Christian Thinking
November 14, 2011
by Dountonia S. Slack as appeared on BellaOnlinea contributing author on RVchurchesUSA
The bottom line, in a Christian worldview, is that humans are sinful, we need a savior, and our 
salvation is in Jesus Christ, not human reason or anything else.
On the other hand, logical reasoning is useful, it should be highly valued, and “critical thinking must be a part of every Christian classroom if we are to maintain our integrity” (“Critical Thinking and the Christian Perspective” by Wendy Dutton, Thomas Hart and Rebecca Patten). For living by faith as a Christian, one useful approach is to combine critical thinking — “the art of taking charge of your own mind [which is valuable because]… if we can take charge of our own minds, we can take charge of our lives” with Christian thinking: “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God — what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect” (Romans 12:2-3).
Christian thinking requires that we take on the mind of Christ. This is done by learning and understanding the Bible, having a Holy Spirit empowered prayer life, longing for community with other Believers, and ministry that is modeled after Christ’s example which was motivated by love. If our theology and Christian lifestyle is based solely on the aspiration of spiritual truths inaccessible through intellectual means, then we miss an important part of our createdness as image-bearers of God.
In the New American Standard Bible, the word “think” is found 39 times in 37 verses which is an indication that thinking is a part of our existence that God did not intend for us to ignore. Not to mention, we are exhorted if not commanded to study (Ezra 7:10), teach (2 Timothy 2:2), learn (Ephesians 5:10), and examine (Acts 17:11) the scriptures which requires the process of critical thinking in order to train the mind to see the world through the lens of the Bible.
Perhaps the most important reason for Christians to think is this: it is the way we think that influences our actions and develops our character. Our thought processes defines who we really are; therefore it is imperative that we think the way our mouths profess us to be.
Paul’s instruction in Romans 12:2 to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” is not a one time occurrence it is a daily renewal through the study and meditation of the Word of God. That is the way it happens. That is how we learn not only to think but to think as God does.
My dad says, “If you’re not feeding yourself with the Bible all the time, you will be thinking like the world.” In our age of experiential churches and postmodern culture, I would like to amend this quote this way: “If you are not feeding yourself with the Bible, you won’t be thinking at all.
Dountonia is BellaOnline’s Baptist Editor
Redefining Church Business Meetings
July 17, 2011
by Dountonia S. Slack as appeared on BellaOnlinea contributing author on MarinaMinistry.org Most church meetings are anything but about “my Father’s business” (Luke 2:49). Often, we incorrectly place matters of insignificance, such as building projects and curtain colors, as priority over the spiritual development of the congregants or the evangelism of the lost.
I have witnessed and researched enraged incidents of brethren vying for positions or embittered because the “proper” chain of command was not followed. I have heard speech that is less than gracious used by church leadership and excused by others who choose not to address the sin because of the one who committed the sin. And, I have experienced seemingly sincere corporate worship then watched the very same people almost come to blows at an after-service special call meeting.
Needless to say, I am not a fan of church business meetings.
Maybe it is the name we call it that causes the chaos and confusion. Just because there is a summit to discuss the non-spiritual business affairs of the church should not make the gathering any less concerned about being Christ-like (Colossians 3:23).
As a matter of fact, discussing and resolving these issues with grace and the wisdom of God is an expectation of those who have been placed as good stewards over all that has been given to us by God. So, to be clear, I am not dismissing the necessity of such meetings but I am outraged by the content and conduct of participants at some of these assemblies.
The church is not a business or an organization and should not be run as such. According to the Bible, the church is the body of Christ. It is an organized organism of all those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation (John 3:16; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Local churches are gatherings of members of the collective church. The local church is where the members of the collective church can fully apply the “body” principles of 1 Corinthians chapter 12: encouraging, teaching, and building one another up in the knowledge and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ even when we meet for the purpose of church business. Thus, these meetings are supposed to be another form of worship because all of life is worship for the Christian.
In Acts 1:15-26, we find a model of how to conduct a biblical business meeting. Pastor Robert J. Sergent of Bible Baptist Church in Oak Harbor, Washington summarizes this passage into seven key principles we should keep in mind as the blueprint for church meetings: 1) Pastoral Initiative (verse 15a); 2) Biblical Purpose (verse 16); 3) Pastoral Leadership (verses 21-22); 4) Qualified Proposals (verse 23); 5) Fervent Prayer (verse 24); 6) Congregational Decision (verse 26a); and, 7) Heavenly Ratification (verse 26b).
