Pastor's Musings...

Should Christians Get Tattoos?

2011-08-21T15:51:00.000-07:00

Here's a response I recently wrote to a young person in our church (gracepointepgh.net) regarding tattoos:

As far as tattoos go, I'd have to say they're a Romans 14:1 issue..."a disputable matter." Scripturally, one can point to passages like Leviticus 19:28, I Kings 18 (prophets of Baal cutting themselves), and other similar passages that reference idolatry/witchcraft/mutilation in Scripture. But none of these examples establish an OUTRIGHT tattoo-prohibition due to context as well as the literal meaning of "tattoo" in our culture.

The question one has to ask themselves (as with many other grey areas in Scripture) is, "What's my motive? Am I merely seeking to call attention to myself? What's the grand purpose in this action?"

It would seem ONE clear motivation in "getting inked" is to call attention to a particular part of the body: sculpted biceps (oftentimes highlighted by barbed wire), a chiseled chest, sensual parts of the upper/lower leg, or even the lower portion of the back (which has become a sexual innuendo in our culture). Prominent tattoos highlighting these and other body parts cause people to cast their gaze upon the skin of the bearer and oftentimes induce a less-than-godly thought process. Even tattoos borne with noble intentions oftentimes result in lengthy, admiring stares by members of the opposite sex...this is not desirable for Christians seeking to conduct themselves in a way that DOES NOT cause others to stumble.

Another Christian consideration must be the overall connotation tattoos carry in society. Regardless of recent inroads into mainstream society, tattoos are STILL perceived by many (not all) to be gang-related or anti-society symbols. Interestingly, many businesses require employees to cover up their tattoos by wearing long sleeves, pants, or high-necked clothing due to the negative "vibe" it sends off to the public at large. Furthermore, mere mention of a "tattoo parlor" still conjures up sleazy, unwholesome images in most minds. Sincere Christians certainly do not want to draw any of these societal parallels.

Admittedly, the perception and meaning of tattoos is rapidly changing in our culture. In fact, many people view their permanent markings as timeless expressions of artistry, deeply personal symbolism, or honoring mechanisms toward their spouses, children, or other relatives/friends. Many Christians have even sought to honor Jesus Christ through their ink. The point must be made, however, that tattoos ARE NOT the only way to express one's deepest feelings of honor or relational connections...our culture provides ample options beyond permanent ink to achieve these noble goals.

Christians should never begrudge nor judge anyone who already has a tattoo. However, when considering whether "to-ink-or-not-to-ink," the above considerations should be taken into account. As a pastor, I have spoken to many congregants who have regrets regarding their permanent ink decision. Many wish they could erase the images because they represent their lives before they met Christ...a time when they were confused, rebellious, in an ungodly relationship, or had an overall different perspective on life. Specifically, before they became "new creatures in Christ."

While I cannot say with theological integrity, "The Bible clearly and strictly prohibits tatoos"...I can say they're not in the best interests of Christians. Think long and hard--not just about yourself--but about others before making this important decision.

I've STOPPED READING!!

2011-02-08T08:36:00.000-08:00

Walk into a good pastor’s office and you’ll spot them...they line the walls, double and triple stacked, hundreds upon hundreds...they’re called BOOKS. All pastors need them and most want more. They are his lifeblood, creative stimulus, and research partners. The almighty power of a good book will never find a substitutionary atonement!

So the following declaration will likely sound strange: I’ve put a STOP to reading! That’s right; my days of tireless word-contemplations are over! Now before you throw the book at me, let me explain: I’ve read WAAAY too much for one lifetime. At times, it’s literally been out of control. A reading list? I’ve read between the lines, beneath the surface, and ONLY in the fine print. My voracious eyes have spent hours scanning for hidden meanings, real truths, and secret codes. In fact, the reading intensity went to such a level that my mind’s eye was almost blinded!

I justified it by throwing around words like discernment, wisdom, and experience. And, truthfully, I was oftentimes satisfied—sometimes even congratulated by others--when my highly-regarded speculative skills were proven to be true! One person even referred to me as “Nostradomus.” That was a proud moment.

