Where Does the Power Come From? Part 2

Where does the power come from to see the race to its end?  In Part 1 of this blog, we featured three men who each had different answers to this question.  Eric Liddell who received a Gold Medal in track in the 1922 Olympics found power and joy through his faith in God.  In contrast, Liddell's Olympic teammate, Harold Abrahams, sought athletic success through relentless effort and professional coaching to maximize his running technique.  Both men aimed to be winners, but Eric Liddell was blessed with both the athletic ability to run fast and the spiritual presence of the Living Christ within his soul.  This “power from within” motivated Eric and guided him not only in his sport but in other areas of his life.  Sadly, because Harold Abrahams lacked this power, purpose, and identity, he was self-centered and frustrated.

The third man we recognized in Part 1 was Ian Charleson, the actor who portrayed Eric Liddell in the academy award-winning movie, Chariots of Fire.  Charleson’s excellence in portraying a great man of faith was a major reason for the movie’s success.  To “become” Eric Liddell, Charleson studied both Liddell and the Bible in an effort to answer the question, “What makes a Christian man ‘tick?’” Charleson’s excellent portrayal demonstrates how one can “act like a person of faith” without actually being a believer.

We can only hope that somewhere in his short life, Charleson invited Christ to be his Savior and Lord.  Each one of us must decide what we will do with the invitation God extends to us (Revelation 3: 20).  Until we “open the door” of our life, invite Christ to give us the gift of a “new birth” in His Spirit (Romans 6), we are not even “in the race.”  Indeed, God’s Word says without Christ, we are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2: 1-9)!

Power Within
How did Eric Liddell obtain this power from within “to see the race to its end?”  Of course, any athlete who goes out for a sport must submit to the discipline and “playbook” of a coach.  Even if he or she has great innate ability, an athlete must steward that ability through rigorous practices and physical conditioning, proper nutrition, and regular rest in order to perform well in competition.

By analogy, Eric Liddell’s spiritual “power from within” came from his stewardship of God’s love and grace.  His stewardship consisted of a willing submission to God through regular reading and study of God’s “playbook,” the Bible, through prayer communication with God, and through serving others. 

The evidence that a person has been spiritually “born again” through repentance and faith is a “turning from the old life” (Romans 8: 12-14) and “turning to God,” finding joy in communing with God through His Word and prayer (Romans 8: 15-17; Colossians 3: 1-4).  The indwelling Holy Spirit who takes up residence in our lives when we are “born again” stirs up an insatiable hunger for God’s Word and prayer-communion with God (Romans 8: 15-17; Colossians 3: 1-4).  The Apostle Peter, in 1 Peter 2: 2-3, exhorts new Christians, like newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the word, so that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.  The Prophet Jeremiah writes, When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight, for I bear your name, O LORD God of Heaven’s Armies (Jeremiah 15: 16).

Power within also develops through a commitment to fellowship, worship, and service with fellow believers (1 John 3: 14; Hebrews 10: 2; Colossians 3: 12-17).  And all of this creates another hunger—the hunger to share the joy of knowing Christ with others so that, as John exclaims, our joy may be made complete (1 John 1: 1-4).

Power from God’s Word
Eric Liddell was able to run and finish his race with victory because he had prepared using both physical and spiritual disciplines.  His “power within” came from his integration of these two dimensions as is expressed in the now-famous quote (emphasis mine):  I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.  The power within us becomes evident when God’s Spirit and His Word open our spiritual eyes to understand where we came from, who we are in Christ, why we exist, and where we are headed.  Like Eric Liddell, when we practice the spiritual disciplines, God empowers us with purpose, identity, and hope.

Interestingly, another movie recently showing in theaters illustrates how the message of God’s Word gives us inner purpose, identity, and hope.  Overcomer is the story of Hannah who begins her high school cross country season with many odds against her.  She has no family except her somewhat embittered grandmother with whom she lives.  Hannah’s coach is neither experienced nor enthusiastic, and no other girls have come out for the team.  On top of that, Hannah has asthma. 

Weak as she is physically and spiritually, Hannah gradually finds her true identity through the love of Christ she discovers in His Word and through the kindness of friends.  The message from the Word transforms Hannah’s life and gives her a new sense of value and identity in Christ.  This realization prepares Hannah for other challenges and gives her the power within to “see her race to its end.”  Excellent movie—I highly recommend it.

