Archive for the ‘Culture’ Category

22 Feb

Declaring Jesus “Lord”

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in Apostle Paul, Bible, Christian, Christianity, Culture, discipleship, Jesus, Politics, Religion, simplicity, trust. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

A Roman Centurion kneels before Jesus

The Apostle Paul frequently emphasized the importance of declaring Jesus as “Lord” and believing in His resurrection from the dead for salvation. This declaration might sound fairly straightforward at first, but upon closer examination it raises deep theological and spiritual questions regarding the early Church as it existed in the Roman Empire. In his letter to the Romans, Paul says plainly, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9*). So, what does Paul teach us about declaring Jesus as one’s personal Lord?

Context

The early Christian church grew up in a Roman-dominated world that was highly influenced by Greek literature, philosophy, art, and other lesser facets of Greek culture.  The term “lord” (Greek: kyrios) was generally used to denote authority and ownership. It was a title often bestowed upon emperors, kings, gods, and other figures of ultimate authority. Those who watched Game of Thrones might recall hearing someone commanded to “bend the knee,” i.e. bow before another, often under a threat of death, and swear to faithfully serve them.  

By urging believers to declare Jesus as “Lord,” Paul was challenging Roman culture and Rome’s political good order. This declaration was a direct affront to a large number of Romans who professed Caesar as the ultimate “lord.” Paul’s assertion that Jesus is Lord was a declaration of His ultimate authority, above all earthly rulers and powers.

In this context, Paul’s message becomes a threat of insurrection. To declare Jesus as “Lord” was to “bend the knee” to Him above all other authority. It demands a complete makeover of one’s life and priorities, aligning them with Jesus’ teachings and the example of how He lived. For early Christians, declaring Jesus “Lord” was much more than a public profession of faith. It was a dangerous political declaration that invited Roman persecution and risked ostracism in public, religious, and political sectors.

Pronouncing Jesus as “Lord” encompasses several key aspects of Christian beliefs. Foremost, it acknowledges Jesus’ divinity. In Philippians 2:9-11, Paul describes how God exalted Jesus and bestowed upon Him “the name that is above every name,” such that “at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” This passage highlights the divine authority and honor accorded to Jesus, reinforcing His central role in God’s plan of salvation that has existed from God’s foundation of the world.

Pronouncing Jesus “Lord” affirms His sovereignty over every facet of one’s life. It implies a surrender to Jesus’ will and guidance, trusting in His lordship to guide and transform one’s life. This declaration is inseparably linked to the believer’s acknowledgment of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Paul points to the resurrection as definitive proof of Jesus’ divine power and authority. The resurrection is a transformative truth in that it enables believers to live in accordance with Jesus’ teachings.

Personal Transformation

On an individual level, declaring Jesus as “Lord” signifies a deep internal transformation. It requires a conscious decision to turn away from sin and self-centeredness and embrace a life of discipleship. Christian discipleship is marked by love, humility, and service. Paul describes this transformation in terms of a “new creation” in 2 Corinthians 5:17 and “putting on the new self” in Ephesians 4:24. These highlight the radical change in personal priorities and purpose that occur when one becomes abandoned to Jesus.

Declaring Jesus “Lord” is the central point of unity and shared identity among believers, who are often referred to as “brothers and sisters in Christ.” With Jesus as “Lord” Christians are joined together in a common faith and mission. This communal aspect is evident in Paul’s frequent use of the metaphor of the body of Christ, where each believer is a member with unique gifts and roles, all contributing to the health and growth of the whole (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). The lordship of Jesus rises above cultural, social, racial, and ethnic divisions, creating a diverse yet highly cohesive community of faith. Praise the Lord!

Doxology

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” —Romans 8:38-39

* All Bible quotations are NIV unless otherwise noted.

Copilot AI was used to assist with historical research for this article. 

29 Oct

The Triumphant God

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in advice, Bible, christ, Christian, Christianity, Culture, forgiveness, Israel, Judaism, Psalm Sunday, Religion, Salvation, simplicity, Sin, spiritual, Uncategorized, war. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , .

The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, Matthew 21:1-11

The dominance of Rome

As a retired Army Officer, I find Roman history fascinating.  The Roman Empire’s territory in Jesus’ time completely enveloped the Mediterranean Sea. Roman society was very militaristic. The military played a central role in the empire’s territorial expansion, governance, and social structure. Rome aggressively employed its strong military capabilities to conquer new territories and maintain control over its sprawling empire. Military prowess was a key aspect of Roman cultural identity.

