super-contemporary stool; if you attended a church like that, kudos to you!

I will not bore you with doctrine, theological speak, or even rehash a similar message that you might have heard yesterday. And that is in no way disrespect, or a repudiation of the message that you heard. I trust that you heard a transforming message of hope, deliverance, peace and love yesterday. If not, no worries, even the best pastor fires off a dud now and then!

I do not know why you attended. Was it for a spouse, significant other, parent, friend? Was it “all you” as in something inside you nudged or persuaded you? And do not worry, thousands, if not millions were in your shoes, and did the same. However,  now Easter has come and gone; it is over.

You now have a choice. You can move on with that Easter service in your rear-view mirror, driving as fast as you possible can till it is no longer visible. Or…you can decide to act differently, doing something completely out-of-character for you: This coming Sunday, you can get in your car, drive on the same road, end up at the same church you just visited the week prior, and even sit in the same pew (or chair!) that you sat in seven days ago. And yes, give it a second chance.

Now I am not saying that you have to agree with it all; you probably will not. But why not take this as an opportunity to answer the question, “what if?”. You might do that, and then realize that it was a complete and total waste of time. That is okay. However, you might have the contrary experience.

One Day, perhaps 10 years from now, you will look at your family as you get in your car. You hear your children chatting back and forth, and you wink at your spouse as they place their hand on top of yours as you head to that same church. The church where you developed friendships, felt loved; the church where your kids grew physically and spiritually. The church where you attended a marriage enrichment workshop that forever strengthened your marriage.

You ponder all these things in your heart and mind as you think to yourself, I am forever grateful that I decided to go back to that church the Sunday after Easter; so very glad!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Christianity

I forgot about the Gospel…

Recently, I experienced a humbling, yet insightful experience…

I, along with two of my kids (although, at ages 18 and 20, they are hardly “kids”!), headed south to Nashville from Cincinnati, specifically, to Vanderbilt University. We were looking forward to attending the “I don’t have enough faith to be an atheist” seminar. If you are not familiar, please allow me to explain.

I don’t have enough faith to be an atheist, is a book written by Dr. Frank Turek, who has an apologetics ministry, Cross Examined (www.crossexamined.org). Having been a fan since stumbling across his podcast, (and reading two of his books, Stealing from God and I don’t have enough faith to be an Atheist), I was thrilled to have the opportunity to attend this seminar, and to see him in-person!

Dr. Turek travels across the country speaking to hundreds of college students who attend seminars such as this. And while the auditoriums are filled with numerous Christians, many non-believers, atheists and agnostics, are also present. This is by design as there is, almost always, an opportunity to ask Dr. Turek a question on a microphone in front of the attendees.

Oftentimes, these questions are asked by Christians, while other times these are asked by the skeptics. And while most colleges and universities make the ardent claim that the university is the appropriate setting for the exchange of differing and opposing thoughts and ideas, sadly for Evangelical Christians, far too many are silenced (either officially, or unofficially). This is why events such as his one, are key. Ideas and arguments are best made in-person, not, on social media!

Dr. Turek finished his presentation (to a near-capacity crowd), and now entered the opportunity for questions to be asked. Numerous attendees, from college age and beyond, asked a plethora of questions. Though many of the questions seemed genuine, others came across not necessarily as questions, but rather as pointed and calculated attacks, disguised as questions. To be sure, I have no issue with this; this was the proper environment for the exchange of ideas, differing as they may be.

One person in particular, asking a question stood out to me. Appearing to be thoroughly, yet in some way, suspiciously ready, he fired off a question. Immediately, Dr. Turek recognized him! It was shared that this individual was at the previous college where Dr. Turek spoke. Dr. Turek attempted to answer this person’s (Forrest was his name, I believe) question, however, Forrest was not at all pleased with the answer, feeling it was either unanswered or insufficient; clearly, Forrest was attempting to prove a point (honestly though, it was difficult, for me at least, to decipher his goal!).

With his sheet of paper in hand, Forrest carefully asked his questions. It was quite obvious Forrest was trying his very best to trip up Dr. Turek, although, as I previously mentioned, where he was attempting to go, was not clear. The question asked had to do with the creation of the universe. Apparently, Forrest took issue with the premise, and felt that Dr. Turek, was misleading the audience.

