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Fifty From The Pulpit

July 13, 2012 by Jason

Why Christians Need to Address Fifty Shades

 

The last time I was scheduled to preach I did something which might be considered a little unusual. No, I didn’t wear mismatched socks, nor did I don a bow tie.  Both might be considered a little out of the ordinary for my character, but not necessarily the variety of unusual I am talking about.  The surprising event I am referring to is the fact I took ten minutes away from my allotted time to preach, and used that time to talk about a book.  What makes this even more unusual is the aforementioned book had absolutely nothing to do with God, the Gospel, or the Bible.

You’re probably wondering what secular book would warrant stealing some precious preaching time in order to discuss.  Unless you live in the back woods, where television and internet connectivity are nonexistent, you probably have a pretty good idea what book I am talking about.  The E. L. James Fifty Shades trilogy has become a cultural phenomenon of monstrous proportions.  The trilogy has occupied the top three spots on the New York Times bestseller list for months, and has become the fastest-selling series of all time.  We are talking some big numbers here folks.  To put things into perspective, it is bigger than J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.  However, unlike the Harry Potter series, Fifty Shades was definitely not written for children or tweens.  It has been marketed as “erotic fiction”, and is famous (or infamous) for its graphic depiction of BDSM (bondage – domination – sadism – masochism).  In other words – it’s porn.

Deciding to take time out of our Sunday service to talk about a book, which is essentially porn, was an easy decision to make.  Please do not mistake my last comment to mean we didn’t first count the cost of our decision.  We most assuredly did.  Human nature and curiosity being what they are you always run the risk of opening a door of temptation for those who want to “confirm” what you are saying is true. However, we felt the benefit of helping spare just one person the hurt caused by porn, far outweighed the potential risk.

Another reason for addressing the Fifty Shades series from the pulpit, is that this issue will likely not be going away anytime soon.  Oh, I am sure in the not too distant future E. L. James’ books will be but a footnote, if that, in our literary history.  However, mark my words, her books are just the beginning of what is to come.  In the same way Harry Potter and Twilight Saga marked the insurgence of supernatural and vampire themed books marketed to tweens, so too will the Fifty Shades series mark the influx of “acceptable” and “Chic” porn marketed to women.  One cashier at a national book chain I frequent, confided in me that they could not stock the shelves fast enough.  Don’t tell me the publishers are not sitting up and taking notice.

If you are observant, you may have already noticed that there has been a definite trajectory in our culture to the issue of porn.  Books that could only be found in sketchy “specialty stores” slowly began to find their way onto nondescript shelves in secluded dark corners of mainstream bookstores.  Now, these same books are being promoted and prominently displayed by the cash registers for quick and easy purchase.  Material once though shameful to possess is now being openly celebrated and endorsed by neighbors, friends, and family.  Porn has since lost its stigma and has become acceptable, trendy, and chic.  You had better believe this way of thinking will invade our local assemblies.  I would argue it already has.  The most telling statement I have heard to date was spoken by a friend who said, “I didn’t know that it was porn when I bought it.  I just can’t seem to put it down.”  Hook, line and sinker.

So when it came to that fateful Sunday, although I did address the book series in question, my goal was to target the mistaken idea of porn’s acceptability.  No one would argue that the Bible doesn’t clearly show that sexual immorality, in all its varied forms, is sin.  What people tend to forget is that the Bible also shows that sexual sin isn’t simply the physical act, but includes the actions, thoughts, and intents leading up to the actual sin (Matt 5:27-28).  Jesus singlehandedly destroyed the dividing line between thoughts and actions.  In other words making plans for, entertaining the thoughts of, or simply fantasizing about sexuality in a sinful way is a sin.

This touches the heart of what pornography is and does.  It is a fantasy world populated with images that depict sexuality in deviant, perverted, and sinful ways.  Individuals who indulge in pornography may not be “physically” participating in the sexual act being depicted, but they are just as much participants mentally, which is a sin (Matt 5:27-28).  The really sad thing is these pornographic images continue to exist in the memory of those who are sinning, to be relived long after the “show” is over and the last sentence has been read.  As Believers, the thing we can never forget is the Word tells us to be selective in what we allow into our lives (what we see, hear, and think) to ensure that they are pure and holy and ultimately pleasing to God (Psalm 101:3, Luke 11:34-36, Phil 4:8).

