A couple of weeks ago I addressed the topic of marriage in a sermon. The sermon was the second in a series on "Beginnings" from the book of Genesis. The sermon took place on January 14th and that morning I did what I do so many Sunday mornings--I flipped through the morning paper's Sunday magazine, USA WEEKEND. There, at the back of the magazine was a column on relationship issues by Dennie Hughes.
Well, remarkably enough, that day's column was entitled "Marrying right." As I scanned it briefly, I decided to introduce my sermon with it. (The column is archived at http://www.usaweekend.com/07_issues/070114/070114relationtips.html.) It began by asserting that Americans love the idea of marriage--more than half of adults in America are legally married. Further, Ms. Hughes said that three fourths of Americans believe in "one true love"(whatever that means).
At any rate, she gave five really good questions for people to contemplate before getting married this year:
1. Have you spent lots of time together?
2. Have you spent time with each other's friends?
3. Do you know each other's goals, dreams, ambitions, and beliefs?
4. Are the people closest to you happy about your relationship?
5. Have you had premarital counseling?
I like to know that my sermons hit on topics that people are thinking about. And I like to be able to provide insights from the Bible for those same people. Of course, sometimes I am more relevant than others.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Why Marry?
I wonder why people in our society are bothering to get married. Laws have been gutted where "no fault" divorce is so easy to get that marriage seems just a slight bump on the road to a divorce if either of the partners becomes dissatisfied. Live- in arrangements have grown in popularity and have obviously made marriage less important. Homosexual partners want to be married when marriage has traditionally been for heterosexual partners.
My question is, "Why is marriage still among us?" If it is so bad in the eyes of people that they ignore it while in it and seek relationships that do not include it, then why hasn't it died? It should have been dead a long time ago, if not within the last few years. Yet you hear of people who leave their husband or wife for someone else--and want to marry that other person. Why?? I think I know the answer and I think it is deeper than tradition.
I believe it is one of those innate senses of moral "oughtness" that is built within mankind. Just as surely as murder will always be seen to be wrong by someone in every society, and truth will always be opposed to falsehood, marriage will be seen as the legitimate partnership for people within society to express sexual love and raise children. But marriage at its heart is more than that: It should be a commitment to a person for a lifetime and daring to believe that they will do the same for you. If people could really believe that the person with whom they "stand before the preacher" is the one they will see beside their deathbed, loyal in spite of sickness, misfortune, or disagreement, divorce would die.
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).
My question is, "Why is marriage still among us?" If it is so bad in the eyes of people that they ignore it while in it and seek relationships that do not include it, then why hasn't it died? It should have been dead a long time ago, if not within the last few years. Yet you hear of people who leave their husband or wife for someone else--and want to marry that other person. Why?? I think I know the answer and I think it is deeper than tradition.
I believe it is one of those innate senses of moral "oughtness" that is built within mankind. Just as surely as murder will always be seen to be wrong by someone in every society, and truth will always be opposed to falsehood, marriage will be seen as the legitimate partnership for people within society to express sexual love and raise children. But marriage at its heart is more than that: It should be a commitment to a person for a lifetime and daring to believe that they will do the same for you. If people could really believe that the person with whom they "stand before the preacher" is the one they will see beside their deathbed, loyal in spite of sickness, misfortune, or disagreement, divorce would die.
"Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife and they shall become one flesh" (Genesis 2:24).
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
The Very Best Thing In the World?--A Tragic Twist
My trip to Africa back in September included a layover in Paris for one day. We arrived early in the morning on Monday and we had roughly half a day to "hit the highlights. For us, that meant the Triumphant Arch, the Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre. So, we set off on our adventure. We traveled by bus, then walked, to the Arch first and took the obligatory pictures. Next, we made the long walk to the Louvre. After a whirlwind tour of that famous museum, we set our sights on the Eiffel Tower.
By the time we got off the bus a few blocks from the tower, it was getting to be late afternoon. We walked down a sidewalk, looking up at the tower, wondering how we were going to get to the other side amidst the fast-moving traffic. The two youngest in our group of four had their answer quickly: the traffic cleared briefly, and they ran across the broad street, just in front of the speeding traffic. My friend Dennis found his chance and made it to the middle of the road, was stuck for a moment, then went on across the street. Sure that I was slower than those three, I decided to make my way back up the street and walk across the overpass.