If we keep these precepts at the forefront of our renewed thinking, then our meetings would be less political, power-thirsty, and oppressive and more like the called out assembly Christ established.
My spirit grieves whenever the agenda of a church is more concerned about the unnecessary beautification or expansion of a temporal dwelling than helping others develop a passion for Christ. While we bicker over things that will wither like the grass, our children go off to college and do not return to our churches; new converts disappear before we know their names ; and, far too many sinners believe that their sins are too grievous to be forgiven by our Loving Father. Hence, we need to move on Christ’s Agenda and daily die to self (mortify our rights, demands, and will for Christ’s life to be lived through us) everyday in every situation including when we come to the table for the “meeting to be called to order” (I Corinthians 14:40).
Dountonia is BellaOnline’s Baptist Editor
Mending The Broken Church
July 1, 2011
by Dountonia S. Slack as appeared on BellaOnlinea contributing author on RVchurchesUSA When a congregation is forced to relieve a pastor of his administrative duties for excessive unexplained spending, heretical teaching, spiritual abuse, and/or deliberate divisive tactics, what must the church do to heal and restore unity within the assembly?
The answer lies in understanding the true purpose of the church because once we commit to this key doctrine of ecclesiology then it will be possible to heal the wounds of a church split through repentance and humility. The Bible is clear that the church is the Body of Christ; an assembly that is called out of the world (ekklesia) for a divine purpose; ordained by God; an organism that is unified by the Holy Spirit and led by Christ. Acts 2:42 could be considered a purpose statement for the church: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” According to this verse, the purposes/activities of the church should be 1) teaching biblical doctrine, 2) providing a place of fellowship for believers, 3) observing the Lord’s Supper, and 4) praying.
As we do this, our focus must be on Christ especially if healing/restoration/wholeness is to be authentic. Therefore, expending time and energy on boasting because one’s side “won,” expecting an apology for hurtful words, dwelling on past mistakes or misjudgments, creating an atmosphere of paranoia, or refusing to forgive is the antithesis of the church’s purpose. The healing process must not ignore these important issues; but, the healing process must be about the denial of self-guided motives that are about the individual and not aimed at “the building up of the Body of Christ” (Ephesians 4: 12b). Everyone involved should confess the sins for which he/she committed that contributed to the chaos of confusion within God’s House even if the committed sin was silence or inaction in the face of injustice or false teachings. And, everyone should be submitted to the Holy Spirit enough to be able to reach out in love and humility to brothers and sisters in Christ whose view differed from their own.
The same dedication to prayer and devotion to study that was given to the removal of the spiritual cancer must be given to the recovery process as well. When a church is broken, the remnant is left in a state of grief, shock, dissociation, and distrust of the “other” side and the thought of future shepherds. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Believers need each other. And, we have nothing to fear during transitional times because Christ is with us fulfilling His purpose through us no matter what experiences we encounter individually or collectively.
When God allows us to go through various trials, they are meant to make us stronger (James 1:2-4). Those who are left after disruption in a church have the responsibility to glorify God by doing the uncomfortable/unnatural task of forgiving those who hurt us and asking for forgiveness from those we hurt. This must be done because we are Christ followers: “Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation” (II Corinthians 5:18-19). It is my sincere prayer that churches everywhere be about the business of fulfilling the purpose God intended for the church as we learn to love, forgive, and serve in the spirit of unity not in a spirit of lingering brokenness.
Dountonia is BellaOnline’s Baptist Editor
Even When We’re Twisted
June 23, 2011
by HLB (His Little Bird)blogger of knowing His name
My heart was in the wrong place. All twisted up, tight, distracted.
Clutching what I should be releasing, resisting who I should be loving.
During worship.
Trying, struggling, confessing to loosen the grip. Praying for His help. Wanting to sing clean. For Him.
He is Holy.
And the song came. My head shook, disbelief, then relieved. Really? Now? How can you let me do this?
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” (Rev 4:8)
They, around His throne, were singing it then, too, for Him. And now.
We sang together!
That He would allow me to sing with the angels, creatures and elders who kneel in His presence and “day and night they never stop saying…”
Never stop! (read Rev 4 ).
The rainbow surrounding His throne, enveloped by 24 more thrones. Lightening, rumblings, peals of thunder, blazing lamps, a crystal sea.
