When our polity fails us: Baptists and immoral pastoral leaders, what Johnny Hunt's 'restoration' teaches us

 

On January 15th, 2023 disgraced former mega church pastor and former executive vice-president of the  Southern Baptist Convention, Johnny Hunt returned, triumphantly and defiantly, to the pulpit.  It wasn't at his former church, but one under the pastoral leadership of a friend.  During his sermon, Hunt utilized Psalm 119 to lash out at his critics {portraying himself, the sexual perpetrator, deftly as the victim}, and made a case for pastoral infallibility that would have blown away our Baptist ancestors in the faith. {For a solid article with the details on Hunt's preaching appearance: Johnny Hunt, Disgraced Former SBC Pastor, Makes Defiant Return to the Pulpit - by Bob Smietana of Ministry Watch or Here’s Johnny! Embattled SBC pastor back in the pulpit and will headline a men’s conference - by Mark Wingfield of Baptist News Global

Building upon the thesis that God would have already known that one day Johnny Hunt would attempt to have sex with another man's wife (she characterized the incident as assault, he called it consensual), something that would normally be disqualifying for pastoral leadership in any church that takes seriously the Apostle Paul's high-demands for moral excellence and character on the part of pastoral leadership in the church, Hunt declared, "When God calls you to do something, and you begin to think you’re no longer qualified to do it, hold on just a moment—you don’t think he knew your past, your present, and your future when he called you? He already knew that, and yet he still placed his hand and his calling on you.”  In other words, because God knew Hunt would one day commit this sin, and because Hunt is convinced that his life in ministry was based upon a call from God, that call CANNOT now be revoked no matter what.  The implications of this are staggering theologically for a Church that has had far too many abusers, rapists, and murderers, and the like in pastoral leadership: as long as that person was already "called by God", they can continue to preach the Word of God.  Perhaps Johnny Hunt would object, and draw the line somewhere (beyond his own conduct, to be sure) to say that some sin is disqualifying, but why?  God would have known about the most heinous of sins ahead of time (true enough), and that individual was working in ministry, and thus presumably "called by God", therefore beyond being disqualified.  We know that Johnny Hunt believes in this thesis, he famously led a "restoration" ministry that was once so lauded by the SBC that they helped his church expand it nationally, returning an unknown number of pastors suffering from "moral failure" to active pastoral leadership: Ministry to hurting pastors to expand nationally - By Tobin Perry, Baptist Press, 2013 

The pastor of the church that offered Hunt the pulpit, Jason Rogers, said this, "We are thrilled to host Pastor Johnny Hunt at HomE Church. No one has been more greatly used of God to influence my ministry or as a greater, God-honoring influence on my family. Like myself, everyone in our church family, and everyone in the world, Pastor Johnny has not lived in sinless perfection as a believer. However, contrary to the ‘woke’ ideology that has sadly consumed the SBC and many believers, the Bible is clear that all sin is alike before the holiness of God. Sexual sin is not a greater sin in the sight of God. This is why we all need grace, mercy, repentance, and forgiveness."  Aside from the stunning lack of insight into how this glee looks in the wake of the SBC clergy abuse scandal, Pastor Rogers also fails to come to grips with the fact that while the Apostle Paul didn't expect Christians to be perfect, himself included, but he did purposefully write that pastoral leaders must be "above reproach, faithful to his wife" (1 Timothy 3:2).  Forgiveness from God?  Absolutely, if the repentance is genuine.  Reconciliation with the people of God and renewed fellowship?  Absolutely, again if the repentance is genuine.  Jumping right back into the pulpit (and lucrative conference lecture circuit)?  No, no, no.  

I know that to write or say such things is to paint a huge bright target on my own back, and I'm ok with that.  I hold myself to this high standard that Paul requires as a pastor, and also as a husband and father.  I will never cheat on my wife, in deed or in spirit, as it would not be an "indiscretion" or "mistake", it would be a betrayal of everything I am and do, and just as importantly, guaranteed pain and trauma to the two people I love most in this world.  

