Dear Mr. Anonymous Racist

Below is a copy of an anonymous letter I received today - with my response

Dear Mr. Anonymous Racist,

I received your letter in the mail today (I have also received your previous ones). Since you did not include your name or address I thought it best that I post my reply to your letter online. I want to thank you for your letter because once again, after reading it, God reminded me that the Devil always tries to fight and discourage those who are doing His work. While your letter was intended to discourage me from seeking to win all men to Christ, instead it just reaffirmed to me how necessary the fulfillment of the Great Commission is. As a reminder to you here is Matthew 28:19-20 and Mark 16:15:

¹⁹Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: ²⁰Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
¹⁵And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

You see, I take God's Word very seriously. In fact, when I read the following Scriptures, which make it very clear to me that racism, partiality, and views such as you have expressed in your letter are sinful.

"Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism  35 but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right." Acts 10:34-35

"God does not show favoritism." Romans 2:11

"¹My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. ²For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, ³and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, "You sit here in a good place," while you say to the poor man, "You stand over there," or, "Sit down at my feet," ⁴have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? ⁵Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? ⁶But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? ⁷Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? ⁸If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing well. ⁹But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. ¹⁰For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it." James 2

"²⁶for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. ²⁷For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Galatians 3 

You asked the question, "Do you promote inter-racial mixing...?" I think I know what you mean by this question and my answer is YES! You see, I believe the church of all places should be a place where people of every race, color, and background come together as one and worship Christ. So I make no apologies for not looking on the outward appearance of people and yes I encourage inter-racial mixing.

You also asked if I promote inter-racial marriage. I promote the marriage of any Christian couple, who have not been previously married, who are in love with one another and show the maturity and commitment that marriage requires. I know many inter-racial couples who have wonderful marriages that are an example of Christ's love to us. Marriage is after all a picture of Christ's love. I know I am thankful that He loved me despite my outward appearance. I am so thankful that an olive skinned Jewish man died for me a white man! You see, once again I remind you that God does not look on the outward appearance but on the heart!

As far as my "promotions" as you called them, I will most certainly pray about them. I am praying that God will expand them and further them. I am currently in the process of leaving my current church and seeking God's will about where He wants me in the future. One of my main passions is to pastor a healthy multi-cultural church where people of all races and nationalities are welcomed and included. You see, I truly believe that the Great Commission includes everyone. I'm certainly thankful it includes me as a white man. I'm very thankful that somewhere in the past, someone of a different race and color had a burden to share the Gospel with the white man. It is my prayer and mission that God will use me as a white man to share the Gospel with men and women of every race and color!

Dear Mr. Anonymous Racist I ask you to consider Revelation 5. Revelation 5 is of course the Apostle John's vision of Heaven. In the verses below they are a glimpse into the purposes of God in the death of His Son Jesus Christ and they also give us a glimpse of what Heaven will be like.

And they sang a new song, saying: "You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; For You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation ¹⁰ And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” ¹¹ Then I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, ¹² saying with a loud voice: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing!” ¹³ And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: “ Blessing and honor and glory and power Be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” ¹⁴ Then the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.

I also remind you that God so loved that world that whosoever would believe in Him would have everlasting life (John 3:16). Since this is the case I have sought to align myself with God's purposes and have sought to reach all men with the message of salvation - regardless of their color.

I do pray that you too will repent of the sin of racism so that you can be part of that number gathered around the throne of God praising Him forever. Meanwhile in this life if you want to get in practice for Heaven I encourage you to find a church where various races and people worship God in harmony together. I close this letter to you with one more passage of Scripture from Galatians 3:

²⁶ For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. ²⁷ For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. ²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Yours for the salvation of all men,
Pastor Jon Earls

Review: Your Church is Too Small

I was sent the book "Your Church is Too Small: Why Unity in Christ's Mission is Vital to the Future of the Church" for free if I would review it on my blog. My review does not have to be positive which unfortunately it is not for this book.

First of all this book is not about church growth, attendance, or the physical size of church buildings. The author John H. Armstrong explained what he meant by the title "Your Church is Too Small" in the introduction:

I am referring to our all to common penchant for placing limits on Christ's church - limits that equate the one church with our own narrow views of Christ's body. When our church is too small, we adopt a desperately flawed image. The image shrivels our spirit and hinders Christ's mission. Please understand that the "small church" I refer to is a mind-set in believers that hinders the work of the Holy Spirit in mission and is contrast to the prayer of Jesus for our unity.