At the conclusion of the Q &A time, the seminar ended. I noticed my son, Jase, was talking to Forrest, so I thought I would listen in.

Jase is very passionate, and sincere in his faith. He has a heart for reaching the lost, engaging people nearly every day. His story (which I may write about in the future) is raw yet real, sad but full of hope, heart-wrenching and heart-warming all at the same time. Jase, seeks to see people come to a saving relationship with the Savior of the world; it is serious business to him.

So, there I was, listening in as Jase and Forrest were talking. Jase was being genuine, seeking to find out about this person. Forrest, however, seemed to be not seeking anything, other than an argument. I was torn. Should I step in, or stay back? Frustration was clearly on Jase’s face. Like I mentioned earlier, Jase honestly seeks to engage those around him. He yearns to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ; period. Their “conversation” was going nowhere. I stepped in (and Jase appeared relieved as it gave him an out to speak with a college student who had been listening from afar, and who appeared interested in true conversation).

I asked Forrest the following questions: “Excuse me sir, what is your point? Why are you here?”. My intentions were not meant to belittle him, nor attack him. Finding out why he attended and discovering his reasoning behind the comments he was making was my motivation. Looking perplexed, he began to speak, pausing for a moment before replying “I am here to defend science, well, and, it is entertaining!”.

“Defend science? From whom and why?” I said. I thought it was interesting that this individual felt compelled to “defend science” when in fact science says absolutely nothing, scientists do.

“Because I do not want to see science misconstrued”, said Forrest matter-of-factly. Adding, “It is entertaining to see people who actually believe the bible try to defend themselves”.

“So, you are doing this because you like to be entertained or you are an entertainer?”, I quipped.

Forrest, with a devious-looking grin sated “I am not an entertainer, but yes, it is fun watching”.

Attempting to expedite the conversation, I asked “What science is being misconstrued?”

“The creation of the universe, specifically how the Big Bang is being misused”, he sternly said.

With my eyebrows raised, I thought for a moment, then replied “Scientists today overwhelmingly agree in the Big Bang theory.”

“Wrong!”, Forrest shouted, adding, “You too, are misinformed!”(I then realized how Hillary Clinton felt during her debates with Donald Trump).

With a slight chuckle, I asked, “So you are telling me that the late Dr. Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein were incorrect in their assessments that the universe began at the Big Bang?” It was here that Forrest changed his tune, slightly.

“I’m not saying that the Big Bang never occurred, I am saying that the Big Bang did not necessarily create the universe, because it really basically comes down to how the word ‘universe’ is defined.”, Forrest arrogantly stated. Instantly, I was reminded of Bill Clinton as he defended his statement regarding Monica Lewinsky many years ago, when he said, “It depends upon what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is.”

I could go on and on,  sharing our entire conversation (which lasted for nearly forty minutes), but I will not suffer you the burden of reading our back-and-forth dialogue. On the contrary, I would like to share what this experience taught me:

The  first thing I learned was that when engaging an unbeliever, it is important to determine if they are truly seeking, or only engaging with in order to attack, and destroy. Forrest, was not a “seeker” by any stretch of the imagination. His sole purpose in attending the event was none other than to attack, and make fun of Christians. Clearly his purpose in conversing with me was to excoriate anything I had to say.

And while it is okay to engage people such as this, as the Holy Spirit could already be working in this person’s life and all they might need is testimony from a Believer, it is key to know when to walk away.

A grand total of four times over the course of our exchange did I attempt to end the conversation. Forrest however, was not having it.. He was what,  apologist Greg Kokul, in his excellent book, Tactics, describes as  a “steamroller”. With persons that exhibit this type of behavior, it is best to walk away. Even Jesus shared in Matthew 10:14 (If anyone does not welcome you or listen to your words, shake the dust off your feet when you leave that house or town.) that there will be occasions where as Christians, we need to walk away.

The second thing I learned was that I need to make sure that I am “dying on the hill” for the greater things, not the lesser things. Forrest was being overly aggressive with concepts that truly were of no importance. His insistence that the word “universe” was not being used properly, and therefore any argument that I, or anyone else made, in regards to the creation of the universe, was discredited, is ludicrous! Be wary of those individuals that deal in absolutes such as this.

