Last time, we looked at the Second Great Commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39).” When all is going well and all are in agreement, then this command is relatively easy to keep. But what about the people we do not always get along with?

I confess to intentionally writing this before my arrival, because this can be incredibly sensitive within a church family. My assumption, based on my experience with the two churches I have pastored and speaking with the numerous people who have experienced conflict within their local church, is there may be an occasional disagreement or conflict between members, even in the healthiest of churches. Before I get to know each of you personally, let me speak to this critically important part of the Christian Life and absolutely essential need for the local church to thrive. We MUST Love One Another by Forgiving One Another.

Part of the Lord’s Prayer says:

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Matthew 6:12

This sounds a lot like the Second Great Commandment: “Love your Neighbor as yourself”. An accident? Not at all. Jesus teaches us to pray, which includes praying for Forgiveness for our sins against God. It also assumes we have already extended this same forgiveness to those who have sinned against us. It is saying: Lord forgive us in the same way we forgive those who have sinned against us.

I don’t know about you, but this verse scares me. It scares me because I am not always as forgiving as I know I ought to be. Lots of times I want to forgive in the same way Jesus forgives, but I am not Jesus. I struggle to do what I know I should. But why is this forgiving others so important?

A couple verses after the Lord’s Prayer Jesus makes an earth-shaking assertion:

“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  ¹⁵ “But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” Matthew 6:14-15

Verse 14 is the easy part. As I extend to others the forgiveness God has freely given me, then God’s forgiveness is truly activated and experienced in my life. God’s Mercy flows to me and through me, even to those who hurt me. I learn to let go of my grievances in the same way God has let go of His grievances with me.

Verse 15 is the scary one. If I refuse to forgive those who have hurt me, then Jesus says His Father will NOT Forgive me. Simply said: Those who will not let go of their grievances with others will NOT receive forgiveness from God. Yes, that means what you think it does. If my sins are not forgiven then I cannot be saved and cannot live in right relationship with God.

Making things even harder, what is missing from this formula? Jesus does NOT say, forgive only those who ask for forgiveness. Jesus says, forgive your debtors, those who sin against you. This is impossibly hard, because many of us have had terrible things done to us. But Jesus is indisputably teaching we are to forgive everyone who sins against us, whether they apologize or not, whether they deserve it or not. This is where the Old Testament version of these things helps:

“You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:18

Let us live together in the fullness of God’s Grace and Mercy by extending that same Grace and Mercy to one another, including Forgiving One Another as Christ has Forgiven us.

In His Grip & Grace

Pastor Mitch

In our desire to Live Together Well, we continue to follow Jesus’ words in John 15:

“If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” – John 15:10

Last time we considered the Great Commandment Jesus gave:

“And He said to him, “’YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’  ³⁸ “This is the great and foremost commandment. – Matthew 22:37-38

In that same passage, Jesus said there was a Second Great Commandment:

“The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’  – Matthew 22:39

If you are like me, the idea of loving God is easy, because He has loved me unconditionally. Jesus died to save me from Eternal Suffering. But have you met my neighbors? Have you met the members of my family? Loving many of them is very enjoyable, but some of them make my life very difficult. Without rehashing the Parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus does teach us that Everyone is our Neighbor.

But, my focus here is Living Together as a Church Family. Surely no one irritates or disagrees with one another in a Church Family? (Sarcasm very intended) Of course there are people in the Body of Christ who rub us the wrong way, or we just do not fit with them very well. This raises an interesting question: Do you ever dislike or have conflict with the person who looks at you in the mirror?

Jesus’ Command is to “Love Your Neighbor as You Love Yourself.” How do you Love Yourself, even if imperfectly? Do you take care of yourself or at least believe you should take care of yourself? Do you give yourself the benefit of the doubt when misunderstood? Do you defend yourself? Do you forgive yourself or at least show patience when enduring your short comings? Do you seek to repair the damage you do to yourself? Do you do nice things for yourself? Do you think about yourself? Do you pray for yourself? Do seek God’s favor, mercy and grace for yourself? Do you take time for yourself? Do you make sacrifices today for greater benefits tomorrow? Do you admit to yourself when you are wrong? Do you defend and seek to improve your reputation? Do you like when others esteem you? What other things do you do for yourself?

If these are the ways in which you love yourself, Jesus says, Love Your Neighbor by doing the same kinds of things. Have a genuine affection for your neighbor. Seek the Best Interest and Happiness of your neighbor. Take time for your neighbor. Give preference to your neighbor. Love Your Neighbor As Yourself.

