Articles by Phil Ware at Heartlight

There When Daddy Can't Be!

phil@heartlight.org (Phil Ware) — Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Special Note:
This is an article from ten years ago. We are running it to get us into that Father's Day focus coming in a little over a month. During the next few weeks, we will be challenging folks to use Father's Day as an opportunity to help a ministry that provides the opportunity for babies to not only live to be born, but also find their ways into a home where there is both a mommy and daddy. The effort is called "Tied to Life" and done in partnership with Christian Homes and Family Services. Find out more about it here: http://www.christianhomes.com/tiedtolife/index.html

When our daughter Megan was born five years after her brother Zach, we were thrilled. We felt blessed and balanced -- a son and a daughter. It doesn't get much better than that!

We had learned with Zach how important music was in the life of a child. So when Megan was a new baby, I sang to her every night I could. It was a special song taken from the book of Revelation, written by our good friend, Ken Young. "Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty ..." It wasn't hard to sing to her while I rocked her to sleep -- after all, I considered her one of God's greatest and most marvelous deeds. She heard my scratchy male voice sing because I knew that from the time she was 6 months old in the womb, she had heard her mom sing in church and speak during the day. I wanted her to grow up being comforted by her father's voice, too.

As Megan grew older, we moved her out of her baby bed into her "big girl's bed." Rather than sing, we played Michael Card's Sleep Sound in Jesus, I read Bible stories to her, and prayed with her every night. More and more often, she had trouble going to sleep. She kept saying that someone was in the room. That he had never hurt her, but that he was always there by her door. While he wasn't scary, he bothered her by standing there. She could point out clearly where he was.

Jesus had said, "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:10 NIV).The Holy Spirit reminds us, "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14). As worried parents, we asked her if she saw monsters in her dreams. But she didn't see the person she was describing in her room in her dreams. He was there, right by the door. She was adamant. She pointed to him.

For many nights, we sat in her room after she had gone to sleep trying to see shadows, reflections, ambient light filtering in, anything that might be making her see something on the wall. While she could clearly see this "person," we could never detect him or anything that she could be seeing. As she began to describe him, we were more and more convinced she was trying to describe an angel. She would tell us specifically what she saw and we would point to places on the wall that made no sense to us, but could be clearly seen by her.

One night, Donna sat down and talked with her about angels. "While we don't know a whole lot about them, Jesus tells us that little children have angels that are in the presence of God who watch over them. They take care and protect children because they are precious to God. Angels are servants to God's people to help them." One night, the three of us agreed that we would pray and ask the angel not to be visible anymore to Megan, but to still be present and not disappear from her life -- to still watch over and protect her.

To this day, I'm not sure what we did was theologically correct in every detail. All I know is that from that night forward, Megan did not see that image again. Unlike many children, however, Megan has never been overly scared to sleep in a room by herself. In fact, she rather prefers it. Deep down, I believe all three of us were comforted in our faith that God's messenger servant was watching over her.

No one would suggest that our family would be called "angel people" -- we're not caught up in all the angel hype, hysteria, fascination, and decorations. In fact, I've been very put off at times that it is so much easier for many people to acknowledge angels than to acknowledge God. I've been bothered by many others who find it easier to talk about angels than to talk about Jesus. Even more folks feel more free to talk about what angels did rather than recognize the leading of the Holy Spirit. I am very much aware of the problems the improper worship of angels caused in New Testament times. But one thing has stuck with me: the one person in our family who did have a fascination with angels in our family is the one Megan is most like, my grandmother.

I'm not quite sure what to make of this other than to say that I do believe that one of the many ways God's grace is placed in our lives is through his messenger servants, or what we call angels. They appear at crucial moments when God is working salvation for his people. They are there to rescue, comfort, and strengthen God's servants. They communicate God's will and carry out God's commands. They are the worship leaders of heaven. They are there at all the key turns in Jesus' earthly ministry, either to announce his triumphant glory or to comfort him in trouble. They watch over children and minister to those who are children of God. For a little while we will be lower than them, but one day we will be like them. These things are clearly announced in Scripture.

Deep down, however, in a place that daddies and little girls connect in a special way, I am also absolutely convinced that there is one who has guarded the door for my little girl while I was asleep. In a world gone crazy, a world where daddies of every age can't help but fear a little for their little girls, it is comforting to know that one of God's servants is watching over my girl when I can't.

My prayer is that he still does!

Phil Ware is minister of the Word at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. For the past 10+ years, he has also been co-editor of HEARTLIGHT Magazine. For more details, click
here.

