Beware the yeast of the Pharisees. Luke 12:1
Don’t gaze at wine when it is red,
when it sparkles in the cup;
when it goes down smoothly;
in the end it bites like a snake and poisons like a viper.
Proverbs 23:31-32
Religious intoxication.
It is a vice more vicious and destructive than the worst case of rampant alcoholism, because it is cloaked in
respectability and virtue and devotion.
And yes, it needs its own recovery group — but then, we would all have to be in it.
Legalism is an insidious seduction perpetrated by the enemy of our souls who converts brothers and sisters into legal pick-pockets and preachers into nit-pickers.
Faith is exchanged for exterior conformities.
Integrity swapped for appearances.
Holiness replaced by adherence to rules.
Love swallowed up by law.
And those seduced are clueless until the morning after — the hangover and the porcelain altar before which they bow when suddenly they realize they are staring back at themselves with soulless eyes.
That is, if they are fortunate enough to wake up and actually feel the hangover. For legalism can become a lifelong binge from which there is no recovery (hence Jesus’ words on the blasphemy of the Spirit later in this chapter of Mark).
And so the warning: don’t look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup...because the next thing you know you will find yourself positioning a man with a withered hand or marriage or life like a pawn among pews; seeing no man but an object, a thing, to be used, in this case, as bait in a trap for a galling rabbi who dares to speak forgiveness and feast with outsider sinners and who tramples your most holy laws and sacred institutions.
And then you will find yourself outside your holy place (or, perhaps even better, still within it) plotting on your most holy day how to destroy this Man.
“And Jesus looked around on them with anger…”
And he weeps.
I almost don't want to touch this one cause as I read through this i felt a sense of pride for the home team (Jesus), and i start thinking things like," yeaaaa kick those scum bags asses,show em whats right." And I could easily fall into the trap of wanting to use this blog as a platform for my own rage against legalism. But I know as soon as i do, those words from "the storm",your last blog," What meanest thou,O sleeper" will rear there ugly head and a tempest will storm until i see the log or whale bone in my own eye.
ReplyDeleteBut I do want to say it seems to me that no matter what, all things need to be done out of compassion and love. Whether it be using wisdom, or my gifts, or a reason for war, those two ingredients need to be present.
i haven't had much of either recently. Maybe I need to dive into that rabbit hole, go to Underland and pray for more mad and subversive friends in my life. Better yet, beee more of a mad and subversive friend.
Withered hand? I have been fighting withered life syndrome. At times I have felt like the ultimate freak, who simply cannot fit in to whatever other people call church. I have found not stares, but actual help, at the Boise Vineyard. Thanks for pastoring and havering.
ReplyDeletere·li·gion
ReplyDelete/rɪˈlɪdʒən/ Show Spelled[ri-lij-uhn] Show IPA
–noun
1.
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, esp. when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
2.
a specific fundamental set of beliefs and practices generally agreed upon by a number of persons or sects: the Christian religion; the Buddhist religion.
3.
the body of persons adhering to a particular set of beliefs and practices: a world council of religions.
4.
the life or state of a monk, nun, etc.: to enter religion.
5.
the practice of religious beliefs; ritual observance of faith.
6.
something one believes in and follows devotedly; a point or matter of ethics or conscience: to make a religion of fighting prejudice.
7.
religions, Archaic . religious rites.
8.
Archaic . strict faithfulness; devotion: a religion to one's vow.
.....or my personal favorite....Mr. Webster's description:
ReplyDeleteRELIGION, n. relij'on. [L. religio, from religo, to bind anew; re and ligo, to bind. This word seems originally to have signified an oath or vow to the gods, or the obligation of such an oath or vow, which was held very sacred by the Romans.]
1. Religion, in its most comprehensive sense, includes a belief in the being and perfections of God, in the revelation of his will to man, in man's obligation to obey his commands, in a state of reward and punishment, and in man's accountableness to God; and also true godliness or piety of life, with the practice of all moral duties. It therefore comprehends theology, as a system of doctrines or principles, as well as practical piety; for the practice of moral duties without a belief in a divine lawgiver, and without reference to his will or commands, is not religion.
2. Religion, as distinct from theology, is godliness or real piety in practice, consisting in the performance of all known duties to God and our fellow men, in obedience to divine command, or from love to God and his law. James 1.
3. Religion, as distinct from virtue, or morality, consists in the performance of the duties we owe directly to God, from a principle of obedience to his will. Hence we often speak of religion and virtue, as different branches of one system, or the duties of the first and second tables of the law.
Let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion.
4. Any system of faith and worship. In this sense, religion comprehends the belief and worship of pagans and Mohammedans, as well as of christians; any religion consisting in the belief of a superior power or powers governing the world, and in the worship of such power or powers. Thus we speak of the religion of the Turks, of the Hindoos, of the Indians, &c. as well as of the christian religion. We speak of false religion, as well as of true religion.