What might happen to a local Body of Believers who whole heartedly love God and learn to love one another as they love themselves? Let’s find out Together!

In His Grip & Grace

Pastor Mitch

After His invitation/command to “Abide in Me” in John 15, Jesus makes a startling statement about what Abiding Looks Like.

“My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.  ⁹ “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.  ¹⁰ “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” – John 15:8-10

Verse 10 equates keeping Jesus’ Commandments – Obedience – to Abiding in His Love. Be careful here, because a misunderstanding could lead to the error of the Pharisees, Legalism. That is not Jesus’ intention. Do not commit the opposite error of dismissing all the commandments, standards and expectations of the Old Testament Commandments. So what Commandments did Jesus give, can you name them? Here are two of them:

“One of them, a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him,  ³⁶ “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?”  ³⁷ And He said to him, “’YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND.’  ³⁸ “This is the great and foremost commandment.  ³⁹ “The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’  ⁴⁰ “On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 22:35-40

Jesus gave two Commandments as the “Great Commandments.” What is most interesting is His contention that the entirety of the Old Testament Commandments are covered in these two Great Commandments. Let’s tackle the first one.

…You shall love the Lord your God with ALL your Heart, and with All your Soul, and with All your Mind. This is the Great and Foremost Commandment. – Matthew 22:37-38

Love by American definition seems to always devolve to our sexuality. This is NOT the Love Jesus is calling us to here. My definition of Love: A genuine affection or pleasure found in looking to the happiness, best interest and admiration of the One in our focus. In an appropriate way, to Love the Lord is to Desire Him. Love Him with All your Heart – affections, desires, passions. Love Him with All your Soul – look to Him for Internal Peace, Joy, Happiness. Love Him with All your Mind – Hunger and Thirst to Know Him Intellectually, think often of Him and about Him, discuss Him. He is to be the Focal Point of our Desires and Affections. The Lord is to be our source of Pleasure and Peace.

A simple question: How do you know what or who someone else loves or takes pleasure in? Isn’t it because they are always talking about them, praising them, seeking to know more about them? It is easy to know what someone is passionate about, just listen to them and watch them.

If we are going to find Fulfillment in Living Together, then we must share the common goals of Abiding in Christ and Loving The Lord Whole Heartedly. In the weeks to come, I want to argue for the idea that everything else in the Christian Life flows out of the implications of these two goals.

In His Grip & Grace

Pastor Mitch

For the first time in twenty-two years, I am starting over with a new congregation. I have been thinking about how to start off on the right foot. One of my thoughts is to remind us of the foundational truths and commands for living together. Kira and I could not agree on a title, so with a nod to both Francis Schaeffer and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I combined their two great works, How Shall We Then Live and Life Together for the title of this series, How Shall We Then Live Together. It is my sincere hope, none of these is a new truth to you, but just in case, let us remember the principles guiding our lives as we Live Together as the Body of Christ at First Christian Church of Shell Knob.

If I had to pick one foundational passage from the Scriptures, it would be Jesus’ words in John 15. This passage embodies all we are seeking to BE and DO as Christians. In simple words, Jesus is calling us to live in Relationship with Him.

Jesus’ words in John 15:4-6  “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.  ⁵ I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.  ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.”

We are called to Abide = Live in Jesus, and to allow Jesus to Live in Us. This command is given for our good, because without this Active Relationship we cannot produce good fruit. Without Jesus’ active presence in our lives we are not alive. Dead vines do not produce any fruit, let alone good fruit. Through our relationship with Jesus the Life and Grace of Christ flows to us and through us for our good and the good of those with whom we live together. Good Fruit is for our enjoyment and sharing with those around us.

Do not miss the warning Jesus gives in these verses. Those who do not abide in Christ will dry up, be cut off and thrown away. Ultimately these dried-up branches will be gathered and burned in a fire that will not be quenched. But, instead of living in of fear of this burning, hear Jesus’ invitation to a life full of Fruitful Relationships, not just with Jesus but with all who are abiding in Him. This is the primary purpose and goal for each and every believer. Let us Live Together by Abiding in Christ.

In His Grip & Grace

Pastor Mitch

In keeping with my annual tradition, I am giving some recommendations for books and other gifts to give that encourage reading and reflecting on Advent and anticipate the coming of the New Year. Most of these recommendations would be good for either personal reading or gifts to give to friends and loved ones. You could even give yourself a good book for Christmas.