The Roman Senate sometimes granted a festive procession through the streets of Rome to pay tribute to a general who was victorious in battle. Called a Triumph or a triumphal procession, it was a grand and elaborate ceremony designed to celebrate and publicly recognize the military achievements and conquests of the general being honored.

A Triumph was a blend of religious, political, and social elements, showcasing the glory of Rome. The general being honored wore a special ceremonial toga. He rode in a chariot drawn by four horses, followed by his troops, prisoners of war in chains, strange animals from the conquered lands and wagons filled with the spoils of war. Adoring citizens lined the streets, cheering as the different elements of the Triumph passed by them. The air was full of the sounds of music and chants, creating a jubilant, reverent atmosphere. The Triumph not only honored the general but also reinforced the power and splendor of the Roman state.

Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem

In Jerusalem a large crowd of Jews gave Jesus an impromptu Triumph of His own. His triumphal entry into Jerusalem is described in all four Gospels: Matthew 21:1-11, Mark 11:1-11, Luke 19:28-44, and John 12:12-19. Each provides a slightly different perspective on the event, but they all highlight the significance of Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem as the fulfillment of prophecy. Jesus’ triumphal entry, in Christian tradition, marks the beginning of Holy Week. It sets the stage for the events leading up to His crucifixion and resurrection, which are central to the Christian belief that Jesus is the Messiah, the son of the living God.

According to the Gospels, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey (or colt), fulfilling a prophecy found in both Isaiah 62:11 and Zechariah 9:9. As He approached the city, a large crowd gathered, spreading their cloaks and palm branches on the road before him. They shouted “Hosanna” (loosely translated as “save us” or “help us”) and praised Him as the “Son of David” and the “King of Israel.”

The atmosphere at Jesus’ triumphal entry was one of celebration and anticipation, as the jubilant Jews who were present believed him to be the promised Messiah, who they supposed would be a military leader who would free them from Roman oppression. However, in stark contrast to a Triumph for a Roman General, Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem symbolized the peaceful role of His mission as Messiah, the humble King of Israel who fed the hungry, healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, gave sight to the blind, prayed for His enemies, and washed the feet of His disciples.

Sadly, most of the Jewish people and religious leaders failed to recognize Jesus as Redeemer, the sacrificial Lamb of God who would suffer and die under the orders of Pontius Pilate and after three days gloriously rise from the dead, conquering sin and death once and for all. Jesus freely sacrificed himself for the sins of the world and offers eternal life to all who believe on Him and profess that He is the son of God. We all need the Most Holy Redeemer of the world. Jesus Christ is the Triumphant God.

Prayer to the Most Holy Redeemer

 (Anima Christi)

Soul of Christ, sanctify me.

Body of Christ, save me.

Blood of Christ, embolden me.

Water from the side of Christ, wash me.

Passion of Christ, strengthen me.

O good Jesus, hear me.

Within thy wounds hide me.

Never permit me to be parted from you.

From the evil Enemy defend me.

In the hour of my death call me.

and bid me come to thee,

that with your saints I may praise thee

for age upon age. Amen.

2 Corinthians 2:14 – “But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession…” 

* All Bible quotes are ESV

Bing Copilot AI was used to assist with the historical research used to write this piece.

7 Oct

Blessed

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in advice, Bible, Christian, Christianity, civil rights, Culture, defense, Education, Freedom, Gifts, graduation, Politics, Prayer, Religion, security, Simple Living, simplicity, war. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

Afghan woman proudly displaying her purple forefinger, dipped in indelible ink at a voting station where she cast her vote in the national election. This was a way of ensuring voters voted only once.

It was sunny and warm in Louisville, Ky. on Saturday, June 28, 1975. That’s the day I boarded a bright yellow school bus at an Army recruiting station for a short journey to Fort Knox, where I was scheduled to undergo Army basic training or boot camp as it’s often called. Only a few weeks earlier I’d been a bright-eyed college student receiving his associate degree in Munich, Germany.  My mother Phyllis and stepfather Ray were still in Germany—Ray was an Army officer with the rank of lieutenant colonel, assigned to the U.S. Army Europe headquarters in Heidelberg.

After what seemed like hours, the bus turned into the main gate of Fort Knox. Entering the post felt very familiar, as I’d lived there during my freshman and sophomore years of high school while Ray worked at the Armor School. About ten minutes after entering the post, the bus turned down a side street and then swung into the parking lot of Delta Company, 13th Training Battalion, 4th Training Brigade, home of the Delta Demons. Delta Company would be our home for the next several weeks.

