Desperately Necessary: The Leader's Humility with a Word on Prayer

The LFAC counseling staff team all had the recent privilege of attending the CCEF (Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation) 2015 National Conference in Virginia Beach, VA.  Diego and Cindy, my wife Lisa and I, Lois, and Tammy all traveled south to participate in various sessions related to 'Side by Side Ministry' as it pertains to Christian counseling in the local church.  We worshipped and sang with almost 2000 people, together - that was amazing.  We made new friends together.  We ate many meals together.  Someone described one particular meal as "a party in the mouth."  It was pretty tasty if I do say so myself.  We also fellowshipped together.  We shared our hearts together.  We served one another together.  And we laughed together.  I mean, we laughed together. A lot.  Often.  It was a tremendous blessing to all of our respective ministries as the LFAC Leadership made this investment in each of us.  We were blessed.

Many of my professors from the mid to late 1990s not only worked for CCEF, they also taught at both Westminster Theological Seminary and Biblical Theological Seminary.   I have had the privilege of sitting under the teaching of Dr. David Powlison, Dr. Ed Welch, and Dr. Paul David Tripp for many seminary classes.  I would later work with these men as a staff counselor at CCEF myself.  When I was there, I felt so small - they were the gurus of what we do as Counselors.  Ten years ago when I did some part-time counseling for CCEF as a local pastor, I was so out of my league.   I was always impressed with the deep humility and concern that these men have had for me in my life and my ministry.  When I was a green in the early 2000's and new at CCEF, I counseled out of Paul David Tripp's office (Paul is still affiliated with CCEF but started his own ministry a few recent years ago).  Using his office back in 2005 was quite intimidating to me, but I adjusted and made it work.  One evening about 8:45 PM, with the session nearing the end at 9 PM, my eyes caught movement just under his office door out in the hallway.   I could see shoes just standing by the door way but just waiting - they didn't move.  I finished the session just after nine and dismissed the couple.  There stood Paul Tripp.  He casually walked in and over to his desk and said to me, "Sorry Thor, I forgot my briefcase."  I replied, "Oh Paul, you should have just knocked and I could've gotten it for you.  I'm sorry you had to wait."  Paul look at me directly and then said, "I've been doing this way too long to not know that you never know what's going on in a counseling session...especially at the end.  I was happy to wait."  With a reassuring tap on this young shoulder, he quickly left the office.  He will never ever know how his humility and his patience left a 'spiritual fruit' impression on me that night.  It was not a long moment by any means but his words have lasted.  I saw humility and patience on display in that man that I will never forget.

Dr. Edward T Welsh and Dr. David Powlison each spoke several times during the training conference last week.   Introducing Ed, Dave said to nearly 2000 attendees, "Ed Welch does not consider himself to be his own resume."  If you've heard Ed speak or teach, he's quite gentle and very unassuming as a leader.  He defines both "gentle and humble of heart" during the conference.  Later that day, Ed came up to me and gave me a great big hug.  It had been like ten years since we had seen each other.  Asking me what was new in life, I told this old trusted professor of mine the story of the last ten years, introduced him to my wife Lisa, and safely told him that I'd been through a divorce and how my kids have suffered (it was like the 60 second version of my story).  With heartfelt sorrow and genuine grief, he looked at me compassionately and sincerely stated, "Thor, I'm so sorry to hear you went through that."  It wasn't what he said - it was HOW he said it.  This genuine embrace that let me be real.  Ed's caring curiosity made me feel unashamed in the moment.  He, like Paul, practices what he teaches concerning side-by-side relationships.

Leaders, in humility, we must practice what we preach, teach, and counsel.   It is necessary that we show forbearance and patience to others that we train and equip and prepare to do the work of the ministry.   It is necessary that we steward our words to them and speak similar affirmations and encouragement.   It is necessary that we authentically care for them and hear their stories.  It is necessary that we use every opportunities to touch others' hearts with the heart of our Lord Jesus and with the Gospel.  Lived-out humility is a necessity to living on mission - and to living out this mission called the Christian life.  It is desperately necessary that we do so.