Advent Reading Choices
These are collections of daily two or three page readings. These are excellent books to buy for yourself or give as a gift. (Several are downloadable from DesiringGod.org)

Christmas Thoughts – by J.C. Ryle
$15.20 at Banner of Truth – banneroftruth.org

From Heaven: A 28-Day Advent Devotional – by A.W. Tozer
$8.39 Hardcover or $6.99 Kindle at Amzon.com

The Dawning of Indestructible Joy: Daily Readings for Advent – by John Piper
$7.99 paperback or $6.99 kindle at Amazon.com
Download Free or buy at Desiringgod.org

Good News of Great Joy: Daily Readings for Advent – by John Piper
$5.58 paperback or $2.99 at Amazon.com
Download Free or buy at Desiringgod.org

The Christmas We Didn’t Expect: Daily Devotions for Advent by David Mathis
Download Free or buy at Desiringgod.org

Hidden Christmas: The Surprising Truth Behind the Birth of Christ – by Timothy Keller
$13.49 hardback or $12.99 kindle at Amazon.com

For the family with younger kids. This is an excellent series of stories with daily readings that will draw kids into the anticipation of Advent. Our kids loved them. Buy one and try it.

Jotham’s Journey: A Storybook for Advent – by Arnold Ytreeide
$10.59 paperback or $10.06 kindle at Amazon.com

Bartholomew’s Passage: A Family Story for Advent – by Arnold Ytreeide
$16.99 paperback or $16.14 kindle at Amazon.com

Tabitha’s Travels: A Family Story for Advent – by Arnold Ytreeide
$15.89 paperback or $15.10 kindle at Amazon.com

Ishtar’s Odyssey: A Family Story for Advent – by Arnold Ytreeide
$12.39 paperback or $11.77 kindle at Amazon.com

Gift Ideas:
Dangerous Journey is a wonderfully illustrated abridged version of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. This is a great gift idea for your kids or grandkids, even those who are non-believers. This is a coffee table type book as well.

Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim’s Progress – by Oliver Hunkin
$25.00 Hardcover at Amazon.com

Gifts for older readers looking for good devotional material

Voices from the Past 2: Puritan Devotional Readings – by Richard Rushing
$22.40 cloth-bound or $14.40 kindle at Banneroftruth.org

The Valley of Vision: A COLLECTION OF PURITAN PRAYERS – by Arthur Bennett
$13.60 BannerofTruth.org

New Morning Mercies: A Daily Gospel Devotional – by Paul David Trip
$14.99 Hard Cover $13.79 Kindle at Amazon.com

Have you discovered Podcasts?

If you have, then there are some excellent discussions of some of the great Christian Writers. Here are a few of my favorites:

Pints with Jack – Discussions of C.S. Lewis’ writings

Pints with Chesterton – Discussions of G.K. Chesterton’s writings

The Prancing Pony Podcast – Discussions of J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings

In His Grip & Grace
Pastor Mitch

Mid-term Elections are underway. Many of you are trying to decide how to vote on November 8th, and some of you have already cast your votes. As I am thinking about how to cast my votes, I struggle to sort out all the promises made and the many distortions of the truth.

Promises Made
Unless you are brand new to the political process in the United States, during campaign season, which is way too long, the candidates make promises about how they will cast their votes in congress or how they will uphold the law as governor. Many, many promises are made in relation to addressing the issues most important to you. The opposing candidate makes promises and tells you why their opponent will not keep their promises. You and I vote based on the promises we like best and a calculation of whether we believe the candidate will keep their promises.

Distorted Truths
We live in an age where there are “alternate truths.” As we listen to candidates, there must be a realization that they cannot do all they are promising. Whether a legislator or a governor, candidates cannot simply do whatever they want. If you pay close attention, then you realize candidates really have no intention of doing what they promise. They make promises to get you to vote for them, but they are going to vote and govern as they see fit. No doubt they have to make calculations based on future elections, but for the most part they serve themselves and their personal interests. This is obvious in the willingness of so many to say what you want to hear based on polling. At minimum, most political candidates are insincere and at worst out right lying to your face. The only other alternative is they do not understand how the political process works.

But what will they do after they get your vote, assuming they get enough votes to win?

In my 54 years, I have learned to live with disappointment when it comes to politics and politicians. Even the most sincere politicians inevitably fail to deliver on what they promise. There must be a better standard for determining who to vote for. Is there an appropriate standard that could be applied not just to politicians but everyone to test whether they are worthy people. Let me suggest one of many passages from the Bible that do just that.