Peering out the bus window I could see two tough looking fellows wearing olive drab fatigues and the iconic Smokey Bear hats that identified them as drill sergeants. Their fatigues were starched stiff with creases that looked sharp enough to slice an apple. Their uniforms fit like gloves. Their boots were polished to a mirror finish. Not a hair was out of place. All you needed was one look at these impressive gentlemen to know that they were pure badass!

The driver opened the bus door and we were greeted by a booming voice.  “Off the bus and line up.  Move it ladies!”  After a clumsy exit, fumbling with our bags and bumping into each other, we school boys managed to get into something resembling a line. The empty bus quickly pulled away, leaving us feeling isolated and helpless.  It was then that we were introduced to the two gentlemen who would fill the roles of father, mother, confessor, and mentor for all of us in the coming weeks, as our Drill Sergeants turned a bus full of boys into men.

Thus began my 26-year career in the United States Army, an adventure that ended in 2001 with my retirement from our nation’s “Big Green Fighting Machine.” My career led me to assignments in the United States, Western Europe, the Balkans, Africa, and the Middle East.  Looking back, those were good years all in all. Sure, the hardships were many, but the adventures, excitement and camaraderie far outweighed the hardships.  I can’t help growing a bit nostalgic every time I think about it.

I wish the United States still had a military draft.  Even better would be three years of mandatory military service for every American girl and boy, starting at age 18. At least one year would be spent overseas, being exposed to other cultures and languages. It would be a better education than pursuing a four-year degree. It would also strengthen our nation by showing college age citizens how blessed they are to live in America.

Today’s world is full of danger. Look no farther than Ukraine or the Middle East for proof. Unfortunately, few of those in Congress have military experience as a frame of reference to help guide them when making decisions that could draw our nation into war.  

The presidential election is only weeks away and the ugly political slurs are flying like bullets in a drive by shooting. Politicians from both side of the aisle are quick to tell us how bad we’ve got it and how it’s all the other side’s fault. Don’t believe it. One thing my time in the military taught me is that, despite what shifty politicians might say to the contrary, we Americans have much to be thankful for.   

James 1:17 tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”  Here are just a few gifts Americans should thank God for. Remember them when you lie down to go to sleep tonight.

  • Across the land we enjoy relative safety from the government and other people.
  • We enjoy the freedom to worship as we choose.
  • Our leaders are elected by the people.
  • Access to free, basic education is widely available.
  • Safe drinking water is usually readily available.
  • Sanitation services are available to help prevent sickness and disease.
  • We grow enough food to feed our population and have extra to export.
  • We have a robust transportation infrastructure to distribute the commodities we need.
  • We enjoy abundant natural resources to produce energy.
  • Electricity is generally available across the land.

The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.  –Numbers 6:24-26

* All Bible quotes are NIV.

1 Jun

Scary times

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in Adversity, advice, Apostle Paul, Bible, Christian, Christianity, Climate, Culture, Disaster, Earthquake, Fear, Jesus, Oswald Chambers, peace, Prayer, Religion, simplicity, war. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. —Isaiah 41:13

Many people today fear a wide variety of things they see and hear around them. Fear is running rampant right here in America. Polls indicate that the majority of Americans now believe that their children’s lives will be harder than their own. They worry about unemployment and the economy. Many fear illegal immigration. Others are afraid to gather in public places for fear of violence. We see campus protests turn violent. School shootings don’t surprise us anymore.

On a cosmic scale we hear about giant solar flares that could destroy technology, pushing humankind back into the Stone Age. A large meteor or asteroid collision could destroy life on Earth.

In the natural world, we hear that a major eruption of a super volcano, like the one beneath Yellowstone National Park, could cause destruction and death on a planetary scale. Earthquakes and tsunamis in diverse places threaten millions of people. Climate change is blamed for killer storms, droughts, melting polar ice, coastal flooding, wildfires and more.

On the human plane, we read and hear about flesh eating bacteria, brain eating amoebas, and drug resistant bacteria and viruses. Abortion rights are a hot button topic that can trigger anger and rage. Some people hunker down in their homes, worried about riots, violence by and against the police, and other street violence. Others fear that computer hackers or scammers will steal their identities and wealth.  

There are wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and rumors of a global war that’s coming. Religious persecution is increasing around the globe. There is a growing wave of antisemitism right here in America. There are ample reasons for fear.