Recently, I was asked by my dear friend Foye Belyea to join him to help teach and facilitate a theological class at my alma mater Cairn University (PCB, PBU).  Honestly, after a full day of counseling, I wanted to grab a bite to eat and have fellowship with my brother whom I had not seen in a couple years.  After the class, instead of going to eat immediately, seven students approached each of us to talk and for counsel.  We talked and listened and prayed over them for almost two hours after the class lecture had ended.  We finally went to eat around 10pm, but we were utterly exhausted.  Yet as we broke bread, a deeper bond of humble friendship and strength was welded.  We served together - we sacrificed time together - we let the Spirit make an impact on those college students bound for minutes that will not be easily forgotten by them.  All we did was give some time, some encouragement, some care and some Christ-like love to some hurting college students.  But humility and patience were on display.  The encouragement of the Holy Spirit prevailed as well.  It was worth it.  It was desperately necessary.

Let me leave you with a prayer principle.  It may not seem related to all that I have just said about the necessary qualities of a spiritual leader and humility, but it may be something many of you can use as leaders.  We pray because we need the humility of an unknown answer from God.  In other words, "prayer acknowledges our own weakness and makes humility matter UNDER God" (David Powlison, CCEF 2015).  You see, whether I counsel or I preach or have fellowship and prayer, this displays honest human need while exhibiting a humbled stance UNDER the sovereign God.   He actually cares about my and your heartaches and struggles.  Prayer puts us UNDER God.  Humble prayer aligns us away from our perceptions and our interpretations and moves us closer to God's grand reality.  Prayer shows and actually sows distrust in our own resources and aims us on the real resource - mainly Christ, Who displays real trust and in Whom we trust.  "To not pray is insane" (David Powlison CCEF 2015).   To not pray is proud and arrogant.  Therefore dear ones, be humble and pray.  Don't be insane.  Pray with and for people.  For it is the defining mark of humble prayer that combats pride and ACKNOWLEDGES WE ARE UNDER GOD.  And it is desperately necessary.

Thor Knutstad

Theology of Suffering

I recently preached two messages about suffering that I wanted to share with LFAC folks. Though we suffer in daily things and in crisis moments and seasons, these messages focus on the reality of suffering for the Gospel as described in 1 Peter.  Part one is entitled "The Theology of Suffering: How God Wills It and How We Identify with It" (9/13/15) and part two is named "The Theology of Suffering: How God Restores and Reshapes our Identity"(9/20/15)

-Thor

The Supremacy of Christ

(By Thor Knutstad)

If you ever wanted a thousand reasons why our LORD is completely Supreme over ALL things in heaven and on earth, watch and listen to this animated video as John Piper proclaims this supremacy with sound doctrine, with profound but simple reason, and with uninhibited passionate expression.  This Supreme God and LORD IS completely trustworthy with all things, in all things, and in all situations.  Watch and listen to this message - these words could impact your heart and actually transform your perception of the Supreme Christ Jesus -- it's 18 minutes in length but you will not be unchanged by it's Relevant, and Timely, and Supreme Message.  May this bless you as it has me - and many others.

http://youtu.be/VeKgfUGtcI0 

90 Days of Myths and Lies, Pt.1

(By Thor Knutstad)

Days 1-31 (part one of three)

1. The self love and self esteem movement is completely biblical. (No, it's not, not at all. It is not commanded nor inferred as choice or volition. Identity is the biblical trade off here. Real. Identity. In Christ.).

2.  Showing off our good works and what we give or do for others is okay. (No, it's not. In fact, we are told not to do this with the motive of display and that announcing it loses reward - yeah, gotcha! Hard, I know! Watch your FB feed for this one - a grievous sin missed by many and all!).

3.  We can't have deep joy and heart wrenching sadness simultaneously. (Yes, we can. See Proverbs 14:10, then think practically).

4.  Men and women are essentially the same in function. (No, in essence of nature they are similar, but not in function. The distinctions are vast by God's very complimentary and useful design in creation - praise Him).