Ephesians 4:1-3 A Worthy Life
“1 Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, 3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Here in Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul gives Four Qualities of a worthy life. I must warn you here. These are not qualities we admire in our politicians, but maybe we should. His encouragement is to live or walk in a manner worthy of our calling. He is directly referring to being called to believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior, but these qualities extend to every area of life, if we believe we should live by God’s standards.

Humility
My definition of Humility is seeing ourselves and others for who we really are or seeing ourselves through God’s eyes.

Our culture and certainly our politicians claim to speak the truth about themselves and others, but too many are claiming “alternative facts” or “alternate truths.” Most of us are very quick to distort the facts in our favor or leave out the inconvenient truths about our failings. Unfortunately, we admire the opposite of humility today. Brashness, doubling down, name calling, belittling, arrogance are the hallmarks of success today.

What would happen if we returned to admiring the honesty and integrity of Humility? What would happen if politicians and pastors were the servants of the people rather than the overlords? Do you remember hearing the goal of public service was to seek the common good? What would happen if we began to vote for people who embodied Humble Service? Ephesians 4:25 “laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR.” Humility adds the admonishment to speak the Truth in Love to one another, seeking healing and benefit even for those we disagree with.

Gentleness
My definition of Gentleness is strength under control or strength submitted to the will of God. The best picture of gentleness is a parent holding their new born child. There is strength and power used to nurture instead of harm. Both nurture and harm are equally possible, but parents commit themselves to nurture the helpless and see them grow to maturity.

Our culture says gentleness is weakness, but I contend it takes greater strength and restraint to be gentle. We admire the strength of politicians as they rage and accuse and call names. The most admired quality for many is the quick comeback in the midst of a debate or argument. Revenge and payback are highly valued in and out of the political arena. What does it say about those of us who admire these behaviors in the men and women we elect to office?

What would happen if we admired people who followed biblical principles like, “A gentle word turns away wrath (Proverbs 15:1)”? Do we really believe we should “love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:39)”? How about Jesus admonition, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44)”? Does it take more strength to blast away at those we disagree with or to take the time to carefully weigh the words and actions of others?

Patience
My definition of Patience is longsuffering endurance or submission to God’s timing. This is the exercise of humility and gentleness in the face of trying circumstances and people. It is waiting for not just the right time but the best time. It requires the understanding of human nature (humility) and a slow steady application of truth and love in right measure (gentleness).

Our culture is so impatient and unforgiving these days. One mistake and you are canceled, unless you are a politician or celebrity with the right friends or money. Why wait until tomorrow for what you can have today? We admire the politician who bullies, pushes and prods for the results they want now. But have you ever noticed how the back-and-forth impatience of politics is often the cause of our long-term disappointments? Too many knee-jerk reactions and rushes to judgment lead to unfortunate legislation or executive actions that turn into long-term disasters. I become fearful and angry when I hear politicians tell us why we need a particular bill passed, but the politician admits they have not taken the time to read the bill. Patience is a virtue for a reason, and the genius of our political system is how it requires patience and due diligence to work properly.

What would happen if we elected men and women to congress who were really willing to patiently and persistently work within the confines of the Constitution? What would happen to all of us we were not always looking for the short-cut or easy out? What would happen if we elected a President who resisted the urge to rule by Executive Order rather than working with Congress to pass legislation that helped all the people, not just their special interests? The system was designed to make politicians work together and force people to compromise. Why don’t we vote for people who will adhere to the system as it is designed?

Tolerance
My definition of Tolerance is a willingness to truly listen and love others despite differences of opinion or practice. It does not require us to approve of or ignore the opinions or practices of others. When there are real differences of substance, Tolerance looks for opportunities of deep discussion and debate without turning to violence or hatred.

Our Culture is failing at Tolerance miserably. We have lost the ability to humbly look through the eyes of people with differing opinions and practices. The desire for absolute individual freedom and autonomy is not practically possible in any healthy community. There have to be places where we agree to compromise and show restraint of our desires for the common good. Unfortunately, in the political arena, it is quickly becoming an all-or-nothing contest. We win and we get everything we want attitudes are legion. Abraham Lincoln gave a great speech about slavery in which he said, “a House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand.” Did we not learn anything from the Civil War? Does it not feel like we are headed in that direction again with such extreme views on both sides of the aisle?

What would happen if we elected men and women who were telling the truth about “reaching across the aisle”? Is it even possible for our politicians to do this? We need to rediscover this important quality of Tolerance and vote accordingly.

Please notice, I am not interested in telling you who in particular to vote for, but I sure hope you will factor in these verses in seeking God’s wisdom on who to vote for in this election season. May we as believers uphold a higher standard for those we entrust with the responsibility of governing our great nation.