As I approached the overpass, I noticed a crowd there. They were gathered around what I now know as the "Flame of Liberty." [Side note: the Flame of Liberty is an exact copy of the flame held in the hand of the Statue of Liberty--that statue, remember, was a gift from France. I was so intent on catching up to my friends that I did not notice what it was. I still did not know it until much later, after my return home. I have pictures of it, though!] As I looked at the crowd, I noticed flowers and a picture at the base--a picture of Princess Diana. I suddenly realized that that overpass covered the tunnel where she was killed. As I returned to my friends, I announced my discovery and my photographs.
Now, to the significance of the story: Diana was one of the most famous people of her day. Even now, people remember her clearly: She was famous, fabulously wealthy, yet lonely and abandoned by her husband, Prince Charles. It had long been the case, since her marriage to Charles, that she was pursued relentlessly by journalists and paparazzi. Of course, at the time of her death, she was divorced and dating another man--still "big news." Some even think that someone may have been pursuing them for a picture at the time of the accident.
Isn't it interesting that Diana died tragically--in many ways a victim of her celebrity status and that of her ex-husband--yet a poll conducted in her country found that many children under 10 years of age think that being a celebrity is "the very best thing in the world."
How sad.
By the time we got off the bus a few blocks from the tower, it was getting to be late afternoon. We walked down a sidewalk, looking up at the tower, wondering how we were going to get to the other side amidst the fast-moving traffic. The two youngest in our group of four had their answer quickly: the traffic cleared briefly, and they ran across the broad street, just in front of the speeding traffic. My friend Dennis found his chance and made it to the middle of the road, was stuck for a moment, then went on across the street. Sure that I was slower than those three, I decided to make my way back up the street and walk across the overpass.
As I approached the overpass, I noticed a crowd there. They were gathered around what I now know as the "Flame of Liberty." [Side note: the Flame of Liberty is an exact copy of the flame held in the hand of the Statue of Liberty--that statue, remember, was a gift from France. I was so intent on catching up to my friends that I did not notice what it was. I still did not know it until much later, after my return home. I have pictures of it, though!] As I looked at the crowd, I noticed flowers and a picture at the base--a picture of Princess Diana. I suddenly realized that that overpass covered the tunnel where she was killed. As I returned to my friends, I announced my discovery and my photographs.
Now, to the significance of the story: Diana was one of the most famous people of her day. Even now, people remember her clearly: She was famous, fabulously wealthy, yet lonely and abandoned by her husband, Prince Charles. It had long been the case, since her marriage to Charles, that she was pursued relentlessly by journalists and paparazzi. Of course, at the time of her death, she was divorced and dating another man--still "big news." Some even think that someone may have been pursuing them for a picture at the time of the accident.
Isn't it interesting that Diana died tragically--in many ways a victim of her celebrity status and that of her ex-husband--yet a poll conducted in her country found that many children under 10 years of age think that being a celebrity is "the very best thing in the world."
How sad.
The Very Best Thing in the World?
Back in December of 2006, a poll was conducted in England among children under ten years of age. They were asked, “What do you think is the very best thing in the world?” The top three answers: “being a celebrity,” “good looks,” “being rich.” (Source: The Evening Standard, December 17, 2006)
Interesting, isn’t it—what kids think is important? Andy Warhol coined the phrase, “fifteen minutes of fame” and now, even kids want it. No wonder— photographers crowd around the rich and famous, seek the celebrities’ autographs and opinions, and want to be like them.
I believe this fervent desire comes from a distortion of a true need, the need to be appreciated. However, what we have today is very close to worship of individuals. Their name, their opinions, and their images are all sought in the effort to influence other people and their lives. Of course, not all celebrities seek that status; nor do all of them revel in it.
This leads us to the very essence of everyday life: Whom should we seek as the model and influence of our lives? We may immediately answer: “Jesus!” But do we betray our real allegiance by following closely the latest celebrity gossip and entertainment shows? Do we pattern our wardrobe/hairstyles by the latest quirk of some celebrity? Do we allow a famous person to persuade us on some political or moral issue in which their only “qualification” is fame? And finally, do we give lip service to Jesus by making our religion a compartmentalized thing only to be professed, or at the most, practiced only on Sundays and Wednesdays?
John Lennon, of the “Beatles” once said, “We’re bigger than Jesus.” In the eyes of many people in 1968, he was probably right. The ways of Jesus do not sit well with most people. People tried to make Jesus a celebrity, but when they truly understood what he was about, they left him (John 6:60), and some eventually crucified him.
Jesus did not come to earth to be a celebrity—he came to serve (Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:5-7). One who truly seeks to follow Jesus will quickly see that the ways of Jesus differ radically with those of most celebrities.