5.  Authority should be replaced by opinions (Um, no).  Age is hated and grey hair isn't esteemed (No, wait?!).

6.  The rewards of saying 'yes' are countless and saying 'no' is never painful. (Um, are any of you raising kids? Yeah, I thought so; let your ‘yes’ BE ‘yes’ and your ‘no’ BE ‘no’).

7.  People should understand what I explain to them. (Don't be fooled by this; there will be misunderstanding and misunderstood and incomprehensible and 'not caught' moments - often!).

8.  Shame and guilt are good motivators of right behaviors. (Far be it from me to judge how God sometimes uses this but it is not the 'best' motivating factors for repentance).

9.  It is okay to fear people and situations because everybody worries and has some anxiety, and its normal and popular. (It's destroying our hearts, people - stop being so afraid of stuff!  In your fear, like King David, cry out to The LORD - and don't walk in fear! See 1 Peter 3:6 and know that you are Sarah's daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear. Don't. Give. Way. To. Fear).

10.  Worship is about music and what I see/hear/taste/touch/experience. (Worship is about the position of your heart to bow before a worthy, praised and glorious God - yes sometimes in music and song, but it is the posture of my heart).

11. The prosperity gospel of health and wealth really isn't harmful to the real Gospel of Jesus. (See 1 Corinthians chapter 15 - um, yes, it is!  Do not be deceived, people. Be Bereans and check the Scriptures to see if what others are saying is true or not - Acts 17).

12.  I can abuse some freedoms that God gives me because they don't master me, and He will always forgive me. (Whoa! Don't be a stumbling block, and grace doesn't increase more when you sin like that!! And freedom isn't ever a license!).

13.  It's okay to live on television, cell phones, game systems, tablets, the Internet/web, laptops, computers etc. (‘Nuff said, no words here. All guilty on some level).

14.  Electronics and the Internet shrink the world and keep me connected in a community abroad. (No, they don’t; they feign intimacy and interfere in what is real and close and near you).

15.  I know what's going on in the world because I read it in a newspaper, saw it on a major news channel, or on FB. (No, you don’t, not really. How informed you perceive yourself may make you more blind).

16.  FB is relationships.  FB is not an addiction.  (FB is NOT relationships and FB is an "alarming" new time addiction for the current culture).

17.  The lament of sorrow is a display of weakness.  Tears are even weaker. (#realmenfeelandcryasdowomen. We are commanded by Jesus to grieve with others and go to houses of mourning not to parties - wow!).

18.  All pastors and preachers and spiritual leaders know the Bible and have the intended heart of God to shepherd people and speak truth. (Actually, there are fewer speaking the WHOLE counsel of God and really doing justice to the heart of the Gospel - praise God, the Word is spoken and proclaimed here).

19.  I don't feel things when I read the Bible like I do my favorites stories, novels and shows. (Have you really embraced the Savior?  Is your heart in a position of worship when you read or listen?  #softheartshaveeyestoseeandearstohear)

20.  It's okay to eat out 4-5x's a week, be given a plethora of food choice and be served. (Hmm - the Son of Man came to serve - what are we teaching our kids?! Ouch!!).

21.  The immorality of others doesn't affect me. (what a lie!).  Or my own immorality doesn't affect others (a even bigger lie yet!).

22.  My children aren't curiously using social media wrongly in text, pictures, videos; nor have they viewed or sent anything that is not appropriate. (Yes, they are and have and are tempted, often, daily).

23.  My anxieties and worries and fears aren't really 'sin.'  (Yes, usually they are - for the most part).

24.  Everybody is busier than me so it's okay for me to have small or no margins in my schedule (X!! Wrong! Margin and rest are necessary!).

25.  I don't have to cry out to the LORD to experience His presence, fuller dependence or His deeper purposes. (Hmmmm).

26.  Fear is a stronghold that is nearly impossible to beat. (No, no, no!  Greater is HE our King Jesus!).

27.  The Gospel shouldn't ever offend people. (Um, what Bible version are you actually reading? Are we ashamed of Jesus?!).