Website: Southern Hills Church of Christ

The Highest Compliment

phil@heartlight.org (Phil Ware) — Sun, 11 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Any husband who has told his pregnant wife -- especially while she is in childbirth -- "I know how you feel!" knows within seconds how dangerously wrong he was to say it.

Yet the apostle Paul, a man who was single, dares to communicate his deep love for the new Christians at Thessalonica with these words:

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well (1 Thessalonians 2:7-8 TNIV).

To the Christians in the province of Galatia, Paul used the following words to express his anguish at their immaturity and lack of dependency on God's grace in Christ:

My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you ... (Galatians 4:19).

There is something about a mother's love that is almost incomparable -- tender and yet fiercely protective. Almost? Yes, for God uses this motherly image of love to describe himself.

He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart
(Psalm 91:4).

Jesus does something similar:

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing" (Matthew 23:37).

So why would Paul take the risk and use such motherly images to speak of his love for new Christians? Why would both God and Jesus use such powerful images of a mother's love to describe themselves?

We could come up with a list of several answers, I'm sure. But today, on Mother's Day, I want to encourage you to not try to answer the question. Instead, I want you to recognize that in using these images of love, they paid mothers the highest compliment possible!

Thanks for your love!

Phil Ware is minister of the Word at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. For the past 10+ years, he has also been co-editor of HEARTLIGHT Magazine. For more details, click
here.

Website: Southern Hills Church of Christ

In Her Voice

phil@heartlight.org (Phil Ware) — Sat, 10 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

One of my good friends in ministry shared with several of us that his prayer for a year was to more fully hear his wife's voice as she prayed and discussed her faith in the Lord. There were several reasons for this.

We male minister types often just hear male voices -- most frequently our own. As we grow older, we recognize that our perceptions and view of the world is at best, only half accurately. It's the difference between seeing out of one eye or two: there is no depth perception: we know that we're missing part of the reality.

So often, we listen to respond instead of listening to be touched, molded, and changed. The hostility of modern discourse is more about winners and losers rather than "understanders" and "empathizers."

So, we've decided to add a women's blog to go with our Just for Women section of articles. This blog is called "A Kindred Heart" and will be hosted by Teresa Bell Kindred, who has frequently written for us. Here's a recent entry, plus her invitation for you!

The Sweetest Sound

Last night I drove my two year old granddaughter home after church. Evidently she'd learned some new songs in Sunday school class. I couldn't keep from smiling as I drove. The sound of her little voice singing, "I like to go to church" was one of the sweetest sounds I've ever heard. Her joy and happiness were so pure and obvious.

Going to church should strengthen and refresh us spiritually. When others look at us do they see the joy of Jesus in us?

How do you reflect the joy of having the Savior in your life? (I'd love to hear from you on my blog: http://akindredheart.com/?p=4

Announcing the birth of "A Kindred Heart"

A few years ago one of my friends mentioned he had a blog. I asked him if it was painful and he laughed. "It's not a disease, Teresa," he said, and then went on to explain what it was.

Like many of you, I visit Heartlight daily. I am a freelance writer, the author of several books and an avid reader. I always enjoy reading Phil's articles and his blog. A couple of months ago I wrote to him and suggested a blog from a woman's point of view. He was kind enough to respond and agree that women might enjoy having a "feminine blog." "A Kindred Heart" is the result of my asking, Phil and his co-workers saying yes, and God encouraging us to spread the word. To have a blog connected with Heartlight is indeed an honor and privilege. To say I am excited about this opportunity would be an understatement. My fingers are itching to get at the keyboard and start blogging!

This note is the official birth announcement of "A Kindred Heart" blog for the Heartlight web site. I hope that you will visit the blog frequently and I pray that it will encourage and uplift you. Please pray for this endeavor, that it bring honor and glory to God.

May the good Lord bless you and keep you in His care.

Teresa Bell Kindred

Phil Ware is minister of the Word at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. For the past 10+ years, he has also been co-editor of HEARTLIGHT Magazine. For more details, click
here.

Website: Southern Hills Church of Christ

Included!

phil@heartlight.org (Phil Ware) — Mon, 05 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

I don't belong. I wasn't included by birthright. I have no racial claim to be a part. I was on the outside, lost and alone, a foreigner without hope (Ephesians 2:11-13).

