Is There a Prayer of Salvation?

Thousands of people respond and inquire to the Billy Graham web site each week (peacewithGod.net). I volunteer and help people with their questions on spiritual matters. 

The inquirers have diverse spiritual (or non-spiritual) and cultural backgrounds. Some people have basic moral questions about sin. Others are curious about Jesus. Their questions range from "Is there a God?" to "How can I have a personal relationship with God?"

For many people who have given sincere thought and consideration, they choose to place their personal faith in Jesus. In years past, I've assisted new believers with this while standing on a mega-football stadium field - while Billy Graham gently led them in prayer from the stage podium. Then Franklin Graham began the internet outreach ministry in 2012, and now these digital inquiries are the "virtual" stadium field, 24x7. 

One recurring inquiry has been..."where is this prayer in the Bible?" Or, how can the "right" words make any supernatural change in a person's life?  The answers are easy - it's not written in the Bible and words don't change a person's spiritual condition. 

Here is how I explain in more depth to these inquirers - the background of what leads to a simple prayer, offered to God with a sincere faith....

There are Bible verses you can find online or in your personal Bible,

In the Gospel of Mark 1:15 Jesus said,   "Repent, and believe the Good News”    And James 5:16, to confess our sins as well.  1John1:9 explains God's mercy and response.

A personal prayer based on these Bible concepts would include repentance, saying "I'm sorry for my sins."   And John 3:16 - 3:17 explains what Jesus did for us on the cross and why; "God sent his Son so that all who believe on Him might not perish but have everlasting life."

A personal prayer could acknowledge that as true, as understanding that Jesus’ death on the cross is redemptive - He died for our sins.

And Ephesians 2:8-9 explains that we are saved by Grace through faith (not "earned" by works as some believe), and John 1:12 that in receiving Christ we become children of God;  

We are then new creations in Christ as stated in 2Corinthians 5:17

With that, a personal prayer could affirm biblical faith in Jesus,  and acknowledge receiving God into their life.

And Romans 10:9-13 says that we should do this publicly at some point, "with the heart man believes and with the mouth confesses."  Public declaration.

All this can be said in a person's own words...the specific prayer is not "written" down, but the words offered in the printed example to new believers helps them understand. And then discipleship will continue at their local church, including baptism - Christian growth doesn't stop with a prayer. Otherwise it's not a relationship with God, it's a one-time event.

“Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe you died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. I trust and follow you as my Lord and Savior. Please guide my life and help me to do your will. I ask this in Jesus name, amen." Or use your own words as you express your faith in Jesus.

Hopefully, you can see how these Biblical threads connect in this sample starter prayer we provide, or variations of it. I've stood on the stadium field with new believers, and exchanged digital messages immediately after they profess this in their own words....a change here, a stumble there. 

But as they respond with the peace of God and the Light of the Holy Spirit afterwards, it's made clear that there's more going on besides the wording of a prayer. Eternal life in Jesus.   Ephesians 1:13 is comforting in this regard. And I close my message to an inquirer with,

Please do write again if you have questions about the ministry or spiritual matters. God loves you!

www.peacewithGod.net

What do you believe?

Crete and Titus - Complete the Work

Sometime after his third missionary journey,  c. 67 the Apostle Paul wrote to give Titus a missionary task.

"The reason I left you in Crete was that you might put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you." Titus 1:5

I don't know about you, but when I get instructions from my boss at work, I don't honestly think in terms of 10 years, let alone 2,000. And yet, when we visited the island of Crete this summer, there was lasting evidence that Titus followed through with diligence.

In the port of city of Heraklion, this beautiful church is a few blocks up from the shore of the Aegean Sea. We arrived just after Sunday services and this father lingered with his young son, echoing Titus 2:6-8

"Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness8 and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."

So strong was the imprint of Titus' leadership that the Christian community on Crete survived not only time, but centuries of occupation and disruption by the Venetians and Turks before again joining Greece. 

11 For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Some of Titus' remains are still kept in this small chapel of the church in Heraklion. It is a rather humble room compared to Europe's grand basilicas and even his mentor Paul's tomb in Rome. I enjoyed this moment and took my photo, pausing for church goers who came in to touch the reliquary and icon with respect for the hometown ancestor of Crete's Christian community. Paul himself had fondly prefaced his instructions to Titus:  

"To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior. "

As our ship departed Crete, I watched until I could no longer see it on the horizon. So amazing to me how these early pioneers of our faith navigated nations, seas and souls.

Titus 3:4
"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy."

What do you believe?

Athens - Acropolis - The Apostle Paul - History

My view of Mars Hill from the Acropolis - Athens 

I was racing the clock a little bit in Athens this past June.

Our tour group had gamely trudged their way  up to the top of Acropolis hill.  There, in the blazing 100 degree heat, we wandered ancient ruins alongside glimmering shadows of the Parthenon's magnificent columns. Our cameras took in the city of Athens below, and on out to the Aegean Sea.

I had my heart set on something a little further down the steep slope - Mars Hill of the ancient Areopagus (Marketplace). But our tour guide cautioned me in her thick Greek accent, "I don't think we'll have time for Mars Hill today, it is so hot. And besides, we walk down a different way."   That didn't sound like a firm "no" to me!

It's well documented that the Apostle Paul visited and preached from Mars Hill of the Areopagus   around 51 A.D.  That the massive granite and surrounding ruins of the marketplace exist has never been questioned. The secular government has even posted one of those "historical markers" next to it, acknowledging Paul's visit to their locality in the first century.  