The “right” thing in conversations such as these, is always the Gospel; period. Forrest was bent-on, and determined, to steer the conversation to lesser, minute things. For sure, he believed they were fundamental. The trick is to pay close attention, and to realize when the conversation is being derailed. Numerous times I could have centered the conversation, yet in the heat of the moment, failed to do so!

The third thing I learned is that I need to pray! Yes, this should be a given. However, I came up short in this department. And while I certainly should have been in prayer prior to this conversation, I should have also been in constant prayer, during this conversation. In first Thessalonians 5:17, the Apostle Paul reminds us to “pray constantly”. This could have been done throughout my conversation with Forrest, and, done without me disrespecting him by not paying attention.

To pray constantly, as the Apostle Paul said, is more than praying non-stop. It carries with it, this idea of being in an atmosphere and attitude of prayer. Regretfully I was not in that attitude nor atmosphere of prayer.

Have you ever been frustrated, angry, or just having a bad moment and then someone calls on you to pray? Can you say…awkward? It forces you to instantly, refocus on God, His Son and his Spirit. Or have you been in an argument with a person, and then instead of letting the argument, and negative feelings multiply, you stop, go to the Lord in prayer, and refocus. Then you continue, but now you have a peace, a steadiness; you have been refocused!

If I would have been in an attitude of prayer, I would have handled the situation much more effectively; and in turn, been a better conduit for God’s Spirit and Grace to flow through, and out! We as Followers of  Christ, need constant reminding that an integral part of the Christian faith, is that we are ambassadors, more than individuals who belong to a particular group with similar beliefs. We are representing the Savior of the world to those who desperately need saving (just as much as we do!). Regrettably, at no point was I winsome, and this, is sad.

The final thing I learned is that, thankfully, I serve a God of second chances! I prayed for Forrest that evening when I arrived back at my hotel. But first, I was convicted. I knew I had fallen short, and in doing so, misrepresented the God whom I love and serve. Once I asked for forgiveness, I then lifted up this man, a complete stranger who I had only met hours ago, in prayer. Lastly, I prayed for continued opportunities to converse and engage those who are seeking. And that my friends, is a prayer that God will always honor!

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Book Reviews, Christianity

Pursuing God: A review of The Pursuit of God

There are more books published in the United States each year than are humanly possible to read. The data is difficult to interpret, but according to Worldmeters (http://www.worldometers.info/books/), 328,259 books were published in the United States in 2010, not including the rest of the world. That is an insane number of books! And how do we choose what to read?

Someone once told me the following: “Make sure for every new book you read, read one of the great classics!” And by “classics”, they were referring to the Christian classics. I read an article last year that echoed that sentiment where someone suggested that for every two, new books that one reads, they should read one classic. And honestly, that got me to thinking!

Book preferences, like music, art, films, etc., are subjective. What is interesting to one, is downright boring, to another. On many occasions, a friend, acquaintance, or even a complete stranger, has politely encouraged a certain book, novel or the latest self-help best-seller. Unfortunately, not all of their recommendations were home-runs (some were downright terrible!). And it is against this backdrop, that I would like to suggest a book, one of the great Christian “classics” that I believe would benefit any person who has trusted Jesus as their Savior, and is seeking to grow in their faith and closeness to God.

There is a plethora of Christian classics to choose from. Truly “classics”, such as Pilgrim’sProgress or Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, to even more modern “classics” (modern classic seems like an oxymoron, however, I define classics as any work prior to the 20th century, with any book published in the 20th or 21st century classified as “modern”). Mere Christianity, Knowing God and In His Steps are good examples of these modern classics. And while I could have chosen any of the aforementioned works, I went a different route

In 1948, a preacher & pastor who had very little education (and no formal education), published a little book (around 130 pages) titled: The Pursuit of God. This uneducated preacher who began his life on a farm in rural Pennsylvania, would eventually make his way to Akron, OH, where he would hear a street preacher instruct those listening, how to be saved. When A.W. Tozer made it home that evening, he heeded the street evangelist’s words, and came to faith in Jesus Christ in the attic of his home of all places, as told in The Life of A.W. Tozer by James L. Snyder.

There is little doubt that when Tozer published, The Pursuit of God, no one, not even Tozer himself, would realize the phenomenon that it would turn out to be. Since the year of its original publication, The Pursuit of God, has never spent one year without being in print. It has inspired both prince and pauper, theologian and laity. Renowned pastors and teachers have referenced and have quoted it in their sermons and lessons. Famous pastor, teacher and radio preacher, Charles (Chuck Swindoll), has listed it as one of the five most influential Christian books he has ever read. It is with this extensive, and storied background, I chose to read this Christian classic, The Pursuit of God.