I didn't even know the language of my original family, so others carefully translated all of our family documents so I could know the good news that I was chosen. I am included only because I was grafted into the family tree, made a part only because of my older brother's sacrifices and my Father's mercy (Titus 3:3-7).

I have this family only because I was adopted by the kindness of my Father when I truly believed the good story about His love shown to me through His Son and was adopted into the family (Galatians 3:26-29). But now, I am a royal child of the King, with the special charge of sharing my good story with others so they can know they belong (1 Peter 2:9-10).

Why do I share my confession about being on the outside, without God's grace, with you? Because in all likelihood, it is your story, too! You see this is the truth we so often forget: that we were all on the outside without the grace of adoption, without the Scriptures in our own language, and someone to share the story with us in a way we can understand. This was powerfully demonstrated in a negative way recently.

A person who was reading Heartlight.org left a response for us when they learned that we also have a website in Spanish. (Actually, we have 3 sites in Portuguese, 1 in Spanish, and sites in German, Russian, and Dutch currently under development. Our sites reach hundreds of thousands of people each month in more than 175 countries. And we provide this all free because of the kind support of our friends.) This person was infuriated that we would offer our services in anything but English. This is what this person said:

I just noticed that you now have the sites in Spanish. Why are we doing this? This is the United States of America and we speak English. People are welcome here, but they need to learn our language instead of us giving in to them and providing Spanish. My ancestors had to learn the language before they left Ellis Island. We can't bend every time something like this comes up. We are not helping the problem when we provide these kinds of things.

This response saddened me. These words, however, jarred me out of my own attitude of entitlement toward the grace of God and reminded me of these basic truths:

I am a Gentile and was not part of God's covenant with Abraham by race or birthright. (Ephesians 2:11-12; 1 Peter 2:10)

I was lost even if I was a part of Abraham's family by race, because my sin had separated me from God and I was without Jesus' gift of grace. (Romans 5:6-11)

I am included, adopted, and grafted in because of my faith and the adoption service of my baptism, brought into God's family through the work of the Holy Spirit. (Romans 11:17-24; Titus 3:3-7; John 3:3-7; Galatians 3:26-29)

I would not have known the good news of God's salvation if someone hadn't taken seriously Jesus' "Great Commission" to reach all nations. (Matthew 28:18-20)

My future joy in the presence of God and in praise to Jesus with others from every nation, people, tribe, and language is the result of Jesus' dream coming true. (Revelation 7:9-12)

I would not have known any of this good news if someone hadn't translated the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek of the Bible into my own language.

So let's never forget ... let's never get so caught up in the politics of race or language ... let's never get so worried about self-preservation that we forget that all "those people" -- the foreigners and the folks who speak a different language and who have a different culture and a different shade of skin tone -- are really us. Without grace from God and the kindness of someone different than we are to share this grace with us, we would be lost, left out, and alien to all God has done for us in Jesus. How can we not share this with every person ... of every shade and language and culture and national origin?

So what do you think of today's article?

How would you have reacted to the message left by the person who was angry we were providing parallel resources in Spanish?

Do you ever think about being an outsider to God's promises unless the Father had extended grace to us?

Are you a child of Abraham by physical descent? How do you feel about Gentile Christians?

I'd love to hear from you on my blog:
http://www.thephilfiles.com/2008/05/05/included

Phil Ware is minister of the Word at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. For the past 10+ years, he has also been co-editor of HEARTLIGHT Magazine. For more details, click
here.

Website: Southern Hills Church of Christ

Bzrp-cha-ta-bzrp!

phil@heartlight.org (Phil Ware) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

"Bzrp-cha-ta-bzrp. Zip-zip. Splzt. Bzrp-cha-ta."

"Okay, listen to it now."

Years ago, Heartlight began as a two-minute radio spot during drive time in Austin, Texas. This was way before the days of digital editing. Jim, my buddy and reel-to-reel tape editor, was a master with a razor blade. When he did his work, it sounded just like, "Bzrp-cha-ta-bzrp zip-zip splzt bzrp-cha-ta." And it took him less time to do it than it did you to sound it out!

Jim would find the bad place on the tape by listening for the "bzrp-cha-ta-bzrp" or some similar sound emanating from the speakers as he rolled the recording tape quickly over the pickup head. Then the razor blade would flash, making a "zip-zip" sound as Jim cut out the unwanted piece of material. Then Jim would tear off a piece of splicing tape, "splzt," and then readjust the good tape, "bzrp-cha-ta." Then we would listen to the edited portion. All mess ups, "Ughs," verbal goobers, misspoken words, unwanted pauses, and errors were edited out -- the bad pieces of tape lying silently on the floor. The finished product was clean, clear, and as near perfect as possible.