But I’ve decided to leave my career in covert ops behind and become more like Christ. I’ve decided “judicial estimation” is better termed skepticism, jaded thinking, or lack of faith. Jesus Christ has convicted me. I've discovered he actually BELIEVES in people! Jesus believes in legitimate life-change. Look at his life...he trusted people whose histories contained pathological lying, adulterous affairs, hypocritical statements, and false doctrines. He boldly proclaimed they could be “born again!” He encouraged total forgiveness and never embraced fear-mongering...this from a man who could evaluate a person’s true heart in a nanosecond!

Sure, I’ve been burned. Sure, being raised in a pastor's home acquainted me with a lot of people-disappointment at times. Sure, I remember the reasons my naivety was stolen. But perpetual distrust isn’t an option anymore. It’s not Christian and it destroys relationships. I choose to believe in others. I choose to forgive those who attempt to make amends. I choose to take people at their word and be surprised if they don’t keep it. That’s what Jesus has done for me since I first met him. I owe the same courtesy to others.

“Now that you've cleaned up your lives by following the truth, love one another as if your lives depended on it. Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God's living Word. Just think: a life conceived by God himself!” I Peter 1:22-23 (The Message)

Why did God allow polygamy / bigamy in the Bible?

2011-01-15T15:24:00.000-08:00

Why did God allow polygamy / bigamy in the Bible?

Grace is not a Welfare System...

2010-11-16T08:39:00.000-08:00

Grace is not a welfare system. Grace does not abolish personal responsibility. Grace never removes the “reap-what- you-sow” bias of an agrarian society. Rather, grace partners with effort to form a commune of strength in which impenetrable confidence resides.

There is great virtue in social assistance or “welfare” mediums. America is abundantly blessed with governmental prosperity, enabling the most impoverished to be clothed and fed. The aid offered to our nation’s populace has no global competitor and is a needful resource to a multitude of worthy candidates. But America’s backbone is not built by the graces of benevolent government alone. Dependency on “big-brother” has never been the modus operandi. What makes this united statehood great is the unbending will of its people to take problems personally. To fight, scratch, and claw its way out of troubles and into freedom. The glorious co-dependency of political system and people, listening and striving for one another, is what makes our nation strong.

A study of God’s grace reveals a similar “co-op” relationship. Firstly, to the core of grace: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Eph 2:8, NKJV) or “Saving is all his idea, and all his work. All we do is trust him enough to let him do it. It's God's gift from start to finish! We don't play the major role.” (The Message). Agreed! Grace cannot be conjured up from within, utter dependence on Him is required. Salvation hinges on the absolute sovereignty and generosity of God alone. Grace (God’s favorable treatment) is the Divine answer to everything wrong with humanity. It offers a helping hand void of bigotry. Its liberal bounty is distributed to the most undeserved candidates. It does not discriminate, incriminate, or implicate.

But grace doesn’t come without expectation; it never supposes to free from responsibility. “What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? Certainly not!” (Romans 6:15). CLICHÉ ALERT: Freedom always has a cost! Grace is not a “get-out-of-jail-free” card which exempts humanity from personal accountability or usage of the brain His grace has given! For too long, grace has been subjected to rampant abuse: “I’m able to make growth-choices, but it’s easier to let grace cover me; I’ll behave recklessly but grace will pick up the slack; I’d rather languish in immaturity than grow up and do ‘hard’ things!”

We are not rendered invalid upon receiving His charitable contributions to our account. A mystical force does not predispose us unto righteous choices. Perpetual purity requires desire, effort, strategic thinking, and total commitment. We must, “...grow up in Christ” (Eph 4:15).

Navigating the roadmap of spiritual and practical success requires the ongoing grace of God and our continual yearning to take advantage of it. We sow and grow in Him. We supplement our health through a constant intake of His abundant virtues. An unbreakable life is one firmly committed to abiding in His manifold grace. He is with us, beside us, and in us! His grace works in tandem with our aspiration, helping to undo personal failures as well as overcome fiery trials. “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love...” (2John 1:3).

