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Did Jesus really hate religion?

Did Jesus really hate religion?  I guess it all depends on what you mean by your definition of "religion".  In the last week, a youtube video uploaded by Jefferson Bethke has gone viral.  Viral....as in 13 million views... in one week!  Ah...the power of social media.  In case you've been living under a rock and haven't seen this yet...watch this first.

 

 

 

Jefferson's video immediately grew huge praise....and criticism.  It drew praise from many who understood "religion" one way....and curses from those who understood it a different way.  His words were definitely misinterpreted by many.   However, he could have chosen better verbiage throughout this poem to truly communicate how he feels about true faith.  

The first time I watched it..I understood what he was talking about.  Jefferson is bashing the religion that promotes self righteousness, works salvation and takes the place of knowing God intimately.  We've all been there and done that.  I understood it from the angle of Jesus' trashing the Pharisees religiosity of His day.  Need a reminder of that?  Read this - 

Matthew 23:1-34

There is no doubt in my mind that the "religion" of the pharisees is what Jesus wants done away with!  The problem is that most people associate the word "religion" with  prayer, bible study and going to church.  So when somebody hears "Jesus came to abolish religion!"...they freak out.   Jesus doesn't want me to read my bible? Jesus doesn't want me to go to church?  Jesus doesn't want me to pray?  No..no...no!   It's impossible to celebrate our faith without observing the "religious" practices that Jesus himself instituted.  Jesus prayed.  Jesus knew the scripture.  Jesus taught and worshipped in the synagouge.  Jesus was religous.  However...you never see Jesus insert what he does "for" God the Father with his relationship "with" God the Father.  

That's the problem I have with religion. It's when people think they are ok...based upon what they do for God.  Our religious practices (prayer, bible reading, church attendance, feeding the poor, taking care of orphans & widows etc.) propel us forward in our relationship with God.  However...they are never a substitute.   Salavation is based upon the Grace of God alone in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross!

Does Jesus hate religion?  It all depends on how you define it.

Big Ben and the value of your name

Big Ben will go down as a Hall of Fame Quarterback in the NFL.  He is a very talented player and plays for one of the most storied franchises in all of sports.  I should know...I lived in Western Pennsylvania for about 5 years.  The Steelers breathe life into the Steel City and the entire region.  Big Ben came into the league and had instantaneous success.  It didn't take Pittsburgh fans long to fall in love with Ben.

One of the things, that became apparent in Ben's life and to the world, was his faith.  Big Ben is a Christian.  Ben even sought to have the following initials on his cleats, "PFJ".  PFJ stands for "Play for Jesus".  A likable guy?  Yes.  Talented? Oh yeah! Role model?...yep.  So what's the problem?  

Ben made poor choices.  One who gives God glory on the field and in the locker room is also expected to do the same in private. If you are going to talk the talk...you have to walk the walk.  About a year ago, Big Ben was accused of sexually assaulting not one...but two women.  I won't go into the details.  It's bad enough.  Big Ben was not charged with any crimes but his reputation was tarnished.  

Now, you may be saying...Dan, isn't this post just a tad late?  This is old news. Yes, yes it is. However, Ben is making headlines again today in
announcing his upcoming marriage.  He also has announced that he won't be living with his fiance until they are married this June.

This has raised many questions.  Why would Ben, live such a carefree lifestyle, having sex with multiple women...to now want to live to a higher standard?  Because he is human.  He screwed up.  He has asked for forgiveness and has been granted grace and fresh start.  A very smart move.  I understand it.  I get it.  The rest of the world doesn't.  Every choice you make matters.  The bad ones and even the good ones.

We should not hold his sins against him since God has forgiven him.  However, the one thing that we can't get off our mind is his name.  Ben's nights of passion will be remembered as his biggest folly.  He'll be remembered by many as the guy who said he wanted to live like Jesus but really lived like Hugh Hefner.  

Your name is valuable.  Don't believe me?  What images or thoughts come to your mind when you read these names.

Tiger Woods.

Albert Einstein.

Barry Bonds.

Charlie Sheen.

Billy Graham.

Mother Theresa.

Dan Sardinas.

Your name.

Just hearing a person's name can paint a picture.  It paints a picture of what people remember the most.  Unfortunately that's the way it is.  Some people will remember Ben the Super Bowl Champion.  Some will remember the Ben the guy who couldn't keep his pants on.

What does the bible say about protecting your name?

"A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold." - Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)

"A good name is better than fine perfume..." Ecclesiastes 7:1

What if you are thinking right now..."Ok..Dan.  I've blown it.  I've really screwed up.  My name is tarnished.  What now?"