Many times since then, I have wished I could still have Jim with me -- not just for my recorded pieces, but also for my day-to-day life. While digital editing has made Jim's tape editing skills near obsolete, seems like I need him more than ever for my life -- my harsh words, dumb decisions, bad moments, flares of anger, timing blunders, and insensitive comments.

We all suffer from foot-in-mouth disease at one time or another. We all awkwardly blunder in important moments with those we love. In addition are those moments when we stumble, sin, or are just downright mean. We need Jim's razor sharp editing skills and another chance to get things "right."

Unfortunately, there are no razor sharp editing tools for life. We can't unsay, undo, or un-sin away our worst moments. We depend upon the good grace and forgiveness of those we hurt, wound, and offend. While it is true that God can and will forgive and cleanse us of our past messes (1 John 1:5 - 2:2), the consequence and impact of our blunders, insensitivities, and rebellions leave scars in the hearts and pain in lives of others.

So what do we do? How do we recover and repair what we've thrown away and broken?

I'm not sure I can even begin to answer that, but I'm going to offer a few suggestions and ask you to help with some others. Here's my take on a few things I believe that I've got to work on in this regard.

Forgive Graciously
I need to forgive those who have offended, wounded, and hurt me. I need to give people the benefit of the doubt and offer those who fall another chance at getting things right. Graciousness engenders graciousness. Jesus said that how we forgive will be how we are forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15; Matthew 18:21-35).

Live Kindly
One of my biggest problems is that I take too many things personally, when most of those things are just the stuff of life. If I would keep my mouth shut more, my ears open longer and more often, then my anger would not be so close to the surface and my behavior more Christ-like (James 1:19-21; Micah 6:8).

Give Generously
Selfishness clouds my eyes in every area of my life, and this is especially true in regard to forgiveness. Intentional kindness goes a long way in combating selfishness. A generous spirit -- generosity with forgiveness, praise, encouragement, support, charity, and empathy -- creates an environment for friendships to flourish and wounds to heal (1 Timothy 6:17-18; Psalm 112:5).

Life doesn't come with a razor blade and a skilled editor like Jim. But, we can trust in God's gracious forgiveness and cleansing in our own lives. We can trust in God's eternal kindness. We can depend upon our Father's faithful generosity. So, let's make a commitment to offer that same grace, kindness, and generosity to others.

Now it's your turn. What would you suggest to foster an environment of grace, kindness, and generosity in your life and the life of your family? I'd love to hear from you on my blog:
http://www.thephilfiles.com/2008/04/28/bzrp/

Phil Ware is minister of the Word at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. For the past 10+ years, he has also been co-editor of HEARTLIGHT Magazine. For more details, click
here.

Website: Southern Hills Church of Christ

Home

phil@heartlight.org (Phil Ware) — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The wind blew and the flaps on the green funeral tent fluttered. All of us had dust on our shoes from our walk across a patch of freshly shredded field grass. The dust swirled despite the heavy rain from two days previous because of the gusty spring winds. We could see the green shoots of growing wheat growing across the rolling hills nearby. Standing under the tent, I took a deep breath loudly through my nose, patted my chest and said, "Aaaaah! Smells like Coleman County!" Folks nodded and smiled. A few of the family chuckled despite the tears in their eyes.

Brown Ranch Cemetery was less than a half-mile from where Curtis had been born. We gathered to give honor to him for a life that was lived well and widely traveled, but ended up a short distance from where it began.

Curtis represented everything to be cherished in a man from this part of the country -- strong, funny, mischievous, faithful, tough, kind, hard working, and loyal. His legacy is rich in faith, friends, and family -- children, grafted in children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He had served his country in WWII and many others in his community, church, and family since then. Curtis is beloved in our church and deservedly so, for he was very active in all levels of our church life.

One of my favorite things about this friend is a story of sweet grace. When Reba, Curtis' first wife died, he faithfully served her to the end. A sweet sister in Christ had been with Reba when she passed from this life to the next. This lady's name is Janice. She had worked hard all of her life -- sometimes taking two jobs -- but considered sitting all night with those gravely ill as her special ministry.

