What's your name?

 

“Your identity is like your shadow: not always visible

and yet always present.” Fausto Cercignani

 
A name is one of the first gifts a parent gives to their child. It’s one of the first things that we lead with when we introduce ourselves to someone new. Yet, picking a name for a baby can be an overwhelming, stressful process. It will be a tag that a child will have for the rest of his or her life.
  There’s a new study out that people alter their appearance to suit their names. Researchers sought to determine whether parents choose a baby name based on what seems fitting for the baby's appearance, or if an individual’s facial appearance changes over the years to align with the social stereotypes associated with his or her name.
  In the study, 9- to 10-year-old children and adults were asked to match faces to names. The findings revealed that both the children and the adults correctly matched adult faces to their corresponding names, significantly above the chance level. However, when it came to children's faces and names, the participants were unable to make accurate connections.
  The researchers concluded that the similarity between a person's face and name results from a self-fulfilling prophecy. Adult facial appearances change over time to align with stereotypes associated with the name. Stereotypes can be formed in many ways, for example, because the name is linked to a famous figure or due to the connotations of say a biblical name.
  On this one, I’m a skeptic. In my junior year of high school there were four of us named Scott, all in the same homeroom. If you Google Scott, there are many famous people named Scott. Though I’d have loved to have had the musical ability of a Scott Joplin, I’ve never been interested in acting like Scott Bakula, Scott Baio or Scott Caan. Yet, I would have loved to have just a bit of the athletic ability of a Scott Hamilton.
  If you’re a Christ-follower, there’s a name we must live up to. Are you living up to yours? The name Christian has virtually become meaningless. That wasn’t the case when it was first used. It was almost written as a footnote with no explanation in Acts 11:26: “And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.”
  Those early believers were distinctly different from the culture they lived in. Because they lived in an environment without a connection to Judaism like the church in Jerusalem had, believers in Antioch really stuck out. Antioch was a Roman city, influenced by the Roman and Greek way of life. It was the third largest city in the Roman Empire. As those around them observed the life differences in those believers, a new label began to form. They were called Christians because they followed Christ. What were some defining marks that set believers apart from their culture?  
  They continually spoke of Jesus and what He’d done for them. When Barnabas arrived in Antioch to check out the church, he saw the grace of God. Many of those believers had been radically saved. Their conversion stories were often sharp and distinct, so they loved to tell their community of the love of Christ. They shared the gospel with those around them.
  They lived out their devotion to Christ for everyone to see. Their lives were significantly different from the society around them. Their dissimilarity with their culture was a new experience for the church. Jerusalem believers lived a lifestyle like the culture they lived in, one steeped in Judaism. Judaism and Christianity overlap in moral matters, so the church stood out mostly for its belief in Jesus as the Messiah. But, in Antioch, the new behavior and morality of Christians was far different from the lifestyle of those around them. Yet, these believers were part of the city, rather than isolationists like the Jewish community there. Neither isolationistic nor idolaters, they became a fascination for many in Antioch.
  They were a multiethnic, diverse community. In those days, religion and race were entwined together in a tangled knot. Race often determined your religion. As Christianity spread, conversions occurred everywhere. Since they took the gospel wherever they went, new believers were of every race and culture, which resulted in a multiethnic, diverse church.
  They had a new sexual ethic. Believers in Antioch fled the Roman-sexual anything goes morality to live a biblical one. They respected women, recognizing they deserved honor and equality. They celebrated marriage and that the only Christ-honoring sexual experience was in a covenantal union. It was so starkly unique that it shocked non-Christ followers.
  They had a new work ethic. Rather than living to acquire wealth, believers worked with the goal of bringing honor to God. They wanted their work to reflect well on God and saw work as a means of worship.  
  They loved one another. Their love for other believers stood out most of all. They were known by their love. As they lovingly lived with one another day in, day out, the rest of the community took note of the way they treated each other and those outside their group. Even when mistreated, they loved the world around them. They were united despite race, position (slave or free), politics, or economics.
  Those early Christ-followers, like Jesus, were an enigma. They didn’t fit the existing categories. They didn’t disassociate from their world yet were distinctly different from their world.
  It reminds me of a story of Alexander the Great. One night Alexander couldn't sleep and walked around the campgrounds. He came across a soldier asleep on guard duty. The penalty for falling asleep on guard duty was death. The soldier began to wake up as Alexander the Great approached him. Recognizing Alexander, the young man feared for his life. "Do you know what the penalty is for falling asleep on duty?" Alexander asked the soldier. "Yes, sir," the soldier responded in a quivering voice.
  "Soldier, what's your name?" demanded Alexander the Great. "Alexander, sir." Alexander the Great repeated the question: "What’s your name?" "My name is Alexander, sir," the soldier repeated. A third time and more loudly Alexander the Great asked, "What’s your name?" For the third time the soldier meekly said, "My name is Alexander, sir." Then, Alexander the Great looked the young man straight in the eye. "Soldier," he said, "either change your name or change your conduct."
  We live in a unique cultural moment, filled with opportunity. If Christians today will live like the church in Antioch lived, our faith and walk with Christ will stand out in beautiful ways. The name “Christian” should be our identity. Others interacting with us should see Christ. Are you living in a way so that others would label you a Christian?