Are you picturing it? Do it. Its important.
He let me join in that. They do it without stopping, so when I was singing in church, they were, too. He let me sing with them, for Him, even when my heart was twisted up wrong. Because Jesus hung, took my place. How can I possibly understand that?!
He welcomes us to His throne, even when we’re twisted up wrong.
You can post a comment below or visit HLB (His little bird) at knowing His name
Are You a Spirtual Do-Gooder”?
June 5, 2011
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late As I waited in traffic for the light to change my eyes fell on the license plate of the car in front of me. Its message, DU GOOD, was simple, yet it challenged me.
This term was at one time used by non-believers to not so graciously refer to believers. Most generally it was not received with appreciation by believers. However, as I recalled the term, I began to realize that it should not have been offensive to believers but considered a compliment.
In 1 Peter 2:12 we are admonished to “live such good lives” that the non-believers around us “may see your good deeds and glorify God.” What a challenge for us as believers!
Over and over the Bible admonishes us to “do good.” It starts in Psalms 37:3 with the words “Trust in the Lord and do good.” Proverbs 11:27 promises that “he who seeks good finds goodwill,”
Christ urged us to even “do good to those who hate you” in Luke 6:27. The apostles continued this theme in various passages as the following:
“having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Cor. 9:8)
“Let us not become weary in doing good” (Gal. 6:9-10)
“Hold on to the good. Avoid every kind of evil” (I Thes. 5:21)
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds” (I Tim 6:18)
We are also warned to be careful as to what we call good in Isaiah 5:20: “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” And we are admonished by Paul in Romans 12:9 to “Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.”
While we are admonished to do good things (works), these will not earn us salvation or eternal life. That must come by believing in Jesus Christ as God’s perfect sacrifice for our sins (Hebrews 9:28). However, once we have done that, as His followers, He becomes our example for doing good (Acts 10:38). The good we do is the result of that faith (James 2:18).
In light of the above, it should cause us as believers to reevaluate our own standard of good and evil as related to those things which we once considered evil but now have begun to tolerate in our world.
Join John next time when he examines “Our Hope”.
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.com
Does God Really Love Me?
June 3, 2011
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late
We have all heard since childhood “Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Yet at times many of us have questioned if those words were really true. When all is going well in our lives, it is so
easy to repeat those words with a feeling of assurance. However, when things seem to be going south on us—we have lost our business, our job, perhaps our homes, and we don’t see any light at the end of our tunnel—don’t we sometimes question those words.
This may shock you, but I have been there. My wife and I were sitting at our kitchen table when she said, “I love you.” My response to her was, “I know you do because you show me in so many ways but, the way things are going, I’m not sure God loves me?”
I was in a state of despair. All earthly visible signs were growing worse and, without my being aware of it, Satan was in control of my mind at that moment. He is so cunning that we must be on our guard constantly so that “Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes” (2 Cor. 2:11).
At that moment I had lost awareness of Satan’s schemes. He was using the same old scheme of getting me to question God. The same scheme he used on Eve in the Garden of Eden: “Hath God said?” But I wasn’t listening to God’s Word or to any of His promises. I was like others, even His disciples, whom He said were of “little faith” (Matt 6:30).
However, later that evening, as I sat in my doubt and unbelief, my mind reached heavenward. I thought of Christ on the cross. Now feelings of remorse swept over me as I recalled His words, “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord” (John 10:18).
How could I have doubted God’s love for me even for a moment in my despair? Yes, Jesus loves me! It was for my sins that He willingly laid down His life. My sins were included in His atonement, so that I though unworthy might have eternal life with Him.
Yes, Jesus does love you and me. Our faith in that love must convince us with Paul that “nothing in all of creation” will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).
There is more to this story. Join John next time for the rest of his story.
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.com
Obedience in Pulling Weeds
May 7, 2011
I understood. Wasn’t very excited about the process, but understood.
That prayer, back in the beginnings of colder days before the snow put the ground to sleep, He heard. He was listening. Bent down, listening. Maybe even smiling.
I’ve known fear all my life. LORD, I want to know you instead. He heard. He began weeding. Deep. Deeper. Deepest.
He is Perfect Gardner.
The Israelites understood. Standing on that high water’s edge. The one He brought them to. You can do it, put your toe in!
He calls us to obedience. No matter how high the water, how deep the root, how far away. If He led the way, obedience is the way through. To the other side. Promised Land!