In the Book of Acts from the Bible, Luke recalls the scene, Chapter 17

"21 While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols.  22 Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: “People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god."

It's remarkable how far Paul and his group had traveled to reach Athens. Just look on a map and trace the eastern edge of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. From Israel through modern day Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and back down from northern Greece. Antioch, Tarsus, Philipi, Thessalonica...

He didn't just rush through as we did on our  week-long jaunt across Greece. Paul would stay for months at a time, getting to know the people - and fairly earning the right to speak in such a prominent place.

"So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. " Acts 17:17

When the time came to descend the Acropolis' steep embankment our hired guide gave me a bemused look and said, "Come, follow me. We will go this way."  That is the photo you see up above. Mars Hill as we threaded our way down.  "Now listen to me," she said quietly, with a hand covering the wireless tour guide microphone. "When we get to the bottom, everyone will turn left to go back to the buses, do you understand? Because once you get to the bus, you will no longer be able to walk back to see the Aeropagus. Left to the bus, do you understand?"     I did. She turned left and I turned right when we got to the bottom of the hill. Then I jogged along the path until I got to the base of Mars Hill.  

Two minutes later I had scrambled up the path and was catching my breath on the slippery granite, handsomely polished by the Apostle Paul's sandals and 2,000 years of wind and rain. As I slowly took in the panorama, tears welled up and I had one of those rare travel moments when you realize it's more than you could have ever imagined. Because up there on the hill, exactly where Paul would have gazed with his audience, was the Acropolis, perhaps one of the most famously celebrated views of ancient history. And now his words made so much more sense. And the Bible rings even more true for me. I quietly recited the verse and swiped at my eyes so I could take the photo below,

24 “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands. 25 And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything. Rather, he himself gives everyone life and breath and everything else." Acts 17

Paul had spent time getting to know his host city, they'd asked him to share his ideas, and he spoke to them in words and imagery they would understand. I can't help but be inspired to do the same.

What do you believe?

The Spiritual Hypoxia of Airline Oxygen Masks

We logged a lot of airline miles this year. Seattle, New York, Frankfurt, Rome, Athens, Zurich...

Every airline gave us the same pre-flight instructions about the little yellow oxygen masks:If the airplane cabin depressurizes at high altitude, the oxygen masks will automatically drop down.What do you do first?

"Put your own oxygen mask on before helping your children or those around you."

This has always sounded counter-intuitive to me, because as a dad, I would naturally worry about my daughter or wife first. Other people with kind hearts would think to help the stranger next to them before helping themselves.

"Put your own oxygen mask on before helping your children or those around you."

There's a reason for this. Oxygen deprivation to your brain - hypoxia - leads to confusion. It happens so fast that you can quickly lose your ability to think clearly, to use your fine motor skills. You might actually cause more harm than good as you fumble to adjust someone else's oxygen mask in your depleted state. 

I gave this more thought than usual when we flew with our grandson this summer.

If the cabin lost pressure and I floundered trying to help the grandson, I'd be relying on other passengers to make sure he got his oxygen. I trusted my wife and my daughter as immediate backup in our row, but there were some pretty sketchy characters occupying the seats in front of, and behind us. I didn't want to rely on them helping my grandson if we lost pressure.  My plan of action was simple. Be prepared (alert to danger), be in a position to help (stay oxygenated), make sure he's safe (eyes on the kid). See who else we can help.

Consider our current society and culture - the cabin has rapidly depressurized and spiritual levels are plummeting. There's a readily accessible source of eternal life support within reach of every person - all are able to breath in the truth of the Gospel.

But a spiritual hypoxia has already settled over us. It's like watching the slow motion scene of an airplane disaster movie unfold. All through the plane, people are hesitating in the seconds that matter. There are parents with children next to them who are not reaching for the truth themselves and they aren't turning to help their kids, either. "They'll figure it out for themselves, I don't want to force them."

As chaos escalates in the cabin, kids - young adults - adults - grow more worried and disoriented. They sense disorder and look expectantly for someone with perspective and direction. Passengers from the next row step right over the hesitant parents to provide calming reassurance. "Don't worry, you're going to be fine. You don't need that oxygen mask, that's just for the weak minded people. You'll be stronger and more independent without it."

Over in the next row, a like-minded group has convinced several passengers who'd already donned a the yellow mask and are breathing easily...to take it off. "You don't want to appear as though you're judging the other passengers, do you?"  

In the context of all human history, it seems like this entire, disturbing scene has taken place in a manner of seconds.  But it's been many decades in the making. And the hypoxic confusion of our generation is, quite literally, breathtaking.

Each person yearns to find answers to questions they have about God.  About spiritual love, about eternal souls.  We need to be better informed and ready with confident answers. If we aren't effectively helping this generation draw near the Gospel, nor resolving our own confused theology - then it will be people from other rows of spirituality or philosophy that influence and direct those who remain.

Job 33:4"The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life."

What do you believe?

Peace and Love, Ringo, Peace and Love!

Ladies and gentleman....Ringo Starr!

"What would you do if I sang out of tune, would you stand up and walk out on me?"

Not a chance. We stood and cheered and sang along with Ringo for the better part of two hours at a recent concert.  Admittedly, it was a huge thrill for me. Ringo and the Beatles were a major part of my musical upbringing in the 60's. I still tell people at church that I'm most comfortable singing "Beatle harmonies" (the least complicated thirds and fifths).