Can we help you spiritually? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address. 

 

Baptism

 

“Baptism does not save a person, but Jesus means for His saved individuals to publicly identify with Him and His people. It’s one piece of how His citizens become official. It’s how they wave the flag."               Jonathan Leeman

   Noted author, Max Lucado wrote: “The human mind explaining baptism is like a harmonica interpreting Beethoven: the music is too majestic for the instrument. No scholar or saint can fully appreciate what this moment means in heaven. Any words on baptism, including these, must be seen as human efforts to understand a holy event. Our danger is to swing to one of two extremes: we make baptism either too important or too unimportant. Either we deify it or we trivialize it. One can see baptism as the essence of the gospel or as irrelevant to the gospel. Both sides are equally perilous.   For example, one person says, ‘I am saved because I was baptized.’ The other says, ‘I am saved so I don’t need to be baptized.’ The challenge is to let the pendulum stop somewhere between the two viewpoints. This is done by placing it where it should be: at the foot of the cross. 

  Baptism is like a precious jewel—set apart by itself, it is nice and appealing but has nothing within it to compel. But place baptism against the backdrop of our sin and turn on the light of the cross, and the jewel explodes with significance. Baptism at once reveals the beauty of the cross and the darkness of sin. As a stone has many facets, baptism has many sides: cleansing, burial, resurrection, the death of the old, and the birth of the new. Just as the stone has no light within it, baptism has no inherent power. But just as the stone refracts the light into many colors, so baptism reveals the many facets of God’s grace.”

  Once a person admits his/her sin and turns to Christ for salvation, Jesus commanded that the step of baptism must be taken to proclaim to heaven and earth that they are now a Christ-follower. Baptism is the initial, immediate step of obedience by one who has declared his/her faith. So important was this step of obedience that as far as we know, every single convert in the New Testament was baptized. With the exception of the thief on the cross, there’s no example of an unbaptized believer.

  That’s why this is such an exciting day at Grace! We have four adults who have professed their faith in Christ and now want to obey the Lord by believer’s immersion. What a joy to hear their testimonies and how God has worked and brought about new life in Christ in their lives.

  Like a wedding ring doesn’t make one married, so baptism will never get anyone into heaven. We are not baptized into eternal life. We are baptized because we have eternal life. We are baptized as a symbol that we have new life in Christ. It’s a matter of obedience. And since the time of Christ, believers have participated in baptism by immersion, sometimes with great fanfare and exuberance, and sometimes with solemnity and reverence. Regardless of style, though, the visual and emotional appeal of this confessional act is at the very heart of who we are as Christ-followers.

  Baptism as an act of obedience. Some of the last words Jesus spoke to His disciples were the threefold instruction: to make disciples, baptize those who believe, and teach them all of His commands (Matt. 28:19-20). If for no other reason, we baptize because Jesus told us to. Obedience is to characterize followers of Christ. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus said we should teach new believers “to observe everything I have commanded you.” Baptism is simply an act of obedience both for the new believer and the local church. We baptize to please God and be obedient.

  Baptism as an opportunity to witness. The New Testament and Christian History indicate that baptism served as the initial profession of faith for early believers. After Philip shared the gospel with the Ethiopian, the new believer’s first request was to be baptized (Acts 8). When the Philippian jailer responded to the preaching of Paul and Silas, he and believing members of his family were baptized (Acts 16). The same is true for Lydia (Acts16), Cornelius (Acts 10), the Corinthians (Acts 18), and others. For these believers, baptism was a silent witness, an outward expression, of their new faith and new way of life in Christ.

  So how is baptism a witnessing opportunity for us? According to Romans 6:1-4, our baptism is a witness to the saving work of Christ - His death, burial, and resurrection. As a symbol, baptism visually reenacts His burial in the grave and His resurrection to life. That’s the picture in immersion.

  When we see a new believer walk into the water, go under the water and come up from the water, we are seeing what Jesus did to save us. Baptism symbolizes that as Christ died, was buried, and rose again, so the believer has died, is buried to self, and now has new life in Christ. 

  Baptism symbolizes that he/she is a new creature in Christ. As believers adopt a Christlike character, the change becomes evident to those with whom they associate. It symbolizes that change in the new believer. And it’s a public witness to believers and nonbelievers. Like a wedding, it’s a public confession that this individual is now a Christ-follower.

  Why won’t some believers be baptized? Usually, there are two reasons – humiliation or fear. Though baptism is exciting, it’s not pretty. One goes down into the water dry and comes up a soaking mess. It’s humbling. You’re not in control but trusting the one immersing you in the water.

  That leads to the second reason. Some individuals are terrified of water. Yet, if God can miraculously save your sinful soul, He can protect you from a little water. That’s why the baptism of Les Vincent today is so moving. Les has some heart issues. Baptism carries some risk for him, yet Les is more committed to being obedient to God’s Word than to being safe.

  The early church took seriously the concept of church membership who was born again. Acts 2:47 tells us that “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” The first church was made up of those who’d been saved and were then baptized. In spite of some obvious cultural and social differences between the 1st-century church and today's church, the requirement for congregational inclusion must still be believer's baptism. At baptism the new believer is making a commitment not only to Christ but to a local church family. He or she is identifying publicly with a specific congregation.

