Ridgell's Originals

I continue to believe that more people are receptive to the Christian Way right now than has been true in some time.  Covid.  Politics.  Racism.  Life.  Addictions.  Relationship struggles.  Economic hardship.  Uncertainty. Death.  But we have to be sure we are communicating the real message of Jesus. 

It is tempting to emphasize that the kingdom of God has never been partial to any race or nationality.  And that is true.  We haven't always lived up to it, but we have tried.  That has been a consistent message from God.  All are welcome to enter the Kingdom.  All.  Great intro point to talk about Jesus, but equality is not the main message of Jesus.

Life matters.  Also a fundamental truth of the Way of Jesus.  We take care of our families.  We take care of each other.  We serve others, even if they are not part of us.  The second great command for our lives as believers is to love others -- all others -- as we love ourselves.  We take care of old people.  Sick people.  Babies.  We care for those that cannot take care of themselves.  Even in the face of danger, we do for others.  Great message to share to intro Jesus, but not the main message.

We are not at home in this world.  We are not part of the hatred, violence, and meanness of the current political system.  In spite of what a few would lead you to believe.  We are part of the Kingdom that has always been and will always be.  All the true authority in the world resides in our King.  There are some looking for that kind of allegiance, but that is not the real message.

Here is the message we need to be sharing.

Jesus died for all our sins.  And we all have them.  Everyone -- every person -- knows there are things they have done that they should not have.  And things they did not do that they should have.  Jesus died so you would not have to answer for those.

Jesus rose from the dead.  Resurrection.  That is why we do not fear death.  That is why we walk into danger to serve others.

I am sorry if some of us that really do believe have failed to get to the real point.  But this is what we believe.  Jesus died for our sins and was raised from the dead.  

If you believe this, you can be part of the Kingdom of God.  Every one.  No matter your race.  No matter what you have done.  

All you have to do is decide to give up on yourself and give in to Jesus.

And people are doing that every single day.

If you want to know more, let me know.

steveridgellministry@gmail.com  

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

I am sometimes asked for reading recommendations. So here is a suggestion from one of my all-time favorite books, The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

“This is the end.  For me the beginning of life.”

These are the last known words of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, spoken on the way to the gallows to be hung by members of the S.S. Black Guard in April, 1945 in the Flossenburg concentration camp.  He was executed because of his faith.  He was not just a dedicated preacher and a prolific writer, but he lived his faith.  He believed intensely in the community of the believers and that Christians must oppose evil.  He defied the Nazi regime by baptizing Jews and he helping start the Confessing Church.  The way he lived gave life to his writings.  As did his death.

I first read his book, The Cost of Discipleship, while in college.  Much of this book centers on the Sermon on the Mount, but it is his section on grace that is so compelling.  He confronts the notion of cheap grace, defined as preaching forgiveness without discipleship.

He insists that costly grace “… is costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.”  This is a book I have read many times over by now.  I still continue to gain new insights into what it means to live grace. 

One last quote from this book: 

“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.”  Quite a commentary on Luke 9:23, where Jesus said to follow him is to deny oneself and take up his cross.  Or Galatians 2:20 where Paul writes that he has been crucified with Christ.

While you will not agree with everything Bonhoeffer writes, this book is definitely worth a read if you want to learn what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.

Be blessed.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

 Since I wrote last time about churches splitting over different views of how to read Scripture, I thought I might share a few ideas for how to read Scripture.  

let me get this out of the way first.  I believe Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit and He did not make mistakes.  I believe the Holy Spirit can work to ensure adequate translation. I do not think Scripture contradicts itself.  I do not think you have Old Testament vs. New Testament.  Or Jesus vs. Paul.  

I believe some Scripture is hard to understand.  But so did Peter, so...  

I think if it matters to God, He made it clear.  

I think Scripture was written to people at a certain time and place, but I do not think that means Scripture was true only for them then and there. 

So here are a few suggestions.

Read Scripture.  Study yes, but read it.  I am amazed how many people debate what Scripture means without actually reading it.  

You do not have to have a degree or be a professional to understand Scripture.  There is much insight to be gained from educated Bible scholars, but God never intended for Scripture to have to be filtered by professionals in order to understand it.