Besides the great music, there was one thing in full and constant display with Ringo. The two finger, V-shaped "peace sign!"  One hand, both hands. During songs, after songs. Stage left, stage right.

"Peace and love, everybody, peace and love!"  Ringo waved and mugged for photos and we all cheered.  Even song lyrics written since his days with the Beatles featured encouragement to "choose love!"

Ringo's message is crystal clear. For anyone not keeping up with me:
"Peace and love, everybody, peace and love!"

And it seems to agree with the 79 year old from Liverpool. He's trim, fit, charismatic, effervescent, in good humor. Obviously enjoys his bandmates and the audience. The guy seems to emanate peace and love. He seems to thrive on peace and love. And echoing in my head ever since the concert, whenever I see a photo of Ringo in the news or play one of his albums - I can clearly hear him saying...you guessed it, "Peace and love, everybody, peace and love!"

That is how I would like to share the Good News of Jesus. God loves you! Jesus loves you!

It's how I wish people would see me - and you - emanating God's love. Thriving on God's love. Living the light of Jesus. Enjoying our audience of spiritual inquirers.  Charismatic, effervescent in the Holy Spirit.  God loves you! The peace of Christ that is beyond understanding -- not just as Ringo (the world) gives it, but as only God can.    Peace and love!  We could even write songs about it.

What is Ringo doing that is so right?  He's winsome, happy and sincere.  His message is simple, memorable and endlessly repeated. And it accompanies a delightful shared experience of his signature music and personality - repeated over 50+ years.  Has he transformed the world? In some musical and cultural ways perhaps.  Can he reconcile people supernaturally to God?  Of course not - but he doesn't claim to.

Maybe that's where we need to step in. "Jesus loves you, everybody, Jesus loves you!"  Start telling people now, share your sincere joy and peace. Keep it simple, memorable and I do believe you can make a difference over the next 50 years. - with a little help from your friends (in high places).

What do you believe?

The Wrong Rental Car

Not long ago,  I had a business meeting in Minneapolis, which is about a 6 hour, very picturesque drive from our town. Airfare was more expensive and it would have taken 5 - 6 hours of my time to get to the airport, park, go through airport security, fly and then arrange transport to the meeting location once I landed in Minneapolis. So instead, I rented a car.

The rental car agency has a remote office at a local hotel, not far from where I live. I called ahead and the agency let me know I could pick up the keys in their office at the hotel. My wife dropped me off at the entrance and I rolled my small suitcase along two carpeted corridors before finding the tiny rental office. The cheerful agent handed me an envelope with the keys and said, "It's the blue mid-size in our parking lot right outside, you can't miss it," and she jerked the thumb of her hand in a left-ish pointing motion.

Less than a minute later I shouldered my way out the side door and onto the sidewalk facing the parking lot.  Spotting the blue mid-size just a few feet away, I eased my suitcase into the back seat. Slide my backpack over to the front passenger side and set my phone in the cup holder in one fluid motion. Seasoned traveler, ready to roll!  I put one foot on the brake pedal and pressed the car's "start" button. Nothing.

Try again?  Nothing.
Car is in park? Check.  Gas tank full, check. What's the problem?

That's when I looked out the front window at the other blue mid-size car just across the lot. Any chance that....yup. The license plate on that car matched the license number written on my key. I'm in the wrong car!

Not only the wrong car, but this wasn't even a rental car! I was sitting in somebody's personal ride. Very embarrassed, I yanked my backpack and suitcase and strode over to the "correct" sedan, repeated the process and drove off. Smiling once again as I sped toward the freeway on ramp, I decided to call my wife and tell her my story, except...no phone. It was still in the cup holder of the other car!  Fortunately, it was still there a few tense minutes later as I hoped against hope the owner would not come out and accuse me of stealing something!

So many lessons learned and so many life applications came to mind as I drove away. Again.

1. Make sure you match the key to the license plate and don't just slide into a similar looking sedan.   Our culture is offering up a lot of alternate forms of spirituality and worship these days.  They may "look" the same and seem ready to drive - but the spiritual "engine" is a non-starter.  Check for Biblical truth, core belief in Jesus as Savior, Son of God and Him crucified. The one name under heaven by which we can be saved, Acts 4:12.  To whom every knee will bend and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord, Philippians 2:9-11
2. You may just have to get out of the wrong car, pick up your stuff (your family, your friendships) and walk across the parking lot - in full view of everyone - acknowledging your mistake. It's ok. I've done the same thing!   
3. You could reach out and help someone else who might be confused - call back the people who sent you out with weak instructions in the first place. Help them to see that there are other cars out there - maybe counsel them to tell others..."be sure you match the keys to the license plate!"  Doesn't everybody?  No, they don't, and we're partly to blame for not making it clear - with love, patience and respect, who Jesus is, and who He is not.  Don't jump into the first blue sedan you see!   Believe me, I've learned my lesson!

What do you believe?

The Power Station at LAX Airport

I had an hour to kill before my flight home from Los Angeles.

After you clear security at LAX, the departure gates numbered 31 - 36 form a semi-cirlce at the end of a long, carpeted corridor. My Delta flight was scheduled to leave from Gate 36.

The combined waiting area of this semi-circle is deceptively large. There were hundreds of people scrunched into chairs, sprawled on the floor and pacing in between. Typical airport.

I looked across the expanse, searching for an empty chair, hoping for a nearby outlet to charge my iPhone. I spied a small alcove with several rows of chairs wide open, so I made my way over. Jackpot!  I could see power outlets built right into the metal frame beside every seat. Surprised that more of the seats weren't taken, I plugged in.