Children need to be taught that true greatness comes through service to God and others. By the way, that poll I mentioned above—the very best things in the world—God came in at number ten.
We have work to do.
—Lance Cordle
Interesting, isn’t it—what kids think is important? Andy Warhol coined the phrase, “fifteen minutes of fame” and now, even kids want it. No wonder— photographers crowd around the rich and famous, seek the celebrities’ autographs and opinions, and want to be like them.
I believe this fervent desire comes from a distortion of a true need, the need to be appreciated. However, what we have today is very close to worship of individuals. Their name, their opinions, and their images are all sought in the effort to influence other people and their lives. Of course, not all celebrities seek that status; nor do all of them revel in it.
This leads us to the very essence of everyday life: Whom should we seek as the model and influence of our lives? We may immediately answer: “Jesus!” But do we betray our real allegiance by following closely the latest celebrity gossip and entertainment shows? Do we pattern our wardrobe/hairstyles by the latest quirk of some celebrity? Do we allow a famous person to persuade us on some political or moral issue in which their only “qualification” is fame? And finally, do we give lip service to Jesus by making our religion a compartmentalized thing only to be professed, or at the most, practiced only on Sundays and Wednesdays?
John Lennon, of the “Beatles” once said, “We’re bigger than Jesus.” In the eyes of many people in 1968, he was probably right. The ways of Jesus do not sit well with most people. People tried to make Jesus a celebrity, but when they truly understood what he was about, they left him (John 6:60), and some eventually crucified him.
Jesus did not come to earth to be a celebrity—he came to serve (Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:5-7). One who truly seeks to follow Jesus will quickly see that the ways of Jesus differ radically with those of most celebrities.
Children need to be taught that true greatness comes through service to God and others. By the way, that poll I mentioned above—the very best things in the world—God came in at number ten.
We have work to do.
—Lance Cordle
Thursday, January 18, 2007
When I Pray . . .
I can acknowledge that my help comes from above (Psalm 121:1,2).
I can acknowledge that if God is for me, no one else can be against me (Romans 8:31).
I can see my unworthiness contrasted with the magnificence of God (Nehemiah 1:5-7).
I can, as a child, talk to my Father (Matthew 7:11).
I can pursue the will of God in my life (Matthew 26:39).
I can seek true wisdom (James 1:5).
I can seek the blessings of God on behalf of the ones I love (John 17:20, 21).
I can seek forgiveness—even for my secret sins (Acts 8:22).
I can ask what ever I want—according to his will (1 John 5:14).
I can have confidence that my prayer will be heard (1 John 5:14, 15).
I can thank God for all that has done and is doing on my behalf (Philippians 2: 13; 4:6).
I can thank God for my brothers and sisters in Christ (Philippians 1:3).
I can draw closer to God (James 4:8).
I can petition God on behalf of the sick (James 5:13, 16).
I can take advantage of the promises God has made (Hebrews 13:5).
I can “tap into” the vast resources of heaven (Ephesians 3:20).
I can request help in resistance of the devil (Ephesians 6:18).
I can win a battle against the devil (James 4:7).
I can separate my self from the world—for a while (Matthew 6:6).
I can expect mercy and grace in time of trouble (Hebrews 4:16).
I can find peace (Philippians 4:7).
. . . So, I must not stop praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!!
—Lance Cordle
I can acknowledge that if God is for me, no one else can be against me (Romans 8:31).
I can see my unworthiness contrasted with the magnificence of God (Nehemiah 1:5-7).
I can, as a child, talk to my Father (Matthew 7:11).
I can pursue the will of God in my life (Matthew 26:39).
I can seek true wisdom (James 1:5).
I can seek the blessings of God on behalf of the ones I love (John 17:20, 21).
I can seek forgiveness—even for my secret sins (Acts 8:22).
I can ask what ever I want—according to his will (1 John 5:14).
I can have confidence that my prayer will be heard (1 John 5:14, 15).
I can thank God for all that has done and is doing on my behalf (Philippians 2: 13; 4:6).
I can thank God for my brothers and sisters in Christ (Philippians 1:3).
I can draw closer to God (James 4:8).
I can petition God on behalf of the sick (James 5:13, 16).
I can take advantage of the promises God has made (Hebrews 13:5).
I can “tap into” the vast resources of heaven (Ephesians 3:20).
I can request help in resistance of the devil (Ephesians 6:18).
I can win a battle against the devil (James 4:7).
I can separate my self from the world—for a while (Matthew 6:6).
I can expect mercy and grace in time of trouble (Hebrews 4:16).
I can find peace (Philippians 4:7).