The first thing that will surprise anyone who picks up a copy of The Pursuit of God (TPOG) is the smallness of it; it is quite the short book. Some, perhaps, would call it more of a booklet rather than book. When I sought TPOG, this was a fact I was unware of. In some ways, I think the length of the book has only added, not detracted, to its popularity over the years. Many times (especially to those who are not avid readers), a book’s length can be daunting and discouraging. Any person who picks up TPOG will in no way, feel intimidated.

Reviewing such a gargantuan of a classic like TPOG, is challenging as what could be said that has not already been said ? This is why I attempted to not peruse any review or critique of TPOG while I read it, and in preparation for this article.

Without a doubt, the first thing that shocked me within the first pages was this: TPOG is timely. Published in 1948, this is not what I was expecting! And by timely, I am referring to the idea that what Tozer wrote those, oh so many decades ago, save for the antiquated language, could have been written last week due the overwhelming relevance to the American Church, and Christians in the here and now.

This timeliness is evident as early as the first chapter where we find quotes such as “The Modern Scientist has lost God amid the wonders of His world; we Christians are in real danger of losing God amid the wonders of His Word” or “Everything is made to center upon the initial act of “accepting” Christ (a term, incidentally, which is not found in the Bible) and we are not expected to thereafter to crave any further revelation of God to our souls.”

The first quote still describes the “modern” scientists here in the present and the latter part describes the dire shape of the average Christian with their apathetic attitude to reading, meditating and studying God’s Word. The second quote is a direct reflection of what is expected of the Christian today, in 2018. The idea that a person can say a prayer and then, voila, they are a Christian who is not expected (nor taught) to “crave” God is accurate depiction of the Church today.

Tozer had an insatiable craving, and a yearning to know God, even after he technically “knew” God in a saving way. This idea is the basis for, and reasoning behind, the writing of TPOG. Tozer was anything but complacent in his relationship with the Lord. His prayer life, meditation and the way in which he studied God’s Word, is the stuff of legends. As one reads TPOG, these qualities of Tozer’s simply ooze off the pages. This was a man who, indeed, was pursuing God, not just in lip service, but with the whole of his being. Doing so, in a way, that appears and seems, foreign to those of us who are Christians in this modern era.

With each turn of the page in TPOG, all who read it, will sense Tozer’s outright disdain for complacency as clearly evidenced by the following quote: “The stiff and wooden quality about our religious lives is a result of our lack of holy desire. Complacency is a deadly foe of spiritual growth”. Tozer views this complacency as deadly, in that it will result in lack of spiritual growth. He felt that the religiosity of Believers, had become rigid, almost fake, yet he added that it was primarily due to this “lack of holy desire”.

“Holy desire” is not a phrase that is heard in today’s culture (sadly, not even in evangelical churches). Have you lost the “holy desire” you once had? Or perhaps, you never had it in the first place? Are you complacent with the study of God’s Word or are you too distracted with things of this world or even activities that seem harmless, or as Tozer stated “…a world of nervous activities which occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of the heart”?

I am glad that I chose to read The Pursuit of God, finally, after over two decades as a Believer. I could share many more quotes and anecdotes from the work, but anything I can say further, would be a disservice to the great, convicting, simple yet powerful, book that it is.

And while the title: The Pursuit of God, would make some believe that the book will lead to God, it does nothing of the sort! At its most basic level, the book is a starting point, a re-focusing if you will; it is almost like an overdue invitation to gaze at the Almighty with fresh intent and new eyes. Personally, I can unequivocally state that it is successful in that intention.

We now come to where the rubber meets the road…should YOU read it? If you have not guessed by now, my answer is a resounding YES! And not only do I strongly believe that is should be read by Christians today, it is a book that will beg to be read again, and again, and again. Honestly, I could see myself reading, The pursuit of God every couple of years; it is that impactful. Take a chance, pick up a copy, and begin your journey, or “pursuit” towards the High and Holy One, the Lord Almighty and as Tozer rightfully states: “To have found God and still pursue Him is the soul’s paradox of love”.

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