28.  My words aren't REALLY 'that' important.  What's all this talk about "stewarding words" with timely and apt and wise replies?  That's just too hard to do all the time! (Steward/manage your words folks; it's how you guard your own heart, too).

29.  My body image and appearance of physical health is tangibly more important than the spiritual and the heart. (Oh my gosh, we have traded the heart for the flesh. See Galatians 5-6 - why would we live this death and not want to live life?!).

30.  What's all this talk about ambiguity and complexities? Most situations are easily solved, and most problems we face can be terminated/eradicated with simple solutions. (Wow! Problems and struggles and lives are actually very complex, AND ambiguity is actually healthy as it guides us toward a raised shield of required faith!).

31. BONUS - I like all the noise and commotion around me.  It's normal and keeps my mind occupied from other worries and sadnesses and thoughts. (Why do we run from silence, solitude and simplicity?!)

Thor Knutstad

The Heard of Media

(By Thor Knutstad)

Media, which used to mean 'newspapers and radio then became big screen and television,’ has evolved to an "out-of-context forum of public opinion" where injustices are highlighted, sadness and sin are put on display, and the diluted facts are often completely distorted and deluded.  When each does what is right in his or her own mind (and each is his own authority), it's a panacea and panoramic display of anger, self-protection, chaotic expression and 'the false glory desire of being heard.'  Being heard?  Yes. Heard. Listened to. Acknowledged. Not dismissed.  Is the issue about ISSUES or is it about being heard because life has silenced many?  Hmm - ponder this.  Being heard.  Defiance and "sin glorying" and hate, dividing and excusing actually do "SAY" something, don't they?  Where has reason gone?

As the final tide of eternity turns and as earthly division arises, may believers be unified and of one heart for the sake of the Gospel.  Sin and the enemy Satan are winning daily battles in subtle ways via Heard Media, but the real victory is ultimately in Christ Jesus as depicted in God's Word - and the foot of the Savior journeys on to save many souls.  If that doesn't make any sense to you then you are eating from the famine of truth. No wait, you may be eating from 'the famine of Hearing The Truth'.  The latter may be greater than the former by all means.  Oh what grief this brings to our hearts. Even Christ-followers have traded the quiet of God's Holy spiritual wisdom in Word for a blue and white scrolling catalog of nothingness that tries to highlight everything. Connected but lonely. Lonely yet connected. Sort of. Yet we have gained the appearance of horizontal intimacies for a loss of vertical intimacy.  Maybe this is why anxiety and fear reign in darker moments?  Maybe this lack of personal truth in our embattled hearts creates blind spots that are darker than the worst London Fog. Does 'The Son' really clear out the fog in your life, in your perceptions, and in your viewpoints? Passion and voice aren't an excuse for lacking clarity, reason, and Truth.

Stand firm in the faith, people. Do not let your ears be tickled by the deceiving spirit of antichrist all around you in this latent fog disguised as a vapor of mist. Only when you have absorbed more Bible and reckoned with the Man of Truth (The Risen Christ called Jesus) than those hourly poisonous doses of news and FaceBook, will you ever possibly begin to comprehend a larger, wider, and bigger picture of His unfolding plan. Stand firm, brothers and sisters. For He will bring all things under Him who is Head, even Christ. Come quickly, Lord Jesus - for the groaning and the longing of your people is echoing through Heaven's hallways like the hourly church bell rings throughout the town. Praise Him. 

“Making God Known – Acts 17:16-34”

(By Thor Knutstad)

I love Acts chapter 17.  This chapter is another detailed account by Luke of one of Paul’s many missionary journeys.  The New Testament church at that time was continuing to explode upon the scene of the known world throughout Asia and and in Europe.  Chapter 17 in Acts, specifically Acts 17:24-28, is a full presentation of God and the Gospel of Christ.  This unique passage of Scripture is filled with God’s heart toward His people (toward all peoples whether Jews or Gentiles) – and His purpose to make Himself known.