"Not charging" flashed on my iPhone screen.  Probably a loose connection in that one, so I pulled the plug and tried another outlet. "Not charging."  I raised my head to look around and a fellow traveler caught my eye from a few chairs over. He gave me a half-smile and shrugged his shoulders to signal his plug didn't work either. Taking a closer look, I could see that this entire alcove of chairs was "unplugged." They had power cords dangling from each row that went nowhere.

Another quick walk through the other endless rows, I could see that none of them were plugged in! So where the heck can you charge your mobile device.....?

Then I spotted a tall, narrow island of a kiosk with shiny white counter tops on two sides. "Power Station." Travelers crowded all around it and others hovered nearby, waiting for an opportunity to swoop in and connect their own thirsty device. I smiled as the same scenario played out. Travelers entered the gate area, spotted the empty chair alcove, plugged in, frowned, got up, walked around, and eventually spotted us by the working power island where we waited our turn. It was obvious that we had discovered the real source of power. And all mobile technology formats, shapes and sizes were in abundance.

I often see a spiritual version of this same "unplugged power outlet" scenario.
Many people are looking for that short, direct route to plug into a higher power. They have a sense of somewhat careless urgency, hoping to plop down in an open chair and take a break from their busy lives.

But many of the beckoning alcoves of spirituality have an unseen dead end. It is an illusory connection with no real source of power. Philosophies of good works,  prosperity, self-discipline or balanced karma are in fact "not charging." They will eventually drain the hope and confidence of a sincere seeker, sometimes replacing it with cynicism toward all things spiritual.

It's not always easy to admit that, to get up and search again.  But for some, it's actually the perfect motivation to more carefully, thoughtfully walk through the ocean of disconnect to discover that singular island kiosk of Truth. There are other people there to welcome you and share their own journey to God's counter. To affirm a sure and confident connection to God through Jesus. There is room for everyone. All formats, all versions, all shapes and sizes, all are welcome at the table with Jesus.

Romans 15:7
"Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God."

What do you believe?

Artificial Intelligence and Jesus

"10 minutes to your destination...."

My bride of 36 years turned to me in our car and mused, "It usually says, '20 minutes' when I'm driving to work."   She picked up her phone and looked at the screen. The destination address was that of our church.
"How does it know where we're going!?"

Answer, its Sunday.  And on most Sunday's when we get in the car, our destination is the church where we've worshiped for 15 years.
It's a simple artificial intelligence algorithm. The phone has paid attention with location tracking and time. It gets 'smarter' as it learns a repeated pattern, like going to church on Sunday and work on Monday.

I gave this some thought as we waited for the service to begin.
Our phones and tablets and laptops are all paying attention to patterns of behavior.
We all know that amazon.com will suggest purchase ideas related to this new item or our past purchases.
I get a lot of CD reminders for 60's and 70's music, boating equipment and kindle books.
Amazon video and Netflix both provide a "just for you" list of topics (action and mystery/thriller).

Those are simple. But think bigger. God not only sees our behavior in real time, he knows our thoughts and our hearts. He is before us and after us with no boundary of time. Wouldn't his "Siri" or "Alexa" comments be interesting to hear on your smart phone?

"You have 1 hour available with nothing else scheduled, during which you could pray or read your bible, or check on a loved one, but you will instead flip through sports scores and news while wishing you had more time to relax."

Ouch.  Or,

"You have just received a bonus check, you will struggle with your decision to tithe 10% off the gross or after-tax amount."

Hey!  How did he know that?!

I smiled and thought of other combinations God could share which I most certainly would not want blurted out over a phone. And I realized, as we all do, that God doesn't need a phone app to pull the "drive time to church" magic trick.  We have something with much greater nuance, subtlety, depth and breadth.
You're probably way ahead of me on this one, it's...your conscience.

God knows right and wrong and so do we. We are made in his image.

Romans 2:15
"They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them."

What does your Siri say?

My Boss Left the Company - We Got Empowered

John 15:26-27
"When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—he will testify about me.  And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning."

I work for a large corporation and we have a lot of management "layers."  Sometimes we gripe amongst ourselves about "micro-managing" done by unnecessary middle managers. On the other hand, some team members adapt. They start waiting for the manager to decide everything for them, its easier. They may even lose confidence in their own ability to get things done.

18 months ago, my team's immediate manager left the company. I really liked her even though her role sometimes represented that extra "layer" of oversight. Still, I got the resources I needed to get my projects done and I knew she had my back. So I was disappointed to see her go and we waited for her replacement. None came. Further up the chain, management announced they had eliminated her "layer." 

Our new, higher level manager had many people and much broader responsibility. He simply didn't have time or capacity to consider each of our day-to-day decisions. In the short term we floundered a bit as a team. We are all highly driven, seasoned marketers, but we had adapted to the team dynamic of another person calling the most significant plays on our behalf. 

Then, without saying so, we each started filling in those manager "gaps" for our team. We made more influential, higher risk decisions. We consulted each other for support. Things got done. Nobody "up the chain" second guessed our work. And now 18 months later, we are a well oiled machine - still consulting our business leader at times, but strongly independent and encouraged to function on our own.  We know the boss' overall message and goals, so we often incorporate that saying, "I think this aligns with his plan," or similar. We're empowered, but we do recognize and respect a higher purpose and road map.