The Bible mentions two very different types of fear. The first is fear of the Lord. This fear is not associated with being scared. It is an awe and reverence of God and is to be encouraged. According to Psalm 111, fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and leads to rest and peace.

The second type of fear is detrimental. In the first chapter of 2 Timothy it is described as a “spirit of fear.” A person can be completely overcome by a spirit of fear, virtually frozen and unable to function. Such fear weighs a person down physically, emotionally and/or mentally.

Unfortunately, many Christians have succumbed to living with a spirit of fear. Some fear those of other religions and are reluctant to reach out to them in Christian love. Some fear those who are different from them culturally or racially. Others are hesitant to invite those in need into their lives for fear they might lose something or it might cost something. Some are afraid to leave the comfort of their homes and familiar surroundings in order to reach out to the needy. Others are hesitant to give of their wealth for fear they might later find themselves in need.

Many Christian fears boil down to a fear of losing something—possessions, comfort, safety, security. In Philippians chapter 3, verses 7-8, Paul describes how he has let go of the things of this world in order to focus on what is truly important:

But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.

One can’t grasp Christ’s outstretched hand while clinging to things of this world. As David tells us in Psalm 34, verses 4-7:

I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

You may be facing a health crisis, unemployment, divorce, a call to Christian service, or other difficult challenges. Don’t live in fear. Take the fears you struggle with today and give them to the Lord in prayer. Make this a habit. I will not tell you to “let go and let God” because it makes letting go of fear sound so simple. Instead, I encourage you to explore the Bible and learn what it says about fear. Read and believe!

Begin with Psalm 23. Then read Psalm 118. Other relevant Psalms include 27, 34, 46, 61, 91, 103, and 121. Once you have read these Psalms, locate a red letter edition New Testament and read every word spoken by Jesus. Then read Paul’s epistles. Become steeped in scripture. Do this and you will be well on the way to giving your fears to the Lord.

The remarkable thing about God is that when you fear God, you fear nothing else, whereas if you do not fear God, you fear everything else.   —Oswald Chambers

*All Bible quotes are ESV.

27 Apr

Politics: don’t get tricked

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in advice, Choices, christ, Christian, Christianity, Controversy, Culture, Faith, Messy Christianity, Politics, Religion, simplicity, Words. Tagged: , , , , .

Unless you’ve been living in solitary confinement for a while, you’re probably aware that many federal, state, and local elections will occur on November 5th this year, including a hotly contested race for the presidency. That’s just over six months from now. Already we’re being bombarded by election news and other information/misinformation on television, radio, the internet, and print media. I was a newspaper opinion columnist for 10 years. Many of my articles discussed politics. In contrast, in this Christian-themed blog I tend to steer clear of politics. The post that follows is a rare exception. I’ll try not to step on too many toes.

But first, here’s a corny political joke to lighten things up. What’s the difference between a politician and a magician? At least the magician returns your wallet when the trick is over. On the serious side, how are a wily politician and a magician similar? Both are illusionists, masters of creating and shaping perceptions. Many politicians use the magician’s tactic of “misdirection” where a magician draws the audience’s attention in one direction with something busy, noisy or spectacular, while the real moves occur out of sight. Voters must pay attention to avoid being tricked by wily politicians.

The remainder of this post borrows from a piece I wrote in 2022. It is a reminder to Christian readers that we are obliged by the scriptures to follow a different set of election rules.

The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.  –Psalm 33:10-12*

The November elections will soon be here and the political theater being played out is growing more intense by the day. We live in an age of great political division. Many national leaders and prominent politicians think that they have all the answers, but they’re wrong. As the above passage from Psalm 33 notes, “The Lord foils the plans of the nations.” God remains in charge. There are no political solutions to America’s woes.  What we need is more Jesus!

Here in America, those on the political right condemn the goals and activities of the political left. Those on the left condemn the right.  We hear and see it every day.  “Our way is best for the American people.” “They’re weak on defense.” “They trample on the Constitution.” “They only know how to tax and spend.”  “Their policies are destroying the environment.” “Their policies are destroying the economy.”  Politics pits friend against friend, men against women, husbands against wives, parents against children, nation against nation, religion against religion, and Christian against Christian.  The latter saddens me—it just shouldn’t be. Christians should be kind to everyone, especially fellow believers. The Apostle Paul tells us:

“There is neither Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, (insert Republican or Democrat), but we are one in Christ Jesus.”  –Galatians 3:28

Jesus told Pontius Pilate in John 18:36, “My kingdom is not of this world.” This wisdom reminds all Christians that we, including politicians, must answer to a higher authority than the government or political leaders.  In 1 Kings 22, the story is told of the time the King of Israel had to decide whether or not to go to war against Syria. Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah, advised his fellow ruler, “First seek the counsel of the Lord” before making a decision,” (verse 5). This is sound advice that Christians, and especially Christian politicians, would do well to heed. Seek God’s guidance before seeking the guidance of man.  We should also note Matthew 5:16, “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Christians should be the living face and hands of Christ to the world.