While walking through Athens in Greece, Paul sees many idols and altars and inscriptions to false gods.  The Greeks had created false centers of worship.  These gods to them were “unknown” and “not reachable.”  Upon seeing an altar labeled “to an unknown god,” Paul proclaims the God who is knowable, and who demands to be known.  Can you just imagine Paul seeing that “unknown god” altar?  I imagine him thinking and praying, “Okay Lord, here’s that opportunity that I have been waiting for!  Let us preach!”  Then while they disputed Paul’s treatise of the Gospel, he then uses their false logic against them for the sake of truth.  You see, the Greeks, in their logical and quite philosophical worship of logic had probably thought, “Well, if the other gods aren’t really gods then an altar to an unknown god will suffice.”  I wonder if this was more about their seeing those false gods as not reachable or more about their fear of not wanting to get it wrong.  It’s probably both.  But it is still an absurd claim – no matter how logical they claimed to be.

Yet the apostle Paul proclaims the true God who can be known.  In Paul’s dispute of their idols and altars of worship, he makes note of some key points in Acts 17:24-28 (to read the whole account I suggest that you review all of Acts 17:16-34 for the complete context).  Paul’s statement includes the following important points:

1. He calls them religious and appeals to them on the basis of what they believe and in what he has seen.  His term religious may actually be taken as sarcasm to mean that they were “superstitious” as a sort of jab or seriously.  Biblically, it is hard to tell, but it is an interesting comment.  Being called religious isn’t always a good thing.
2. God is a personal Creator and gives life to every created thing on earth and is the creator of every nation and every person.
3. God determines the times, seasons, and exact places where men and women should live. I love this!  Paul is attributing God as being Sovereign and in control and decisive in the existence of everything – including TIME! Wow!
4. God is near and close to man and wants man’s “reach” for Him.
5. God is unlike idols and altars of gold, silver, and stone; He is not a manmade image.
6. God commands repentance to ALL men.
7. God will judge everyone in the future.
8. God gives us the Savior, Christ Jesus, who is resurrected proof as Messiah (by the way, the Greeks believed in an immortal soul but not a resurrected body).  This would seem completely foreign and absurd to their logical beliefs.

If you have read the entire passage, then you know that these philosophers disputed with Paul in the early part of the passage and called him a “babbler.”  They accused him of advocating false gods because he was preaching the Good News of Jesus and the resurrection (of Christ and eventually of all men).  They accused him of bringing in some strange new teaching (history records that they thought that they were the custodians of bringing “new enlightenment” and “new truth teachings” to the people).  No wonder they took offense to his Gospel message!  They actually sneered at him and only a few actually became followers of Christ.  This is sad but true.  Even Gospel fluency, loving others well, and living on mission to your neighbors, friends, and community gets rejected because of the message.  Their hearts didn’t receive these great truths.  What a shame!  What fools!  What sadness!  Even when the message is relevant, practical, pure, and true, many will reject and scoff and slander and not receive.  

Yet like Paul, we look for opportunities and well-timed, apt, and fitting replies to others as we live on mission daily in our lives.  Paul’s replies to their disputes of his message are the Gospel.  May our own lives and message be the same – relevant, practical, pure, fitting, well-timed, and full of Truth in Christ as we walk and live unashamed of our risen Savior and blessed resurrected redeemer – King Jesus!  Praise Him. 

Copyright, 2015.  All Rights Reserved.  Thor Knutstad

What the Resurrection of Jesus Does (Part II)

(By Thor Knutstad)