If our previous leader had not left and gone away, we might not have stepped up like that - why would we? But this way, and to our senior manager's credit -  the company has unleashed so much more energy and creativity and entrepreneurship. We are busier than ever, but it is much more satisfying and purposeful.  Much more has been accomplished.

John 16:7-11

"But truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment."

This recent business experience reminded me once again why Jesus' ministry may have been so brief.
I got a tiny glimpse of what Peter and his teammates might have felt.  "What do we do now that we're on our own?"
Jesus had already taught them - they knew the fundamentals of his message.  Prayer gave them access to upper management - their Father in heaven. And the Holy Spirit was present to inspire and guide and affirm them.
The apostles could have shut down after the crucifixion and waited for the next "replacement leader."  But they knew. Jesus had told them. It was with them and through them that he intended to get the work done.  No comfort zone ahead.

We are all of us empowered with the redemptive message of Jesus and the cross. His Father in heaven. The guidance of the Holy Spirit.   We are the people with whom God intends to accomplish His purpose. 


2 Corinthians 1:24

"But that does not mean we want to dominate you by telling you how to put your faith into practice. We want to work together with you so you will be full of joy, for it is by your own faith that you stand firm."

What do you believe?

Down Syndrome and God-Syndrome

[Update: as of June 26, 2022, Roe v. Wade was overturned for its faulty logic and lazy jurisprudence. Looking back now on this 50 year span of my life where our country promoted abortion - 60 million lives lost - it's heartbreaking to wonder how many millions of wonderful families and societal contributions are forever lost because of poor decisions. Ideas have consequences, bad ideas have victims.]

Original blog text 3/30/18

 

I was one of them.
One of the pragmatic people who logically concluded that some babies (or their families) might be better off "not being born" for reasons that included the "health of the mother." 

Pragmatic and logical - that's how I saw it. Sincerely so.  Looking back, looking in the mirror, it's better to say I was self-absorbed and breathtakingly uninformed - on many levels.  I take full responsibility. 

We got what we advocated, all us pragmatic, open minded people - the ability to choose. It's proved a devastatingly slippery slope. Choosing for the "health of the mother," quickly became choosing "for the convenience of the mother or other involved parties," and eventually "for any reason, at any time."  
And now 54 million babies have been "pragmatized" in this fashion.  In the USA. 
My heart breaks for any mother or father who now regrets or was coerced or mislead into their decision - and Christians owe them love and support to recover, through Jesus' mercy and Grace. I offer my prayers up for anyone hurting as they read this now. 

Personally, I woke up to the disturbing truth about 10 million babies after Roe v. Wade.  I was an adult "cultural" Christian. A God believing church-attender who had begun writing gospel music. Searching for material,  I started reading the bible more earnestly. Soon I was no longer uninformed, having read Jeremiah 1:5      
In fact, I was without excuse, having read Romans 1:20    (As any Christian is...without excuse..if they counsel others against God's plan for life.  Luke 17:1-2)

Not long after I got that biblical wake up call, I saw the ultrasound of our own daughter. It was a transcendent, electrifying movie moment when all my past college debates and snarky "pro-lifer" jibes went rocketing in front of my eyes. I blurted out to my wife on the drive back home..."how could anyone see these images and not believe it's a baby?"  How indeed.  At the local pregnancy center we now fund and support, there is an almost 100% decision for birth after seeing an ultrasound. Any surprise that Planned Parenthood doesn't invest tax dollars in ultrasounds?  They are without excuse...

Just a ways down the slippery slope is Down Syndrome.  Pragmatic, logical people - governments - are now advocating a no-survivor policy. They will then be "Down's-free" zones. This has been reported as a "courageous" stance.

My buddy Jake is a black belt. He loves orange soda, prefers a hug over a handshake, has a mischievous sense of humor and is just one of the guys when we all hang out together on league night.  I enjoy spending time with him and his loving, supportive family. He has Down Syndrome. 
(Iceland has thus become a no-Jake-or-his-family zone. Somebody explain this to Icelanders, for Christ's sake.)    In this current cultural debate - I find myself labeled as unconscionably intolerant - because I have matured past cold-blooded pragmatist to become chromosome-blind to Jake and his family.  

One statistic I read suggests that more than100  million adult women are "missing" in other countries, because they got gender selected out of the womb in hopes of a boy baby on the next round. This is heartbreaking for everyone involved - including coerced, mislead and victimized parents who fight against it and are overpowered by others.

The other shoe has also dropped...now some countries who had "assisted suicide" laws have begun to advocate "proactive euthanasia" -- since it can be both "humane" and pragmatically expedient in economically troubling times.  

That's made the slope slippery on BOTH sides of the womb. 

The same cold logic that converted Roe v Wade to 1 million deaths per year (more than cancer, more than heart disease) for the "health of the mother" will soon be trained on "what's best for the health of 80-somethings."   We know how that math will progress, thanks to abortion's test case. Ironically, it's just in time for the 20-something activists of the Roe v. Wade era to come under similar scrutiny for their own aging process and euthanasia. 

None of it seems as complicated to me as it used to - I simply go with God on this topic. And it leaves me somewhat embarrassed for how intolerant I was of the early "pro-lifers" who had simply articulated an objectively informed, biblical worldview:  "Let the babies live."

"And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." 1 Cor 6:10

Every life is precious. Let's let God determine the outcomes. We've proved ourselves unworthy to take his place.

What do you believe?

Take the direct route - interstate, due west

From where I live, the city of Madison is about 60 miles due west as the crow flies.
If someone were to ask me how to get there, I'd say, "Hop on the interstate, follow the signs to Madison, you'll be there in less than an hour."