So I say, can't we at least have this as a standard?  The ship may have sailed on having political leaders who are faithful to their spouses, but must the Church abandon this too?  Are we so hard up for pastoral leaders that we need to recycle those whose leadership included "moral failures"?  Do those cheering on Johnny Hunt not see the utter hypocrisy that the world sees when the champions of "family values" celebrate pastors who havw made a mockery of their marriage vows?

Where Baptist polity comes into the equation

In the end, Baptists of any denomination have little recourse in such matters, the SBC included.  When a self-appointed group of four pastoral friends of Johnny Hunt declared him ready to return to ministry, the current president of the SBC, Bart Barber wrote, "The idea that a council of pastors, assembled with the consent of the abusive pastor, possesses some authority to declare a pastor fit for resumed ministry is a conceit that is altogether absent from Baptist polity and from the witness of the New Testament. Indeed, it is repugnant to all that those sources extol and represent."  He went on to add that he would have "defrocked" Hunt if such power rested with the SBC president, but it doesn't.  Which is the whole point.  

Baptist pastors are appointed, and ordained, by local churches, as myself was by the First Baptist Church of Palo, MI.  The larger units: associations, regions, and denominations, have no power to do likewise, nor do they have the power to withdraw that local church approval because of immoral conduct or heretical teaching, only that local church retains the power {The local association can remove its recognition of what the local church has done in ordaining someone, or refuse to accept it in the first place, but that is all.}  Thus, unless the church that ordained Johnny Hunt were to act to revoke his ordination, it still stands in the eyes of Baptist polity.  Yet, even if they did, it would not prevent other Baptist churches from inviting Hunt to preach, a role that does not require ordination.  Long story short, there is nothing that any Baptist entity can do to stop Johnny Hunt from going on a victory tour and becoming a speaking celebrity once more.

We believe in local church autonomy for a number of reasons, having just finished teaching Baptist History and Polity, I could list them for you, perhaps another time.  Even so, we have to recognize the downside of that autonomy, such freedom isn't free, and in this case the cost to the Baptist reputation is high.

Sermon Video: Advent Witnesses part 2 - Joseph: A Kind Husband, Matthew 1:18-19

As Matthew relates the event of the first Christmas, the focus is upon Joseph, the adopted father of Jesus.  We learn that Joseph is like his ancestor, Boaz, a man of both righteous adherence to the Law of Moses, and a genuinely kind man.  When Joseph learns of Mary's pregnancy he does not seek vengeance or humiliation, but rather intends to divorce her quietly.  Joseph would thus fulfill the Law without being vindictive.  Is it any wonder that God chose him to parent the Son of God?

"Nice guys finish last" may be a common enough idiom, and true in any number of pop culture examples and real-world scenarios.  But God holds us to a different standard than 'winning' in this life, as followers of Jesus, we don't want to 'win' at the cost of our character.

'Owning the Libs' isn't advancing the cause of Christ, it is hurting it

1. The Gospel is not championed by those seeking wealth, power, and fame, but by humble, loving, and kind servants.

How much money has your favorite Culture Warrior made from 'defending Christianity'?  There are many such personalities who would not be well known, would not wield influence with politicians, if not for their perpetual state of political war against 'them'.  Where in the New Testament is this model of letting spokespeople for the Church choose themselves practiced?  Where do we read of the Apostle Paul's use of sarcastic lies to 'own the Romans'?  Mansions, fancy cars, expensive clothes, private jets, none of these are compatible with servants of the Gospel, they condemn the purveyors of the Prosperity Gospel whose conspicuous consumerism sits in judgment of them, and they condemn the self-appointed champions of American Christianity as well.  If any of these were truly servants of the Lord God, they would live like God's servants, not like aristocrats.  To look to such as these for guidance regarding what Christians should think, how they should feel, or even how they should vote, is to elevate political views above biblical mandates.  For tens of millions of Americans, it is not the preacher on Sunday morning expounding the Word of God and living a life of service in front of his/her congregation that molds and shapes their worldview, but the political pundits they spend far more time listening to, cheering on, and living vicariously through.

Matthew 7:15-20     New International Version

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

2. Even if (they are not) fellow Americans who happen to be Liberals were EVIL these tactics would still be in direct violation of the Word of God, they would still corrupt God's people who use them, and they would still hinder Gospel witness.