God “makes nations great, and He destroys them; He enlarges nations, and leads them away,” (Job 12:23). Political leaders rule because God allows them to, “for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God,” (Romans 13:1b). God can upset human plans, but no one can thwart His plans or purpose. God loves the world and sent His only begotten Son to suffer and die to atone for the sins of every person of every political ilk.

Pastor Eugene Cho is CEO of Bread for the World, a non-partisan, Christian advocacy organization based in the USA. I highly recommend an article he penned over a decade ago titled, “The 10 Commandments of Engaging Politics.” It contains a wealth of sound advice for Christians today as we approach the November elections. His article is available at the safe link:

The 10 Commandments of Engaging Politics

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.  –Psalm 105:1-4

*All Bible quotes are NIV.

16 Feb

A longing for God

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in Adversity, advice, Bible, christ, Christian, Christianity, Culture, Faith, Happiness, Hope, Jesus, simplicity, spiritual, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

The following people have something in common: Cleopatra, Pontius Pilate, Ernest Hemingway, Adolph Hitler, Marilyn Monroe, Freddy Prinze, Kurt Cobain, Anthony Bourdain, and Naomi Judd. Can you guess what it is? If you said all are famous dead people you would be correct, but you would be omitting a key detail. All died by suicide! The number of celebrities who kill themselves is truly astounding.

Clearly, wealth and fame do not come with a promise of personal peace or happiness. Neither does good looks or talent. Yet many people pursue all these.  Some people are attracted to celebrities like flies drawn to a sweaty horse.  Whether it is Megan and Harry, the Kardashians, or one of the seemingly countless reality shows that fill the nation’s television screens. Speaker of the Lutheran Hour, the Rev. Dr. Martin Zeiglar, writes, “Some people who bemoan our celebrity culture long for the old days. But were the old days any different? Modern mass media has changed our expectations for knowing others and being known by them. But our core human problem is the same. We expect humans to give us what we need-whether we are delivering ourselves to a celebrity in a crate (as a Burt Reynolds fan purportedly did) or asking for a selfie with them, whether we’re looking to fans and friends for recognition or looking to ourselves for fulfillment, the problem is the same.”

In addition to celebrities, humans are naturally drawn to feel-good experiences; the wealthier one is, the more these experiences are available. How we love to spend money on a fun week at Disney World, or going on a cruise, or basking in the sun and surf on Waikiki Beach, or maybe you would prefer a week of skiing in the Austrian Alps. Maybe your feel-good definition is a big shopping spree with credit card in hand. Perhaps you follow music, television, movie, and sports celebrities in the media and seek vicarious pleasure from following their lives. Unfortunately, many people who take so-called dream vacations experience feelings of sadness or emptiness as soon the vacation ends when they are thrust back into the realities of their daily lives. Shopping sprees may satisfy for the moment, but bring trouble when the bills come due.  And following the lives of famous celebrities is as likely to make one sad as happy.

At the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ (Luke 9:28-36), Jesus’ disciples Peter, John and James did not want to their experience on the mount to end. They had just seen Jesus’ countenance transfigured, his skin and clothing taking on a radiant glow as He spoke with Moses and Elijah. And they had heard the voice of God proclaim that Jesus is His beloved son.  They wanted to extend their own mountaintop experience, saying to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah (verse 33).”

Unlike vacationers depressed and saddened at their end of vacation, the Apostles on the mount of transfiguration understood that God is the true source of happiness, not feel-good experiences, or certain human beings.  In 2 Peter 1:16-18 we read, “For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. He received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.”

To be certain, all people are born with a natural longing that only God can truly satisfy. Putting one’s faith and hope in anything besides God and His son Jesus Christ will ultimately end in disappointment; and it is a form of idolatry. Is your mind focused on the face of an idol? Is the idol yourself? Is it your work? Are you chasing feel-good moments that fade? When one becomes mired in idolatry it impairs their ability to see God, rendering them powerless in the midst of adversity, when their soul most longs for God. Turn to God and find true fulfillment for all your inner longing.    

