Ridgell's Originals

 I have really mixed feelings about Easter.  I don't have any mixed feelings about Jesus.  Or the Resurrection.  Or meeting for worship on Sundays.  Or meeting on other days for worship.  

I do have mixed feelings about what churches and Christians should do about Easter.

Let me get the obvious out of the way.  I don't think Christians are commanded to celebrate Easter.  If it is not in the Bible, it is not something I must do.  But that doesn't make it wrong.  I never have understood why some Chritians condemn any kind of Easter recognition while insisting that Christians must worship twice on Sunday.  I am not sure you see that in Scripture.  There is certainly nothing in Scripture about taking communion by yourself while the rest of the assembly waits on you.  

But I am a little thrown off by the implied belief in some churches that Easter is the most Holy Sunday.  Of course, I am one of those bothered by the fact that some imply Sunday is the most Holy day of the week.  

What do you do about Christians who only show up on Easter?  Do you try and point out that Easter only Christianity is not what Jesus calls them to?  But then you would need to point out that Sundays only Christianity is not what Jesus calls them to either.

Do you celebrate their attendance and inadvertently reinforce that "once a year" is appropriate?

Do you celebrate Lent?  Obviously not in the Bible.  But giving up some things in order to focus on God is appropriate.  Ash Wednesday?  Pretty hard to do that without everyone knowing what you are doing.  But not a bad idea to focus on our mortality.  

Churches will have different reactions to Easter.  So will individual Christians.

As for me...

I don't do Lent.  Or Ash Wednesday.  Or really even Easter.  But I don't condemn those that do.  :Unless they try and bind it on me.

I think we ought to focus on the Resurrection on Easter Sunday.  Yes I do think it should be a focus every Sunday, but especially on Easter.  Because of the once a year Christians.  Because of the non-Christian visitors.  Because of the lost sheep that may be there for the first time in a long time.  

Resurrection.  God raised Jesus from the dead.  

And this is the greatest Sunday of the year to invite visitors to worship with us.  To hear the message that Jesus died and was raised from the dead.  For them. And if they believe it, they can die and be raised to a new life here and someday to be raised from the dead to live with God forever.

That is Easter for me.  

A chance to grow the Kingdom.  And that is what God wants.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 3 comments

 The Bible is a strange book sometimes.  I mean, there are things God should have dealt with and He did not.  And things He says which clearly are out of touch with today's world.  And sometimes He just does not communicate in a clear and understandable way.

Unless you believe He is God and so of course we will not understand everything.  He is so far above us that our job becomes less debating what God really meant (as if we could figure Him out) and more about obeying.  

So I am OK with the things God does not specifically deal with -- I assume the principles are their that would help me understand what to do.  And of course our culture is going to be out of step with God.  You know, the whole fallen world thing. 

But Numbers 7 is just ... odd?

It is a list of the gifts that the leader of each of the tribes gives at the consecration of the tabernacle.  And it is mind numbing.  The same list of gifts over and over again.  Just the name changes.  I could have tightened that right up as an editor.  One list of gifts.  One list of names.  Tighten up the whole chapter. 

But I really don't think I can edit God.  And should not edit God.  I absolutely believe God had a reason for everything in the Bible.  It is true and I need it.

So after reading Numbers 7 three times over a couple of weeks, here is what I learned.

I matter. Individuals matter.  Like so many lists of people in the Bible, I am reminded that God knows each of us and cares about each of us.

Every gift matters.  What I give in money, time, resources, and talent matters in the Kingdom.  God knows what I contribute.

Each of our gifts combined make great God things possible.  He uses everything form each of us to form a whole.  Kingdom good.  Kingdom expansion.  Kingdom care.  From each of us woven together in a whole.

I matter.  My gifts matter.  I am part of something greater than me.

So thanks God for giving me Numbers 7.

Just like everything else in your Word, it matters and I am instructed from it.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

This is a hard subject.  Christians and suicide.  I am certainly no mental health expert, but I do know about Jesus, sin, and forgiveness.  I do know Christians sometimes take their life and it is painful and heartbreaking.

So here are a few random thoughts.

Suicide is a sin.  Just like murder.  Or abortion.  Or adultery.  Or lying.  Or gossip.  The consequences are of course different for different sins.  And the consequences of suicide are certainly different.  

But how can a Christian possibly choose to take their own life?  Just like Christians choose to commit any sin.  You lose some focus on Jesus.  You don't talk to anyone in your community of faith about your struggle.  You listen to the lies of Satan.  You let your spiritual self esteem fall.  Then you make a rash decision.  The wrong decision.  

But I just don't understand it.  Me either.  There are lots of sins I don't struggle with, so I am not sure I understand them.  Just like lots of people don't understand some of the sins I struggle with.

But how can a Christian be forgiven for suicide?  They obviously cannot repent and do better.  There is an assumption in this question that I do not agree with.  I do not believe sins are only forgiven if you specifically repent and ask for forgiveness.  This is much like having a bad thought about someone right before a fatal car wreck.  Are you forgiven for that thought?  