Many years earlier, Janice had been deeply hurt when her husband left her to raise two girls by herself. She did a great job of it, too. In the process, however, she had also sworn off of men, completely. She wasn't even sure if Jesus were to ask her to marry that she would marry again -- and she loves the Lord with all her heart. But as God would have it, over time, Curtis won this Janice's heart. They married and enjoyed the sweet gifts of faith, family, friends, and travel in the autumn years of life. They were precious together, all the way to the end of Curtis' earthly life.

A few days after the funeral, this dear sweet lady brought me an envelope with a note and a generous check inside. She knew I wouldn't accept the check for myself, so she asked for me to use it for "your girl in Africa or one of the other Compassion children." She had seen the report of my Uganda trip to meet a little girl Donna and I sponsor in Uganda.

Such sweet and precious people ... and even in sorrow, they want to share and give another child a chance at life just like they sacrificed to give life to their children ... and grandchildren ... and great-grandchildren. Such love knows no boundaries, not even death.

Some gifts just mean more. This is one of those gifts!

So in honor of Curtis and Janice, I'm sending this check to the Malaria Intervention Fund: see the info below or on their website
April 25 is World Malaria Day and our part in that will be to provide bed nets to keep sleeping children safe from Malaria mosquito bites.

You can help us "Bite Back" against this mosquito-borne killer, too. So I'm asking you to join us and provide mosquito nets for children. Malaria is still the biggest killer of children in tropical climates. Something so simple can make a huge difference in the life of a family, a future, and a child. Ten dollars provides a treated net that protects a child for three years -- 1 penny a day can make that big a difference!

Thanks!

For more information, you can see my blog:
http://www.thephilfiles.com/2008/04/15/genuine-compassion/

Or you can donate directly:
https://www.compassion.com/contribution/giving/malariaintervention.htm

Phil Ware is minister of the Word at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. For the past 10+ years, he has also been co-editor of HEARTLIGHT Magazine. For more details, click
here.

Website: Southern Hills Church of Christ

The Lord's Take on the Subject

phil@heartlight.org (Phil Ware) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

For many in the US, April 14 and 15 are two of the most stressful days of the whole year. Rather than trying to weigh in with my opinion or inject some humor on the subject, I felt it might be good just to give us a few words from Scripture to consider.

Grace to you as you seek to honor the Lord in every area of your life!

First, from Jesus on the subject of taxes:

Then the Pharisees went out and laid plans to trap him in his words. They sent their disciples to him along with the Herodians. "Teacher," they said, "we know that you are a man of integrity and that you teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You aren't swayed by others, because you pay no attention to who they are. Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?"
But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, "You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax." They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, "Whose image is this? And whose inscription?"
"Caesar's," they replied. Then he said to them, "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's."
When they heard this, they were amazed. So they left him and went away (Matthew 22:15-22 TNIV).

Again, from Jesus, this time on our need to be rich toward God:

Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."
Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?" Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions."
And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man yielded an abundant harvest. He thought to himself, 'What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops.'

"Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store my surplus grain. And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry."'

"But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?'

"This is how it will be with those who store up things for themselves but are not rich toward God" (Luke 12:13-21).

From the apostle Paul on paying taxes:

Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing.

Give to everyone what you owe: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor (Romans 13:5-7).

Now, from the apostle Paul, on the ability to handle all financial situations because of God's presence and blessing in our lives:

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength (Philippians 4:12-13).

And in conclusion, reassurance for us all:

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

I'd love to get a response or two from you on my blog:
http://www.thephilfiles.com/2008/04/14/the-lords-take/

Does doing taxes make you nervous or give you heartburn?

Are there things the government spends money on that make you uncomfortable supporting through taxes?

Would you support through financial gifts a "widows" and "paupers" and "missionaries" fund in your church if it was fully tax deductible -- i.e., it was removed from your gross income before taxes?

Phil Ware is minister of the Word at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. For the past 10+ years, he has also been co-editor of HEARTLIGHT Magazine. For more details, click
here.

Website: Southern Hills Church of Christ

Church?

phil@heartlight.org (Phil Ware) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

It is easily forgotten that the community of Christians is a gift of grace from the kingdom of God, a gift that can be taken from us any day -- that the time still separating us from the most profound loneliness may be brief indeed. Therefore, let those who until now have had the privilege of living a Christian life together with other Christians praise God's grace from the bottom of their hearts. Let them thank God on their knees and realize: it is grace, nothing but grace, that we are still permitted to live in the community of Christians today. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together.)