Sex & Fasting...

2010-01-19T06:26:00.000-08:00

The title gets your attention, huh? After corresponding with a couple church members during our twenty-one day fast (January 4-24, 2010), I felt the subject was pertinent enough to address via my blog...ENJOY!

The questions stem from this passage:
1Co 7:4-6 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. (NKJV)

I tend to look at fasting as I do most disciplines in the New Testament: "the spirit of the law"--not the letter. There are so many variations of fasting in Scripture (length, diet, etc), it's hard to pinpoint one "right" way to fast. The overarching theme behind any fast should be affliction/humility of our flesh and renewed focus on the most important component of our being: the spirit-man & how it relates to the Creator.

I don't take Paul's writings to be a concrete formula for fasting, but rather a guide/preference/suggestion...verse six bears that out. Most commentators (see notes below) agree Paul refers to verse 5 and not verse 7 when he uses the term "this"; he's admitting his statements are his opinion, but not necessarily a binding commandment. Of course, Paul's overall opinion of marriage and sex was extreme. In the proceeding verses, he instructs on the virtues of being single (if one can handle the temptation) and suggests it's actually ideal to live that lifestyle in order to maximize your relationship w/God (verses 7-9, 28, 32-35); but again, he confesses this is his opinion, not an absolute commandment from God. Obviously, God thought it good for man to have a help-meet (see Genesis); additionally, Paul's lifestyle would result in population annihilation if everyone were to follow it!

Back to the subject at hand...my personal experience has been that, when I fast, not only does my hunger-drive become less dominant, but my sex-drive decreases as well. There is a different focus in my life and the base drives become less important--there's something special about conquering the flesh and giving God total priority.

I've had several seasons of fasting where I followed Paul's instructions in verse five implicitly (after discussion/agreement with my partner) and have found it to be an important time of discipline for my entire being. Particularly in this day & age, where sexual sin is almost unfettered, I think verse five is a good principle to observe. HOWEVER, it should only be done if BOTH PARTIES are completely on board! Otherwise, it can become an occasion for sin as well as open the door for hard-feelings/bitterness to develop between partners. I certainly do not observe the abstinence principle in each fasting instance--it's only been for certain times/seasons when my partner and I felt particularly led.

I've copied one excerpt from Poole’s commentary (regarding verse 6) to add further credence to my points: Poole’s Commentary-I Corinthians7: 6. “Some refer these words to all that had gone before in this chapter; but the best interpreters rather refer them to what went immediately before in the preceding verse, declaring, that he had no express command from God, as to those things of abstaining for a time for fasting and prayer, and then coming together again, but he spake what he judged equitable and reasonable; but as to particular persons, they ought to judge and govern themselves according to their particular circumstances.”

Whatever your sacrifice, God will honor it. Seek Him with humility and faith, "...your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly" Matt 6:18.

pastor chris

Fasting Continued...

2010-01-12T16:38:00.000-08:00

Greetings!

It's been a week or so since I've corresponded, but felt sincerely prompted this snowy morn. Let me begin by emphasizing this profound truth: "...your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly." Don't lose EXPECTATION. God sees your secret sacrifice & will respond accordingly.

A few thoughts:

Fasting brings keen awareness to the spiritual implications of our existence; it awakens Heaven and rouses Hell. Fasting causes us to realize God is constantly speaking, but we're not always listening! It's a desperate action by humanity, a hungry (pun intended) cry from God's offspring that says, "not my will, but thine be done." Fasting poses a dangerous threat to Hell's strongholds and oftentimes moves the enemy to ATTACK AGGRESSIVELY in a last-ditch effort to derail your destiny.

I have felt the ATTACK! in recent days and realize it's ultimate aim is to bring doubt to my vision. My suspicion is you've encountered the same mental/spiritual battle of late. IT'S NOT OF GOD, it's an attempt to dissuade your focused-faith. Satan wants to "frustrate your purpose" (Ezra 4:5) and use seeds of doubt to influence every element of your life. Don't fall prey to the enemy's tactics!