I have often heard/read argumentation to the affect that America is on the verge of a precipice, that we are but one step away from a being taken over by godless socialists.  This 'sky is falling' mentality is then used to justify an 'any means necessary' response that sanctions character assassination, lying, anger, illegal behavior, even violence.  Why?  Because the stakes are too high to trust in the Gospel path of overcoming evil with good.  I do not accept the premise that America's Liberals hate this country and want to destroy it, anymore than I accept the premise about America's Conservatives {making exceptions on both sides for the radicals and pundits, but even then most of them just want to get rich, not destroy the country which would hinder their wealth making ability}.  But, EVEN IF our nation were on the verge of destruction, the path of deliverance would not be, could not be, for the people of God to abandon Christian morality.  This is not the calling that any faithful follower of Jesus Christ has ever received.  There have been many such instances when those claiming to do God's work have done great evil, from the Crusades to the Inquisition, with many a raped, tortured, and murdered person in between.  All of these, every last one of these actions, were an insult to God, an abandonment of the work of the Spirit in our world in favor of the sinful deeds of men.

The Kingdom of God is advanced by the use of the Fruit of the Spirit, period.  That tens of millions of American Christians (self-professed, I don't know how many have a true conversion) have become convinced that God's will must be achieved through immoral means is a glaring sign of the sickness of the Church in our nation today.  

Romans 12:21     New International Version

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

James 1:13     New International Version

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

Philippians 4:8     New International Version

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Matthew 5:43-44     New International Version

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

3. More dedicated servants of Christ than these tried this method before, and it nearly destroyed them.

I don't consider myself a fan of Jerry Falwell, but I have no doubt of his passion for Christ and can look at his decades of service to the Church when I ponder what the pursuit of power did to him.  Today's 'Christian defenders' are a paler version, with lesser credentials, and much less actual Gospel ministry.  We are but repeating history with less chance of 'success' than the Moral Majority or the Christian Coalition were able to accomplish in the last two generations.

One glaring example of the corrupting influence of this path will show how deep the rot of following false teachers who happen to be rich, famous, and powerful has spread.  In 2019, Paula White Cain, Prosperity Gospel 'preacher' well known for her heretical views published a book that was endorsed by numerous politically active Conservative Christian 'leaders'.  Why?  Because she is on 'our side' in the Culture Wars against 'them', no need to look any further.  Jerry Falwell Sr. whatever you think of him, would not have done this, nor would Billy Graham have, despite his well known embrace of ecumenism, both men drew the line at unorthodox false gospels.  The Culture War has grown more noxious, and its warriors less noble, this will not end well.

Evangelical leaders come under fire for promoting Paula White's new book, By Leah MarieAnn Klett, Christian Post

I don't want to 'Own the Libs', I want to work with those liberals who are genuine followers of Jesus Christ, just as I will with those conservatives who are genuine followers of Jesus Christ so that we might advance the Kingdom of God through acts of loving kindness.  As for those liberals and conservatives who do not know Jesus Christ as Lord, my prayer is that you may come to "grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ" (Ephesians 3:18).  May God show them his love through us.

The Myth of a Christian Nation - by Gregory Boyd: a summary and response

Turning Point USA ignores the warning of Matthew 6:24

The downward spiral of Bonhoeffer biographer Eric Metaxas

An unhealthy overemphasis on politics

God and Politics: Greater than, less than, or equal to?

Beware of the Political Church: John MacArthur declares, "any real true believer" can only vote one way.

My thirty year journey away from Rush Limbaugh

Plus this six hour seminar I created on the relationship between the Church and Politics (Power)

The Church and Politics

An unhealthy overemphasis on politics

 

I'll admit, I've been sucked toward the rabbit hole of politics more in 2020 than any year since my youthful fascination decades ago.  With so much of consequence happening, between the pandemic, race relations, and the election, I can't be alone in this.  At the same time, the ongoing Culture War and hyper-partisanship have made our political theatre more and more toxic to those who both participate in it, and to those who observe it.

Perspective is lacking.  We need to refocus, particularly as Christians, on 'things above', {Colossians 3:1 (NIV) Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.} but how do we do that?  By putting politics back in its rightful, secondary, place.