In closing I would like to embolden everyone, especially you leaders, to have the courage to address this issue head on.  It was both encouraging and surprising how many people thanked us afterward for being bold enough to give a word of correction and to tell them the truth.  Let me assure you it is better to address the issue and take the heat now instead of staying silent and waiting for the inevitable masses yet to come who will suffer in silence as they try to escape the iron grip of porn.

 

 

Note:  I have taken the liberty of adding a few links that may help arm you in your discussions.

Girls Gone Wise, Dr. Drew Interview, Jenny Armstron’s blog, MSMBC,

Please be warned they are not all Christian sites and I wouldn’t want to vouch for everything on their sites or all of their opinions.  Use these links for informative purposes only.

 

Filed Under: Books, Church Issues, Current Issues Tagged With: Fifty Shades of Grey, Porn

TSC Podcast 1

July 11, 2012 by Jason

Is There Life After Death?

 

This is Tipping Sacred Cows fist podcast.  What I will be covering the ever popular question, “Is there life after death?”  Feel free to check it out if you are interested in hearing the answer, or if you simply make fun of my first attempt at podcasting.  In either case I hope you enjoy.

Scriptures covered:  Job 14:14, Matt 25:46, Luke 16:19-21, Heb 9:27

 

Filed Under: Podcast, Theology Tagged With: After, Death, Life

Surprise Coming Your Way

July 10, 2012 by Jason

I apologize for the recent lack of posts.  There are two very good reasons for my temporary neglect.  My first excuse reason is as simple as it is common; I live a very busy life and blogging by necessity must take a backseat to other priorities.  My second excuse reason is likely of more interest to those of you actually looking forward to more posts.  The other reason for my lack of posts is I have been working behind the scenes to produce a little surprise for everyone.  A surprise you say?  Yes a surprise.  Hopefully it will be completed and ready for tomorrow.  Keep your fingers crossed and check back tomorrow.

Filed Under: Site News

Kindle Deals

July 4, 2012 by Jason

Today is going to be a quick post.  In the past year I have come to own, and fall in love with, my Kindle reader.  How else could you carry around hundreds of books without throwing out your back?  Let’s face it, you can’t do it without an e-reader.  The other added bonus I have discovered is that electronic books tend to be a little less expensive than their paper counterparts.  Both are big time bonuses for me.  With that in mind I have some cool Kindle deals I have stumbled across.  I am not too sure how long these deals will go on for, so grab then while you can.  Also keep in mind if you do not have a Kindle reader or a Kindle App for your computer, tablet, or smart phone these books won’t do you much good.  If you need the Kindle App click here:  (Free Kindle Apps).  Enjoy!

 

Here are two books authored by Mark Dever.  Just in case you were wondering who is Mark Dever, he is  the founder of 9marks.org (Click HERE for detials).  The two books which are on sale are Nine Marks of a Healthy Church and Twelve Challenges Churches Face.  Currently both books (Kindle addition) are sitting at $3.99.  I am not too sure how long they will stay at this price, so grab them while you can.

 

This next Kindle deal is by Pastor Voddie Baucham: The Ever-Loving Truth: Can Faith Thrive in a Post-Christian Culture?  I have never read any of his books, but I do listen to Pastor Baucham whenever I get the opportunity.  He is a pretty straight shooter which some might find off-putting, but I find it refreshing.  He can also be a bit cerebral for some, but not so much so that his teaching is not accessible.  If he writes like he preaches I shouldn’t have anything negative to say about this book.

Filed Under: Books

Q & A: Why Does God Allow Evil And Suffering?

July 2, 2012 by Jason

Given the position I am in I get asked a lot of questions.  From time to time I may post a question along with my answer here on the Tipping Sacred Cow.  If you happen to be someone who has asked a question in the past, don’t worry I will not post it unless I have received your permission.  Be warned I probably will not seek your permission if you have posted my answer on the wall of your Facebook page.  At that point I am assuming permission is implied.  🙂

Today’s question came in on my Facebook account.  The question involves a scenario I am sure many of you are familiar with.  An unbelieving friend asks you, “If God is so loving why does he allow evil and suffering in the world?”  So what do you tell your friend?  Is there any answer which is biblical and will not sound hollow?  I should hope so.  You will see my response below.  I am leaving the original question out of the post in order to protect people’s privacy.  I simply cut and paste my response from my Facebook account, so please do not hold any grammar and spelling mistakes against me.

