A Moderate Christian- Part 1

       Has a written piece of work ever made you angry?  Just yesterday I was researching online and came across a list that only ‘moderate’ Christians blogs were allowed to be on.  Reading a post on what makes for their ‘moderate Christian’ I realized it was not balanced Christianity they were writing about (not swinging to and fro with every wind of doctrine (Eph. 4:14), or solidly based on the infallibility of scripture (John 10:35b)) but rather the ‘Christianity’ that isn’t dogmatic about the Bible, won’t make sinners feel bad about their sin, or take too strong a stance on any Biblical principle, etc.

It made me look up 'moderate'.  Webster’s 1828 Dictionary

- in adjective form:

1. Literally, limited; restrained; hence, temperate; observing reasonable bounds in indulgence; as moderate in eating or drinking, or in other gratifications. (usually good though not applicable)

3. Restrained in passion, ardor or temper; not violent; as moderate men of both parties.

4. Not extreme in opinion… (a moderate opinion keeper: perhaps like being midway between a ‘holy roller’ and a ‘quiet brethren?  I think that’s mostly a personality issue so not applicable.)

5. Placed between extremes; holding the mean or middle place; as reformation of a moderate kind. (#2,6,7 also not applicable)

       But my frustration was aroused by their ideas of what a moderate Christian is: not passionate about anything, and basically in the middle of two extremes… would that be hot or cold? 

Let’s read what the Bible says:

I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. Rev 3:15,16 NKJ

And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. Dt. 6:5 cleave unto him Dt 11:22

Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded (who waver in mind). Jas 4:8

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Jm. 1:6-8 

Moderate is NOT always okay. Consider, would you want…:

- a moderate thief in your house?

- a moderate pedophile to live next door to you and your young children?

- to be married to a moderate adulterer or abuser?

- a moderately drunk doctor to operate on you?

- a moderately skilled auto mechanic to fix your brakes?

Being a moderate Christian breaks the first commandment to love the Lord completely with all our being and might. 

(most important, greatest commandment Mt. 22:38)

Remember the Lord said: As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent (think differently). Rev. 3:19

Up Close and Personal

       It is rare that I find a picture I just ‘have’ to have.  From the moment I saw this picture, I wanted a copy because it stirred my own imagination.  What made this little girl stick her face right in the sunflower?  Was she trying to smell the pretty flower… did she want to see more details of the insides… was she trying to bite off some seeds… or did she just want to get up close and personal?

          Obviously this flower captivated this little girl’s interest.

                    I wonder if the Lord ever wishes He could captivate our interest this much.

          …“Unless you turn to God from your sins and become as little children,

                         you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven… Mt. 18:3 TLB

Courageous

       Have you seen the movie Courageous yet?  It is the newest release from Sherwood Pictures and by far the best visual quality- although I still prefer the moral lesson of excellence for God in Facing the Giants.  The basic story of Courageous is four policemen who work and socialize together, joined by a construction worker, who face a tragedy that changes their perspectives on life.  As always, it is intermingled with the right balance of humour.

       What really strikes me is the courage it took this church (as in the people) to step out and do what God called them to do despite no previous experience and no other church filming big screen movies.  Not only did they have the courage to obey God’s direction, but to film it with excellence and boldly proclaim the salvation message in each movie.  Here is one of the six times the Bible records Joshua being told to be strong and of a good courage:

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Dt. 31:6

       Movies are one of the ministries of Sherwood’s church members.  God has called them to do this work and they step out in faith to do it.  We are also called to obey God’s will in our lives.  Besides our call to proclaim the gospel and to pray, the Lord has called each of us to particular works.  We decide if we will obey.

       Some people work with numbers, some clean, some cook, some teach, some lead worship, some fix houses and there are many more callings than I can list.  For some reason, Christians tend to think of callings as only ‘spiritual’ ones such as preachers and teachers, but all of us are to use the gifts/ talents God has given us (Mt. 25), courageously to show forth His love and salvation to the world- and that is our calling.  We must be obedient to do what God calls us to do with courage to face all challenges with love and His strength. (Php. 4:13)

       It isn’t always easy, and there might be times we want to give up, but we can’t.  Lives are at stake: friends, family, co-workers and neighbours.  We must obey God’s will for our lives, be strong and of good courage, and fear not man or what they think of us. What will help us with this?  Remembering that God goes with us in our obedience. He will not fail us.  He will not forsake us.  He does not slumber or sleep, (Ps. 121:4) but leads us on our way. (Dt. 31:8)

Be courageous… and step out in faith to do what God has called you to do.

FYI

If you watch the movie, check out the special features (if included on your disk).  The deleted scenes and bloopers are great, but there is an interesting feature on prayer.  {fyi- Storylines, plots, and endings are prayed for well in advance according to Kendrick and each actor is screened for solid Christian standards before 'hiring'.}  It shows how the church begins the filming process with corporate prayer for the filming, and all the actors.  They pray on the set every morning, before each scene and several other times of the day.  In other words, each film is bathed in prayer from start to finish.