These words were penned seventy years ago as the world stood on the doorstep of the Holocaust and Nazi Germany's assault on Europe. Dietrich Bonhoeffer had returned to his home in Germany from the US to lead the Confessing Church, an underground movement that lived out the life of Jesus in the face of Nazism. He was eventually hung in a hideous and torturous way to try to silence his voice. Nazi Germany fell, but the writings and words of Bonhoeffer live today, inspiring believers -- especially those under oppression -- all over the world.

Occasionally, I will be asked if I really believe it is important to "go to church." The question is not from unbelievers. In fact, this question is often asked by those passionately seeking to live for Jesus. Some have been deeply hurt by church politics. Others have been bored by church services. Some just see church as a waste of time. Others see "going to church" as an outdated form of community that is no longer needed in the computer age of social networking.

When asked about the importance of church, some who email me are seeking biblical insights to their frustration with the modern "churchland" experience -- mall churches where unknown hordes gather in anonymity or religious institutions more concerned about political agendas than about doing the work of Jesus. Some folks just want validation that their abandonment of not "going to church" ever again: they are fed up with what they see as corruption, hypocrisy, and irrelevancy.

This is not an easy question to address for several reasons. Seemingly, the Western expression of church has lost its way on many levels. Far from being a place of community that practices radical forgiveness and accountability as Jesus envisioned (Matthew 18:1-35), many forms of modern church are not much better than the caricatures so often criticized. Far from being a mission-driven community sharing God's grace with all nations and a community of different people brought together by the power of God's Spirit (the book of Acts), we seem to have sunk into rival marketers of easy religion pedaled to consumer-driven attendees or into rival politically aligned preservers of our version of national values.

On the other hand, many are genuinely blessed by their association today with what is called "church." They find support, help, encouragement, and friendship. They can't understand why some would be so critical of something they love. In addition, oppressed and persecuted believers in other cultures cannot fathom having the freedom to gather with other believers and not taking advantage of it. Meeting in clandestine house churches in China or meeting openly with believers in Africa knowing that their persecutors are watching and taking note of them, these believers truly understand the words of Bonhoeffer, "... it is grace, nothing but grace, that we are still permitted to live in the community of Christians today."

So I'd like to share a few biblical observations into the discussion for all of us to ponder and discuss -- yes, I'd like to hear from you on my blog at this address: http://www.thephilfiles.com/2008/04/06/church-2/.

First, Jesus and the writers of the New Testament did not envision a Christianity that does not involve Christian community. Jesus sent out his followers two by two. He called together a small group of twelve to be his first community. His primary teachings centered on relationships and life lived together in community. While much of his teaching and lifestyle brought him into conflict with religious leaders in religious situations, his regular practice was to participate in those gatherings to redeem them and restore them to their intended purpose. He didn't abolish or abandon them. He even talked about building a gathering of people around the confession, "You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God" (Matthew 16:13-16).

Second, the term used overwhelmingly throughout the New Testament for this community is the word our modern Bibles translate "church." Unfortunately our well-intentioned use of the word and popular definitions of it -- like the "called out" or using the word to refer to a "church building" -- distort the original meaning and use of the word. The word itself, ekklesia, is not even a religious word. (Acts 19:32, for example, where the word is used for an assembly of those who definitely were not followers of Jesus.) It simply means "assembly" or "gathering" of people. What makes it "Christian" is that the gathering is done in "[T]he name of the Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Corinthians 1:1-2). When believers gather in Jesus name, there is a very sense in which the Lord is present among them with power (Matthew 18:20; 1 Corinthians 5:4).

Third, followers of Jesus are identified with this term "gathering" (or "church") repeatedly through the New Testament. Rather than identifying a theoretical group of people, this is an identity formed by being brought into community together and meeting together (Acts 2:41-47; Acts 20:7). Reading the letters of the New Testament (Romans-Revelation), the first few verses of them reveal this focus, using a formula like, "To the gathering of God's people in ..." (Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2).This gathering together in Jesus' name was so important that they were urged not to forsake their times of meeting together, but to use these opportunities to stir each other up to love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:19-25).

Fourth, this was to be a community that lived the lifestyle of Jesus and called each other to that lifestyle all over the world in different cultures (Matthew 28:18-20). Jesus called his followers to live by Kingdom of God ethic found in his own teaching (Matthew 5:1 - 7:29) and in his call for his followers to live in a community of accountability and forgiveness (Matthew 18:1-35). This is reflected in the rest of the New Testament's emphasis on how Jesus' followers are to live with "one another" and treat "each other" in community. (See a partial list of these passages by following the link below.) In fact, all of the New Testament books following the book of Acts are not understandable outside followers of Jesus gathering together to try to help each other live the life of Jesus. Most are letters written to specific gatherings (or "churches") of believers in Jesus.