Never be afraid to study for yourself and in groups.  If all your Bible study comes in sermon and a class or two per week, you are never going to know what God says to you.  And if you ever have a church or a preacher or a parent discourage you from studying and thinking about Scripture on your own or in a group, find a healthier church or preacher.

Listen to lots of teachers.  With the internet, there is a lot of poor teaching out there.  But it is easier than ever to find healthy teaching.

Stay humble.  No one is right about everything.  I think I am right about things or I wouldn't believe what I do.  But I constantly study.  I may be wrong.

The Bible is always the best commentary on the Bible.  Trying to decide important matters on the basis of one verse is a dangerous practice.  

The Bible is not a proof text.  And it was not written to prove you are right.

If the Bible teaches something different than you believe, then it is you that is wrong.

But isn't up to us as a community of faith to decide what the Bible means?  I think there is great value in community study and discernment.  However, community discernment means we all have a voice in the discussion.  All of us.

The Bible is not God.  Or Jesus.  Or the church.  It does not save us.  

But it is God's message to us.  Exactly as He wanted it.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

 Churches do not split over issues.  Not really.  You may have a few people leave a church because you so -- or don't do -- some specific thing, but the major rifts/splits/divisions come over something much deeper and more fundamental. 

Churches split over how you view Scripture.  I grew up in -- and still worship with -- churches of Christ.  But I read and listened to lots of people in other fellowships and am convinced this is true across the board.

So let me share the ways this plays out.

The first major split I was aware of in churches of Christ was over the use of instruments in worship.  While many advocating non-instrumental worship for a number of healthy convictions based on Biblical principles, the split occurred when congregations insisted that instrumental worship was wrong.  And that the Bible taught that.  After all, silence -- and the New Testament, tho not the Old, is silent on the use of instruments.  

Here is the problem.  When you say the Bible teaches something, it is very awkward to realize the Bible does not teach what you say.  The argument becomes "God did not say this, but this is what He meant."  As if the Holy Spirit never imagined anyone would not get the point.  

And of course, this view of Scripture eventually morphs into a conviction that there a right way to do -- or not do -- everything.  Very divisive, very narrow.  Defensive.  Lots of fighting.  Very hard to grow up loving Scripture when you do know the ins and outs of what it means when it does not specify things.  Eventually people will abandon that view of Scripture.

The second split that really affects our fellowship, and many others, is the role of women leadership and authority.  Part of the problem is the view above.  Scripture means things about women, public worship, and what can and can't be done.  Even when Scripture doesn't say it.  So a woman can't pass a tray during the Lord's supper.  Ironic that Scripture does not even say much about the how of Communion.

But that is a long way from preaching or being elders as a woman.  But not if you take the position that the Bible does not always mean what it says.  Maybe meant it then and there, but not here and now.  As if the Holy Spirit never imagined a time when culture would be at odds with things in the Bible.  

So you end up saying "God said this but that is not what He meant."  Very awkward when you have to explain away Scripture to get your point across. Hard to grow up believing the Bible when what it teaches changes over time and cultures.  So you have people who end up not taking Scripture seriously.  Making it say what they want it to say.

Of course, it is not just these two issues.  End time theology and church organization are two other issues where the first view of Scripture hurt the unity of believers.  And same sex marriage will see churches divide because of that second view.

The split happens because there are Christians who won't be part of a church that insists what they decide God meant to say is binding and must be followed.  Or they will not be part of a church that insists God did not mean what He did say.

I get that issues become the flash point and the focus of what we think causes churches to divide.  But I become more and more convinced the issues just point out the fundamental differences in how we look at Scripture. 

So let's all study Scripture for ourselves.  And study together.  Not just rely on a preacher or preachers to tell us what to believe.  Let us be guided and shaped by what the Bible actually says.  Not what we wish it said.  Or what we wish it did not say.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

I had my annual visit to my Cardiologist today.  They asked a bunch of Covid questions, did an EKG, and talked about lab results.  

The EKG is a big deal because mine is... well, odd.  It started when I had my first wellness physical when I turned 50.  They did an EKG and when I got the results, the first question was when did I have my heart attack.  I never have had a heart attack, but there is something about my heart that shows up on an EKG and looks scary.  

It is nice to know where the potential problems are.  You do know that we all have areas where we are spiritually vulnerable.  Physical appetites, greed, and pride/ego.  When you know the temptation, you are better equipped to withstand the devil's approach.