1. God directs history, not man - Psalm 2

 Psalm 2:1-6 (NIV)

1 Why do the nations conspire

    and the peoples plot in vain?

2 The kings of the earth rise up

    and the rulers band together

    against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,

3 “Let us break their chains

    and throw off their shackles.”

4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs;

    the Lord scoffs at them.

5 He rebukes them in his anger

    and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,

6 “I have installed my king

    on Zion, my holy mountain.”

The thing is, as impactful as human decisions and choices are in our own lives, and as important as our collective decisions are for the future of our nation and culture, God is still in control, both individually and collectively.  The will of God is not gainsaid by anything that human beings do, or fail to do.  The ultimate example of the futility of striving against God is the 'victory' of Satan when Jesus Christ was betrayed, falsely convicted, sentenced to death, and horribly murdered on a cross.  This apparent defeat of God's champion, whether Satan knew him to truly be the Son of God or not, was not a derailment of God's purpose in sending the Messiah, but its fulfillment.  In 'defeat', God was victorious in establishing his will, destroying both Sin and Death through the resurrection of Jesus.  Because God was able to accomplish this humanly impossible victory, he certainly can handle the simple plots of, relatively, powerless humans.  This is not a denial of human freewill, but rather advocacy for the supremacy of God's will.  God, being God, is able to give humanity freewill AND still accomplish his will.  Another example?  Joseph's time in Egypt as a slave: Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.  Likewise, note the futility of Saul of Tarsus' efforts to thwart the will of God: Acts 26:14 (NLT) We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic,‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is useless for you to fight against my will.[b]’ [26:14b Greek It is hard for you to kick against the oxgoads.]  Whatever politics is, it is not what determines the future.  We have given it too much credit, at the expense of trusting in God.

2. Human nature is unaffected by governments/society - Ecclesiastes 1:9

Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NIV)

What has been will be again,

    what has been done will be done again;

    there is nothing new under the sun.

Solomon, in his wisdom, grasped that human nature doesn't change.  This may seem like a fantastic claim to post-modern individuals living in the information age in a democratic society, but the people in our modern world are no different than the people of the Ancient Near East who lived in an agrarian society of kingdoms and empires where oral history was the primary means of retaining knowledge.  As much as technology and information availability have changed since the Industrial Revolution, a pace of change that has accelerated dramatically since the invention of the internet, human nature has 'evolved' not at all.  Human beings still respond to the same motivations, still have the same flaws, hope, and dreams.  The details change, but the substance does not.

What then is the impact of the static nature of humanity on politics?  It reminds us that whatever change a new election or new form of government may bring, that change impacts the surface.  Deep down, humanity remains what we have always been.  Beings created in the image of God who have fallen from grace and are powerless to alter that state and are thus dependent upon a Savior.  Those truths remain the same, whether one lives under a despotic emperor or has the right to vote for representatives.  Don't get me wrong, humanity is better off with political freedom, those blessings are of great value, but even they don't change human nature.  Our ancestors were less free, but they were no less human, and our freedom hasn't made us any more human.

3. The Church's victory is not dependent upon temporal power (or a lack thereof) - Matthew 16:18

Matthew 16:18 (NIV) And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.

The Church does not require power to fulfill its mission.  In fact, the more power in society that the Church has wielded, the more mixed the results of evangelism and discipleship.  While the history of Christianity in Japan is the prime example that, 'the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church' is a myth.  Extreme and prolonged persecution can destroy a church.  The opposite of persecution, power, is also a danger to the church.  When Calvin merged the Church in Geneva with the State, making city business into church business, it was not 'heaven on earth', nor was it sustained long-term.  Likewise, when the Lutheran Church in German was at its most elevated status, it fell prey to Bonhoeffer's 'Cheap Grace', a form of religion without the commitment of the heart.

In the end, neither persecution nor power can deny the universal Church its final destiny as the Bride of Christ.  While local churches, denominations, or even national churches may thrive or fail as time wears on, the mission of the Church is not to conquer the physical/political world, but to share the Gospel with all peoples.  We are called to be servants, not rulers, and that calling is irrevocable. 