"But I'd rather spend my time doing good for others and helping them in their life than be stuck in some outmoded church service!"

The truth is, this isn't an either or choice. In fact, gathering several folks who share your commitment to help others only increases the reach of your good deeds and offers these people a place of community and friendship where they can belong. So many in our lonely society today need just a place of friendship and acceptance.

"But I love my church where I am just fine! What's the big deal, anyway?"

If you are blessed by the contemporary expression of church, great! Help your gathering of believers live out the call of Jesus and make sure others are welcomed and loved into your group. But please, understand that a whole generation is coming of age and many are not finding a connection with what they see as the institutional church -- several studies suggest less than 4% of those 18-25 in the US are connected to a "church" experience of any kind. Give them the permission to search the Scriptures and try to faithfully express the community of Jesus in ways that connect with their culture. I'm not talking about a cosmetic re-do of modern church to make it more consumer friendly, but a genuine passion to restore the life, vibrancy, accountability, and community we see in the book of Acts.

"Aren't you afraid that even suggesting this will hurt our churches and give our young people and others permission to abandon church all together?"

People don't have to have permission to do this; folks are abandoning the current expression of church in droves, already. (For a glimpse at the hard realities of where things actually are, read the book Unchristian.) We must remember that our goal is not putting people in church buildings, but helping others find real community in the Kingdom of God and submit to the Lordship of Jesus. Many will continue to be blessed by the church culture we have experienced for the last several hundred years. Others, however, are looking for a more intimate gathering of people who are held accountable to each other and to the Lord in community. They see the power of the house church movement in places like China and Cuba, and long to experience what they see as authentic community as they serve others in the name of Jesus. Others are blessed to enjoy both expressions of church in their home congregations. The key, I believe, is for all of us to keep praying, "Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

"So what are you saying?"

I'm saying that I believe followers of Jesus are going to regularly gather with other followers to help them live the life of Christ and remember the life, words, sacrifice, and resurrection of their Lord, together. That doesn't necessarily mean that you do the big church deal that is a part of our Western culture of church. It does mean, however, that you gather with other believers in some form to call each other to be community where Jesus' character and compassion are lived.

Your turn!

Are you part of a regular church service, a house church, or do you not go to church at all -- and why or why not?

What's your take on all of this?

What do you believe Jesus is calling us to do as his people in our current culture?

Are you part of a regular church service, a house church, or do you not go to church at all -- and why or why not?

I'd love to hear your feedback and see your discussion on my blog:
http://www.thephilfiles.com/2008/04/06/church-2/

Phil Ware is minister of the Word at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. For the past 10+ years, he has also been co-editor of HEARTLIGHT Magazine. For more details, click
here.

Website: Southern Hills Church of Christ

ALL!

phil@heartlight.org (Phil Ware) — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

"Therefore let "ALL" Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah."

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for "ALL" who are far off - for "ALL" whom the Lord our God will call."

With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day (Acts 2:36-41 TNIV).

Depending on our church background, we will probably assign crucial importance to different phrases or words in the previous passage. Our eyes and brains are theologically trained to tune in to some themes more than others. Interestingly, one of Luke's key words* in this passage often gets overlooked -- the word "ALL"! The promise of God is "for all who are far off ..." (emphasis added).

The word "ALL" is very important in God's dealings with mortal flesh. Look at these clear messages. God promises Abraham that "ALL" nations of the earth will be blessed through his offspring (Genesis 12:1-3). Jesus sends out His closest followers to reach people of "ALL" nations (Matthew 28:18-20). God doesn't want anyone to be lost, but wants "ALL" people to come to repentance and turn to Him (Acts 17:30; 2 Peter 3:9).

One of the biggest battles that most churches face in Europe and the United States has to do with whether church members view church as for "us" or for "ALL." While we nearly everyone will theoretically affirm that the church is for "ALL" people, our actions and our words often betray us. One of the first questions asked by church leaders when considering some new outreach effort is often this: "But if we do this, who will leave?" A church that exists for "ALL" will also ask, "And if we don't do this, whom will we not reach?"

The apostle Paul helped us truly understand the heart of an "ALL" oriented church when he shared these passionate words about his own life and ministry:

To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become "ALL" things to "ALL" people so that by "ALL" possible means I might save some. I do "ALL" this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings (1 Corinthians 9:22-23, emphasis added by author.).