Need Help ‘Feeding’ on the Word?
How about you? Have you invited Christ to come into your life, and to give you purpose and power for living?  If so, you can be like the blessed man (or woman) in Psalm 1 who delights in the law of the Lord.  But, maybe need some help getting into the Word—and getting the Word into you.  If so, I recommend two excellent messages on YouTube by our Senior Pastor at West Hill Baptist Church, Pastor Zach Swift.  Whether you are a mature Christian or a “baby Christian,” or a tired and discouraged Christian, or a skeptic of the whole notion of the Bible as God’s message for all people, these messages are worth hearing.  Pastor Zach preaches with passion and authority, yet with humility and compassion.  He invites us to listen, read, and consider how God’s Word can make a difference in your life.

His Part 1 of this August series is called “Foundations:  Give It a Chance.”  Here, Pastor Swift explains how regular reading and study of God’s Word is the necessary “Foundation” for right living.  He explains that God’s Word is “living and active.”  Long before the Bible came into being, God’s Word was at work.  All of God’s revelation in the Scripture is inspired (God-breathed) …and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3: 16).   Part 1 is a very practical and stimulating message on how to come to know Christ (if you are not a Christian) and to build a “Foundation” of faith by feeding your spiritual hunger within?

In Part 2 called “Foundations:  Find a Way,” Pastor Swift gives practical challenges and instruction in how to dive into the Scriptures and find encouragement and answer to life’s questions.  He asks, “If God’s Word is food, then who is feeding you?”  “How would your life look differently if you were growing spiritually?”  “How can you learn to read and study Scripture daily?” This message is full of very practical “How two’s” that will encourage you to love God’s Word and make it and the God of the Bible a daily part of your life.  

Two Other Resources:  
Accompanying Pastor Swift's message, "Foundations:  Find a Way," is a “14-day Scripture Reading Program” (see below, click to enlarge).  For those who don't already have a plan, he offers this plan to assist in the discipline of daily reading and study of God's Word.  Check it out.  Where will your power come from to see your race to its end?

You may be surprised how much you don't know about the Bible.  It is very different from the impressions that many people have acquired without having actually read it.  Check out Not What You Think, a book by Michael and Lauren McAfee.  2019. Zondervan.

God's Not Fixin', He's Transformin'

In the 1960’s, rapid societal transformations, assassinations, race riots, and other factors caused many people to ask, “Is God Dead?”  Some answered, “Yes.”  Others reacted defensively in ways that showed little Christian gentleness toward their neighbor and little reverence for God.  Still others did nothing to defend their faith, nor did they encourage those who were seeking meaning and purpose in life.  Meanwhile, on April 15, 1965, the song by Jackie DeShannon, "What the World Needs Now Is Love," was released with music composed by Burt Bacharach.  The lyrics by Hal David resembled the message of many in the 1960’s who perhaps could not voice their need as well:

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of…

As time passed, what some called the "moral majority" was replaced by a "secular majority."  Today, America appears to be moving toward an "immoral" or "agnostic/atheistic majority." More and more Americans support the removal of prayer and all vestiges of God and Jesus Christ from our schools, colleges, and communities.  After all, why pray to a God Who either doesn’t care or doesn’t even exist?  Or why turn to a God that would allow so many to experience personal and environmental tragedies?

This morning, following the tragic attack on the social services center in San Bernardino, CA, the NY Daily News used its front cover to mock presidential candidates who encouraged Americans to pray for loved ones of those killed or injured by the attackers.  The headline, “God Isn’t Fixing This,” allows that God may still be alive, but implies He should be blamed for “not fixing the problem.”  I suggest that another headline might be more appropriate—“Americans Are Not Listening to God.”

Many Christians have been quick to point fingers at those we deem responsible for the moral decline in America.   Our standard lines have been much like the ones I used above-- lines like: “Well what do you expect? They’ve taken God and prayer out of our schools.”  Christians also point to the courts of our land which have disregarded the sanctity of human life and the institution of marriage as defined in the Bible.  Throw in our access to social media, and some, including this writer at times, can be anything but “gentle and reverent” when we enter into “discussions” about political and social issues.  Pointing our fingers or trying to win arguments may give our conscience a sense of relief, but it does little to solve the problems.  Nor does it encourage those who wonder if God exists, and if so, what their responsibility is toward Him.