  The church body at this point also is assuming responsibility for the new believer. There’s a new member in their family. Being part of that local church means the congregation has a responsibility to include the new Christ follower, to encourage him or her in their spiritual walk, and to support the new believer as a brother or sister and as a friend.

  Everyone who is part of the fellowship of a local church should have experienced personal salvation and believer’s immersion. Similar to a wedding ceremony, baptism is a holy moment both for the person being baptized and for that local church family they are being baptized into.

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address. 

 

Conspiracy Theories

“People love conspiracy theories.”  Neil Armstrong

Just recently a Reddit user posted an unsubstantiated theory that the furniture company, Wayfair is involved in child sex trafficking, suggesting certain products on its website may actually be representing children for sale. The conspiracy theory went viral.

  The user posted a screengrab of Wayfair’s website showing armoires that cost five figures with human names for the products, which led them to speculate that the pricey cabinets were, in fact, people for sale. But there was no truth to the accusation. The products in question are industrial grade cabinets accurately priced. Still Wayfair temporarily removed the products from their site to rename them and provide more in-depth descriptions and photos that accurately depict them, clarifying the price point.

  Horribly, Adolph Hitler was right, ““If you tell a big enough lie and tell it frequently enough, it will be believed.” I wonder how much time and money Wayfair has had to spend to kill that lie. But Wayfair is not alone. Most companies and leaders know what it is to be slandered and lies about them to be accepted without question. 

  With the easy access to social media and the gravity of the COVID-19 pandemic, the current crisis is ripe for conspiracy theories. Roughly one-third of Americans believe that the COVID-19 outbreak was intentionally planned by people in power. 71% say they’ve heard at least “a little” about a conspiracy theory that the coronavirus outbreak was intentionally planned by powerful people, including 19% who say they have heard “a lot” about this. Most conspiracy theories share a common premise: A powerful group of elite individuals are withholding or distorting the truth. Only the elites know the truth and everyone else believes a lie.

  It hasn’t helped that the virus is new and medical responses are continually changing and developing. As a result, there have been contradictory approaches and information (and misinformation). Then, it originated in a repressive country without any freedom of information or freedom of the press. It’s a recipe ripe for paranoia and wild speculation.

  Yet, the Lord Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Ephesians 4:25 commands us, “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21 admonishes us to “test everything; hold fast what is good.”

  So, do I believe that there are conspiracies or plots? It’s possible BUT I don’t know and neither do you. We don’t have proof, nor are most of us in a place where we’ll ever be able to confirm a conspiracy. And if it is actually taking place, what will we be able to do about it other than build a cabin in the north woods and hide out for the remainder of our days?

  What is unequivocally true is that Christians are to be people of truth, who live in truth, think on truth, and share the truth! Too often the people of truth are the most susceptible to being consumed by conspiracy theories. As the people of truth, we seem to easily slip into a bottomless rabbit hole of conspiracy theories. Yet, it hurts us and it hinders what God has called us to do – share His truth. Sharing unsubstantiated rumors undermine our message of absolute truth that determines one’s eternal destiny.

  Isn’t it also possible that many sincere people who may differ in their worldview from us are being slandered? Scripture teaches that slander is a serious sin and that God hates slander (Prov. 6:16, 19). James calls it demonic behavior (James 3:15-16). Engaging in slander is scandalous.

  Yet, many Christians share hearsay. You can hardly glance at social media without seeing a Christian (often a pastor or Christian leader) posting claims that they can’t possibly know to be true. They’re not Washington insiders or international authorities. They’re merely spreading what they learned from what is too often not a credible source.

  We must remember that our Enemy is the “father of lies” (Jn 8:44). Soon after Satan entered the Garden (Genesis 3), he spread the first conspiracy theory, convincing Eve that the most powerful of “conspirators”—the Creator God was secretly trying to keep the first humans from having their eyes opened in a way that would make them “like God, knowing good and evil.” Eve became the first in a long line to believe powerful forces were secretly conspiring and withholding secret information.

  Instead of thinking about what we’re unsure of, Scripture commands us: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Phil. 4:8). There are serious consequences when we ruminate on conspiracy theories instead of what we know is true.

  We soak our souls in fear. COVID-19 is a serious virus. When we focus on what’s rumor and can’t substantiate those claims, we increase our own anxiety and that of those who listen to us. One of the most repeated commands in Scripture is that we are not to live in fear (2 Tim. 1:7).

  We open ourselves up to anger and rage. When we feel helpless and that we have little control, we easily succumb to a very dangerous emotion – rage. Fear can quickly morph into anger because it provides an object: they are to blame, they caused this, they deserve retribution. There is nearly always some target that we can use as a scapegoat.

  We drown in doubt. The darkest day this world has ever known was when our Lord was crucified. Three days later, Jesus rose from the grave. But for those three days His disciples were drowning in doubt. Like that first Easter God confronts our fears with His presence. God is “with us” (Ps. 23:4). He has “called you by name” (Isa. 43:1), and nothing can separate us from our Heavenly Father and His great love for us” (Rom. 8:35-39).

