Sep 29
Wes GeorgeUncategorized
I am currently in a series on the Sermon on the Mount which I have entitled “Authenticity: Living with Integrity and Simplicity.” I have been reading commentaries and journal articles on the “Salt and Light” passage. Leadership Journal had some interesting articles on the role of the church, messages, the pastor during an election year. I mentioned the tension of being a prophet of righteousness and an evangelist for the lost. When you lead with your stand against something, you run the risk of losing the audience before you ever share the message that changes their life. D. Martyn-Lloyd Jones suggested that the church should stick to the business of evangelism and individuals should impose their “salt and light” position upon society out of their authentic walk with Christ. Obviously, Jones’ view of the “Church,” was the body gathered formally in one place rather than the “Church” being the body scattered as individuals.
While we may not lead with our righteousness stand (i.e. start out talking about homosexuality, abortion, etc.) in our evangelism, we certainly do not deny it or hide it. What the world needs in all its secularism, pluralism, and materialism is Jesus Christ. But when confronted with the ills of gambling, abortion, homosexuality, and pornography and the like; the truth is the correct response and will set you free. I must confess that I would love to express my great disdain for biased coverage of events and politics of our national media. Their bias is so overt and obvious. For us to even think that we resemble a “Christian nation,” is ludicrous. Those elements which act as salt and light quickly draw the ire of a system far from righteousness. Some of us have lost sight of the morality associated with helping those who are weak being mistreated through racism, injustice towards those who are poor, corruption of greed for money, power, and fame. Never lose sight of the fact that this world, politics, government, etc. offers no lasting hope. Our hope is not in this world or even this country and especially government but rather in another world or country or kingdom—that being God’s Kingdom.
This hope is brought into sharp focus when doing funerals. Recently, I assisted in the funeral of a 86 year old saint who suffered much physically the past 20 plus years; but her hope was not in physical healing but in spiritual transformation. Two days later, I conducted the funeral of a 9 month old who suffered much of his life before being delivered from his earthly temple that had been riddled with pain, infection, and challenge his entire life here. The hope of Christ comforts people, parents, families unlike anything else. As great as our nation may or may not be, it does not compare to the greatness of God. That is never clearer than on days like these. Our nation is broken and cannot be repaired in a voter’s booth. Christ is the hope for families and the broken hearted. Christ is the hope for a broken nation. While our nation appears to be nowhere close to repentance, personal repentance is still a possibility. Personal salt and light is still the call of today. When I think about grieving families that have lost their babies of a few months or their wife of 65 years; who is winning in the polls or what Oprah is saying has little meaning to these people. Our persecuted brother in Christ separated from his family in a Chinese, India, jail doesn’t think much about left wing liberal media trying to influence the election here. But Christ and His hope and His life, means everything. Until next time. . .Wes
Sep 16
Wes GeorgeUncategorized
There is nothing like a political campaign climate to highlight the struggle taking place in our society today. As a pastor/preacher, wisdom is required to navigate so as to not unnecessarily offend those who we are trying to reach with the Gospel while all the while answering God’s call to be salt and light as a believer then living up to His calling to proclaim righteousness in the midst of unrighteousness. With my choleric temperment, addressing moral issues in our society has been somewhat natural through the years. Wisdom is required to the time and the manner in addressing some of these emotion filled issues.
Keep in mind that what you hear on ABC, CBS, NBC, MSNBC, CNN and probably a few other news outlets, has a liberal slant and bias. Research has indicated year after year that members of the media are overwhelmingly liberal much more so than most Americans.
The media is very predictable in the positions that it takes on issues of morality. The media serves as the public relations director for universalism and secular humanism. They seem to think that they must interpret the events and report only the events that would influence their agenda. And they do have an agenda. This agenda is made clear in election years. In recent weeks, I have heard an assault on the pro-life position and on those who hold dearly the conviction that life begins at conception. The biblical view of marriage meaning one man and one woman in a covenant marriage has also been presented as archaic and out of touch with reality. The challenge that we have is loving and reaching people who are not Christ followers which may or may not challenge some of their personal values.
On the other hand, Jesus Christ calls us to transformational living which set the bar higher not lower when it comes to righteousness. Jesus articulates this in the Sermon on the Mount where He calls His disciples to a higher code of conduct that goes beyond the norm by elevating anger to the status of murder in the heart. The same is true for lust which is the same as adultery in the heart. We must remember that this is not our message but His message. We are just the messenger. The tone of His message expressed through us should not reflect meanness, arrogance, or self-righteousness. Our tone should be one of love, concern, and submission to our King.
These are interesting days to say the least. Without question, our nation is divided not so much over a war or political parties. These are just reflections of the heart. Jesus taught that His kingdom is not of this world. Unfortunately, many who are even believers have placed their hope in this world. For followers of Christ, this world has nothing to offer. We live in a place where we can participate in the process and the dialogue. We should do this for the purpose of sharing God’s message of love and hope. LIsten to the media so you can engage the culture with the life transforming message of the Gospel. Do not embrace the message or theology of secularism that the media espouses. . . .until next time. Wes
Sep 09
Wes GeorgeUncategorized
Well, it has been a while since posting. Like everyone else, I have been busy. Getting back from my third international trip this year and with school getting started back, I have been playing catch up. I just got back from Little Rock about midnight last night. I attended part of the Work That Matters Conference. I even led a seminar entitled “Pulled in All Directions.” I should have been taking the seminar rather than leading it. It was a blessing to see a lot of friends. God spoke through Dr. David Platt in an incredible way. His message on our desperation for God’s glory is always appropriate and needful.
I am beginning a new series on Authenticity: Living with Simplicity and Integrity. I have always had a desire to be authentic, to be real, not a sham nor a fraud. My flesh challenges that desire in that I am constantly tempted to present myself in the best light, cover up my failures, exaggerate my strengths, and beg for the praises of people. I am grateful that God has made me aware of my tendencies and leanings. I am more grateful that He has somehow by His grace has given me a desire to reject these propensities. When I am authentic, then my weaknesses are magnified and my strengths are minimized. When my weaknesses are magnified, then His power is manifested in me.
Research indicates that a lost world looks for authenticity, but more important that a lost world looking for authenticity is that God is calling out for authenticity. Let’s pray together that God will create in us an authentic walk and life transformation.
I plan using the format of the blog to address some issues on the political horizon. That should generate some interesting conversation. Until next time. . . Wes
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