In His Grip & Grace
Pastor Mitch

Sometimes it is easier to learn a biblical truth from a source other than the Bible. In my experience, there are times when I am not open to a direct confrontation from a biblical text. Pride has a way of closing the mind to truths we just do not want to see and are unwilling to admit to ourselves. We are very willing to see these faults in others, but for some reason, we are just not able to see them in ourselves. This is where stories and literature, even movies, can be useful conduits for truths to sneak up on us in ways that would never succeed from a full-frontal assault.

Here is the biblical truth:

“When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2

Let me share how one of my favorite detectives helps confront my pride.

One of my favorite series of books are the Inspector Gamache Mysteries written by Louise Penny. The stories are set-in modern-day Quebec and the storyline always includes a murder, but the books are not really about murder. Instead, they are very insightful investigations of human nature and human relationships, which happen to include the dark side of humanity. One of the main threads running through the various mysteries is how often Pride leads to the conflicts between people, and sometimes those conflicts lead to murder or even worse. Let me warn you, these are not Christian books, but they are full of powerful insights. There is a deep look at the current state of human interaction, which includes modern language and situations. There is an honesty that is refreshing.

As Inspector Gamache searches for the murderer, he also mentors his group of homicide detectives. Louise Penny does a great job of showing how even the most committed relationships have their conflicts and failings, and when one digs beneath the surface, Pride is found lurking. Because Inspector Gamache understands this fatal flaw exists in each person, he shares with each of his new officers four statements, which he calls the Four Statements that Lead to Wisdom.

“There are four things that lead to wisdom. You ready for them?’
She nodded, wondering when the police work would begin.
“They are four sentences we learn to say, and mean.” Gamache held up his hand as a fist and raised a finger with each point. “I don’t know. I need help. I’m sorry. I was wrong’.”
― Louise Penny, Still Life

Louise Penny shows in these four statements a deep insight into the flaws of our human nature. Without saying it explicitly, she exposes how Pride is our archenemy. One might think she was intimately acquainted with what the Bible says about Pride. Don’t miss these verses not only expose the disease – Pride, but they also clearly state the antidote – Humility.

Psalm 10:2-4 In pride the wicked hotly pursue the afflicted; Let them be caught in the plots which they have devised. 3 For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire, And the greedy man curses and spurns the LORD. 4 The wicked, in the haughtiness of his countenance, does not seek Him. All his thoughts are, “There is no God.”

Proverbs 16:18-19 Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling. 19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud.

Proverbs 29:23 A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.

Mark 7:21-23 “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed the evil thoughts, fornications, thefts, murders, adulteries, 22 deeds of coveting and wickedness, as well as deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride and foolishness. 23 “All these evil things proceed from within and defile the man.”

Think about each of these Four Phrases from Inspector Gamache

• I don’t know
What keeps you from admitting to others that you do not know something? The answer to the question. The definition of a word. What the best course of action is. How to do something. Isn’t it Pride telling us we will “lose face” or be diminished in the eyes of others, so we bluster on while knowing the whole time it is all a façade?

How much faster would we arrive at the correct answer or action if we put away our Pride and simply admitted, “I don’t know”? There are loads of things we don’t know. The irony is everybody knows we don’t know, but we try to fake it till we make it. Why not humbly admit our shortcoming? If we bluster on, we only make things worse by adding Foolishness to Pridefulness in our list of failings.

• I need help
What keeps us from asking for help? Each of us has strengths, talents and abilities, but none of us believes there is any one person who can do everything. In our time of need, Pride tells us how bad it will look if we admit our inadequacy in this or that area of life. We play the fool when we are more worried about how people perceive us and what people say about us. But what do they think and what do they say when we fail because we refuse to ask for help?

Asking for help is a very wise thing to do, but Humility is required to get past Pride’s lies. Wisdom says, “Humble yourself, admit you need help, and seek the help needed.” We find Wisdom and Humility are good companions in life. Wisdom and Humility are good friends and archenemies of Pride.

• I’m sorry & I was wrong
These two are companions, and I would have put “I was wrong” before “I’m Sorry”, but these go together as fast friends.

What keeps us from admitting when we have failed by hurting, provoking or failing others? We make a promise and easily break it with a last-minute text. We selfishly take advantage of those we call friends and loved ones. We snap at someone because of something someone else has done to us. We speak out of turn. We simply fail to deliver what we wholeheartedly intended and tried to do. Isn’t it Pride prompting us to make excuses or diminish our responsibility? How hard do we work to excuse ourselves while keeping record of the slightest offense of others? Why do we blame others for things we know are our fault? What keeps us from saying, “I was wrong” or “I am sorry” (or my preferred way to say it, “Please Forgive Me”)?