  We hurt our witness. The gospel already seems too wonderful to be true. That God loved us and sacrificed His Son to pay for our sin, that salvation is a free gift and we can be forgiven by accepting God’s gift of salvation. It’s unbelievable! When we spread theories we can’t substantiate, it hurts our gospel witness. Not only that, but we’re distracted. We become “conspiracy theory evangelists” when God has called us to share His message of hope and forgiveness.

  This world is terrified and has great difficulty with truth, yet we’re called to be God’s people of truth. During this season of isolation, fear, and uncertainty, let’s determine to be intentional about leaning into God, His truth, and engaging others. It’s a real remedy for hurting hearts. Our world needs God’s truth. Let’s determine to share that!

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address. 

It's NOT about the "fish"

“We think of missionaries as God's ‘super servants,’ Jesus’ Navy Seals. The word ‘missionary’ is never used in the Bible, however, not even once. That’s because all of God’s people are sent; all of God’s people are commanded to go. There is no ‘special class’ of sent ones.” J.D. Greear

 

  Okay, I’ll confess. I’m not a bumper sticker person. Hopefully this won’t offend you, but I’m also not a Christian t-shirt person. It’s just that I know myself. Too often my actions and tongue are in motion far ahead of my brain and heart. I’m still working on the sanctification of my right foot. While I’m not what’s dubbed an aggressive driver, I’m an offensive one. I learned to drive in Chicago…sometimes it still shows. And I don’t wear Christian t-shirts because my mouth can leap ahead of my heart.

  My family still remembers the time that I’d had enough of a guy giving me grief and I called him in front of God and everybody, a “Twit.” It wasn’t my finest hour. Later I apologized to him for losing my cool.

  Maybe you know of it happening, but I’ve never heard of a motorist being flagged down by another driver who was convicted by the sight of a fish on the back bumper. Nor am I aware of anyone who asked the wearer to tell them about Jesus because they saw their Christian t-shirt. More than we want to admit, we’re bad advertisements for Jesus instead of good ones.

  Please understand, as Christians, we’re not perfect. The Bible is clear though that if we know Jesus, we should be very different from those who don’t know the Lord (2 Cor. 5:17) There should be areas of our lives, that to a non-believer, are totally unexplainable. Let me suggest three.

  Peace. Peace is an increasingly rare commodity in our raging world, yet everyone wants it. Many spend lots of time and money attempting to somehow artificially manufacture it. A quest for peace is the motivation behind the addiction epidemic. Everyone wants true peace, yet few have it.

  When others see it, it makes them curious: How could you sit there and just take it? Doesn’t that scare you? Don’t you hate her? You forgave him? Aren’t you worried? Do you realize what’s at stake? How do you sleep at night? You’re going to sue, aren’t you? How can you be so calm?

  Being a person of peace always stands out. While peace and joy are benefits of being a believer, they’re not just for our benefit. They’re beacons in our lives that create curiosity, causing others to pause and wonder. Peace and joy demonstrate the authenticity of our faith. God brings dark circumstances in our lives to give peace and joy an opportunity to shine brighter than normal. Most folk around us pursue “happiness.” Peace and joy are God’s gifts freely bestowed on us at salvation. We don’t pursue them. We accept them as gifts from our Heavenly Father. Because we have peace and joy, we can be okay on both the outside and inside.

  So, how’s your peace these days? Would others want the peace and joy that you have? Would they know that you know the Prince of Peace?

  Healthy Relationships. Ours is a relationally challenged world. Very few couples or families know how to, much less have, healthy relationships. Many have relationships with cyber friends, yet continually bicker with those with whom they share physical space. Dysfunction abounds. People are disillusioned and desperate relationally. They squeeze those around them for as much love and acceptance as they can, but still come up very short. But then, they see a husband and wife who love each other with a healthy marriage. A loving family stands out, one where siblings actually get along and adult children enjoy and long to go home for the holidays.

  It forces them to ask questions: Why them and not me? How did they get there? What’s their secret? Are they for real or is it a façade? They’re so lucky? I wonder what they’re like behind closed doors?

  It’s why it’s vital that we seek to live biblically and problem-solve in our marriages and family. Strong marriages are rare. Loving, healthy families are a sad exception. All of the trappings of success – a huge house, nice car, lots of toys, out of this world vacations – never bring soul satisfaction. Being a big deal at work with bad relationships at home is a vacuous life. Those with healthy relationships often find that others are watching. Others notice when relationships are robust and want to know what you have.

  Character. A shrinking minority know what character is. Few have actually met or observed someone with character. Instead, everyone is suspect. When the average person meets someone who appears to have character, they’re suspicious…cynical. They assume there’s duplicity or a hidden agenda. Character is rare and it’s hard to believe that it’s authentic.

  Character is who are you are when no one is looking. It means doing what’s right, as God defines right, regardless of personal cost. Because character is so rare, it makes some feel uncomfortable. They don’t know how to handle it. It goes against the amoral, non-absolutism of our society.

  A Christian is to be a person of character. To be blunt, you can sleep around and still be a good surgeon. You can cheat on your mate and have little trouble continuing to practice law. You can be a successful salesperson and cheat on your taxes. But you can’t do those things if you’re a Christian and continue to enjoy God’s blessing. Compromise makes us unblessable. Christians are to have character. When it’s real, others notice.