Revelation 19:6-9 (NIV)

6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

“Hallelujah!

    For our Lord God Almighty reigns.

7 Let us rejoice and be glad

    and give him glory!

For the wedding of the Lamb has come,

    and his bride has made herself ready.

8 Fine linen, bright and clean,

    was given her to wear.”

(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)

9 Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

The final victory was secured at the Empty Tomb, the final chapter of the story has already been written.  The ebb and flow of human striving for temporal power pales in comparison to the drama unfolding through the generations as individuals are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb.

4. The corrosive nature of politics - Philippians 4:8

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

The most detrimental thing to me, personally, during the heightened awareness to politics throughout 2020 has been the emotional pain caused by experiencing despicable human behavior being rewarded as 'good politics'.  When fellow citizens are pitted against one another, competing to outdo 'them' in duplicity and character assassination, we turn character and honor into a weakness, and make a lack of conscience or integrity a strength.  This may win elections, but it warps and degrades the electorate.  Christians, unless they choose to forgo these tactics and compete with integrity, are stained by joining in with 'politics as usual'.  

In addition to the corrosive impact of the way in which politics is waged, there is also the influence of vast sums of money.  It was Lord Acton who famously warned, "Power tends to corrupt, absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely."  The same is true with money.  Money tends to corrupt, vast amounts of money tends to vastly corrupt.  We should not be surprised by this in the least: 1 Timothy 6:10 (NIV) For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Maybe after November 3rd things will calm down a bit.  Maybe our fascination with the machinations in Washington will subside for a while and we can get back to focusing on what's happening with our families and community.  But it won't happen if we don't make it happen.  Elections matter, who governs our nation and how they govern matters, they just don't matter nearly as much as our current toxic political drama implies.

Coronavirus: It will reveal our true character

In the past twenty-four hours, the impact of the Coronavirus upon life in America accelerated greatly:  The NBA is on hiatus (with other sports and entertainment events soon to follow), colleges are sending students home (primary schools will be next), and as expected the stock market is in free fall.  At this point, certainty about the eventual impact upon both lives lost and the global economy is impossible.  It will be significant, it will last a while, people will lose their jobs, and some their lives.  This is not the first time that a global pandemic has brought life to a halt, with the 1918 Influenza Pandemic as the worst example in modern history.  This pandemic will not result in a Mad Max style apocalypse, but it will have a significant impact, no matter what precautions are put in place.
The question today is this: What will this crisis reveal about our character?  Will it showcase our xenophobia, our greed, and our callousness to the potential harm of others, or will it remind us that we all live on the same planet, that resources are not our possession but gifts from God, and that our proper response to the needs of others is compassion?  In other words, will be respond to this crisis with good or evil?  In our everyday lives we face opportunities to choose to act in selfless righteousness, and opportunities to act in selfish immorality.  These are only made more acute and more consequential during a crisis.  Who you truly are is revealed when pressure is applied.  To whom you owe allegiance is made manifest when tough choices need to be made.
For Christians, the answer to this crisis is simple: continue to embrace righteous living and reject immorality, continue to serve others, continue to place your faith and hope in the Lord, continue to pray.  We as a Christian community fail to fully live up to this standard when times are easy, we are not an unvarnished reflection of our Savior, and for this we are rightly criticized and must repent.  A crisis like this will propel some Christians to extraordinary acts of bravery and charity, and it will reveal the deficiencies in the character of other Christians.  Every crisis is an opportunity to rise to the occasion, in the weeks and months ahead the world will be watching to see how the people of God react; for the sake of the Gospel, we must, by the grace of God and through the power of the Spirit, reveal ourselves to be true disciples of Jesus Christ in word and in deed.
In the Gospels, the repeated response of Jesus to the need of individuals and large crowds is compassion (Matthew 9:36, 14:14, 15:32, 20:34; Mark 6:34, 8:2; Luke 15:20).  In each case that compassion leads to action.  What actions we can take, as a Christian community, to help during this public health crisis are not yet clear, but they will be.  The opportunity to help will arise, we must be ready and willing.