Covid is a new issue this year.  Part of the questions are because at a Cardiologist office there are a lot of vulnerable people.  It is important to protect the weaker among us.  

Same thing spiritually.  We need to be very aware of watching out for each other.  Accountability, confession, and living in real community together.  Protecting each other.  Asking the hard questions.  

Labs help you identify potential areas of weakness.  How is your blood pressure, weight, cholesterol?  What is healthy and what needs attention.

Prayer life, worship, Bible study, service.  Are you spiritually healthy?  What are you doing well with and what needs attention.

And I am fine.  It is time for more follow-up tests.  Better safe than sorry.  Of course I agreed to everything my Doc said.  She knows way more than I do about how to keep my heart healthy.  So I listen and try to do what she says.

God knows way more than I do about how to keep my real heart healthy.  I talk to Him.  I listen to Him.  And I try to do what He says.

Today was about my physical heart, but I am glad for the reminder about my real heart. 

So God keep my heart healthy and turned to you.  Because that is the key to following your Son and having real life forever.  

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

It is so easy just to toss out there.  Christians are against abortion.  That is a position that is at odds with much of our culture.  In fact, many Christians are even wrestling with how they view abortion.  It is at the center of the "culture wars."  It has become a very politicized.  

There are reasons for why so many Christians are opposed to abortion.  So here are five quick thoughts about abortion.

The greatest command is to love God with all you have.  If God loves life -- and he does -- we should also.  

The second greatest command is to love your neighbor as yourself.  Think about what that means in the context of unborn lives.

Christians do not buy into the whole "my body, my rules, my control" narrative.  We are more into "God's body now, His rules, His control."  

But if we are going to oppose abortion, we sure better be there with better options.  Walking alongside single Moms.  Helping with financial and emotional support.  Being there for families that are on the edge even before the stress of another baby.  Foster care.  Adoption.  Supporting non-profits that work with expectant Moms from pregnancy thru the teen years.  If you do not know any organizations to help, hit me up.  We have three that we support and believe in.  

And we have to deal with the forgiveness/guilt issue.  As Christians we ought to be so good at this, but sometimes we are not.  Forgiveness for those whose pregnancy is a consequence of sin.  Not the babies fault.  Consequences are not the same as sin.  Forgive the sin and help manage the consequences.  And forgiveness for the ones that had abortions.  It is the great secret among many Christians.  We must be there for each other.  Even if we disagree with the choices made.  

For those that are the abortion arena -- walking with Moms trying to decide, caring for the babies born into difficult situations of all kinds, and dealing with the aftermath of choices now regretted -- may God give you strength and wisdom.

This is real life.  And hard life.  And easy for some to talk about.  Not as easy when you are willing to get right in the middle and do life with someone.

God give us strength and courage to live our convictions.    

# posted by Steve @ 6:00 AM 0 comments

 They are not really very much alike.  Except they were part of my church family, they all loved Jesus, and they all went home forever this week.  

And they each helped me love Jesus and taught me something about following him.

Charlotte had battled health issues for a long time.  And like all of us, life was sometimes a struggle for her.  But she always fought for her faith.  I love faith fighters.  She was unfailingly sweet and upbeat when I saw her out in town.  And she was one of the all-time great card writers.  She wrote dozens of cards to my in-laws during their last few years here.  And now they are all hanging out in heaven.  That is a great legacy.  Fight your battles, stay positive, and encourage others.

Nathan and I served together as elders for about five years.  He genuinely loved people, he was a good Bible student, and he wanted others to follow Jesus.  He was a great hospital visitor.  Checked in on people.  Showed up at funerals.  When he was up in ICU his family would communicate with several of us by a group text.  They were consistent in asking for prayers, but also consistent in their conviction that Nathan would be OK whatever happened.  It is one thing for you to have faith.  It is another to see that faith reflected in your family.  Love Jesus, love others, love your family.  Try to get everyone to heaven.  Great legacy.

Dianna and her husband Jerry were not as well known at church.  Unable to attend the last several years because of her health issues.  But they were among our greatest ministers.  She got them involved several years ago working with the Bhutanese at church.  They were part of a core group of 15-20 that were really involved.  Teaching English, helping with job applications and interviews, and studying the Bible.  And when she could not go to them, they started having them over to their house.  Lots and lots of Bhutanese are part of the Kingdom of God now and she was a part of that.