. . . So, I must not stop praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17)!!
—Lance Cordle
Saturday, January 06, 2007
30 Ways to Increase Your Bible Knowledge
Set a specific time for daily Bible study.
Pray for wisdom.
Buy reference books and commentaries.
Memorize Bible verses.
Take Bible study notes in a notebook.
Write notes in the margins of your Bible.
Ask a teacher or preacher for study tips.
Read books about biblical characters.
Read books about biblical topics.
Quiz yourself on Bible facts while going to/from school or work.
Take an in-depth Bible class offered by a church or Christian college.
Read biblical studies on the internet.
Write your own commentary.
Study with a friend or family member.
Take notes during sermons.
Listen to Bible CD’s as you drive.
Buy a good reference/study Bible.
Do biblical word-studies.
Volunteer to teach a Bible class.
Subscribe to a good religious journal.
Attend a Bible lectureship.
List practical lessons from material that you study.
Have daily family devotionals.
Keep a Bible study journal.
Write articles on biblical topics.
Set a daily goal of applying at least one lesson from your studies.
Meditate daily on principles learned.
Read “how to” articles and books about Bible Study.
Obtain and learn to use a good Bible atlas.
Work Bible-related puzzles (crosswords, word searches, etc.).
—Lance Cordle
Pray for wisdom.
Buy reference books and commentaries.
Memorize Bible verses.
Take Bible study notes in a notebook.
Write notes in the margins of your Bible.
Ask a teacher or preacher for study tips.
Read books about biblical characters.
Read books about biblical topics.
Quiz yourself on Bible facts while going to/from school or work.
Take an in-depth Bible class offered by a church or Christian college.
Read biblical studies on the internet.
Write your own commentary.
Study with a friend or family member.
Take notes during sermons.
Listen to Bible CD’s as you drive.
Buy a good reference/study Bible.
Do biblical word-studies.
Volunteer to teach a Bible class.
Subscribe to a good religious journal.
Attend a Bible lectureship.
List practical lessons from material that you study.
Have daily family devotionals.
Keep a Bible study journal.
Write articles on biblical topics.
Set a daily goal of applying at least one lesson from your studies.
Meditate daily on principles learned.
Read “how to” articles and books about Bible Study.
Obtain and learn to use a good Bible atlas.
Work Bible-related puzzles (crosswords, word searches, etc.).
—Lance Cordle
Thursday, January 04, 2007
A Decent Guy
President Gerald Ford died December 26, 2006. For the last week, stories about his life and presidency have circulated through the media. I have been impressed by one constant theme: Gerald Ford was a decent guy. So many presidents seem to have been "larger than life," but not Ford. He was unpretentious when he took the presidency and he was the same when he left.
I like the fact that people now give him enormous credit for saving the country during Watergate. This happened in spite of his low-profile image. George Herbert Walker Bush said his decency overcame the deceit of Watergate. Tom Brokaw described him in terms of his position on the Michigan football team as center: invovled in every play, seldom noticed, and not given credit at the time for his accomplishments.
This description by Brokaw, in a way describes what God wants us to be spiritually--humble, unpretentious, but involved. Then when all is said and done, God will see to it that we get whatever credit we deserve.
The world needs more decent guys.
I like the fact that people now give him enormous credit for saving the country during Watergate. This happened in spite of his low-profile image. George Herbert Walker Bush said his decency overcame the deceit of Watergate. Tom Brokaw described him in terms of his position on the Michigan football team as center: invovled in every play, seldom noticed, and not given credit at the time for his accomplishments.
This description by Brokaw, in a way describes what God wants us to be spiritually--humble, unpretentious, but involved. Then when all is said and done, God will see to it that we get whatever credit we deserve.
The world needs more decent guys.
Reality
For the last 4-5 years, "reality" shows have been all the rage. Talent shows, dating shows, and various other contrived programs have people enthusiastic about such things. These shows, however are NOT real-life. They are shams.
Reality is going to work and earning a paycheck. Reality is marrying for life and giving up your rights to please another person. Reality is raising a child who may or may not appreciate your efforts. Reality is seeing friends die--young, old, and middle-aged. Reality is hearing a doctor say, "You have a problem." Reality is dying--young, old, middle-aged.
Reality is facing God.
Reality is going to work and earning a paycheck. Reality is marrying for life and giving up your rights to please another person. Reality is raising a child who may or may not appreciate your efforts. Reality is seeing friends die--young, old, and middle-aged. Reality is hearing a doctor say, "You have a problem." Reality is dying--young, old, middle-aged.
Reality is facing God.
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