It is a virtually straight path east-to-west, it is well known and it works.  Simple.

Someone might ask for other options.
"What if I decide to take a scenic route and use one of these other roads?"
Well, its still due west, and if you pay attention, you should still get there, although it will take longer.

"What if I decide to come from a different direction...from another state?"
Madison doesn't move, you can still get there, but I don't know every route.

I do know ways that you will not get to Madison. If you hop on the interstate and head in the opposite direction, due east, you will not arrive in Madison. In fact, you will drive into Lake Michigan!
The same will happen if you head off in many other compass directions.
However, you could stop at any time, reverse your course, head to Madison and you will get there.
Madison doesn't move.

Jesus doesn't move. You can reach him.
He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.  Hebrews 13:8
There is a simple direct way to Jesus - as easy as jumping on the interstate to Madison.
Tell him you're sorry for your sins, that you believe on Him as the Son of God who died on the cross for your forgiveness and that you plan to follow his ways.   You will be with Jesus.

Lots of people say - I prefer the scenic route. Can they still find Jesus? Of course. It might just take longer.
Others say, if Jesus is west, then I'm heading east.  Of those, some will decide to turn back and make their way to Jesus after all.  That is repentance - to turn away from sin and towards the Savior.

And then there is, "Look, I'm going to travel to God, or travel to heaven, but I don't need Jesus for that."

Our family used to smile when we took "scenic" road trips down south, we'd sometimes lose our way and stop to ask directions - some of the locals would stop, think a bit, and then say kindly, "I'm not sure you can get there from here." So, we'd reverse course and rethink our approach.

When people ask me about finding the way to God and eternal life - scenic or otherwise - without acknowledging Jesus, I've given it a lot of thought and prayer.
I'm not sure you can get there from here.

What do you believe?

Are you keeping that gift I gave you?

I spent many years sharing the Gospel with a friend of mine.

In the early stages of our friendship it was part of getting to know each other.
I attended church, he didn't. What was your background growing up, etc.
We had both attended the same denomination with our families, but it was just routine for both of us as youths.
God was one of many topics we covered over many conversations, but never a focus.
With our wives, we were a great foursome. Then kids. Time passed, we moved to different cities.

He was a solid, family-oriented guy. Fantastic dad, respected business person.
There was just never a time when he asked more than I offered about spiritual matters.
Through the years, Angela and I both grew in our faith, attending bible study, keeping Jesus at the center of our family.  I began sharing the Gospel more openly and proactively with people, wanting to share the good news.

And so I brought it up more often in our phone calls.  Did he ever have questions about Jesus or his relationship with God?  No, everything was just fine. Did he understand Grace?  He'd patiently listen and we'd go on to other topics.  We'd send each other books and music now and again.  On one of those occasions, I had an idea.

He called me to say thank you for a music CD I'd sent him.
"You're welcome," I said. "Are you going to keep it?"
"Well, yeah, I like it," he said.
"We're you planning to send me any money or anything to pay for it?" I asked.
"I'm not sure where you're going with this, but its a gift, right?"

After some of our usual back and forth, I brought it into perspective.
"That's the Grace I've been talking about. It's a gift. You didn't do anything to earn it - it's part of our friendship. I provided it, but you received it. You could have thrown it away when you saw who it was from, but you didn't. And you know there's no cost, there's no expectation to repay it. In fact, you could try to repay me, but then it would mean less, and wouldn't be a gift after all. We'll have our usual ups and downs, but I won't ever ask you to give it back.  That's how it is with God's love."


That broke through where years of other conversations had not. It eventually did lead to the specifics of his personal faith. And though he never shared news of a profession of faith with me, he acknowledged his understanding and that we were on the same page about Jesus.

He's passed away now and I do believe that he took time to think it through, and was prepared to have the conversation with God.  I hope he did. I'm looking forward to catching up with him again when its time. We'll have a lot to talk about!

Is there anyone you've tried to share the Good News of Jesus with, but haven't quite found a way to explain Grace?  Try sending them a CD...

What do you believe?

The State Will Take Care of Me Anywhere I Go

Our travel guide through Europe was Gabriel, a young woman from Hamburg.
She spoke six languages - which helped as she navigated us through five countries!
We had plenty of time for conversation with Gabriel during long hours of walking and transit.
We came to know some of her personal worldview and caught glimpses of it intermingled with her tour guide commentaries.

For example, she explained that she was "not very religious." This came up at the first cathedral we visited in Frankfurt, St. Bartholomew's.  We had been walking and chatting with her for several  hours through the downtown, along the Main river and at a nearby cafe. As we were about to enter St. Bartholomew's sanctuary, Gabriel hung back and said she would be waiting in the courtyard when we were done.

She held up a cigarette to signal it would be a smoking break. Our initial disappointment was that we would miss her terrific historical insights, and that we had genuinely enjoyed her company. But we were soon engrossed in the lovely cathedral and its art.

When we rejoined her outside, it was with a new list of historical questions - who was buried there, who created the sculptures, what had been rebuilt after the war, etc. Gabriel patiently shrugged and said she didn't know, she was not very religious after all.

Angela and I shared a curious, bemused look, but it was only the first day and we still had lots to see.

On the one hand, Gabriel could easily recite dates, generals, battles, monarchs, novelists, plazas, breweries, rivers, mountains, etc. But whenever we arrived in a new city and inquired about the most historic cathedrals, we got a casual shrug and sometimes her own bemused look when she repeated, "As I said...I am not as religious as you are."

