Praise For Those In The World But Not Of It

Mike Hosey, Elder

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Adam Clarke, the 19th century Methodist biblical scholar who wrote a 6000 page commentary on the bible (by himself) once addressed worldliness.

He advised preachers of the gospel not to expect "worldly honors: these Jesus Christ neither took to himself, nor gave to his disciples."

His advice is significant to those of us who follow Jesus, because most of us understand that all of us are to be preachers of the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). That is to say that we are all supposed to proclaim His word.

While Clarke's observation is true, it is incomplete without recognizing a sobering truth that goes with it. The bible also tells us that the world will, in fact, hate those who follow Jesus (Matthew 10:22; John 15:19; 2 Timothy 3:12).

This makes perfect sense because the gospel is an offensive thing to those comfortable in a sinful or self-destructive life (1 Corinthians 1:18, Galatians 5:11). It is only alluring to those who wish to exit such a life. But unfortunately, the world tends to entice people into self-destructive patterns.

Interestingly, modern affluent Christianity finds itself in a strange place in regards to those facts.  In the modern world we tend to almost deify Christians who have won a place in the world. These Christians include celebrities of all kinds.

Danny Wuerffel and Tim Tebow come to mind. Everyone knows their names and faces. Some almost worship them. No doubt, both their career accomplishments, and their Christian walks are worthy of a measure of praise.  

But it seems strange that we know their names so easily but have no idea that Saeed Abedini, an American pastor who started 100 house churches, consisting of more than 2000 members, in 30 Iranian cities remains caged in Iran's deadly Evin Prison  -- simply because he follows Jesus.  

How ironic!

Is this because we are so enamored by a world that hates us that we celebrate to see one of our own succeed in it, or is this because we feel so far removed from the need to spread God's message that we've forgotten the Abedinis of our faith?

Illusions

Mike Hosey, Elder

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Psychologists have noticed that people have an inclination to believe they have a fair amount of control over things that they clearly do not.  

They call this belief "the illusion of control."

In addition to clinical observations, the concept is well established by experiments. There are even a number of decent theories to explain it.

It's probably easiest to understand this illusion from the perspective of a problem gambler.  Because the gambler holds the dice in his hands, and because he throws the dice, he thinks he plays a part in the success of his dice roll. In fact, his amount of control approaches zero. Yet, each random win strengthens the illusion.

We may not be gamblers, but just like him, we think we have more control than we do.

For instance, those things that we have solid control over, like whether we choose to get out of bed or not, or whether or not we choose to give our all at work, or whether or not we choose McDonald's over Burger King, are often dependent on unpredictable events -- for which we have absolutely no control.

This isn't unbiblical -- the concept is found throughout the Bible.  In truth, God is in control. Not us.

Proverbs 16 addresses this illusion at least three times.  Proverbs 16:1 NIV teaches us that the plans of the heart belong to man, but that the proper answer comes from the Lord.  In Proverbs 16:9 we are taught that the heart of a man plans his ways, but that it's God who establishes his steps. And Proverbs 16:33 teaches that we may flip a coin, but it's God who determines the outcome!

This may seem scary - as if we are robots. It needn't be.  We have choices. We can choose to roll the dice and do those things God tells us to do. And we can choose to believe God when he says that all things work together for the good of those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Such choices liberate us from an illusion, and enable us to do God's work.

Can YOU Feel The Excitement?

Mike Hosey, Elder

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I have had a number of words bouncing around in my head for the past week.  Words like, passion, fervor, enthusiasm, excitement, eagerness and spirit.

And the reason these words are bouncing around in my head like they are is because I'm seeing evidence of these words in action at Fellowship Church in so many of the places where I look.

In fact, last Sunday I was speaking with my fellow elders, Jeff Powell, and Nelson Plasencia about these very things. Both had noticed the same energy I had. Nelson even commented that he hadn't seen such energy in a while.

Is this a supernatural thing? Well, I am inclined to think it is.  John 3:8 tells us that when the Holy Spirit is working inside of born again followers of Jesus, it is like the wind. We don't know where its coming from or where it's going, but when its around, we can sure hear it.

Recently in one of our elder / staff meetings we were discussing how we could position Fellowship Church in such a way that God can readily use her for the advancement of his kingdom. At that time it was suggested that we intentionally encourage our members to be involved in community events around the area, and to represent us.

Do you know that before we announced this strategy, Ray and Julie Van Mersbergen came to us with a plan to involve Fellowship Church in High Springs' annual Pioneer Days?! How awesome is that?

But just consider the things that have been going on. We've had prayer groups start up. We are forming a Children's Ministry Dream Team. We  have a brand new Men's Ministry that is full of excitement. Vacation Bible School planning is well on its way to success. We've got four Sunday School classes running with faithful attendees.

I have heard reports of people giving up nicotine and alcohol. And I've heard of others coming to terms with ancient, long-held angers, and giving them over to God!

Amazing things are happening. Whatever you do, get on board and don't miss these waves of excitement!

The Kindness of Encouraging Each Other

Mike Hosey, Elder

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Last week I was feeling miserably down.  It wasn't a full blown clinical depression, of course. In fact, it was nowhere near it. But I was down.  I was experiencing what philosophers call "existential angst."

That's a big fancy, weird term that means, "anxiety that comes from feeling like life is meaningless, and that I'm responsible for giving meaning to life in the midst of that meaninglessness, and I can't figure out what I'm supposed to do in order to meet that responsibility."

Whew! That's a mouthful!

Along with it, I had all of the hallmarks that come with all kinds of depressions:  Sadness. Self Loathing. Recurring, unchallenged negative thoughts. A dulled sensitivity to pleasure.  A questioning of my competence. Heck, a questioning of my reason for existence (thus, the existential angst).

A few of these things are incompatible with a healthy Christian walk. In truth, these emotional irritations were on the verge of stopping whatever work God had in store for me for the next several days - or longer.

In His providence, God sent me a fellow Christian.

That man started a conversation with me one afternoon as I was watching my kids play in the park. 

He told me of his successful business, and how he had come to our country from an oppressive one - which was inspirational by itself.  

But as we exchanged names, he recognized me from my past public writings. Those writings had encouraged him somehow, and so he took time to encourage me. It was nice to hear his kind words and receive his gratitude. He lifted my mood, and forced me to challenge those negative thoughts.

That reminded me of how the Bible tells us to encourage one another (1 Thessalonians 5:11), and to inspire one another toward good works (Hebrews 10:23-25).  These actions equip us to continue God's work in a hostile world.

And that prompted me to be thankful for how many good people at Fellowship choose to do those things, rather than unduly criticize, tear down, complain or plant the seeds of dissension - which God hates (Proverbs 6:16-19)!