That sounds great on the surface. In fact, much of what he says is good - to a point. I'll try to explain.

He claims that "the road to the future" is through the past and he points to the Apostles Creed as something that can "help us" get back to the unity he believes we need in the Church. In fact he feels pretty strongly about the importance the Apostle's Creed.

As I began to recognize the historical importance of the Apostles' Creed, I also saw how this statement could begin to shape our faith and practice. I had been taught to believe that the church should follow the Bible, never human creeds.

He goes on to say that the Apostles Creed gave him a "place to stand with my brothers and sisters without having to surrender my core orthodoxy." But, just who does Armstrong call his "brothers and sisters"?

The focus of this book is on unity. Armstrong advocates what he calls "missional-ecumenism." This missional-ecumenism transcends not just denominational boundaries but also to Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches. He writes:

I believe the pursuit of oneness means we must not shy away from opportunities to engage in relational and cooperational unity between churches - Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox. Though the three great historic branches of the Christian church cannot presently pursue union with one another, they can seek greater relational and cooperational unity even as they pray for ways to address the historic differences that have led to disunity in the past.

And:

Catholics and Protestants are learning to interact with each other in gracious ways…Thus there are people in all three of the great Christian traditions who are actually learning to love one another. They are finding out that what unites them is much greater than what divides them. I believe this has to be the work of God’s Spirit. No matter what can be said about failed plans for unity under older forms of ecumenism, it cannot be said that these new developments are the work of the enemy.

According to Armstrong his approach has

...practical consequences for those who consider themselves evangelicals. It means I can no longer be an anti-Catholic, evangelical (Reformed) Protestant. With deep conviction, I am compelled to regard both Catholics and the Catholic Church with love and esteem.

I agree that there does need to be unity among those who are part of Christ's true Church (which is made up of those who truly have repented and turned from their sins and trust in Christ alone for their salvation). This unity that should be evident among the body of Christ means that we set aside our personal opinions on matters that are not clear in Scripture. But, I do believe that there are times in which "disunity" must take place. Let me explain: if the connection of churches that I am a part of would ever fail to stand for the clear Truth of God's Word (i.e. Justification by faith) than I would have to eventually leave them as a result. I have heard people who have dealt with this sort of thing explain it this way: "I didn't leave the church of _________ the church left me." (By the way, unity is not always a good thing read the story of the Tower of Babel again if you think so)

One of my big problems with this book is that the author seems to assume that everyone who claims to be a Christian is a Christian. He even wrote, "Christians have argued and opposed each other for centuries. At times, this has led Christians to persecute other Christians, even to the point of putting them to death." I don't believe that true Christians persecute and kill other people! I also don't believe that someone can believe and practice everything that the Catholic Church teaches and be a Christian! I am sure that there are many Catholics who are Christians, but they would have to be in spite of what their Church teaches. 

The thesis of Armstrong's argument is Jesus prayer in John 17 where Armstrong says that Jesus was praying for the relational unity of His disciples and us. I think that this is where his thesis starts to come apart because I believe he misses the whole point of John 17. Jesus wasn't praying for His disciples unity simply for the sake of unity. He was praying that His followers would be sanctified and that they would become one in Him. He wanted His followers to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1).

Throughout the book it seems to me that Armstrong has a pretty weak view of Scripture. He wrote, "Scripture alone, without human life and consensus, is subject to every human whim and fancy." He also wrote:

Everyone interprets the Bible. This truth may be abundantly clear to you, but I have found that it is easily forgotten by ‘Bible-centered’ Christians. Quoting the Bible rarely settles disagreements. By themselves, Bible verses fail to promote unity. Consider the fact that many cults will affirm the inerrancy and authority of the Bible, yet they interpret its meaning in ways that suit their own personal preference.