  If no one is wondering what makes you different, maybe it’s because you’re not. Being a “missionary” means letting God’s light shine through you. It would be good if Christians started praying something like this: “Father, let my light shine before others in such a way that they may see my good works, and glorify my Father who is heaven” (Matthew 5:16)? It’s time for Christians to stop only asking God for His blessing and protection. We must get back on mission and ask God to use us and to shine His light through us. Pray that He’ll shine His light through you, and your marriage and family! Others are watching. Hopefully, they see peace, healthy relationships and character. Hopefully, they see Jesus in you! 

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address. 

Would Jesus do business with you?

“The virtue of a man ought to be measured, not by his extra-ordinary exertions, but by his everyday conduct.”  Blaise Pascal 

  Recently, I had a friend ask me and several other friends for input on a dilemma she was facing. My friend owns her own business (a music studio) and deals with both regenerate and unregenerate people in her business. But this is her dilemma…while the majority of her business is with unbelievers, the majority of her issues are with those who claim to be believers. The problems range from “not paying on time, wanting exceptions to the policies and being unreliable overall.” She said, “The facts are this: for me as a business owner the perceived ‘good’ parents are harder to work with and less respectful to me.”

  Unfortunately, her experience didn’t surprise any of us who responded. All of us are believers, yet many of us have had similar experiences…or worse with Christians. Why? Why would business or work experiences with Christians be worse than working with those who don’t know Jesus?

  First, lost people realize that the money is the glue of the relationship. If you don’t pay them, they bail. If you don’t do the work, they fire you. It’s not to say lost people are more ethical. Yet, when it comes to understanding what holds a relationship together, they’re frequently wiser than “children of light” (Luke 16:8).

  Second, perhaps we notice it more with believers because we expect more…and we should. Some four decades later I still remember being in a Menard’s as a Bible college student writing a check. This was back in the Dark Ages, when before they’d accept your check, they checked the “list” of bad check writers. I happened to glance at the list and was shocked to see the name of a pastor I knew from an area church. There were many other names on the list but his was the only one I noticed. Why was I shocked? I expected more.

  Third, they don’t understand God has called us to the Christian “life,” not just a Christian hour or two on Sundays. Scripture commands us to be wholistic and not compartmentalize, divorcing sacred from secular. Jesus is to be in control of my life Monday through Friday, as much as on Sunday.

  Over and over again Scripture reminds us that regenerate employees don’t work for their employer but for the Lord Jesus. Regenerate bosses have a boss they will ultimately give account to, Jesus Christ. Though it uses the slave/master terminology of the 1^st century, the principles found in Ephesians 6:5-9 (and many other places in Scripture), clearly apply to contemporary work circumstances.

  Recently, a missionary colleague was forced to leave the field. It came out he’d been involved in sinful behavior which hurt his testimony and ministry. None of us would question the decision by his board. What we often fail to realize is that as believers, you and I too are missionaries. We’re ambassadors for Christ, even in how we make our money or use it.

  So how you handle your finances, how you pay your bills, your work ethic, how you treat fellow employees, how you treat your boss, how you treat your employees either helps or hinders the Gospel. A lost world is watching. The “preaching” they hear from your life speaks louder than what’s heard from the pulpit on Sundays.  

  For many, this seems so obvious…pay your bills. If you have the funds available, pay it right away, particularly when you owe money to a small business. You’d be shocked how much your initiative will mean to them. They’re not some large corporation like WE Energies with deep pockets.

  If you somehow get behind financially, communicate quickly with your creditors. Sometimes emergencies or the unexpected happens. Everyone knows that. But never make those who you owe money to have to seek you out. Initiate the conversation. Let them know what’s happening and when they can expect to be paid.

  A friend of mine was laid off and going to miss a house payment. He called his bank up, explained the situation and when he’d have the money. They were so appreciative that he was upfront and took the initiative. It never became a problem because he was proactive. While it doesn’t always work out that way, if you’re up front, it frequently does.

  What about business dealings with other Christians? If you follow this advice, it can potentially save you lots of heartache and even prevent a broken relationship. If you enter into a business arrangement with another believer, have everything in writing. A poor memory ruins far too many friendships. It doesn’t have to be formal. It can be as simple as sending an email, outlining your understanding of what the two of you have agreed on.

  And problem-solve, problem-solve, problem-solve. If there is a problem, first pray about the situation. Too many of us talk with all of our other friends and share how we perceive we’ve been mistreated. Instead, graciously appeal to the other person. Perhaps it’s an oversight or even just a poor memory. Too many of us assume the worst, only to find we have a lot of egg on our face later. This would fit the pattern of problem-solving outlined by Jesus for us in Matthew 18:15-20.

  If the two of you can’t resolve it, ask a godly friend to mediate between you. Choose someone who’s mature spiritually and can be objective, not someone who will be your ally. The goal is to problem-solve, not to be right. Don’t allow your ego to cause you to hurt the Body of Christ or jeopardize a relationship with a brother or sister in Christ.

  Our money says, “In God we trust.” Yet, when it comes to money for too many Christians, it’s only our money that says it but not our lives. What does the way you handle money, the way you pay your bills, the way you treat your employer or employers, the way you treat your customers or even the way you tip at a restaurant say about your Christianity? 