I hear a lot of talk about changing the world and how that can happen.  Programs.  Laws.  Money.  Elections.  

Or you could be like Charlotte, Nathan, and Dianna.  They each were world changers in their own way.  

I want to be more like them.

And I am really glad I will get to hang out with them all again someday.

Forever.

# posted by Steve @ 6:00 AM 0 comments

 There are a lot of Christians very certain they know who God wants to win the election. But here is the question I think we need to consider.

God may not want your candidate to win.

I understand the desire to vote your Christian principles.  And you may be right that your candidate is more in line with Jesus values.

But what if the desired outcome is not to elect the candidate who will make America the most Christian?

I am 100% convinced that we should pray for God's will to be done and then pray for whoever wins.  But the one you vote for may not be the one God wants in office.

God is not thinking about what is best for the United States.  God is thinking about what is best for His Kingdom.  And that may not be what seems to you to be best for America.

The best thing that can happen to America is for more people in this country to become Christians.  That means more people saved.  Stronger morals.  Less racism.  Christians make better countries.  

Whoever wins the election -- and combined with the Covid crisis -- means our country will never be the same.  

That may be better for the Kingdom.

The church has not done well being tied closely to politics.  We tend to lose our identity in Jesus and find it in a politician or political party.  Since Constantine made Christianity the official religion, we have tended to look like our government.  Fit in with culture.  You know... all the things they did not do in Acts and in the first few years after Jesus.

I know the worries,

But the economy may go in the toilet.  And that may mean people look for something else to provide for them.  And we have the answer.

But religion may be outlawed.  Or persecuted.  And we will boom.  Real commitment and passion to the mission.

But what about the morals?  Which ones?  Cultures change morals all the time.  And legislated morals do not stick.  You have to change hearts.  Heart change is a Jesus result.  

But things won't be the way I think they should be.  Trust God.  He knows more than you.

Maybe your candidate loses.  

And that may be exactly God's will.

Stay on mission.  

# posted by Steve @ 6:00 AM 1 comments

 I think the Pandemic has given Christians a great opportunity to share their faith.  People are looking for answers.  They are hungry for hope.  They are receptive.  

There are Christians seizing this opportunity.  Some churches are actively equipping members to be engaged in making disciples.  And many Christians and churches would never fall for these tricks.  

But if I were Satan, here are five things I would do to be sure the church fumbles away this opportunity.

Push Politics.  Get Christians to expend lots of energy trying to convince each other the right way to vote.  Maybe even try to cause division.  Make non-believers confused about Republican churches and Democrat churches.

Masks.  I would try to make mask wearers think they don't trust God.  And make non-mask wearers think they don't love their neighbors.  Even better if I can get some Christians to invest in this.  

Energy.  I would try to make sure church leaders are exhausted figuring out how and when to open up.  Maybe could even get some people arguing about that.  Even criticizing the church down the road for not doing it correctly.  Use the whole love God/love you neighbor thing as a weapon.  They won't have time to reach people.

On-line church.  Get churches competing for viewers.  Make smaller churches feel inferior.  Have leaders spend a ton of time convincing Christians that on-line church is just like the real thing.  Then have them spend a lot of time convincing these same Christians that on-line is not near as good as in-person.  Mixed messages are always helpful.  And with some luck, maybe Christians will become even more passive about their faith.  And be sure they do not feel capable of doing any worship on their own.

Fear.  Above all, scare everyone.  Scared people will not be a threat to steal my followers and make them disciples.  So maybe I can get Christians scared about the election.  Or about dying from Covid.  Or scared to get out of their homes.  Scared of the future.  Scared the past is over for good.  Get leaders scared about numbers, budget, and programs.  Maybe even get all the ministers afraid for their jobs.

Well, if I were Satan, these would be some things I would try.  Probably wouldn't work.  But he has to do something.  If not, there may be an explosion of Kingdom growth.  Not structured.  Not organized.  Just Kingdom busting out all over.  Followers making more followers.

Completely unacceptable if you are Satan.

So remember Satan is a liar and do not fall for his tricks.

Go God.

# posted by Steve @ 6:00 AM 0 comments