This may very well be true, but the problem is not with the sufficiency of the Scripture but with those who "interpret its meaning in ways that suit their own personal preference." The title for the section that the above quote is from in the book is called "A Confessional Basis for True Catholicity." In it he argues that "When core orthodoxy, as represented by the Apostles' Creed, is not of primary importance, the result will always be a small view of the church." The author goes on in the chapter to question those who "argue that what matter most is right doctrine, and we get right doctrine by a proper exegesis of the Bible." It seems pretty clear to me that he places the Apostles' Creed before the Bible. While I do believe the Apostles' Creed has its place, I certainly do not believe that it is what contains Truth and not the Bible!

Armstrong used John 17:20-23 as the basis for his thesis that Jesus was praying for His followers relational unity. As I've already mentioned, I disagree that Jesus was praying for their unity just for the sake of unity. In fact, if you look back a couple verses in John 17 Jesus said:

14 I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 15 I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.

Jesus makes it very clear in His prayer that His desire for His followers is that they would be sanctified. But how? Through the Truth. What is Truth? Jesus said, "Your word is truth." He wants us to "be sanctified by the truth."

These verses alone should make it very clear how important the Truth is and how important God's Word is! Yes creeds such as the Apostles Creed are important, but not before His Word.

Here is where I believe the Wesleyan Quadrilateral is so helpful and I believe it is beneficial in the discussion of this book. The Wesleyan Quadrilateral is a term that was coined by Albert Outler to describe John Wesley's methodology for coming to theological conclusions. Outler examined Wesley's work and came to the conclusion that Wesley used four different sources in coming to theological conclusions. The four sources were:

1. Scripture - the Holy Bible (Old and New Testaments)
2. Tradition - the two millennia history of the Christian Church
3. Reason - rational thinking and sensible interpretation
4. Experience - a Christian's personal and communal journey in Christ

"Wesley believed that the living core of the Christian faith was revealed in Scripture, illumined by tradition, vivified in personal experience, and confirmed by reason. Scripture [however] is primary, revealing the Word of God 'so far as it is necessary for our salvation."

I believe that this "Quadrilateral" is a very wise way of coming to theological conclusions. God's Word always comes first, then tradition (such as the Apostles Creed), reason, and finally experience. I believe if this method is used it helps safeguard from many errors and if it had been used by the author of this book I think that it would have helped him to avoid what I believe are some areas in which he is in error.

Conclusion:
I need to wrap up this very long review! (Now I know why I haven't reviewed very many books!)

I believe that unity is very important in the Church, but not at the sake of Truth. I don't recommend this book for the reasons mentioned above. Unfortunately there seems to be a real lack of clarity on what the Gospel really is. The reason that Catholics are Protestants are not in unity is because of the Gospel. Countless people lost their lives to the Catholic Church because of the Gospel. I fear that ideas such as the ones in this book only help to undo the Reformation.

While I was reading this book there were always nagging questions that would come to mind. Some of which he tried to answer in the book, others not. Questions such as:

1. Why doesn't the author become a Catholic himself?
2. If Catholics are Christians why should Protestant Churches exist? 
3. Was the Reformation wrong?
4. If I become missional-ecumenical as the author advocates, should I go to Italy as a missionary since it is 97.2% Catholic? Wouldn't I be just trying to convert them to "my" ideas and wouldn't this be wrong?
5. If I don't need to go to Italy as a missionary is the only countries that need missionary those who are Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, or some other non-"Christian" religion?

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Zondervan Publishing in exchange for reviewing it on my blog. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Your Church is Too Small

Not long ago I received the book “Your Church is Too Small” by John H. Armstrong in the mail for free in exchange for a review on my blog. Due to my recent sickness I’ve not quite completed the book so keep checking back I will post my review as soon as I’m able to complete it.

Fever induced reflections…

I’ve been terribly sick since Sunday evening. So far this week I’ve spent the majority of my time in bed. I don’t remember a time in my life when I’ve ever been as sick as I’ve been this week. Fever, chills, vomiting, etc. is what I’ve been dealing with all week. And I’ve not been able to talk…well I can talk but only ever third word or so is understandable. This has all caused me to do some thinking – my calling and career all depends on my voice, if I permanently lost my voice my life would of course change drastically! Thank God this has all “came to pass” and hopefully it will soon run its course.