But there was so much more to our cathedral visits than spiritual interest. We stumbled onto fabulous art by the likes of Van Dyck, Veronese, Bellini, Caravaggio, etc.  500 year old works in 1,000 year old architecture.  Whether you cared to walk through a particular cathedral or not, surely you might be inclined to point out where there were masterworks to be seen, as she did later --- when it was the secular setting of the Louvre.

We learned to do our own google research as we "steeple chased", which worked just fine, and all was well in the end.

The other worldview glimpse came with Gabriel's passion for the European Union. She took time in each country to explain their role in the EU and would point out the 2 flags..a country flag and an EU flag. She had the tour bus circle around the grounds of the EU parliament in Strasbourg and Gabriel explained the work they conduct there on behalf of EU citizens.

Gabriel took that opportunity to explain, "Because I am also a citizen of the EU, I know that even if something happens to me while I am in a different country than my own, they will take care of me there, they have to."

And that helped me better understand how Gabriel might see "religion." While she seemed suspicious of - or indifferent - to Christian cathedrals and what they represented, she was almost reverent in her regard for the EU and how it would support her, wherever she might go.

We didn't have the time or opportunity to dig deeper into the topic. I would have loved to explain the gospel to Gabriel in terms she associated with the EU. God loves her with more than a union of economic and social welfare. He is there wherever she goes, to be called upon for support, guidance, protection, insight and wisdom. Forgiveness and mercy. Eternal life.

God's love provides so much more than can be accomplished by the principles of the EU, or any other government for that matter.  And that message of Grace is so close to Gabriel in the sacred buildings she has chosen to leave off her list of "places to see while visiting Europe." Maybe on another trip, another cathedral...

What do you believe?

Glorifying God - Cathedrals or Auditoriums ?

We finally got to Europe this summer and I was amazed at the age and art of so many beautiful cathedrals. In some cities there were literally churches on every plaza. These were of centuries old architecture - interior walls hung with stunning canvas and frescoes, painted domes, marble columns, tiled floors, carved wood and exquisite sculptures. Absolutely breathtaking.

The sheer volume of superlative religious art impressed me, but I also paid attention to the fascinating back stories of funding. Connected to these historic sites was the vast wealth of monarchs, merchants and the personal sacrifice of countless individuals and communities.

My favorite example turned up in Venice. It was late afternoon and we were due to board our water taxi back to the mainland. We saw a steeple peering over nearby roof tops and quickly navigated a few narrow streets to find a small courtyard and plain, bone white structure. It was the church of Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. Hurrying inside we were stunned to see lavish, floor to ceiling paintings. The late afternoon sun streamed through the high windows and lit the 500 year old art as though a spotlight from heaven had been carefully positioned for the purpose.

Centuries before, a convent next door to St. Zechariah trained the young women of local families. Those same families helped fund the church and its art. Quite a commitment. And remarkably, it's still standing for us to marvel at all these centuries later. The best part of the story for me is that this ancient community of nuns, in turn, donated a plot of land a little further down the canal. It became the site of St. Mark's Cathedral, the most well know landmark in Venice. We later learned that the beautiful altar piece in St. Zechariah had been painted by Bellini, considered one of his most important works. Who knew. What an amazing story traced back to people choosing to glorify God artistically with their wealth.

Fast forward five centuries to the nice Christian school we sent our own daughter to. Our family donations were in the form of tuition. Tuition pooled with much wealthier donors to fund a school building, library, auditorium, gym, football stadium, tennis courts. No Bellini's on the walls that I know of.

There are those who say we are better to "invest our treasure in the kingdom"  like this with schools and  missionaries - rather than in the elaborate edifices of architecture and art as in the distant past.   After experiencing the Bellini altar piece and the splendor of St. Zechariah's in Venice - I'd still like to see us glorify God with both.

One thing is not lost on me - Europe is full of exquisite churches visited by tourists in a post-Christian culture. Glorious architecture and art has withstood the test of time, but it has not sustained or nurtured a culture with evident spiritual foundations.  The thriving, growing churches of evangelicals here in the states are more auditorium than architecture, beautiful for their acoustics and worship music. And they actively glorify God by sharing the Gospel with new believers and with robust missionary programs. All good.

So its hard to know what will "stand the test of time" 500 years from now - what will have best glorified God and grown the kingdom with worship, service and discipleship.

For me, I was very encouraged and inspired as we wandered and marveled at the sacred art of our European travels. It was exquisite sensory beauty that anyone could appreciate, but it was spiritually moving as well. Worthy of its creation and preservation.

If Jesus hasn't yet returned 500 years from now, will there still be a church in Venice that grabs someone's heart and attention as St. Zechariah's and the Bellini did for me?  I hope so. I pray so.

What do you believe?

Disproving Jesus - Make Your Case

We just saw The Case for Christ, a movie based on the book of the same name by Lee Strobel.
It deals directly with key points that Lee himself wanted to use to disprove any possible foundation in truth or facts for Christianity. His hypothesis was:  if you prove that the entire Jesus narrative lacks truth, then Christ himself is a myth.

Eventually,  his obsessive search for facts turned up nothing to dispute the historical existence of Jesus in Jerusalem during the Roman rule of Pontius Pilot. Despite his very public death on a cross, first-hand accounts exist of Jesus' resurrected appearance after three days in the tomb, to hundreds of people. And there is much more of course, see the movie! The movie stops short of making broad claims about God, theology or other spiritual hot buttons - but  the "case" made for Christ is earnest and compelling if you're willing to watch and listen. Glad we did!