  "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). 

Can we help you spiritually? Can we help you know Jesus better? Please check out more resources on our church's web page, Gracechurchwi.org. Or, call us at 262.763.3021. If you'd like to know more about how Jesus can change your life, I'd love to mail you a copy of how Jesus changed my life in "My Story." E-mail me at Carson@gracechurchwi.org to request a free copy. Please include your mailing address. 

Yelping for His Glory!

“Technology and social media have brought power back to the people."   Mark McKinnon

  Are you travelling this summer? Going on vacation? When you’re on the road, how do you determine where you’ll stay or where you’ll eat?

  Jane and I will hardly step foot into a new place without first checking it out on either Tripadvisor or Yelp. TripAdvisor has become the most commonly accessed travel review website today with up to 50 million users every month and is the most widely recognized, used, and trusted travel website. Among 3,641 users surveyed by PhoCusWright, 69% found TripAdvisor reviews to be “highly or extremely accurate;” 92% agreed with the statement that TripAdvisor hotel reviews “help me pick the right hotel for my travel needs;” and 83% usually or always take a look at TripAdvisor reviews before selecting a hotel. Social media officially took over travel in 2010—or so the scientists say. That’s the year, according to a Cornell study, that “guest experience mentioned in customer reviews” became the factor most frequently cited by consumers in surveys about the process of choosing a hotel. While most of us still look at a hotel’s web page, what has more credibility though aren’t those pristine professional hotel pictures, but the average person’s review of the hotel. The hotel is a paid salesman whereas the reviewer is a satisfied (or dissatisfied) customer.

  Most churches have web pages and Facebook pages. For an outsider, those fall into the category of “paid sales people.” While they have some merit, they don’t have the powerful influence a satisfied church attendee has. And it has even more potency when the post isn’t on an “official” church website or social media outlet. 

  Can I encourage you to prayerfully consider using social media for Kingdom purposes? How can we do that? Let me offer some suggestions.

  Pray and think before you post. Social media has replaced talking with our tongue to talking with our fingers. All of us regret saying something that was poorly timed, said in haste, was hurtful or even sinful. The same is true when we’re talking with our fingers. God has promised to give us wisdom (James 1:5). As we know that the Lord Jesus hears what we say, He sees what we post. Words on a page lack the added clarification of tone or facial expression. Most of us hear written words at a much louder volume than they’re often intended. Obviously, if you wouldn’t say it to the person if they were right in front of you, you shouldn’t post it.

  Use social media to build bridges, not walls. Social media has redefined communication. It’s replaced personal interaction, phone calls and e-mails. People are relaying their most private and important information in semi-public status updates. The very nature of authenticity and identity is being challenged. With the push of a button, one can transform themselves into whoever they want to be. Facts about myself can be added or deleted. “Friends” are casually collected and I can transform myself into the very person I wished I were back in high school.

  Yet, with all of our “friends,” a sad outcome of social media is increasing isolation and loneliness among users. You may have lots of people you consider friends, yet not have any confidants with which you can discuss deep personal matters. Facebook allows people to connect, but users lack the meaningful bond that results from intimate conversation and contact.

  As part of a church family, the Bible commands us to encourage community, “one anotherness.” As a Christian, my priority must first be “us-ies,” not “selfies.” It’s one reason that when we’re with other believers, we should let those outside the family know it, and not just when we attend a worship service. Lost people aren’t surprised when a Christian attends church (hopefully, they’re surprised when we skip). Just as most of us post pictures when we’re with our biological family, when we post pictures and comments when we’re with our spiritual family, it sends a message of supernatural family and our love for God and each other to a lost and lonely world.

  Use social media to direct the focus toward a victorious returning King, not a deteriorating, dying world. This world is a big mess and everyone knows it. So is it something that a Christian needs to continually draw attention to or obsessively post about? So why do we?

  For most of us, the problem doesn’t begin with our posting, it begins with our thinking. Zig Ziglar used to call it “stinkin’ thinkin.” When we’re secularized by the negativity of a lost world, we fail to obey Scripture and think like a believer. Philippians 4:8 is a command, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

  Yes, we must deal with sin and negative things. But if we truly believe that Jesus is King and that He really is in control, and that one day soon the Judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25) will bring justice and right every wrong, then all that’s currently wrong shouldn’t be our habitual mental diet. A Christian should be the most encouraging, positive, grateful person that most of their friends know. That should come forth from words whether verbal or in a post. When our thinking is spiritual, it will overflow with the fruits of the Spirit. When we are living out our mission as the “salt of the earth,” a thirsty lost world wants what we have.

  Obviously, we need to be discerning. Yet, if others can post when they’re blitzed, should a believer be ashamed to post how the Lord answered a prayer, or something they read in their devotions that touched their life, or a special song that encourages them, or how the message during worship moved them? When the Lord stretches your soul, it helps advance His Kingdom to let others know it. Even when you’re on vacation and visiting a church, think how you might encourage that family of believers by sharing how God used their ministry to be a blessing to you. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if every believer had a non-official “Tripadvisor” account where we faithfully posted how the Lord always walks with us, guides us, blesses us and shapes our trip on our journey through this life? It’s not that everything is perfect yet even in the mess of this world, we’re never alone. Maybe it would encourage our friends who don’t yet know Him to check out having our Savior as their “Tripadvisor,” too? 