Lately, I have been thinking much about my own spiritual life, my values and priorities, and my responsibilities toward my wife, family, neighbor, church, and community.   Some of this thinking has been reflected in Oikonimia and is included in the following blog articles:

Individual Accountability and Spiritual Awakening
Local Churches and Spiritual Awakening
Christianity Shines in Dark Places
Do You Reckon God Is Real?
Learning How to Respect and Exercise Authority
How Do You P-R-A-Y This Thanksgiving?

Besides thinking and writing, I have been “listening” to what God is saying in His Word.  Rather than be surprised to read a headline like “God Isn’t Fixing This” or condemning those who think it is true, I’ve been learning more about how God has already done His part to “fix it.”  The Apostle John tells us how much God has done, sending His only Son to do more than “fix it.”  Jesus came so that anyone, by faith in His death, burial, and resurrection, could have the gift of new Life—to be “born again” as  a“new creature” so that the old passes away, and all things are new in us (John 3; 2 Corinthians 5: 17). 

As God’s children, we have the privilege of daily communion with our Heavenly Father, and the fellowship of His Holy Spirit to walk along side us as our Helper (John 14: 26).  If we are reborn spiritually and walking in communion with God, His Spirit speaks to our souls,“Abba! Father!” (Galatians 4: 6).  And in response to the Spirit within us, we join Him in exclaiming with warm, endearing affection and worship, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8: 15).  In this loving resonance between the Father God and His child, love, faith, and eternal hope are affirmed.

Having God’s nearness to us; yes, even His presence within our hearts ought to encourage us to praise and thank Him for not only “fixing us,” but transforming us.  We are, or can, by faith (see Romans 10: 8-11), be new creatures in Christ.  We can have a new internal disposition toward our neighbor and the world around us.   Living such transformed lives anytime, especially during this season of Advent and Christmas ought to be such that Peter’s words in 1 Peter 3:14-15 describe what God can do through us:

But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness,
you are blessed.
And do not fear their intimidation,
and do not be troubled,
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts,
always being ready to give an answer
to everyone who asks you to give an account
for the hope that is in you,
yet with gentleness and reverence…

God is not dead.  Nor is He hard of hearing.  He has done His part to “fix it” and then some!  Now it’s our turn as God’s children by faith, and as members of God’s Church, the “body of Christ,” to live so that Peter’s command applies to us--being ready to suffer fearlessly when God’s righteousness is offensive; and yet, being ready to answer others who ask why we are hopeful when so many people are hopeless, yet with “gentleness and reverence.”

But how can we give an answer for the hope that is within us in a culture that is increasingly dark, defensive, and even dangerous as many fellow Christians can testify if they haven’t been martyred already?  I like the example provided in Acts 17 by the Apostle Paul when he addressed the Greek philosophers and teachers of his day.  When Paul observed stone statues in Athens erected in honor of many different Greek gods but not to the God of Christianity, He chose not to insult them.  Instead, he acknowledged that they were very religious because they worshipped many gods in hopes of appeasing all the gods that exist.  But Paul then said to them while pointing to the statue erected “'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD:'

The Apostle Paul introduces Greeks to the "Unknown God"

Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.  The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands;  nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; and He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation, that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us;  for in Him we live and move and exist, as even some of your own poets have said, “For we also are His children.” Being then the children of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, an image formed by the art and thought of man.  Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead (Acts 17: 23-31).

In response to this oration from Paul, some began to sneer, but others said, "We shall hear you again concerning this (Acts 17: 32)." Later, Paul’s epistles to the churches referenced many among the Greeks who had put their faith in God and had become leaders in the movement that would soon  sweep across the Roman Empire and northern Europe, and lay the foundation for the positive influence of Christianity in the Western Hemisphere.  

If God could “turn the world upside down” through the lives of the few followers of Christ in the first century, can he not bring revival to our whole troubled world?  Maybe it is already beginning.  Jesus has already given the call (Luke 9: 23):  If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.