Isaiah 26:9 – “My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.

Psalm 42:1-2 – “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?”

Psalm 73:24 – “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.”

Psalm 143:6 – “I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.”

*All Bible quotes are NIV

14 Aug

Political Solutions

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in Adversity, advice, Anglican, Bible, Christian, Christianity, Culture, Faith, Politics, Religion, Uncategorized, Words. Tagged: , , , , , , .

The Lord foils the plans of the nations; he thwarts the purposes of the peoples. But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.  –Psalm 33:10-12*

The November midterm elections will soon be here and the political theater being played out in the media is growing more intense by the day. We live in an age of great political division. Many national leaders and prominent politicians think that they have all the answers, but they’re wrong. As the above passage from Psalm 33 notes, “The Lord foils the plans of the nations.” God remains in charge. There are no political solutions to America’s woes.  What we need is more Jesus!

Here in America, those on the political right condemn the activities of the political left. Those on the left condemn the right.  We hear and see it every day.  “Our way is best for the American people.” “They’re weak on defense.” “They trample on the Constitution.” “They only know how to tax and spend.”  “Their policies are destroying the environment.” “Their policies are destroying the economy.”  Politics pits friend against friend, men against women, husbands against wives, parents against children, nation against nation, religion against religion, and Christian against Christian.  The latter saddens me deeply—it just shouldn’t be. Christians should be kind to everyone, especially fellow believers. The Apostle Paul tells us:

“There is neither Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female, (insert Republican or Democrat), but we are one in Christ Jesus.”  –Galatians 3:28

Jesus told Pontius Pilate in John 18:36, “My kingdom is not of this world.” This wisdom reminds all Christians that we, including politicians, answer to a higher authority than the government or political leaders.  In 1 Kings 22, the story is told of the time the King of Israel had to decide whether or not to go to war against Syria. Jehoshaphat, the King of Judah, advised his fellow ruler, “First seek the counsel of the Lord” before making a decision,” (verse 5). This is sound advice that Christians, and especially Christian politicians, would do well to take to heart. Seek God’s guidance before seeking the guidance of man.  We should also note Matthew 5:16, “…let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Christians should be the living face and hands of Christ to the world.

God “makes nations great, and He destroys them; He enlarges nations, and leads them away,” (Job 12:23). Political leaders rule because God allows them to, “for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God,” (Romans 13:1b). God can upset human plans, but no one can thwart His plans or purpose. God loves the world and sent His only begotten Son to suffer and die to atone for the sins of every person of every political ilk.

Pastor Eugene Cho is CEO of Bread for the World, a non-partisan, Christian advocacy organization based in the USA. I highly recommend an article he penned a decade ago titled, “The 10 Commandments of Engaging Politics.” It contains a wealth of sound advice for Christians today as we approach the November elections. His article is available at this safe link:

The 10 Commandments of Engaging Politics

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.  –Psalm 105:1-4

*All Bible quotes are NIV.

26 Jul

Prayer: the Greater Work

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in Adversity, advice, Bible, Christian, Christianity, Controversy, COVID-19, Culture, depression, evangelism, Faith, Freedom, Hope, isolation, Jesus, Politics, Religion, simplicity, spiritual, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Prayer

Prayer does not equip us for greater works— prayer is the greater work. Yet we think of prayer as some commonsense exercise of our higher powers that simply prepares us for God’s work. In the teachings of Jesus Christ, prayer is the working of the miracle of redemption in me, which produces the miracle of redemption in others, through the power of God. The way fruit remains firm is through prayer, but remember that it is prayer based on the agony of Christ in redemption, not on my own agony. We must go to God as His child, because only a child gets his prayers answered; a “wise” man does not.  –Oswald Chambers

As if this time of pandemic isn’t bad enough, one can hardly look at the news without seeing a “peaceful” protest turned violent in another one of our cities. The Rev. Canon Phil Ashley of the American Anglican Council has explained the situation like this. We face a culture that is “…increasingly shaped by the forces of aggressive secularism, moral relativism, religious pluralism, individual autonomy and a Utopian hope in secular authority.” As more and more Americans push God out of their lives, social, cultural and spiritual chaos is filling the vacuum. When a country or society pushes God out, it opens the door for the enemy to come in.