I John 1:7-10 talks about walking in the light and being cleansed from your sins.  And it is a certainty that we sin.  But I have never believed sin is about a legalistic yo-yo Christianity.  Sin, lost, pray, be forgiven.  Repeat and just hope you don't die between the sin and the prayer.  We do live confessinal lives rooted in the certainly that God is faithful to forgive us.  So I believe as long as we are on the Jesus road that our sins are being forgiven as a continual process.  

Suicide is a sin committed in a time when you are weak.  Just like all sins.  And Christians sometimes lose their focus and sin.  All of us.  And we are forgiven by God's grace and mercy.   

How can we help prevent this?  The same way we help prevent all the sin in our lives.

Live in authentic community.  Be confessional with our struggles.  Help others.  Speak often of grace, mercy, and forgiveness.  Share our stories.

And just for clarity.  If Satan is planting the wrong thoughts in your head, tell someone.  That's why we do life together.  

And focus on Jesus.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

 Lots of Christians struggle with sin.  I have.  And still do in some areas.  I even wrote the book, Wounds into Scars, for the struggling Christian who cannot move past their sin.

It is hard to know how to deal with Christian sin.  It hurts God and it reflects poorly on Him.  And hurts the church.  Their are consequences.  Others get wounded by your sin.

But then there is the whole Prodigal son/older brother story.  And the plank in my eye while I work on the speck in yours.  And the forgive as you want to be forgiven.  

It is hard to be patient with sinners.  We all want them to stop it.  We worry about the damage being caused.  

But here are four things I remind myself about being patient with sinners.

Being patient gives them time to repent.  You know, like God does with us.  So keep praying, loving, speaking truth, holding accountable, forgiving.  Many sinners do get better at following Jesus. They do overcome their addictions and their struggles.  

Some strugglers have pressures we do not really understand.  Unless, of course, you have been there.  Addictions are real, serious, and hard to break.  Pressure from friends and family is real.  Habits are hard to break.  That is why we must do better with living in community.  Not just Sunday worship, though that sure does make a difference.  But being there on the Friday nights.  Hanging out to model better relationships.  Doing life.  Being there.

Some sinners don't see a way out.  Yes, we must do a better job of discipling and we must expect more from each other.  Holding each other accountable matters.  But we also have to be aware of the pressures some of our brothers and sisters are under.  Economic pressure.  Family pressure.  Cultural pressure.  

And of course, the big one.  I want you to be patient with me.  I am forever grateful to the people who have been patient with me.  Some were not.  But a few were.  And it worked.  I want God to be patient with me.  I am trying with all my heart.  So why do I want grace and patience but refuse to grant it to others?  

I am not saying to excuse sinful behavior.  Or to ignore it.  

But I saying we have to be patient.  

So forgive, pray, teach, fellowship, be there, and be patient.

Just like God is with you.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

 I travel to a lot of different churches in a lot of areas, so I get this question quite often.

What is going on in Abilene?

My first response is to tell them how excited I am about what God is doing at Hillcrest where I am.  Lots of Kingdom growth.  Evangelism.  Harvest of souls. Then they get to the real question:  what is going on with (fill in the name of the congregation or college).

So I tell them.

First I say that I don't know because unless they are asking about Hillcrest, I probably don't have a clue.  And I am sure too busy to try and find out.  Oh, and I believe in congregational autonomy so it is not really my business.

Then I tell them since I am not an elder at the church they are asking about then I really am not responsible for what they do, so...

And finally, even if they are doing something I do not think is healthy or even the right decision.... well I might be wrong.

I don't go there.  It is their business.  I am not sure what is going on and I might be wrong about the issue.  

Let me be clear.  I think I have a solid Biblical view about any number of things.  But everyone does not agree with me.  And I am sure that goes both ways.

Then I ask how that church responded when you talked to them about it?  Usually ends the conversation.

Or I ask if they believe in church autonomy?  Another conversation stopper.

Finally I sometimes give my stock answer.  I may or may not agree with everything every congregation or college in Abilene is doing.  But I sure hope they all talk to everyone they can about Jesus.  I hope they all baptize dozens, hundreds, next year.  Because there are a lot of lost people in Abilene.

God will sort it all out.  If they are way off base, they will not last long.  

Just like your congregation.    

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 5 comments

 I am on staff at Hillcrest church of Christ.  I have spent my life in the heritage known as churches of Christ.  I have spoken at many community worship services, some community and evangelical churches, but most of my preaching has been in churches of Christ.

I have written about why I use the little "c" in churches.  It is because I believe this is not a title, it is a description.  

But I also think we sometimes put the emphasis in the wrong place.  I think that some of my tribe occasionally puts the emphasis on Church.  Which leads to that whole debate about church organization, how we worship, what name is correct, buying a Church building, creating a budget, and having a professional staff.  You know, all the things that make a Church.  

I doubt it ever happens intentioanally, but this can easily lead to elevating the church above Christ.  Doing service in the name of the Church instead of in the name of Jesus.  Even converting people to the Church instead of to Jesus.  