Sermon Video: Paul defends his conduct before Felix - Acts 24

Having safely arrived in Caesarea, the Apostle Paul now faces an attempt by the High Priest Ananias to persuade the Roman provincial governor Felix that he ought to be put to death for being a "troublemaker" who stirs up riots.  In his defense, Paul points to a lack of witnesses to this supposed quarrelsome conduct, and asserts that, "I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man."  For us, the example of Paul is important.  As Christians, we may face persecution because of the Truth that we proclaim in the Gospel, but we must not be liable to charges of being troublemakers.  Let the message be rejected if it must, we cannot allow the fault to lie with the messengers, there is no excuse for Christians who character and conduct is destructive not constructive.

To watch the video, click on the link below:

Sermon Video: The Best Dad in the Bible - Job 1:1-5

Who is the best dad in the Bible?  If you ask that question about mothers, there is some stiff competition, but unfortunately, when considering fathers in the Bible, many of the most famous men struggled in their role as a father.  One exception to this trend is Job.  Job was not only a father of ten children, but also a man of noble character, exceptional reputation, and a successful businessman.  How do we know that Job was a good father?  First, Job made sure that his own character and relationship with God were exemplary.  To be a good father, one must first be a good man.  Too many fathers have destroyed their ability to be a good father by failing morally as a man, Job did not falter as a father by falling to temptations.  Beyond this firm foundation, Job also saw the spiritual health of each of his children to be his responsibility.  He acted as priest for his family, making sacrifices on behalf of his children to ensure that they maintained their relationship with God.  Therefore, Job provided for his family, both physically and spiritually, this same combination of responsibility belongs to all of us who have been given the privilege by God of being called a father.

To watch the video, click on the link below:

Character and Tactics matter

It has become common in some circles of those claiming to be followers of Jesus Christ to excuse questions of character and moral tactics in the realms of politics, war (terrorism), and even the debates and controversies within the Church.  There are two primary justifications for this attitude: (1) The stakes are high, therefore any way of "winning" is permissible, and/or (2) the other side uses such tactics, therefore we must too.  For those who try to justify the use of lies, character assassination, cheating, and even when push comes to shove, blowing our enemies to bits, it is necessary for us to remember that the Word of God has weighed in on this issue, repeatedly, and not on the side of those advocating a "win at all costs" mentality.
In Romans 3:8, Paul, while writing on a different matter, nevertheless illuminates this discussion with these words: "Why not say - as we are being slanderously reported as saying and as some claim that we say - 'Let us do evil that good may result'?  Their condemnation is deserved."  For Paul, it was slanderous to think that you could accomplish good by embracing evil.  How could God reward those who violate his Law in their efforts to serve him?  Likewise, when scolding the church at Corinth for sexual immorality, Paul warned them of the way in which sin grows and spreads, "Don't you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough?" (1 Corinthians 5:6)  If we countenance the use of immoral means to pursue moral ends, we open ourselves up to the corrupting influence of sin, even if we "win" by achieving our goal, we will lose when we stand before God to answer for not only our actions, but our motivations and methods as well.
The United States has been down this road before, and with disastrous results.  Facing the trial of WWII, racism was allowed to manifest itself in the internment of Japanese citizens, and expediency was allowed to prevail over morality when the cities of Germany and Japan were firebombed after it was determined that bombing strictly military targets had been unsuccessful. That the Nazis did far worse (and of course they did) is no excuse.  Nation after nation throughout history could be cited for choosing power over morality, that such Machiavellian thinking is common, does not excuse it before God.
The Church has been down this road before, and with disastrous results.  The Spanish Inquisition had as its goal the conversion of non-believers to the faith and the salvation of their souls, but who will stand up and celebrate the use of torture and forced-conversion at the point of a sword as the means to this end?  Example after example could be given of the Church's fateful compromises with power and money, choices that brought corruption and besmirched the message of the Gospel.
We face difficult times and difficult circumstances, and so did our ancestors, there is nothing new under the sun.  If you care more about achieving the goal that you long for than about how that goal is achieved, you aren't walking in the footsteps of Christ.  Every time we compromise morality for the sake of expediency, we not only weaken the witness of the Gospel, but we invite upon ourselves the judgment of God who will not hold us blameless for choosing wickedness over righteousness, power over purity, to "win" in this life at the expense of the next is the very definition of a fool's bargain.