It’s easy to despair in situations such as this, but hopelessness is not a state of mind Christians should possess.  The same Jesus who calmed the storm by saying “Peace, be still” on the Sea of Galilee is in control of our lives today. Hebrews 12:28-29 says we live in an unshakable kingdom: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” 

Christians have nothing to fear in the midst of today’s chaos.  Our kingdom is unshakable. As the late Rev. Dr. Billy Graham said, “I’ve read the last page of the Bible. It’s all going to turn out all right.” It doesn’t matter whether you believe “Black Lives Matter,” or “Blue Lives Matter,” or “All Lives Matter.” These are all summed up in two words, “Jesus Matters.” Politicians will tell you that we need this or that, but all we need is Jesus. Now is the time for Christians to focus on the greater work and pray to almighty God for the revival of our nation, while we share our faith with those we encounter who have lost all hope.  

A Prayer for the Nation

Lord God, we have not been faithful people in these recent times. As a result, our peaceful and quiet nation has turned into a chaotic one. So many bad things are happening all around because we have given the enemy a footing over our lives and nation. O heavenly Father, turn our hearts towards you. Help us to live peaceful and quiet lives. Let our leaders advocate for peace and love instead of chaos. May the words that come from their mouths be words that edify the nation. May we find peace within our borders. In Jesus’ name, I believe and pray, Amen.

30 Jun

Pressing Towards the Goal

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in advice, Christian, Christianity, Culture, forgiveness, Prayer, simplicity, Sin, Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , .

Pressing Towards the Goal

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do:  Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  —Philippians 3:13-14

Aging provides a multitude of reality checks, reminding one they’re not the same person he/she used to be. These reminders come in many forms, for example waning physical strength, dimming eyesight, thinning hairlines, dental challenges, gaining unwanted weight, and a host of other complaints.  I recently received such a reminder when my Medicare card arrived in the mail. I started feeling older when people began automatically offering me senior discounts at restaurants and movies.  But a Medicare care? Yep, I’m getting old.

When young it’s easy to be carefree.  Just look at the videos of college students frolicking on Florida’s beaches during spring break 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 outbreak.  Many of those interviewed in the media appeared to have no cares in this world.  Acknowledging one’s mortality is an important step in life. Realizing there’s an end in sight encourages people to take stock of what they’ve done and what remains.

Leaving a legacy behind is important. I believe my greatest accomplishment is having helped instruct my children in the knowledge of Jesus Christ as their personal savior.  However, I fear that when history judges me and my generation, we will be most remembered for abandoning Judeo-Christian values and leading the United States into the post-Christian era. These values shaped the great experiment we call America. As the values go, so goes the country.  The Christians of my generation have let our values be replaced by a cultural relativism that says “anything goes.”

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. –Psalm 5:9

The violence and rioting we’ve seen in many American cities in the wake of the George Floyd murder sadden me, because these acts will not lead to greater social justice. The most successful social justice movement in America was exemplified in the teaching of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who advocated peaceful change.  The divisions in American society today are caused not as much by racial injustice as by sin. Today’s racial injustice is one of many symptoms of our sin. 

As I have written in the past, most people are repulsed by being called a sinner.  Yet sin is a condition we all live in. Martin Luther described it eloquently in a letter to his fellow theologian Philip Melanchthon on August 1, 1521:

Be a sinner, and let your sins be strong, but let your trust in Christ be stronger, and rejoice in Christ who is the victor over sin, death, and the world.  We will commit sins while we are here, for this life is not a place where justice resides.  We, however, says Peter (2 Peter 3:13) are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth where justice will reign.  It suffices that through God’s glory we have recognized the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. No sin can separate us from Him, even if we were to kill or commit adultery thousands of times each day.  Do you think such an exalted Lamb paid merely a small price with a meager sacrifice for our sins?  Pray hard for you are quite a sinner.

I wish more of our church leaders would speak up about sin and forgiveness.  Rioting and tearing down statues cannot heal our country—prayer, repentance and turning back towards Christ can. President Mike Pence recently spoke at the First Baptist Church of Dallas.  He said, “Even when things don’t seem like they’re going the way we expected, they’re going a way [God] expected.” He continued, “if we will but hold fast to Him, we’ll see our way through these challenging times, we will restore our nation’s health, we will renew our freedom, and we will inspire people across this land with our witness of the love and compassion and strength that comes in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.” 

While the past is important, what happens today and beyond is what matters the most in our lives. I pray that every Christian in America would strive to lead a Christ-like life—one reflecting the glory of our Savior. This is the surest and shortest path to healing the nation.  

Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.  –Psalm 71:17-18

Please see: Undermining Racism, a talk by English theologian N.T. Wright.