There is good news.  Even though the consequences of sin does not go away....there is still hope.  There is peace.  There is forgiveness.  There is grace.  There is renewal.  The gospel doesn't let us go back in time...but it does give us freedom to not be weighed down from the guilt of our past.  There is grace available.  The gospel gives us all a brand new fresh start.  Thank God for good news.

What's your legacy? What do people think of when they hear your name?  What are you doing to protect your name?  Do you need forgiveness?  A fresh start? 

Ben got a fresh start.  His name will be ruined in the eyes of many people.  But he now stands forgiven and set free in the eyes of God.  How about you?

Sorry, but "Happy Holidays" does not bother me!

This time of year....the same thing always happens.  Many Christians are offended if somebody says to them "Happy Holidays".   I totally understand why they are upset.   They believe that there is some totally secret agenda to completely hide or take "Christ" out of Christmas.  Some people even go to extremes by boycotting certain stores that won't allow their employees to wish customers a "Merry Christmas".   Instead, these employees are forced to use a more inclusive "Happy Holidays".  A ridiculous endeavor in my honest opinion.  Sorry, but I'm not offended if somebody tells me "Happy Holidays".  And, here are the reasons why.  

1.  I don't expect those who are not followers of Jesus to celebrate with me.   This is the most common mistake of Christians.  They expect everyone else to follow, celebrate and join in on their beliefs.   As wonderful as that would be.......that is not going to happen.  We can't expect those who are not Christians, to act like Christians....until they are Christians.  

2.  Christmas is not the only "Holiday" this time of year.  You are very ignorant, if you believe that everyone is going to open gifts on December 25th.  This time of year there are many celebrations.  Jewish people celebrate Channukah/Hannukah, and there is even a day called Kwanzaa.  Candadians even celebrate Boxing Day.  Pretty funny, eh?   From a practical standpoint....why should non-believing store owners single out Christmas?  What if we lived in a dominant Jewish country?   How would you feel if someone forced you to say "Happy Hannukah"?  Have you ever thought about that?  

3.  Christmas is not even Jesus' real birthday.  I know that may come as a huge shock to you.   Just sit down and relax.  It's ok.  Breathe.  No one actually knows the day Jesus was actually born.  

Christmas has it's origins in pagan worship.  Early Christians, tried to stamp out the pagan festivals and incorporate Christ.   The birth of Christ was originally celebrated on January 6th.   However, in the year 354 it was moved to December 25th.  This was done to give a "Christian" meaning to largely pagan festival at the time.  

The birth of the ancient sun-god Attis in Phygia was celebrated on December 25th.   Also, the birth of the Persian sun-god Mithras was also celebrated the same day!  The Romans also celebrated a festival called Saturnalia.  It was dedicated to their god of peace and plenty, Saturn.  This Roman festival was celebrated from December 17th - 24th.   Public places were decorated with flowers, gifts and candles.   Oh and get this!   People exchanged gifts to celebrate the "Virgin Birth" of their god.   Hmmmm...sound familiar?  The earliest English reference to "Christmas" did not come until the year 1043.   

In summary

For me, Christmas will always be about Jesus.  That is what it means to me.  But also, Christmas is a time to celebrate family.  To be thankful for what God has done!   Celebrate the fact that God provided a way to redeem the world from it's sin.  The world would never be restored without the birth of Jesus.  

So the birth of Christ is a holy day.  Which by the way is where we get the word "holiday" from.  Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New Years!!!!! Happy Holidays!:)

 

A breakdown of Tiger Woods' Confession to the World

 

By now we are all well aware of the entire Tiger Woods saga.   Even if you've been living underneath a rock for the last few weeks, you would still know what Tiger has done.   Tiger, the world's best golfer, perhaps of all time.....has admitted to having slept with numerous women.  This poses problems on many levels; however none more so than the fact that he is a married man.  Many women are coming out of the wood work right now claiming to have had an affair with Tiger.  I'm sure not all of these women can be telling the  truth.  However, I'm afraid now, after Tigers confession that there are many, many hiding in the lurks.  I'm sure that Tiger doesn't even now the exact number of women he has had an affair with. That is is an incredibly sad sentence.  You can watch Tiger's confession below.   Watch first then read the rest of this post.

I have seen and read many things in the last few days following this statement by Tiger.  Some of the negative things I have read have focused on Tiger's sincerity.  I can see why some would question this.  Was Tiger truly sorry for his sins?...(he calls them "issues").  Or was he just sorry to get caught? Whatever the answer is.......that is none of our business.  There is no doubt that Tiger screwed up.  And he screwed up big.   He has asked for forgiveness and we must forgive.   Only God knows his true motive.    Catch a Tiger by his toe.....if he hollers let him go.  Tiger wants forgiveness....and is asking for help.   So we must give it.   His adultery is no different from the sin that you find yourself trapped in.  If you were in Tiger's shoes you would want the same respect, forgiveness and grace.    For many years....many have thought as Tiger as some sort of God.   He is mortal after all.  Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and have come short of the Glory of God.  