What often surprises me is how many people are ready and willing to forgive us, if only we would humble ourselves, admit our failure and ask for their forgiveness. Pride prompts us to make excuses or cast blame, but in others it provokes anger. Genuine humility has an amazing way of drawing out forgiveness, help and healing.

This is an example of why we need to read, listen and watch beyond the Bible. Certainly, the Bible is the greatest source of truth, but there are many who wittingly and unwittingly communicate biblical truths in a way God uses to speak to us when we are unwilling or blind to them. Sometimes a story can break through to deaf ears that simply do not want to hear what a friend or loved one has been saying repeatedly. Let us pray God would open our eyes to our Pridefulness and by His Grace grant us the Humility and Wisdom to fight it.

In His Grip & Grace
Pastor Mitch

One of the symptoms of the Culture Wars taking place is the redefinition of words. It used to be anyone who was filled with Pride was seen as having a negative personality. Afterall, no one likes the person who is always talking about themselves, boasting about their accomplishments and singing their own praises. Do you have a friend or acquaintance who has always done “one better’ than you? No matter what you bring up, they have done it better than you. No matter what personal thing you are trying to share, the next sentence in the conversation will be about them? There are acceptable forms of Pride, such as National Pride, School Spirit, Team Loyalty, but even these in their excessive forms become obnoxious and offensive.

In a sense, Pride in proper proportion is understandable and even celebrated, but Pride to excess has almost always been rejected. The Bible warns numerous times of the dangers of Pride.

“The fear of the LORD is to hate evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil way And the perverted mouth, I hate.” Proverbs 8:13

“Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before stumbling.” Proverbs 16:18

“A man’s pride will bring him low, But a humble spirit will obtain honor.” Proverbs 29:23

“Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.” 1 John 2:15-16

As Christians we acknowledge the truth of the Scriptures, but then we are quick to make excuses for the ways in which we indulge our Pride or at least excuse the exceptions we make for ourselves. The real problem arises when years of small compromise produces a generation characterized by Excessive Pride, even to the point of Extreme Pride called Narcissism.

How did we get here?

It happens incrementally over years of subtle compromise. These compromises are made in the name of helping and encouraging. At their root is the quest for happiness and self-esteem. Only when they reach extremes does anyone begin to really object. Here are some of examples of how we have arrived where we are today.

Everyone Gets a Trophy

No one objects when Olympians are awarded Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals for First, Second and Third Places. But what about all the other people who have spent their entire lives seeking to reach the pinnacle of athletic performance to fall short. This used to extend all the way down the line kids sports. But someone decided every kid needed to receive a trophy whether first or ninth place, so they would have a healthy self-esteem.

I was recently surprised at the resentment a first-place finisher showed towards the last-place finisher who received an identical trophy. The first-place finisher felt they were being diminished because of the lack of special recognition for their accomplishment. There was a subtle implication that the effort to win was wasted because the outcome was the same for everyone. They are like the team that stop trying because they will get ice cream whether they win or lose.

You may say, what’s wrong with this? While not obvious at a young age, these children grow up to expect recognition for their efforts and even their lack of effort. Everyone should be rewarded equally because everyone is special. Do we believe this is true on the athletic field or in the work place? I wonder if this might not be behind the lack of willingness of some younger and older people to work. The younger people have always received an equal reward regardless of skill, effort or outcome, so why try at all. Older people are frustrated because they have sacrificed and worked hard many years without any recognition or reward. The result is they quit because it will all be made equitable in the end. I ask, is this not a subtle form of Pride at work?

Nationalism

Please do not hear me say it is wrong to hold allegiance to your Country or to your Party. I am personally very grateful to be an American, and I am thankful for the freedom to belong to whatever political party I choose. Can the freedom of allegiance and my choices go to far?

My love of the United States can be a thing to celebrate, but it can also blind me to abuses or excesses. My Party Affiliation can unite me with a group of like minded people working towards the same goals, and it can blind me to excesses and character flaws of those The Party celebrates. In both cases, it is Pride dressed up as Allegiance that blinds. Great harm has been done in the name of National Pride or Party Pride, but it gets excused or rationalized by that same Pride.