Looking for quality used Christian books and other types of books at prices lower than even Amazon. Check out our family's online used bookstore at resurrectedreads.com.

Your Famous Last Words

"The greatest legacy one can pass on to one's children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one's life, but rather a legacy of character and faith."  Billy Graham

  Most people, when they know they’re going to have a baby begin making plans. They choose a doctor, learn about the hospital, birthing rooms, etc. They prepare the room for their new arrival, purchase a car seat, stroller and a myriad of items to prepare for their new baby.

  Most people do that for weddings. It’s a rare couple who goes to the Justice of the Peace. They plan and prepare for months from wedding attire to the location of the wedding to the reception. They plan for the minister (just a sidebar, please talk to the minister before you choose your date J), ceremony, flowers, invitations, the ever exasperating guest list, etc.

  It seems that the only major life event most fail to prepare for is our own death and funeral. Unfortunately, too many are plagued by the wrong critical question, whether we’re young or old. The question is not “if” we die, but “when” we die. There’s a macabre blitheness about the two certainties of life—death and taxes. Some manage to evade taxes. The only way anyone can possibly avoid death is to be a believer and remain alive until the return of Jesus Christ.

  Most ask the wrong question about death. We wonder where we will die, or when we will die. Our primary concern, from God’s perspective, should be how we will die. It’s the question that determines our eternal destiny and the Bible has a lot to say about how we die. From a biblical standpoint, there are only two possible ways of dying. Scripture skips over the various causes of death. It matters little how you die, whether from cancer, a heart attack, car accident, murder or from a host of other mortal causes. Though the cause of one’s biological death absorbs our attention, it’s not a concern in Scripture. When the Bible talks about the how of death, the focus is on the spiritual state of the person at the time of his or her death. The “how” of death is reduced to just two options: We either die in faith or die in our sins. Jesus warned, “I told you that you would die in your sins, for unless you believe that I am He you will die in your sins” (John 8:24).

  We foolishly think the worst thing that can happen to someone is to die. That’s wrong! It’s not the message of the Bible or Jesus. The worst thing that can happen to any of us is to die in our sins. God sent Jesus so that we could instead die in faith, forgiven because we have trusted in His sacrifice for us on the Cross. That’s the continual theme of Scripture and the message encapsulated in John 3:16.

  If we have the assurance based on God’s Word that we are dying “in faith,” we should want our death to be our last opportunity to share with those we love, how they too can die “in faith.” Like the birth of a baby or a wedding, it requires planning. Because we don’t have a “due date,” we tend to procrastinate. While I know this and I know that death can come unexpectedly, I realized that Jane and I needed to do this, too.

  So after answering the most important question, are you “in faith,” another vital question is what you will leave behind? What kind of legacy are you leaving? If you don’t plan and leave some instructions about your wishes, your last message may be very far from what you would have wanted. If you’re a believer, this is the last opportunity you’ll have to share your faith and speak “from the grave.” Too often, even those who know that they’re dying of a terminal disease, fail to plan and share their wishes. Their loved ones are left to guess, often with great amounts of angst and guilt. Let me share some suggestions of how to handle this in a better way.

  First, be careful that you’re not glib about your true desires. Because the cost of a funeral can be high, many will joke, “Just throw me in a hole” or “have me cremated.” Because they never took the time to spell out their true wishes, the family doesn’t want to dishonor them but is not sure on whether they were serious or not.

  Second, write out your own testimony and salvation experience. These are your last words. It’s your last time to share with your loved ones how you know that you’re forgiven by God and have eternal life. While it could be read at your funeral, I’d suggest having it printed in the funeral bulletin. Many friends will come for the visitation but because of work or other conflicts will be unable to attend your funeral.

  Third, if you have favorite songs or a passage of Scripture, write it out. Take some time and pre-plan your own memorial service. This will be a real blessing for your loved ones. If there’s friction and division, having your wishes spelled out helps your Homegoing not be a source of further division. Then, with I-pods and technology, while it may not be possible to have a live musician perform it, your favorite music can still be shared. Over the years, I’ve seen many families of believers struggling with what music would honor their loved one.

  Fourth, be wise. While you may be glib about your death, you’re loved ones will grieve. This is your last opportunity to share hope and comfort them even from the grave.

  Because most of us have never worked through this or even given it much thought, you’ll find a couple of forms on the back table today on funerals and eulogies that will hopefully give you some guidance.

  One last concern that’s related to remembering and honoring those we love. Last week the Burlington Rotary Club honored one of our hometown heroes, Jack Berry, with their annual Humanitarian Award. I was so pleased that they honored him and shared their appreciation!

  Over the years at funerals it’s greatly troubled me that too often the one who should be hearing all of those kind words is no longer there. If you have a loved one or friend who’s touched your life, please tell them now how much you appreciate them and how they’ve touched your life. Also, without going to great expense, particularly with those up in years, why not have a “memorial service” for them while they’re still here. A milestone birthday or anniversary is a great occasion for that. It doesn’t have to be big production, yet giving friends and family the opportunity to write out or publically share memories is a wonderful way to honor someone.