Here are some observations.... 

1.  Tiger admits he has done wrong. He says,  "I had an affair, I cheated."  He is not making excuses.  He is not blaming the women.  He is not blaming his fame.  He says, "I am the only person to blame." He is admitting he has a huge problem and is seeking help.  To me this is huge.  I'm glad he didn't come out and say "If I offended you.......".  He knows he has offended.  He is owning up to his failure.

2.  Tiger knows that his true apology, to his wife, will come by actions (behavior)  not words.  I think this statement was huge.  Actions always speak louder than words.  Talk is cheap.  Don't tell somebody you love them....show them.   Love is a verb.

3.  Tiger admitted that he was rationalizing his sin.  He says, "I knew my actions were wrong, but I convinced myself that normal rules didn't apply." & he also said  " I felt I had worked hard my entire life...and deserved to enjoy all the temptations around me."  "I felt I was entitled".   This is something that is key for all of us!   How often do we rationalize our sin?   May we learn from his mistake.

4.  "I have a lot to atone for". Even though I know what Tiger is getting at here....it's still not true. Tiger needs to know that the true atonement for his sins is found in Jesus Christ... not in himself.   Even though the Buddhist manta that he quoted sounded good....the only way to overcome his sin is through a bloody cross.  The freedom found in Christ is the way to break free from this curse of sin.

This whole situation reminds me David's confession in the Bible after having sex with Bathsheba, (a married woman).   Yes...Tiger Woods is not King David.  However...read Psalm 51 and you'll find a lot of similarities to Tiger's statement.  In closing...Pray for Tiger.  Enough said.

Red Envelopes....Really?

 

Here is an excellent posting on facebook by a college friend of mine who is also a pastor.  I couldn't agree with him more.  Right on Jason!!!!

By Jason Moyer

On March 31st, pro life supporters are being asked to waste millions of dollars to send empty red envelopes to President Obama. I realize some of my dear friends have joined this campaign. Some of them have invited me to join this effort. I appreciate ppl who are willing to stand for their beliefs and convictions, my frustration is in the approach.

 

 50 million red envelopes being sent to the President with the hope it will change his 'heart' ... Really? Come on ... First do we really think we will get 50 million envelopes? Second do you for a moment think President Obama will see even the first red envelope ... let alone millions? Thinking this will be effective in any way seems to be more in the realm of fantasy instead of reality. I hope our great God will change the President's heart and mind, as well as many judges, senators, and representatives since all 3 groups will be needed for change to occur. My biggest problem with this is the significant waste of money. As I figure it, 50 million envelopes sent to Washington will cost $21 million in postage alone. That is correct $21 million. Add to that 8 cents per envelope (based on their website deal from The Paper Mill Store) and now you are looking at $25 million to send envelopes to Washington to one man. 

Let's just pretend that President Obama does see them... each and every one and that they are not just "3 lines on a 50 page briefing", is this the best way to spend our $25 million? Is this the biggest impact we can make with $25 million? I do think ppl should stand for - by using their $ - what they believe. So let me suggest that if you want to make an impact in this realm take your 50 cents and double it to $1 and find a worthy cause in your local community. I would say send it to me and I will start some kind of adoption foundation ... but I feel confident one already exists, I just need to go find it online. Think of the number of husbands and wives who could be helped offset the cost of adoption, think of the number of young moms who could obtain tuition help ... perhaps my ideas are just as firmly rooted in fantasy land as the red envelopes? Appreciate you letting me vent on this ... look forward to your thoughts and conversation.

Jason

God is Green

Today is Earth Day.   Most Christians are known for their lack of enthusiam over the environment.   This should not be so.  I believe it is sin if you do not care about the enviornment or you are abusing it recklessly. That's right.  Sin.  To litter...is not just being a bad citizen of your community...it is being a bad steward of creation.  The air, water, trees, grass, vegetation, and wildlife are all apart of creation.  And God loves it.  God is green.  To abuse this beautiful creation is sin.  This is not a politcal issue.  To me this is a deeply spiritual issue.  The earth and everything in it belong to the Lord.  It's not ours.  We need to take care of it as it was given to us...borrowed property. 

One of the first commands given to Adam was "The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it." Genesis 2:15  God told Adam to "take care of it".  God had set certain rules in place from the beginning as to how all this is to go down.

After God created everything this is what it said about his reaction. "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good."  Genesis 1:31   Creation is still good today.  Although it has been marred by the sin curse...it's still all good.

Today or this week do something to honor God by taking care of his creation.  Go down your block and pick up trash.  Go plant a tree.  Go buy a Hybrid vehicle.  Do something.  It's your duty.  God is Green.

Click here to visit the official "Earth Day" website.