But, I’ve been reminded that we live in bodies that are dying. Gradually all of our bodies begin to fail. When you’re young and healthy you don’t spend much time thinking about the fact that we’re all headed for the grave eventually if Jesus doesn’t return first. The older I get the more I realize that I won’t live forever and my “people suit” is slowly wearing out. May God help me to “seize the day” and live every day as if it may be my last.

Sorry if this post seems a little melancholy – half a week in bed sick will do that to you! ;-) While I’m thinking about it, I turn 30 this year so I think I will have to change the name of my blog. I guess I’ll have to drop the “Young” part! :-)

March Madness Pick'em

For the last couple of years I've had a March Madness Pick'em group. I think every year I've wound up in last place but I've had great fun doing it! If you'd like to join this years group click here. A couple of years ago I gave away some books to the winner. Last year I was too cheap. This year we'll see. Perhaps I'll offer something to the winner but right now it's 1:30 in the morning I can't think of anything I don't want that I could give away. Maybe I'll think of something...

BTW, the password is "jonloses"

The church is dying…

I drive past it several times a day. It’s a beautiful church - a brick building (I love brick buildings) with a separate large fellowship hall. The church resides on a nice lot in a great part of our town. Very few cars ever enter its paved parking lot. A sign on the front of the glass doors to the sanctuary inform anyone trying to enter that the Sunday service is no longer held in the sanctuary of the church – since there are so few who attend they now meet in the fellowship hall.

Every time I drive past this church there is a sadness that fills me. Why is this church dying? I know little about it other than it is a church with “Memorial” as part of its name. But I wonder why it is dying?

I wonder if it is dying because no one has a vision for it? Perhaps it is dying because the “Memorial” in its  name reveals something about the attitude of those who are a part of the church? Maybe they have viewed their church as a “memorial” to the past and only can see the “good-ole-days” and have never caught a vision for the present? I know that without a vision churches die.

Perhaps it is dying because there is no passion to reach their community. After all, this is a “white church” and it resides in a largely African-American community. If it is anything like most “white churches” in our area African-American’s are not welcomed. I don’t know this to be the case with this church but I do know that I fill my church bus with children from this neighborhood and yet this church apparently makes no effort to reach them. 
Perhaps it is dying because of a lack of willingness of it's members to work? Maybe they have felt that the work of the church was the pastor’s job and any church with this mentality will eventually die. (I’m not even sure if this church currently has a pastor).

Perhaps it is dying because there is little money to keep it going? I wonder if (like in so many churches) those who attend sit on their wallets and refuse to be faithful in their giving? A church can not survive if those who attend do not support it financially.
I wonder if it is dying because those who attend it are dead themselves? Spiritually dead members will cause a church to die!
I don’t know why this particular church is dying but I do know this: a church that is dying is not a church that God is blessing! Our God is the God of life who causes people and churches to live – there is something wrong in a dying church. If those who attend the church would obey God and seek Him their dying church would become a living church!

I don’t know why this church is dying but I do know this: I don’t want to ever be part of a dying church! So, may God help me to have a vision and a passion and be willing to give of myself and of my resources so that whatever church I am a part of won’t be a dying church!

“Tired of a theologically tolerant culture”

According to a tweet today from Essential Church (Rainer Research) "The formerly unchurched are insistent that the church be uncompromising in its beliefs. They are tired of a theologically tolerant culture."

This is a positive sign and should encourage we who are part of the conservative holiness movement to be who we are and stand for the Truth of God’s Word. Obviously we should be uncompromising even if the formerly unchurched feel like we should be, but it is encouraging that in this post-modern age people are growing tired of the all-to-common wishy-washyness of the modern church. “Generic” (my term) “seeker-sensitive” churches, who are afraid to stand for any thing in fear that they might offend someone, are a dime-a-dozen these days. Sure they are that way all in the name of reaching people which is a noble goal but when you water down the Truth to do so you are in grave error!

May God help us who endeavor to preach and teach the message of Full Salvation from sin not to cave to the pattern of the masses but instead be encouraged with the fact that “the formerly unchurched are insistent that the church should be uncompromising in its beliefs” and that “they are tired of a theologically tolerant culture”! We don’t have to water down what God’s Word teaches, and what we believe, in order to reach our world! We need to preach and proclaim the Truth of God’s Word without fear or favor of man!

The history of the Biblical world in 90 seconds