5. The rites of religion; in the plural.
One thing is for sure, we have lost the meaning of the word. Number two, at least we can affirm that having "a religion" is to have "a set of beliefs". So, in a sense, an evolutionist is a religious person, replete with buckets of faith.
The thing is, what you look at, you will love and what you love you will look at. God ants us to be always looking at Him and His glory. A proper set of beliefs, or sound doctrine and right theology, will point your eyes at God. It is no sin, and certainly no comparison to Proverbs 23: 31-32 to be staring at God and be finding your ultimate joy in His joy. It is no wanton drunkenness to seek one's absolute gain in God's gain. How does one do this? Only through right theology and sound doctrine can one ever hope to be overtaken with views of God's glory. All things are for the glory of God. God glorifies Himself and loves Himself the most. Therefore we must always be seeking to see more of Him. People love to knock the word religion today, but that is nonsense. It is wrong theology and perverted doctrines like those from Emergent thinking that cause waywardness. Being a religious man is not legalism. It's funny how good things get turned into bad words. Jesus said. "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." Does that make Him a bigot? Pure, Biblical Christianity is an absolute Truth and the only right way of perceiving God. Does that mean Christianity is sectarianism?
People think religion, theology, and doctrine are foul balls in today's church. Pastors have neglected their charge to actually shew themselves approved by sound doctrine. The flocks have suffered a great deal.
When a church starts to be embarrassed by talk of theology and doctrine you are walking on deadly ground.
..or my personal favorite....Mr. Webster's description:
ReplyDeleteRELIGION, This word seems originally to have signified an oath or vow to the gods, or the obligation of such an oath or vow, which was held very sacred by the Romans.]
1. Religion, in its most comprehensive sense, includes a belief in the being and perfections of God, in the revelation of his will to man, in man's obligation to obey his commands, in a state of reward and punishment, and in man's accountableness to God; and also true godliness or piety of life, with the practice of all moral duties. It therefore comprehends theology, as a system of doctrines or principles, as well as practical piety; for the practice of moral duties without a belief in a divine lawgiver, and without reference to his will or commands, is not religion.
2. Religion, as distinct from theology, is godliness or real piety in practice, consisting in the performance of all known duties to God and our fellow men, in obedience to divine command, or from love to God and his law. James 1.
3. Religion, as distinct from virtue, or morality, consists in the performance of the duties we owe directly to God, from a principle of obedience to his will. Hence we often speak of religion and virtue, as different branches of one system, or the duties of the first and second tables of the law.
Let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion.
4. Any system of faith and worship. In this sense, religion comprehends the belief and worship of pagans and Mohammedans, as well as of christians; any religion consisting in the belief of a superior power or powers governing the world, and in the worship of such power or powers. Thus we speak of the religion of the Turks, of the Hindoos, of the Indians, &c. as well as of the christian religion. We speak of false religion, as well as of true religion.
5. The rites of religion; in the plural.
I answer the charge of the waywardness of the church, the awful "embarrassing" way church ducks sound doctrine by looking at our savior. He openly put finding the outcasts, and calling out the sidelined so he could touch and heal them,as the choice God desires.
ReplyDeleteThe pharisees choices always carried hollow statements concerning a passion or interest in other people who contradicted their doctrine.
You're right, religion is not entirely bad when it is Christ who heals and breathes the words of salvation and life in our hearts. He will forever change us once and for all.He changes our attitudes and brings graciousness employed with doctrine. We will be sectarians if we don't align our hearts with God and grieve for the alienated.
I find religion and fighting for it's sake, and following Jesus, are perhaps worthy of walking on separate divides. Religion that's lived by viciousness (the pharisees), is far from the love our savior came to communicate so he could turn people to his grace. Fighting with religion would leave me longing for hope, and only insisting a sacred way.
God will always hear words aspiring not from doctrines, but from the heart. Christ brought hope by serving and adoring God faithfully to the cross.
Grieving about the seriousness of religion, as you say, a slandered and verified word in the dictionary, is the undoing of any doctrine, and any good doctrine might have brought.
@ Mike
ReplyDeleteCan you clarify the point you are trying to make. Forgive me, it just seems you are speaking in circular logic. I do not understand what you are trying to say.
Doctrine-Good. God is love. Without love doctrine is only a weapon. Re-read the beginning starting at Mark 3. I know Calvinists love doctrine, but it seems to be more of a weapon than a way to grace and obedience to God. Thanks for asking me clarify.
ReplyDeleteThanx for clarifying, mike.
ReplyDeleteMy reason for asking was that you say doctrine is good and then say it is bad. You accused me of obsessing over the word "religion" when that is what Freeman has done in his blog post. I meant only to shed light on the actual problem with the way religion is treated. Freeman attempts to twist Prov. 23:31-32 and make it mean obsession over religion. Really? Who falls for this bunk? I mean don't get me wrong, I generally agree with the theme of his post, however the question remains, to whom does our Mr. Freeman speak. what demographic does he level his guns? The Catholics? Hardly. As we all know the Vineyardites are Catholic sympathizers. His own church? Unlikely. The Emergent crowd of flaming heretics? No way, he is open towards their idiotic theology.