  In my opinion, we would all do well for our own hearts and for those we love if we would make it a point to share our gratitude and honor them this side of eternity. What an opportunity, too, for our children and grandchildren to learn of the legacy that has been entrusted to them. 

If Christmas is about "peace on earth," where's mine?

“Unless you're in a James Bond movie, it's really unlikely that the pressure that you're feeling is anything but self-induced.”  Seth Godin

  For many, Christmas, and being with family is one of the highlights of the year. Yet, for many others…it’s anything but “Peace on earth.” Already, you’re dreading the obligatory holiday gatherings. Hopefully, most of that dread is not within your own family but with extended family.

  Yet, some of the tension is self-induced. Some of us have watched too many sappy Christmas movies. We’ve allowed ourselves to succumb to idealism and need to replace it with a healthy dose of realism. If you and your spouse tend to periodically squabble the other 364 days, like most married couples, it’s highly possible that you’re going to have a disagreement on December 25^th, too. If your children fight, complain and whine the other 364 days of the year…like most children, it’s nearly guaranteed they’re going to do that on December 25^th, too. Our sin natures don’t go comatose just because it’s Christmas. Why is that?

  Many of us overextend ourselves financially, particularly at Christmas. When we give a generous gift to someone, particularly one of our children, and they’re not overjoyed with our gift, we may be hurt…offended. But is it truly a gift? Or, is it a gift with strings in that we expect appreciation?

  When a gift is truly a gift, there are no expectations. Gratitude is just an extra blessing. We also need to honestly ask ourselves if we model gratitude. If our children do not see us thankful for God’s blessings, His salvation, forgiveness, our church, job, home and countless other blessings then what are they learning from us? It’s a reminder to us to be continually thankful to our Heavenly Father for His constant bounty of blessings in our lives. With knowing all that God has given me, shouldn’t my life be filled with continual thanking of Him?

  Many of us overextend ourselves physically, particularly at Christmas. If you’re not getting adequate rest, you’ll have difficulty controlling your spirit. Most of us find carnality more quickly rises to the surface when we’re fatigued. If we’re biting off heads or finding ourselves on the verge of an emotional meltdown, we’ve missed God’s plan of “peace on earth.” We probably need to cut back on our obligations and be willing to disappoint or irritate a well-meaning relative who insists “everyone has to be there for Christmas.” As an adult or married couple, you need to wisely do what’s best for you (and your family) both physically and spiritually.

  And since Jesus wasn’t actually born on December 25^th, do we have to actually celebrate on December 25^th? If another day would make the time of getting together more pleasant for most, why not schedule it for another day? The specific day isn’t the point, it’s the getting together that’s important. While Christmas is an opportunity to encourage family gatherings, it’s not a biblical command.

  Many of us foolishly think it will be different this time. If Uncle John drank too much last Christmas, he’ll probably drink too much this year. If Aunt Martha was inappropriate last year, she’ll probably be inappropriate this year. If Cousin Bob bragged about his new car, new house, Harvard bound kids, etc., things aren’t likely to change. But you can. You have the Holy Spirit indwelling you. You should be growing in your Christian walk and can choose how you’ll respond. Romans 12:18 commands us, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”    

  Many of us are the only Christians at our Christmas gathering. Some will be visiting family members who are contemptuous of Christianity and even hostile to the gospel. Christmas isn’t the time to argue whether Christ was born of Virgin or if the Bible is truly God’s Word.

  The Holy Spirit brings peace (Gal. 5:22), and believers are to be peacemakers (Matt. 5:9). Sometimes the divisiveness that happens at extended family dinner tables isn’t because an unbelieving family member decides to persecute a Christian, it’s because a Christian is a Crusader rather than a missionary. While it’s true the gospel exposes sin, the gospel does so strategically, in order to point the lost to Christ. Antagonizing unbelievers at a family dinner table (or even a company Christmas party) because they think like unbelievers isn’t the way of Christ. Some believers foolishly think their belligerence is actually a sign of holiness. It’s not. Your presence should be one of peace and tranquility. The gospel you believe ought to be what disrupts, not you’re your own obnoxious argumentativeness. There’s a big difference between the two.

  And please keep the main thing the main thing. Our country today is polarized on political differences and ideology. No one is going to Heaven or Hell because they’re a Democrat or Republican, because they’re a Liberal or a Conservative, or even a member of the Tea Party or a card carrying member of the ACLU. Amazingly, Jesus had those who were ardent supporters of the Roman government and those who were fanatical revolutionaries seeking to overthrow Rome among His disciples. He taught and modeled for them to keep the main thing the main thing. There is only one Government that ultimately matters – that’s His reign. All of the rest are merely re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic of a doomed world. Personally, I want to rescue as many as I can off this sinking ship as I can, don’t you? Christmas with unsaved friends or family members isn’t the time for a political debate that’s not going to make any ultimate difference whether it’s in DC or Madison. We must be focused on eternity.

  Jesus is the Prince of Peace and came to bring “peace on earth.” He gave us the responsibility to share His message of how to have peace with God. By His grace, let’s choose to let Him fill our hearts with His peace so we can share it with those who don’t know Him. We’re His ambassadors in a world that knows little of true peace. Jesus brought peace through His humility, love and grace. That’s the starting place for us as well.