How do we change our focus? How do we become a more "ALL" centered person that is part of an "ALL" focused fellowship?

There are no simple answers, but I do believe three spiritual commitments will help.

We get into the story of Jesus' life told in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John and see how he dealt with people and included "ALL" kinds of people in His circle of friendship. The Lord is our model, example, and mentor in reaching out to "ALL" people -- insiders and outsiders, men and women, powerful and powerless, young and old, religious and non-religious, needy and influential.

We pray daily that God will open our eyes and broaden our experience with people who are different than we are.

We step out of our comfort zone to meet and learn about people who are different than we are.

The mandate of God is clear -- our Father wants us to reach out to "ALL" people. He wants us to be in fellowship with "ALL" different kinds of folks. He wants folks from "ALL" kinds of different nations, tribes, peoples, and languages to find their unity in His Son, Jesus.

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb" (Revelation 7:9-10).

Most of all, Jesus wants us to begin this process of finding unity in Him now. The first place people were identified as Christians -- people like Christ, people who are Christ-followers -- was in Antioch, where "ALL" races of new believers were welcomed into fellowship (Acts 11:19-25). Let's be that kind of people -- folks who welcome "ALL" in the name of Jesus.

Why is it so hard to be a church that is committed to reach "ALL" people?

How can we as believers reach out to "ALL" and not just to people just like us?

I'd love to hear your response to these questions on my blog:
http://www.thephilfiles.com/2008/03/31/all/

* Luke is the Gospel that most emphasizes Jesus' outreach to all types of people -- men and women, young and old, Jews and non-Jews, religious and non-religious. He especially emphasizes Jesus' ministry to the marginalized and forgotten in society.

Phil Ware is minister of the Word at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. For the past 10+ years, he has also been co-editor of HEARTLIGHT Magazine. For more details, click
here.

Website: Southern Hills Church of Christ

Eggstravaganza

phil@heartlight.org (Phil Ware) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Our church parking lot and the nearby park were full of happy children. They came for the air castles, games, train rides, egg hunts, and lots of good ol' family fun -- it is called Eggstravaganza. In a large, roped-off area, eggs are basically spread all over the ground and children, in age-appropriate groups, are given the opportunity to pick up as many as they can. Some of the eggs are specially labeled. These prize eggs entitle the finder to a neat prize.

The children come and claim these special prize egg gifts with great delight. The gifts are cool! However, they never would have found the special prize eggs if they had not searched among all the eggs. It is only when they picked up all their eggs, and then looked at them closely, that they could see they had found one of the special prize eggs.

Over the last several days, I've been doing my daily Bible reading in 2 Timothy. Now I don't know about you, but I haven't had anyone, ever, volunteer that 2 Timothy was his or her favorite book of the Bible. In some "scholarly" circles, 2 Timothy is part of what is called "The Pastoral Epistles" -- an often overlooked and sometimes belittled part of the New Testament. Even among the most devoted believers, 2 Timothy doesn't compare in popularity to Philippians or the Gospel of John.

Using a different translation than I normally use, several passages jumped off the page at me. Not only were they powerful messages for me, they were also especially appropriate for this weekend. As I read them, I remembered the excitement and joy of the children who realized they had found the special prize eggs. I hope that you will claim your gift found inside them and find great delight in God's good news!

He [Christ Jesus] destroyed death and showed us the way to have life. Yes, through the good News Jesus showed us the way to have life that cannot be destroyed (2 Timothy 1:10 b ERV).

Remember Jesus Christ. He is from the family of David. After Jesus died, he was raised from death. This is the Good news that I tell people (2 Timothy 2:8).

My life is being given as an offering for God. The time has come for me to leave this life here. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have served the Lord faithfully. Now, a prize is waiting for me -- the crown that will show I am right with God. The Lord, the judge who judges rightly, will give it to me on that Day. Yes, he will give it to me and to everyone else who is eagerly looking forward to his coming (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

The Scriptures are full of surprises if we are willing to look. Some of these surprises are small. Some of them are perfectly timed for us. Some of them are prizes of grace, just waiting to be claimed by those who are willing to spend a little time looking!

So why not pick up the Scriptures, ask God to speak to you, and do a little looking and listening. You might be surprised at prizes that you can find!

Phil Ware is minister of the Word at Southern Hills Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas. For the past 10+ years, he has also been co-editor of HEARTLIGHT Magazine. For more details, click
here.

Website: Southern Hills Church of Christ