The testing of character: a chance for growth

While preparing my message this week on Hezekiah from 2 Chronicles 32, I came across this thought by 19th Century Methodist theologian Adam Clarke which is insightful enough for me to type it out here...

"Thus God speaks after the manner of men: he either brings, or permits them to be brought, into such circumstances as shall cause them to show their prevailing propensities; and then warns them against the evils to which they are inclined, after having shown them that they are capable of these evils.  To know ourselves, and our own character, is of the utmost importance to our religious growth and perfection.  He who does not know where his weakness lies, is not likely to know where his strength lies.  Many, by not being fully acquainted with their own character, have been unwatchful and unguarded, and so become an easy prey to their enemies.  Know thyself is a lesson which no man can learn but from the Spirit of God."

On this election day, consider this: What has this tumultuous political season revealed about your character, your strengths and weaknesses?  Do not miss an opportunity to grow in discipleship.

Sermon Video: Boaz notices Ruth - Ruth 2:8-23

In this third message, of five, from Ruth, we find Boaz conversing with Ruth after he takes notice of her hard at work gleaning in his fields.  Boaz offers Ruth multiple, small, and ongoing kindnesses in response, he says, for her devotion to her mother-in-law Naomi, the widow of his kin Elimelech.  Ruth responds to these offers of help with humble gratitude, prompting even more steps taken by Boaz to help Ruth (and Naomi) in their time of need.
When Ruth returns home at the end of the day, with much more food than expected, Naomi is awakened from her depression and bitterness that had engulfed her since the death of her husband and sons by the kindness shown to Ruth and herself by a seemingly random neighbor who turns out to be Boaz, a kinsman-redeemer of Elimelech's estate.  Whether or not Boaz will be willing to fulfill his legal obligation under the laws of the kinsman-redeemer remains to be seen, but Naomi at least has begun once again to hope.
The kindnesses offered by Boaz were not, in and of themselves, all that costly to him, nor was he legally obligated to give any of them.  And yet, as a man of God, a man of character, Boaz chooses to go beyond the letter of the law to fulfill the spirit of the law; Boaz chooses to live by grace.

To watch the video, click on the link below:

Sermon Video: Joseph and the angel - Matthew 1:18-21

Infidelity is a brutal emotional and spiritual wrecking ball, it destroys families and ruins lives.  Joseph, a young man pledged to be married to a local village girl named Mary was hit with the realization that his intended bride had been unfaithful before their marriage could even be consummated.  Mary didn't offer an excuse or explanation, but her guilt was all too obvious, she was pregnant.  God sent Mary an angel to let her know what was about to happen, but he did something interesting with Joseph, he allowed Joseph to react to this shocking news according to his own character before the angel came to explain the situation.  By doing so, God gave Joseph a chance to show that he was indeed a righteous man.
Joseph decided to divorce Mary quietly rather than demand public justice.  He chose to have mercy upon her, even though her apparent sin was against him, rather than taking his anger out on her to salve his pride.  It was an act of restraint that is an example to us all, Joseph may have had the right to humiliate Mary, but he didn't have the heart to do it.  Joseph couldnt' allow himself to be part of a lie by going through with the marriage, but he also didn't have a vindictive or self-righteous impulse.
After his decision, God sent an angel to let Joseph know what was really going on.  The child was from the Holy Spirit!  God had helped barren women before, it's one of the major themes of the Old Testament, but always through their husband.  Now, God has created life apart from the natural process.  Thus the child born to Mary will be part of David's royal line, if Joseph is willing to marry her, but not of David's fallen ancestry.  To top it off, the angel tells Joseph that the child's name will be Jesus, "because he will save his people from their sins".  Save them from their sins!  Not even the great Law-giver, Moses, had been able to overcome sin, the whole generation he led died in the desert before entering into the Promised Land.  And yet, this child, born of the Holy Spirit, will accomplish so much more than any who had before.

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Sermon Video

"It is not your love that sustains the marriage, but from now on, the marriage that sustains your love."