I'm clearing my throat...ahem!...and as loudly as possible I shout, "Your life is not off-course!!!" Don't listen to negative influences...shoulda, coulda, woulda, wanna...BLAAAH! Those thoughts are interference, unnecessary noises attempting to drown out the SUCCESS-PATH God has you on...BELIEVE!

Stay focused, stay energized, and maintain expectation---KEEP FASTING, PRAYING, AND TRUSTING GOD, "...let us not grow weary...we shall reap if we faint not" (Galatians 6).

Allow me to share a passage I read this morning, "Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him the right way for us and our little ones and all our possessions. So we fasted and entreated our God for this, and He answered our prayer." (Ezra 8:21,23) They were afraid of the enemy capturing/destroying them & their families as they traveled from Babylon to the land of Promise. But God answered their prayer! Your future is secure, your children are safe, God knows what lies ahead. Trust in Him.

Pastor Chris

P.S. A great twitter update I just read from T.F. Tenney, "Prayer without faith is just words" (T.W. Barnes)

21 Day Fast @ ACSH

2010-01-05T09:10:00.000-08:00

Greetings! ACSH is embarking on its first 21-day fast beginning Monday, January 4th - Sunday January 24th. As we feed our Spirit-man over the next three weeks, let’s believe for mighty breakthroughs!

Fasting is a powerful spiritual tool that enhances awareness of the Spirit and clarifies the will of God in our lives. It builds up the Spirit-man and, consequently, strengthens our faith. Fasting isn’t a magical formula for power, but it's a recipe for increased God-consciousness in our lives and it ALWAYS produces results: “...and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly” (Matthew 6:4).

Fasting puts us in the mainstream of God’s priorities as we hear His voice distinctly speaking into our spirit. IN THE NEXT 21 DAYS: expect to hear from God, expect to be convicted about habits/areas that you must work on, expect to receive insights/wisdom for your situations, expect to see healings of various types (physical & relational), expect miracles of all types, expect REMARKABLE progress in your relationship with God!

Any sacrifice you make for the Kingdom will be effective...be sure to mingle fasting with prayer and different forms of “meditation” unto the Lord (reading Bible, listening to Christian CDs, spending time with other Christians, reading Christian-based magazines/books, etc.) I have provided some ideas/details below to guide you through this endeavor.

Fasting Lengths:

24hour, 3-day, 7-day, 21-day, 40-day fasts are all recorded in Scripture (Exodus 34:27-28; Esther 4-7; 1Samuel 1:7; Daniel 1 & 10:2-3)

Fast Types:

1. Daniel Fast: just vegetables, fruit, water/pure fruit juices--no meats, sugars, sweets, starches, etc.

2. Traditional: just water, no food

3. Absolute Fast: No water or food

Alternative/Supplemental Fasting Ideas:

1. One-Week (or more) Media Fast: refraining from television, movies, internet-surfing for leisure (not job related), radio talk shows, etc. GOAL: to rid our minds of unnecessary clutter for a season in order to have accentuated hearing of the voice of God. Replace these leisurely pursuits with family devotional time, meditation on the Word, etc.

2Co 10:4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds,5 casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,

Php 4:8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

2. Negative-Speaking Fast: Refuse, for an allotted period of time (maybe FOREVER), to utter negative words about situations or people in your life. At first glance, this might seem easier “said” than done!

Ps 19:14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. Ps 51:15 O Lord, open my lips, And my mouth shall show forth Your praise.

3. Give up a particular product/food/drink that you value or are “addicted” J to: carbonated beverages, caffeine, sweets, cigarettes, etc.

Certainly it would be difficult for any of us to fast for 21 consecutive days (not that it’s impossible!) but I would like for each of you to do SOMETHING EACH DAY from January 4^th – January 21^st. Don't let a day pass that you're not actively "fasting" unto the Lord in some way or another. May God bless you individually and our church corporately during this time...

-Pastor Chris

Isaiah 58:3-12

That's Embarrassing!