The Bible reveals to us that God by His very nature is gracious, merciful, good, kind, and loving.  However, most people have difficulty harmonizing these attributes with the ever present reality of evil, pain, and suffering in the world.  The question your friend asked is not an uncommon one.  In fact it is probably the number one question that people ask Christians.  It comes in many different forms and contexts, but ultimately it could be summed up in “Why does God allow evil and suffering to exist?”  There are several ways one could go about answering this.  I will see if I can give you an answer which might bring clarity.

The first thing to keep in mind is that the Bible is relatively mute on the topic of the origins of sin and evil (other than to explain how it first entered man).  The reason why I bring this up is because death, pain and suffering originate from sin (Rom 5:12).  In other words all the suffering we see and experience in the world is a direct result of sin.  I am not saying that every time we personally experience pain and suffering it is because of some particular sin we committed.  What I am saying is suffering and death were birthed the moment man sinned, and continues to exist because sin remains.

I guess this naturally leads to the question “Why does God allow suffering to continue?”  When people ask this question I usually ask them “What would you propose God should do?”  Their reply is almost always “He should put a stop to all evil and suffering.”  This may sound odd, but I typically tell them that we are very lucky that He doesn’t do that.  For God to put a stop to ALL evil and suffering He would have to put a stop to every act and/or every individual that causes suffering.  This list of people whom God would have to stop would include all liars, thieves, murders, adulterers, back biters, slanderers, abusers, etc.  Even thought the ramifications might be “different”, the list would also have to include everyone who has acted selfishly and hurt anyone’s feelings.  The list, although not conclusive, is pretty big.  It gets even bigger when you realize that in God’s economy you are just as guilty when you conceive such things in your heart (Matt 5:27-28).  In fact, I am sure that by my own actions (or inaction) I have caused some of the suffering that exists in the world.  This means that God would have to put a stop to me too, and I am sure I am not alone here.  The necessity of God having to put a stop to me in order to end all suffering is quite sobering.

What we come to discover is that in reality it is an act of mercy that God hasn’t done away with evil and suffering.  I understand this doesn’t make sense, but please stick with me and let me explain.  God takes no joy in pain, suffering, and death.  In fact there will be a day when He gloriously abolishes all three.  However, until that day He patiently tolerates our sin and the suffering we cause so that He might sovereignly save us by His grace.  In other words His mercy and patience in the face of our sin gives us the time we need to change and repent.  He is simply waiting for the fullness of time so that He might save all those whom He foreknew.  Is He capable of bringing the “hammer” down upon evil, pain, and suffering and immediately destroying them for all time?  The answer is a resounding yes.  However, He is too loving of a God to do that when those whom He loves will be destroyed as well.

This understanding has helped me to harmonize how a loving God can allow pain and suffering to exist.  However, I am also fully aware that my answer falls short and will fail to satisfy those who are intimately dealing with pain an suffering.  What do you tell an individual who is personally, or in relationship with someone, suffering or in pain?  What helps me in such occasions is the understanding that this present life isn’t all there is.  The Bible shows us that our lives are indeed but a vapor (James 4:14, Job 7:7, Psalm 78:39), here today and gone tomorrow.  However, it also shows us that when this life concludes another one begins (Matt 25:46, John 11:25-26, 1Cor 15:20-22, 1Cor 6:14).  Sometimes the immediacy of the pain and suffering overshadows the truth of the fact that suffering is temporal, and is not worthy to be compared to the wonderful things God has in store for us (Rom 8:18).

You have to keep in mind there are also aspects of suffering we will never understand this side of eternity.  God is eternal, infinite, omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent.  Since we are not eternal, infinite, omniscient, and omnipresent there will be many aspects of God’s plans we will not be able to wrap our minds around.  Yes, sometimes bad things happen to people who seem undeserving of them. But God allows things to happen for His reasons, whether or not we understand them. Above all, and even in the midst of suffering, we must remember that God is good, just, loving, and merciful. Often things happen to us that we simply cannot understand. However, instead of doubting God’s goodness, our reaction should be to trust Him.  Could God prevent all suffering? Of course. But He assures us that even in suffering “all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose” Rom 8:28.

Filed Under: Q & A, Theology Tagged With: Question

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