Racism, Sexism and many more …isms

I do not want to dwell on this too much, but it is necessary to ask, how has Pride played part in the many divisions existing in our society? The accusation and reality of Racism rests on one group putting themselves ahead of others, or in recent days, the oppressed group pushes for equity in treatment. Pick your “…ism” and one group is pitted against another group based on an appeal to Pride dressed up as “Rights”, “Privileges” and “Outcomes”. Pride demands recognition and outcomes based on some Identity. This leads only to factions and conflict. All the product of Pride.

Pride – LGBTQ+

In its latest expression, Pride now has been redefined as synonymous with Sexual Identity. People are encouraged to take Pride in their Sexuality and make sure everyone else not only acknowledges it but approves of it and celebrates it. If you do not celebrate my Sexual Identity, then you are the evil in society. Sadly, even in their celebration of sexuality, their demands for equity create conflicts with those who would be allies against more traditional foes. This is particularly seen with Transgender Athletes demanding to participate equally with non-transgender athletes. The Transgender camp finds itself in conflict with the Feminist camp because of Pride in their cause. Pride is no longer subtle, but it becomes a raging, demanding monster trampling down its opponents.

The Church?

Some of the above expressions of Pride are obvious, but are there ways in which the Church succumbs to Pride in more subtle ways?

Is the very fact that there are so many churches and denominations a symptom of Pride and an inability to work out our differences?

I came across a Gospel Presentation recently by a well known and well respected pastor/writer, who does acknowledge other reasons God saves us, but I will let you read to determine what the appeal is:

“There are many reasons God saves you: to bring glory to himself, to appease his justice, to demonstrate his sovereignty. But one of the sweetest reasons God saved you is because he is fond of you. He likes having you around. He thinks you are the best thing to come down the pike in quite a while. If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If he had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, he’ll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and he chose your heart. And the Christmas gift he sent you in Bethlehem? Face it, friend. He’s crazy about you!” (– Author’s name provide upon request.)

I want to be careful not to go too far, but I think this shows a strong appeal to Pride and self-esteem. Are we really that loveable or desirable? While subtle, it establishes a string of appeals through a myriad of choices, each appealing to Pride in the form of Personal Preference – music style, preaching style, length of service, length of sermon, time of service, programs offered, kind of coffee, even whether the right kind of donuts are served.

This subtle appeal to Pride in the form of choices and preferences ignores the biblical questions, such as where is God calling you to serve, how can you exercise your gifts in the church, is the Bible being preached and taught faithfully? Maybe God is calling you to help shore up a struggling ministry rather than coast along in a well-run ministry? Is Pride appealing to you in the form of Comfort or the convenience of being a Consumer?

An Appeal to Vigilance and Humility

My appeal is for all of us to renew our vigilance in watching out for the subtle lies Pride whispers in our ear. May we renew our efforts to cultivate humility in our lives.

“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8

In His Grip & Grace
Pastor Mitch

We are living in very interesting times. Much like the opening words of A Tale of Two Cities, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” It all depends on your perspective and what day it is. As we face record prices for gasoline, I was surprised to learn not everyone is upset. Some people see the current economic hardships as a path to saving the planet, while the majority are in agony at the gas pump and grocery store. Much more controversial have been the recent decisions handed down by the Supreme Court. Affirming the rights conferred by the Second Amendment and returning the issue of Abortion to the states, the fires of division have been stoked even hotter. Most concerning is how the extremes are becoming more extreme.

The encouraging signs point to a return to the original intent of the Constitution, which requires laws to come from the Legislature rather than the Executive Branch or the Courts. The discouraging part is the unwillingness of the Executive Branch to enforce the laws on the books. Challenging our conservative perspective are those who reside on both extremes of the political and social spectrum. The progressives rage at how slow our culture is evolving to their vision, while the extreme right rages at the ground being lost. The question for Christians is whether either extreme is a God honoring vision of our nation?

• Take Care In Your Personal Reactions

“This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20

James reminds believers to be quick to hear. Are you really listening to what others are saying? Are you truly trying to understand the perspective of those who are reacting in such extreme ways? This does not mean you have to agree with them but loving our neighbor does call for us to seek to understand what has shaped their thinking, words and actions. So many people are very easily swayed by the emotions of the moment, and our reactions can calm the fires of extremity or they can stoke those fires.

We are encouraged to exercise self-discipline by being slow to speak. This is not an exhortation to silence and inaction, but it is a call to carefully weigh our words and consider the reaction they will provoke. I have noticed more and more that our tone of voice matters as much as the content of our words. Particularly on the issue of Abortion, it is not surprising to see the outrage of the Pro-choice people at the gloating tone of celebration by some of the Prolife folks. This is hard because the ruling by the Supreme Court is a very positive step in the right direction, but there is a difference between rejoicing at a victory and gloating. Let us be gracious in victories won and measured in our words to those who are angry and afraid.