2009-10-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

What's your most embarrassing moment? Upon reading that question, all of us were likely transported to a moment we'd rather forget. For me the setting was Livermore Falls, ME, crossing a busy street, walking my Western Flyer ten-speed to the opposing curb. Then it happened--somehow my large, Nike-clad foot entangled itself with a tiny spoke on the bike's back tire and... Well, you know what happened: Chris, the shiny red bicycle, and all our collective pride came crashing down in one, forceful spill! It was twenty-five years ago, but I remember it like TODAY!

It's hard to forget moments of stupidity. They are forever etched in our memory like an oak's eternal engraving, "Chris wuz here!" Thankfully, God knows how to plant new trees. They grow absent of ill-advised markings representative of past locales. God says things like, "Old things are passed away and all things are become new" and "Go your way and sin no more." (2 Cor 5:17 & John 8:11)

Adam & Eve, Moses, David, Elijah, Peter, and EVEN Paul (chief among sinners) had forgettable moments. But God erased embarrassment and created a reality they could be proud of! Let's cross the street & embrace the unashamed lifestyle Calvary offers. His non-discriminatory love awaits your arrival!

Fireworks Fun...I'm about to Explode!

2008-07-03T06:21:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to pass along the latest excitement around our house: FIREWORKS! ACSH is running a fireworks stand (@ 6500 Steubenville Pike, Robinson) to raise money for a missions trip to Paraguay and I'm about to EXPLODE! It's a good cause, but I had no idea the work involved. We've fought wind, rain, thunder, lightning, and fatigue...sounds intense, huh?

No, I guess it's not really that bad, I'm just thinking the 4th should be celebrated in a more "relaxing" fashion. The rocket's red glare is being reflected in my blood-shot eyes at the moment!

Hey, if you're in the Pittsburgh area, come out and support the cause. Bring me a "no-doz" while you're at it!

Later.

CJH

Methuselah's Still Alive!

2008-06-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

Methusaleh's not dead yet!

Dubbed the "Methuselah Tree" after the Bible's oldest person, a 26-month-old tree from what may be the oldest seed ever germinated now stands nearly four-feet (1.2 meters) tall. The new sapling was sprouted from a 2,000-year-old date palm excavated in Masada, the site of a cliff-side fortress in Israel where ancient Jews are said to have killed themselves to avoid capture by Roman invaders.

In my recent Father's Day sermon, I highlighted the importance of parents planting seeds of faith in their children; down the road (hopefully it won't take 2,000 years) that seed will produce future generations that serve the Lord!

My grandfather was a pastor/church planter in Bangor, Maine in the early 1950s. "Grampy" planted seeds of faith in my dad's life and my dad started churches in Maine and Louisiana, respectively! Dad then planted seeds of faith in me and the result...I started ACSH in Pittsburgh! Isn't is wonderful to consider the power of "seed-faith?"

Plant some seeds in your children and grandchildren now. What we pass down will take root and cause future generations to do even GREATER WORKS!

Just Do It!

2008-06-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

Well, the Scriptures say, "Don't just be a hearer...be a doer." (possibly I've paraphrased a bit! :) I've heard enough about it from the "kids" and "techies" @ Agapé; so, here goes...I'm actually BLOGGING!

Now, what to write about? This is a personal blog, but somehow I feel odd focusing on myself. Maybe I'll start slow...let's discuss the roots of the wonderful church I'm privileged to oversee.
Truly, we just did it! The six of us (my family and three others) started in a basement seven years ago and now have our own building and a thriving congregation. Agapé started with a vision and became a reality. My wife and I weren't sure about moving from the "sunny south" to the "slightly less sunny" northern tundra, but we JUST DID IT and God has blessed beyond measure! We took action...do you sense the theme of this blog?

Here's your Baskin-Robbins scoop: marathons aren't won on desire alone; it takes hard-working legs to get you across the finish line! God blesses the person who hears and obeys His Word. Mary said to the servants in John 2, "Whatever he says to you, do it!" That's how we should respond to whatever God asks of us, "Lord, I hear it and I'm willing to do it."

OK...that's my first-ever BLOG, POST, or whatever you "kids" wanna call it. Take it to heart and God will come alive again in your life!