The world may ask, “Is God, ‘fixing this,’ or isn’t He?”  We who know Christ should ask, “Am I a faithful steward where God has placed me, or not?”

Comment if you please:  What do you find most difficult to bear in today’s world?  How have you found help through your faith?   What particular helps or suggestions can you offer to those of us who want to grow in faith and stewardship of time, material resources, and abilities?

Thanksgiving and Black Friday: Invitations to Develop Contentment

Thanksgiving is a unique holiday—one that invites us to reflect on the blessings we have received during the past year.  Christians have the special blessing of knowing personally the One True God from Whom all blessings flow.  An intimate relationship with God is made possible by faith in Jesus Christ, and nurtured properly through the spiritual disciplines of prayer, regular nourishment from the Word of God, and fellowship with the people of God. 

A healthy relationship with God produces, among other virtues, the virtue of contentment (Hebrews 13:5).  Contentment is an attitude that flows out of a thankful heart.  Our Thanksgiving holiday can be an occasion to enjoy the blessings of family, friends, and food; but, it is also a time to nurture a heart of thankfulness and contentment by reflecting on the Person and provision of God.  

As a Christian, at times I have experienced the joy of contentment; but I have also experienced periods of discontentment.   For me, and perhaps for many, discontentment is a “default attitude.”  Contentment must be forged and refreshed daily in the midst of a culture that promotes discontentment through media and social pressures.   Under the guise of maintaining social status, improving efficiency, staying current, or “treating ourselves to what we deserve”, we are urged to buy the newest editions, models, or styles “while they last.”  

How does a person find contentment?  The Apostle Paul states, If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content (1 Timothy 6:8).  Paul indicates that in Roman culture, like our contemporary culture, contentment was not a default condition.   He testifies, Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am  (Philippians 4:11).   Paul “learned contentment” by practicing submission to spiritual disciplines such as we have noted above.  This is not a contentment, as some have chosen to pursue, through an acetic lifestyle of abstinence from ‘pleasures’ that are seen as hindrances to reaching spiritual goals. 

So, how can we apply a Christian perspective to the holiday season? Traditionally, Thanksgiving holiday has been squeezed on either side by two commercialized holidays, Halloween and Christmas; but, at least the two adjacent holidays have been separated in time from Thanksgiving by a month or more.  However, with each passing year, increasing numbers of retail stores are opening earlier on “Black Friday” or in the late evening hours of Thanksgiving Day itself.   

Some are reacting to Black Friday by observing “Buy Nothing Day.”  Not a bad idea.  But, I wonder what the observers of “Buy Nothing” choose to do instead.   Maybe Maggi Dawn’s blog entry , “Black Friday: Buy Nothing Day” points us in the right direction.   She writes:

Last Friday, just before we began Reading Week at the [Yale] Divinity School, my team and I organized a Cafe Eucharist, the theme of which was Thanksgiving and Giving Thanks. One of the threads in the service was the disconnect between gratitude (thanks for what we have) and consumerism (the goal to get more, more, more). It feels somewhat urgent to me this week to resist the temptation to go shopping over the next few days. Half price practically everything is really tempting, especially just before Christmas. But I feel I would be paying with my soul, not just my dollars. We are going shopping today for the food we need, and firewood, and a tank of petrol/gas. No more. Then we are going to spend four days playing, watching movies, walking up some hills, visiting friends, eating enough but not to excess, reading by the fire, and enjoying the luxury of sleeping late in the mornings. And giving thanks.  Anyone want to join us?

How about you?  How have you spent Thanksgiving, and then Black Friday this year?  I have enjoyed being with our daughter and family, and precious time with our grandson, Caleb, and granddaughters, Kiara and Della.   Of course, they were gracious to allow me to finish this blog entry while watching the West Virginia Mountaineers defeat the Pitt Panthers in the “Backyard Brawl” 21-20. 

In our October entry, “Our Stewardship Is about God, Not Us,” we emphasized that godly stewardship is grounded in an awareness that The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7, Amplified Bible).   Celebrating Thanksgiving affords us the opportunity to apply the important ingredient of “giving thanks” to the a life of “reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord…”   May God help us to use both Thanksgiving and Black Friday to develop lives that honor God in a consumer culture every day of the year.