He said I had to do it. I fought for weeks! Terrified. One trembling foot set out.
He said He would never leave me. He didn’t. He was there the whole time.
He said He would help me. He did! He was my strength.
Clearing out the garden this morning, shovel going deep, He showed me again. You’re weeding, little bird.
Yes, I am! Making room for new life. Blessed be His Name.
You can post a comment below or visit HLB (His little bird) at knowing His name
Seeing The End From the Beginning
December 28, 2010
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late
In Isaiah 46:9-10 seeing the end we find these words: “I am God, and there is none like me,
I make known the end from the beginning.”
For years the late Paul Harvey broadcast The Rest of the Story giving interesting details of events and peoples’ lives. The end of the stories was often more important than the beginning. That would seem to be true of our lives–of our own stories.
As human beings, we know our beginning: God created our inmost being in our mothers’ wombs (Psalm 139:13). We also know our end: “man is destined to die once and, after that to face judgment” (Heb. 9:27).
Foolishly, we may gamble with God, thinking that we will cross that bridge when we come to it. However, we must remember that that time, that hour, is one over which we have no control. So, to journey through this life without keeping an eye on the end—that time when we will leave this life and enter into eternity—seems unwise, no matter what we believe about that place or time.
God has been faithful in giving us an abundance of warning signs about that day throughout the Bible. Even if we ignore those in His Guidebook for our daily living, He reminds us through the deaths of our friends, family, and associates. He does not remind us as a harsh Judge who we all must some day face but as our loving Creator and Heavenly Father.
Jesus Christ told us this about his Father: “For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:17).
So, as we journey through this life, let us live with our eyes on its ending, keeping in mind that God has not only posted reminders along the way but also has provided a way to live that will bring us peace when that time comes (1 Cor.15:45-55).
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.com
Intercessory Prayer
December 24, 2010
Originally published at Gospel.com.
Reprinted with permission
You cannot truly intercede through prayer if you do not believe in the reality of redemption. Instead, you will simply be turning intercession into useless sympathy for others, which will serve only to increase the contentment they have for remaining out of touch with God.
True intercession involves bringing the person, or the circumstance that seems to be crashing in on you, before God, until you are changed by His attitude toward that person or circumstance. Intercession means to “fill up . . . [with] what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ” (Colossians 1:24), and this is precisely why there are so few intercessors. People describe intercession by saying, “It is putting yourself in someone else’s place.” That is not true! Intercession is putting yourself in God’s place; it is having His mind and His perspective.
As an intercessor, be careful not to seek too much information from God regarding the situation you are praying about, because you may be overwhelmed. If you know too much, more than God has ordained for you to know, you can’t pray; the circumstances of the people become so overpowering that you are no longer able to get to the underlying truth.
Our work is to be in such close contact with God that we may have His mind about everything, but we shirk that responsibility by substituting doing for interceding. And yet intercession is the only thing that has no drawbacks, because it keeps our relationship completely open with God.
What we must avoid in intercession is praying for someone to be simply “patched up.” We must pray that person completely through into contact with the very life of God. Think of the number of people God has brought across our path, only to see us drop them! When we pray on the basis of redemption, God creates something He can create in no other way than through intercessory prayer.
John Piper Returns to Pulpit
December 21, 2010
By Lillian KwonChristian Post Reporter Well-known evangelical theologian and pastor John Piper is scheduled to return to the pulpit in January. Kenny Stokes, interim pastor for preaching at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, made the announcement this past weekend.
“His first weekend back, God willing, in the Bethlehem pulpit will be January 8 and 9,” Stokes said.
Piper has been on an eight-month leave of absence. Since May, he has stepped back from virtually all public commitments to deal with his “character flaws” and focus on his marriage.
It was his first-ever leave of absence in his 30-year ministry career.
With the exception of a few speaking engagements – including a conference in the Dominican Republic and the Third Lausanne Congress in South Africa – the respected pastor withdrew from all other preaching, writing and blogging.
When he announced to Bethlehem Baptist Church that he would be leaving for a period of time, he explained that he was seeing “several species of pride” within himself and that his soul needed a reality check from the Holy Spirit.
While he noted that the character flaws did not rise to the level of disqualifying him for ministry, he said they were grieving him and were affecting his relationship with his wife, Noel, and others.