I want us all to be sure we keep the emphasis where it belongs.  We are the people of Christ.  The community of Jesus.  The ones called to be disciples of Jesus.

More emphasis on living in community as disciples.  Inviting others to join us on the journey.  

Some will not get what I am trying to say.  

Some will get it, but not agree.  Or think I am making too much of this.

But as for me, I love Jesus much more than the church.  My church is much bigger than Hillcrest.  I love Hillcrest -- the people, not the organization.  And certainly more than the Church building.  Maybe because I still get lost there.  :)

So let's keep the emphasis where it belongs.

Not CHURCH of Christ.  

But church of CHRIST.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

 I hear church leaders sometimes say things like this:

"Sinners are welcome here.  We are all sinners.  We are all flawed."

And I get the point.  It is right.  Well, except for three things.

There is a difference in forgiven sinners and those who do not yet follow Jesus.  So yes we all sin.  Our sins are not held against us.  Big difference between visitors and Christians.

We have a different life ethic.  Grace.  We live forgiven.  Doesn't mean we are perfect, but we fight our sin.  Non-believers who may visit are not living under that same ethic.

We are getting better.  Grace has made us better people.  We Christians sometimes make horrible mistakes/sin.  But we repent and take active steps to do better.  We would be so much worse without Jesus.  

I believe Jesus calls people where they are, but not to stay where they are.  He calls lost people to salvation.  

It may be appropriate to say "we get it."  "Many of us have been where you are."  "But Jesus changed us."

So the truth is that we are not just like the non-believing visitor.    

Grace and forgiveness.

And if I am a seeker visiting a church that is just like me even though most of them have been following Jesus a long time, well... that does not inspire confidence that Jesus can change me.

The intentions may be good when we make those kinds of statements.  I just don't think they are accurate.  Or at least I hope they are not accurate.

I know what you mean.  I think.

But do the lost visitors understand?

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

 I will be in Nashville this coming weekend.  Satuday morning I will be doing my Can I Tell You a Story seminar at the Lebanon Road church of Christ.  They are hosting Christians from the Nashville area who would like to share their faith more effectively.  Then I will be doing Bible class and preaching there Sunday morning.  

This is actually part of my work for Herald of Truth and the Mission: Evangelize America efforts.  I have been with this church before and I am excited to go back.  They want to reach people for Jesus.  And I appreciate them hosting this event so others can be involved.

My wife Marsha is going also.  She travels with me 2 or 3 times a year.  I always like it when she goes.  Keeps her bought in to what I do.  More importantly, she really helps with what I do.  Great with people and most of our conversion stories she was involved in, so it is special when she goes.

And our grandaughter Avery is going.  

She is the third of our five grands to make a trip like this with us.  We think it is important for our grands to see what Pops does.  And it is important to see church in other places.  Anna has been to Morro Bay, CA.  Jake has been to Nashville at the Hillsboro church of Christ.  Now Avery is going.  Andrew and Austin will get their chance someday also.  

We get to see some sights, eat good food, and talk a lot about Jesus.

Don't really know how much the grands get out of this, but it is really special to Pops and Mimi.  Seeing another generation buying in to Jesus and to sharing him in our world.

So praying this weekend is another of those spiritual milestones for the Ave.  And for us.

And for Lebanon Road.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments

I wrote this a couple of years ago about what I thought it would take for a evangelistic revival.  Not a revival among Christians to ignite their faith, but a revival among Christians to go all-out in reaching lost people.  I think it is starting to happen in Abilene, Texas.  It may be happening in other places.  So here were my thoughts two years ago on evangelistic revival.

 I have often said that I think we are on the verge of the next big evangelistic revival.  Here are the five things that need to happen. 

Revival happens when culture is increasingly against and hostile to Christianity.  That is happening.  The incredible amount of public hate and anger in our culture.  Taking of life not only allowed but approved.  Lack of respect for God's plan for marriage.  

Revival happens when there is a cataclysmic event that shakes up the normal status quo.  Something that makes people question/hunger/want something bigger and better.  Hello Covid.

Revival happens when the church as it is will not be up to the challenge.  Far too many churches/Christians have put their trust in politics.  Churches are aligned with, and seeking approval from, culture.  Churches are very inward focused.  And the bigger the church, the more important it becomes for them to focus on their own viability.  Protect the organization.

Revival starts from the ground up, not the top down.  It will not happen with a program, committee, or organization.  It starts with individuals who catch fire and it multiplies from there.  Sometimes you cannot even figure out where it started.

It will be Bible based.  That is the only way it can be a grassroots movement.  Not led by professionals. Not highly educatied in theology.  Just a Bible based movement.

It will much more about Jesus than church.  Church identity will not play a major role.  Jesus will.

I think the Holy Spirit is working.

I think the atmosphere is right.

Established churches are not getting it done, at least not most of them.

People are hungry and in need.

The Bible actually really is pretty easy to understand.

Are you one of those that God is about to unleash on a lost world?

Praying.

# posted by Steve @ 5:00 AM 0 comments