*All Bible quotes are NIV

26 Oct

A Heart of Stone

Posted by Zachary P. Hubbard in Adversity, advice, Apostle Paul, Bible, Choices, Christian, Christianity, Controversy, Culture, Fake News, forgiveness, Freedom of Speech, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Judaism, peace, Politics, Prayer, President, President of the United States, Radical Christianity, Religion, Self-discipline, simplicity, Uncategorized, Words. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .

Heart of Stone

Political discourse in America today has become vitriolic — constant lying, name-calling, bickering, accusations and spewing pent up anger. Indeed it has gotten so bad that even the president has joined the fray.  Social media outlets like Twitter, Instagram and Facebook only serve to exacerbate the situation, as they have become bully pulpits for angry politicians and journalists.  It’s gotten to the point where I dread looking at social media or reading/listening to the news, as there is a paucity of objective discussion and reporting everywhere. Personal civility and decorum in America is rapidly declining, particularly in the political realm.  

           Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.                                           –Proverbs 16:24*

 Words are like bullets—once they’re let fly there’s no taking them back. The Epistle of James calls the tongue “a restless evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8).  By using this  strong comparison, James emphasizes that Christians must be mindful of the colossal power of what proceeds from their mouths.  The epistle goes on to note the inconsistency of praising God with one breath and cursing people made in God’s image with the next (vv. 9–10). Words can demean and destroy.

When you have learned to walk in the light of the Lord, bitterness and contention are impossible.”  —Oswald Chambers

This leads me to ask the question, “How radically would America change if suddenly all the politicians who profess to be Christians started behaving like Christ followers, becoming beacons of light in the dark political landscape?”

In January 2017, the New York Times reported that 91 percent of the new Congress identified as Christian.1 The Times went on to say that this figure was only slightly less than the 95 percent reported in 1961. Allmost all US presidents, including President Trump, have been Christians according to Pew Research.2

Christianity isn’t a label or tag; it’s a life, guided by the Holy Spirit, where an individual endeavors to be Christ-like in thoughts, words and deeds.  Inevitably, all Christians transgress and fall short of the glory of God along the way, but striving towards the ultimate goal of Christ-likeness remains a constant.

Restoration and transformation are two recurring themes in the Book of Ezekiel. Restoration is displayed in God saving the people of Israel from bad shepherds, giving them societal safety, reuniting tribes, and God’s children being restored to a right relationship with Him.  God’s ultimate restoration of his people is exemplified by Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. 

On the other hand, Ezekiel describes transformation as a personal, spiritual experience. To the ancient Hebrews, the heart was the locus of a person’s being, their mental processes, emotions and personal will. The Miriam Webster Dictionary defines hard-hearted as, “having or showing no kindness or sympathy for other people.”  In the passage from Ezekiel 36 below, evidence of spiritual transformation in God’s children is the softening of their hearts. 

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.  —Ezekiel 36:26-27

One of those laws referred to in the Ezekiel passage is, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5). Jesus quotes this verse in Mark 30:5, after being asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” In the next verse, Mark 30:6, Jesus adds to this, “Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”   

This brings me back to politics.  Christians who also happen to be politicians don’t get a free pass when it comes to loving their neighbors.  Christian politicians contributing to the Capitol Hill vitriol need to take a long look in the mirror and ask themselves whether their actions glorify God. Are they being patient, humble, pure and obedient to God?

In Colossians 3:8, Paul tells us to put away anger, wrath, and malice; instead, he says in verse 12, we must, “…put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering.”  This is the model Christ gave his followers through many examples in his own life; it’s the model all Christians should strive to adhere to in their actions towards believers and nonbelievers alike.

Christian politicians should display a Christ-like heart—Ezekiel’s “heart of flesh.”  Christians behaving like Christ can bring real healing transformation. Around 312 A.D, during the reign of Emperor Constantine, Rome recognized Christianity as a legal religion.   This remarkable feat, going from persecuted underground church to a legal religion, recognized by the Empire, was accomplished not by violent revolution, but through years of adhering to the tenets of the faith while suffering terrible persecution.

It was not political or military power that ultimately convinced Rome to accept Christianity, but the perseverance and faithfulness to Christ’s teachings by the early Christians. The tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, and longsuffering displayed by Christians prevailed over Roman cruelty and oppression. American politicians could achieve a lot by following their example.

 Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.  —from an Anglican Prayer of Confession

 1 https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/03/us/politics/congress-religion-christians.html

2 https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2017/01/20/almost-all-presidents-have-been-christians/

* All Bible quotes are taken from the NIV Bible.

 

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