Not everyone is interested in these questions of Christ, of course. Most people get more tangled up in the God-or-no-God debate - or the "isn't your god the same as their god" race to indifference.

But for people who at least acknowledge Christianity as a spiritual concept to consider, I've encountered four main reasons for their decided choice to reject a "case for Christ."

They are:

1. Uniformed or misled: Most people who dismiss Christianity out of hand have simply not done their homework or have been raised with a false narrative. They have been told or assume that Christians are ...haters...judgmental...hypocritical...delusional...apostate..
They have not had or taken the opportunity to behold forgiveness, mercy, Grace, love and eternal life in Jesus.  Christianity rapidly flourishes in parts of the world where these basic elements of Christianity are finally revealed and understood. And that is why some cultures try so brutally to suppress it (including the USA).  Matthew 22:29

2. Proud:  Many people understand and believe the historicity of Jesus. But they stumble on the part where we must acknowledge our own sin and turn from it with God's help. It takes humility to admit that we cannot achieve "goodness" on our own - and that God alone is Holy. Christians humbly acknowledge God for His mercy and forgiveness, because we - none of us - are worthy without Him. That is why Jesus died on the cross.    James 4:6

3. Decided Rebellion:   I actually know people who say..."I'm going to hell anyway...so I might as well enjoy it while I can...." or some version of that. Some want to bypass or oppose God with an alternative spirituality...It's not always as blatant as WICCAN or Satanic worshippers. Anyone who says, "Well, I'm aware of Christianity, but I have developed my own personal spirituality that doesn't fit with the bible or an organized church." These are often reasonable, sincere people who have in fact created their own religion in direct opposition to God.  Psalm 68:6

4. Disinterested or In Denial:  "I really don't care."  "It will all sort itself out in the end."   "I'd like to believe that, on balance, I'm a good person and God will know that,"  "You live, you die and that's it."  I encounter many people who have run into at least one of life's huge challenges...sickness, addiction, loneliness, boredom...and they then start to get interested in Jesus. "What happens when you die?" is often the leading indicator of someone who has previously been disinterested or in denial of God's plan.  Romans 1:16

Jesus himself acknowledged the diversity of disbelief when he told the parable of the sower. You can read his words in the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 8.

I'll continue to "make a case for Christ" with anyone who is curious, searching, or struggling.  The ways of our world seem so amazingly daunting and confusing - but the message of Jesus is so simple.

"Repent, and believe the Good News."  Mark 1:15

What do you believe?

I looked right past the cross

I walked right past this cross more than a thousand times over 18 years and never saw it. Here's what happened:

We were visiting family in Cincinnati last week and I planned to attend Sunday services at our old neighborhood church.  I got a late start and finally found an open parking spot on the adjacent playground 5 minutes after services had already begun.

Sometimes you can  peer through the stained glass doors to the sanctuary and spot an open seat, but no such luck for me. Half a dozen late-comers in the entryway gave me knowing half-smiles as I turned around... "We already looked..."

Ah, but there was still one alternative to standing there for the next hour.  I peeked over to the choir loft stairway that is tucked off to the side of the main entrance. Ha! Nobody had claimed the "late seat" at the bottom of the stairs.

I had never sat on the choir steps for a service before, but I had seen many people do so. For years I had navigated up and down the narrow stairway every week hauling guitar cases, keyboards and sound equipment to lead worship with my daughter and our dear friend, Sue.   At least 3-4 trips up and 3-4 trips down the stairs every week we played. Thousands.

It wasn't unusual to run down the stairs during a service to retrieve a piece of music or replace a microphone cable. And I'd have to step around the person or persons sitting at the bottom of the staircase with a whispered, "excuse me...sorry...pardon me."

So it was my turn to smile when I heard the choir door creak open during the sermon. A singer or musician was on their way down the stairs and I knew to lean tight against the wall and let them squeeze by. Now I was the one occupying the "late seat" as they knowingly smiled and stepped past.

With that extra dose of humility, I mused over the new perspective offered me. Physically removed from the "action," I was neither fully engaged in the sanctuary nor supporting it with music from the loft.  Even so, I felt warmly connected there in my old home.  I was able to pray and listen, and even the familiar creaks from the loft floor above were comforting to me.

That's when I noticed that sunlight began pouring in from a window on the stairway wall above.  I silently noted to God that this would actually be a very pleasant worship experience if I my view wasn't obstructed by the concrete sanctuary wall - because from where I was sitting, I would be looking straight through to the front of the church and the cross.

The cross! Right there on the inside of the old oak staircase railing - just a foot away - was a lovely cross carved into the original woodwork. A cross now brightly lit by the sunshine pouring in behind me at just the right angle.  It was directly in line of sight, but only for the person sitting in this particular "late seat," on the choir loft stairs. Had the original artisan thought of that? I hope so.

After attending church there for 18 years and hurrying by it thousands of times, I had never seen that cross.  I wiped away tears but couldn't stop smiling at the unique gift of that moment. I wonder how many similar reactions and assurances were brought to people who had initially felt frustrated or embarrassed to be the latecomer on the stairs.

We walk right by the cross of Jesus thousands of times in our lives. Not just in a church, but on the sidewalk, at work, even in our own homes.  God is in plain view, but it might take a different perspective sometimes to see him - or to see what others see from where circumstances have placed them.  I'm going to look more carefully in the future.

What do you believe?