I can only conclude that he is speaking of those who are so in love with a big God that they hunger for the unwavering Doctrines of grace. Men who will not suffer the sacrifice of truth for the sake of unity. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I assume Mike Freeman is holding to his usual ideals.
Therefore, mike, I am hard-pressed to defend the gospel. I am concerned that the doctrines that matter the most have been forsaken by the church. You mentioned "embarrassing" as the term to describe the church's lack of knowledge. What do you mean?
Listen to this quote from an intelligent man:
―What is the really important thing happening in the world in our generation? Where are the really significant events taking place?...Where is the focus of God’s activity in history?...The most significant thing happening in history is the calling, redeeming, and perfecting of the people of God. God is building the church of Jesus Christ. The rest of history is simply a stage God erects for that purpose…the rest of history is simply the scaffolding for the real work.‖ ERIC ALEXANDER
I am curious as to why you mentioned Calvinism? This word is simply a nick-name for pure Christianity. So many today are so very ignorant of the ways of God. You are right, doctrine is in fact a weapon. It is the Sword of Christ which we must learn to wield properly and bring all the way to the ground to see which side of it we are on. We must also remember it points sharpest at our own hearts. There is no "way to grace" as you have said. grace is a gift. To say it is a free gift is redundant. We could never obey God without this free gift of grace.
You speak of reaching out to others. Do you understand that this is not the foundation? I mean what are we looking at? God or social justice?
I will leave you with this quote from another pastor:
―Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man…Worship, therefore, is the fuel and goal of missions. It’s the goal of missions because in missions we simply aim to bring the nations into the white-hot enjoyment of God’s glory. The goal of missions is the gladness of the peoples in the greatness of God…But worship is also the fuel of missions. Passion for God in worship precedes the offer of God in preaching…Missions begins and ends in worship‖ JOHN PIPER, Let the Nations Be Glad
Let's talk about I Corinthians 13
Thanx for clarifying, mike.
ReplyDeleteMy reason for asking was that you say doctrine is good and then say it is bad. You accused me of obsessing over the word "religion" when that is what Freeman has done in his blog post. I meant only to shed light on the actual problem with the way religion is treated. Freeman attempts to twist Prov. 23:31-32 and make it mean obsession over religion. Really? Who falls for this bunk? I mean don't get me wrong, I generally agree with the theme of his post, however the question remains, to whom does our Mr. Freeman speak. what demographic does he level his guns? The Catholics? Hardly. As we all know the Vineyardites are Catholic sympathizers. His own church? Unlikely. The Emergent crowd of flaming heretics? No way, he is open towards their idiotic theology.
I can only conclude that he is speaking of those who are so in love with a big God that they hunger for the unwavering Doctrines of grace. Men who will not suffer the sacrifice of truth for the sake of unity. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I assume Mike Freeman is holding to his usual ideals.
Therefore, mike, I am hard-pressed to defend the gospel. I am concerned that the doctrines that matter the most have been forsaken by the church. You mentioned "embarrassing" as the term to describe the church's lack of knowledge. What do you mean?
Listen to this quote from an intelligent man:
―What is the really important thing happening in the world in our generation? Where are the really significant events taking place?...Where is the focus of God’s activity in history?...The most significant thing happening in history is the calling, redeeming, and perfecting of the people of God. God is building the church of Jesus Christ. The rest of history is simply a stage God erects for that purpose…the rest of history is simply the scaffolding for the real work.‖ ERIC ALEXANDER
I am curious as to why you mentioned Calvinism? This word is simply a nick-name for pure Christianity. So many today are so very ignorant of the ways of God. You are right, doctrine is in fact a weapon. It is the Sword of Christ which we must learn to wield properly and bring all the way to the ground to see which side of it we are on. We must also remember it points sharpest at our own hearts. There is no "way to grace" as you have said. grace is a gift. To say it is a free gift is redundant. We could never obey God without this free gift of grace.
ReplyDeleteYou speak of reaching out to others. Do you understand that this is not the foundation? I mean what are we looking at? God or social justice?
I will leave you with this quote from another pastor:
―Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t. Worship is ultimate, not missions, because God is ultimate, not man…Worship, therefore, is the fuel and goal of missions. It’s the goal of missions because in missions we simply aim to bring the nations into the white-hot enjoyment of God’s glory. The goal of missions is the gladness of the peoples in the greatness of God…But worship is also the fuel of missions. Passion for God in worship precedes the offer of God in preaching…Missions begins and ends in worship‖ JOHN PIPER, Let the Nations Be Glad
Let's talk about I Corinthians 13
we love you Dan
ReplyDelete