“I’ll say it now, and no doubt will say it again, I’m sorry. Since I don’t have just one deed to point to, I simply ask for a spirit of forgiveness; and I give you as much assurance as I can that I am not making peace, but war, with my own sins,” he said in a letter to the congregation in March.
As planned, Piper will return to the church and his ministry, Desiring God, in January. He is scheduled to speak at Passion 2011 in Atlanta, which takes place Jan. 1-4, and to preach at Bethlehem that weekend.
It is not yet clear what his post-leave ministry will look like or whether he’ll keep up the same pace he did for the past three decades. He did, however, mention in March that he wanted to go five more years in the pulpit.
More details, including his schedule for the next year, are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Meeting With God
November 3, 2010
by John ImlerJohn is an RVchurchesUSA Ambassador and author of It’s Never Too Late As we go through this life we have many opportunities to meet our Creator. He sees to that!
Just like He did with Adam and Eve, He seeks us out (Genesis 2:9). He searches us out from our busy lives because He desires to meet with each of us individually. He desires that we become acquainted and walk together through our days on this earth.
God has designed within each of us a special place where He can abide—our hearts, souls and minds—and He beckons us to love Him with all of those (Matt.22:37).
As we read the Bible we find stories revealing His seeking out and meeting with various men and women since the beginning of time. He met with some early in life and with others later in life. Some walked with Him after their meeting; others chose to serve another god.
Since the beginning of time, individuals have reflected those same choices in their lives. Some heard His voice calling them to meet with Him and respond from the hustle and bustle of their lives; others ignore all His calls. How about you?
Let me assure you that you cannot escape God’s call for a meeting with you. Today He offers you acceptance as stated in John 3:16-21, just as He did to Cain in Genesis 4:6. The choice is yours (John 6:24)!
God calls for you now—today. No matter how long you have postponed your meeting, He waits for you. No matter what type of life you have lived, He invites you to meet with Him (Romans 10:13:9-10).
Yes, you have a scheduled meeting with God your Creator. Hebrews 9:27 declares “man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” Yes, you will meet with God! Will you be ready because you have met with Him before that and walked with Him? Will you be able to say, “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (I Cor. 15:55)
John welcomes your comments either below or email him directly at john@faithrescued.com
Billy Graham’s Suit
November 3, 2010
Billy Graham is now 91-years-old with Parkinson’s disease. In January 2000, leaders in Charlotte,
North Carolina, invited their favorite son, Billy Graham, to a luncheon in his honor.
Billy initially hesitated to accept the invitation because he struggles with Parkinson’s disease. But the Charlotte leaders said, ‘We don’t expect a major address. Just come and let us honor you.’ So he agreed.
After wonderful things were said about him, Dr. Graham stepped to the rostrum, looked at the crowd, and said, “I’m reminded today of Albert Einstein, the great physicist who this month has been honored by Time magazine as the Man of the Century.
Einstein was once traveling from Princeton on a train when the conductor came down the aisle, punching the tickets of every passenger. When he came to Einstein, Einstein reached in his vest pocket. He couldn’t find his ticket, so he reached in his trouser pockets. It wasn’t there. He looked in his briefcase but couldn’t find it. Then he looked in the seat beside him. He still couldn’t find it.
“The conductor said, ‘Dr. Einstein, I know who you are. We all know who you are. I’m sure you bought a ticket. Don’t worry about it.’”Einstein nodded appreciatively.
The conductor continued down the aisle punching tickets. As he was ready to move to the next car, he turned around and saw the great physicist down on his hands and knees looking under his seat for his ticket. “The conductor rushed back and said, ‘Dr. Einstein, Dr. Einstein, don’t worry, I know who you are; no problem. You don’t need a ticket. I’m sure you bought one.’
Einstein looked at him and said, ‘Young man, I too, know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going.”
Having said that Billy Graham continued, “See the suit I’m wearing? It’s a brand new suit. My children, and my grandchildren are telling me I’ve gotten a little slovenly in my old age. I used to be a bit more fastidious. So I went out and bought a new suit for this luncheon and one more occasion. You know what that occasion is? This is the suit in which I’ll be buried. But when you hear I’m dead, I don’t want you to immediately remember the suit I’m wearing.”
“I want you to remember this: I not only know who I am. I also know where I’m going.” May your troubles be less, your blessings more, and may nothing but happiness, come through your door. “Life without God is like an un-sharpened pencil – it has no point.”
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