Those words of wisdom were written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a letter to his best friend, who was soon to be married, from the Gestapo prison he was held in during the last years of his life.  The idea that marriage sustains love, and not the other way around is one that our culture today need so desperately to understand.  Far too many marriages end when the two people in it don't feel like they're "in love" anymore; the emotions that brought them together have lapsed or faded (as most honest people who have been married a long time will tell you they at times do), and therefore the rational for the marriage itself is gone.
From God's perspective, the value of the sacrament (to borrow a word from our Catholic friends) of marriage is that it sustains us as a union of two of God's children through good times and bad.  It is not dependent upon what is felt but rather rests upon the promise and commitment that has been made before God and man. 
What is it that brings a marriage through a rough patch or dark days and back again into the light and joy of love?  The very commitment that is needed from both man and woman to stay with this union regardless.  It is when we honor each other by remaining true to our word that we allow God carry us through the circumstances that may destroy a marriage not founded upon trust in God, so that we can rediscover what made love bloom in the first place.
When a marriage breaks up over the ebb and flow of life a profound opportunity for growth and character has been forever lost.  It is for our own benefit that we should remain and strive for our marriages.  Our culture would like people to think that they deserve to find happiness and therefore should leave when a marriage isn't "happy", but that lie is selling something is cannot deliver.  Where is happiness without someone to share it with?  Where is happiness in selfish decision making?
It is when two become one, till death, that love can truly be that which sustains us.

Sermon Video: "Set your hearts on things above" - Colossians 3:1-4

On this anniversary of 9/11, the question remains, how can a Christian focus upon heavenly things when this earth is so full of evil?  The Apostle Paul tackles this question by encouraging us to use the death and resurrection of Christ as inspiration and as power to focus our hearts and minds upon heavenly things instead of earthly things.

To watch the video, click on the link below:
Sermon Video

Does being married help when you work for God?

I was reading in the paper (yes, I still read an actual physical paper) that the Catholic Church has made some clarifications to the policy of accepting married Anglican priests who want to convert.  Of course, Catholic priests are forbidden to marry, and so it's a bit odd when people encounter a priest who is married (because he used to be Anglican).  The Pope's spokesman insisted that this would have no bearing on the continuing policy of requiring priests to be celibate in the Catholic Church.
Which raises the question; does being married make it easier or harder to minister to God's people?  As far as I'm concerned it was never an issue.  Paul may have seen the positive side of being free to do whatever he felt the Lord wanted of him, but I knew from my teen years that I was not the kind of guy who would be happy alone.  I'm content to sit and read a good book or take a run by myself in the woods, but I always knew that I needed someone to share life with.
That doesn't really answer the question though.  Does being a husband first and a pastor second make being a pastor easier?  In my experience it does, and the reason is simple.  I've learned more about patience, kindness, gentleness, humility, forgiveness, hope, trust, love, etc. etc. from my marriage to my beautiful wife Nicole (she insists I always refer to her here as "my beautiful wife Nicole", just kidding, no really she does) than I have from all of my friendships and family.  Why is this?  I can't walk away.  I know that some people in a marriage take a break when they're having trouble (a fight or disagreement, or just getting on each other's nerves), but Nicole and I have never been that way.  I can't go to sleep if one of us is upset with the other.  I can't watch TV or do anything relaxing if I know that Nicole and I have a problem that is unresolved.  Perhaps not everyone would appreciate that, but I've learned so much from the need to sort through our problems.  I've learned to set my emotions aside and consider what is in the best interest of my wife; I've learned to ignore petty things and focus on building for the future; and I've learned to put my ideals into practice no matter what I may or may not want to do (molding character by doing the right thing first regardless of motives and letting that build toward the right motives).
Has it been easy?  Not really.  My ongoing job saga has made life difficult for my wife and caused trouble, and financial pressure weigh on me far more than they would if I was concerned with only my own needs.  But it's worth it.  How could I minister to my flock if I can't first minister to my wife?  How could I preach loving kindness if I'm not practicing it at home during the week?  And how could I endure the ups and downs of working for the Lord if I didn't know that my wife's love was a constant that I could always fall back upon?
Does being married make being a pastor easier?  It has made me a better Christian and a better man.  I'm pretty sure I needed to be both of those to be the pastor that God wants me to be.