The harder truth from this passage is the admonition that the anger of man does not accomplish the righteousness of God. It is one thing to be gracious in victory, but how hard is it to restrain our anger in facing setbacks? Immigration has been a contentious issue, and the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Biden Administration on the Stay in Mexico Policy, further enraging the Right. How are you expressing your anger in ways that are constructive? James reminds us how often our anger does not accomplish God’s righteous purposes. In fact, too often, what starts as righteous anger goes too far and becomes excessive to the point of being worse than the initial offense. Both extremes look at our excessive anger and rightly call us hypocrites.

• Remember Jesus’ Admonition to Love Our Enemies

“You have heard that it was said, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.’ 44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Matthew 5:43-45

No matter how ridiculous, wrong, evil or naïve you think others are, we are still called to Love Our Neighbor as Ourselves. Jesus goes far beyond the idea of loving the people who agree with you. He commands us to love and pray for those we naturally call enemies. It does not matter why the other person is your enemy – If you are against them or they are against you. If we are going to bear the name Christian and we are going to claim to be the Children of God, then we are called to a different standard, Love not retaliation.

In His Grip & Grace
Pastor Mitch

This one is a little late in getting posted, but this is my April Newsletter Article.

If Jesus is God, why did He pray? Jesus said, “I and the Father are One.” (John 10:30), so what possible reasons are there for Him to pray to the Father?

Consider His prayer in the Garden:
“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be grieved and distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me.” 39 And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will.” 40 And He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “So, you men could not keep watch with Me for one hour? 41 “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, “My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 Again He came and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy. 44 And He left them again, and went away and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. 45 Then He came to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 “Get up, let us be going; behold, the one who betrays Me is at hand!”” Matthew 26:36-46

• Did Jesus Pray to Change the Father’s Mind?
No. Jesus did not pray to change the Father’s Mind. The unchanged plan from the very beginning was the Cross and redemption of God’s children. It was always Plan A, not Plan B. I believe it is for our sakes Jesus prays, asking if there was another way to be redeemed. The implied answer is No. There was only one plan and that plan included Jesus’ death on the Cross in place of sinners like us.

“…just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love 5 He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.” Ephesians 1:3-6

The Plan was made “Before the Foundation of the Earth.” The Plan was to redeem us from our sins by making us “Holy and Blameless before Him.” This implies the Cross was always intended to be the focal point and meaning of all Creation.

• Did Jesus Pray because He did not Know what was about to happen?
No. Jesus is obviously praying in agony because He knows exactly what is about to happen. He is praying not only for Himself, but He is praying for His Disciples who are going to face a severe trial, while Jesus is facing the severe judgment of the Father on our sins. He is all too aware of the price to be paid. Strength and Resolve are needed, and Jesus is asking the Father to sustain Him in this most important moment in all of history.

“For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. 18 “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father.” John 10:17-18

It is no surprise Jesus taught His Disciples about the Cross. The Disciples did not realize at the time what Jesus was saying, but they did remember later all Jesus taught about His death and resurrection. This raises the importance of this prayer. Jesus knew and more amazingly planned for these events to take place. This changes our understanding of this prayer. He was not looking for a way out of His own plans.

• So why did Jesus Pray?
The key to understanding why Jesus prayed is found in His encouragement and admonition to His Disciples. “Keep watching and praying that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Jesus was praying for Himself to have the strength and resolve to face the trial before Him. He is going to be put on trial twice before being condemned. The trial to be faced by His Disciples was going to be very similar, but not exactly the same.

The Disciples were facing the temptation to not identify with Christ, risking being condemned along with Him. Jesus was facing the opposite temptation, exercising His power and authority to put an end to farcical schemes of the Jewish leaders and the Roman Governor. The Disciples had no power, but Jesus had and continues to have “All Power and All Authority (see Matthew 28:16-20).” Jesus even reminds them of this in the moments after He finishes His prayer.

“And behold, one of those who were with Jesus reached and drew out his sword, and struck the slave of the high priest and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place; for all those who take up the sword shall perish by the sword. 53 “Or do you think that I cannot appeal to My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels? 54 “How then will the Scriptures be fulfilled, which say that it must happen this way?” Matthew 26:51-54

We find Jesus praying for strength to face the agony required to fulfill the plan He and the Father were fulfilling. He is praying so we would understand all He has done for us.

In His Grip & Grace
Pastor Mitch