We recently looked at the resurrection of Lazarus in part one.  In the plot of the Gospel story, the Scriptures in John 11 begin to unfold this great conflict between Jesus and the Sanhedrin.  Like the hammer and nails, these leaders become the very tools of our Lord’s death in His suffering and crucifixion.  In today’s blog, it is not my goal to sideswipe the power of Good Friday and King Jesus’ sacrificial death for our sin.  If you want to read more about that, I would suggest that you go to Isaiah 53, the Gospels of Matthew/Mark/Luke/John (latter chapter narratives), Philippians 2:1-11 (which is one of Pastor Nate’s favorite passages where the “Deity-humility” of King Jesus is explained and on which is preached and repeated often at LFA – and I love this because it’s one of my absolute favorites as well); or maybe you can read the various epistles of Paul where the death of Christ and those benefits are explained (the Pauline epistles, especially Romans 1-6, but it is also explicitly mentioned in Hebrews).  Again, it is not my heart to bypass the centrality of Jesus’ death as our substitute for sin.  He gave His life for us.  He died for sin.  He who had no sin became sin for us in our place.  There is no atonement for sin without the shedding of His precious blood.  He is the Lamb slain for the world.  Enough said.  You get the picture.  At least I hope you do.  His death on the cross for sin means everything.  But like my previous article, I want to focus on the resurrection.  His resurrection changes everything.  And I mean it – everything.

The second half of the Gospel of the book of John (chapter 11-end) starts with the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead.  It was a miracle of Christ’s Power, Deity and glory.  It propelled the Jewish leaders to hate King Jesus all the more.  But it set the table for His own resurrection.  To feel the full power of Good Friday and His sacrifice, I have encouraged you to open your Bible.  Gospel fluency becomes easier when we, like the Bereans in Acts 17, become eager to search the Scriptures to see if what someone says is true.  Right now, I want you to put down your smartphone/laptop/tablet and read the greatest passage on the resurrection of King Jesus:  1 Corinthians chapter 15.  You don’t have to read the whole book of 1 Corinthians (I know that some of you who read this will want to read it all and put that chapter in its proper context – that’s fine.  But this chapter stands alone and can be isolated as a treatise concerning the theology and the doctrine and the first importance of Christ’s resurrection as Gospel central significant).  So please stop and read 1 Corinthians right now two times – Not once, but twice.  If you think this would benefit a friend or your spouse or your children or grandchildren, read this aloud to them sometime between Friday and Sunday this coming Easter weekend.  It is the core of the Gospel and it is why we are all on mission to have Gospel conversations with our neighbors and friends and family and with anyone who would listen.  Yes, I am asking you to read the whole chapter of 1 Corinthians 15 - twice.  This is probably Paul’s greatest summary in all of his New Testament writings concerning the first importance facts of the Gospel.  I love how we celebrate the Birth “Incarnation”, ‘in flesh’) appearing of our LORD Jesus during Christmastime.  There is so much joy in knowing that our God King stepped off of the eternal throne and in humility became human flesh.  But maybe Good Friday and Easter are actually greater than His birth?  Maybe we should see this Gospel of His death and resurrection as the greatest gift ever?  Did you stop and read 1 Corinthians 15 at least two times yet?  You will have to forgive the teacher and pastoral counselor in me.  Anyone who knows me knows that I am not afraid to repeat myself.  I need the gift of repetition in learning.  We all do ☺ - that was two times.  Yes, you got it!

As I ponder what Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians 15, I find many effects of the resurrection of Christ Jesus.  Some of these are derived logically from Scriptural truths, and others can be directly cited with biblical chapter and verse.  But the facts remain – there are many effects and benefits of the resurrection.  All of eternity hinges on this great and forever resurrection.  In other words, the resurrection of King Jesus the Christ does, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Testifies to the Deity of Christ that Jesus is God; he is a third of the equal and triune God-head.  Period.
2. Testifies to His power over death as the author of life (Creator) and that death has no power over Him. 
3. Guarantees our future resurrection; we will rise.  Death will not hold us and has no hold on us. Forever. Guaranteed.  I love it!
4. Pronounces Jesus as Prince and King at the highest level of worship; He is on the throne.
5. Perpetuates hope over sin and death; this hope is an anchor to soul, firm and secure.
6. Creates a witness for Gospel fluency; it makes Gospel conversations easier (not harder).  Why? What other belief system serves or believes in a risen Savior?  What God has died for and risen for His people?  None.  Period.  All other religions are straw arguments. Period.
7. Heals all grief and sadness from death and unites us to others who have died (and are risen) before us.  This gives us a greater hope as death surrounds us often and puts this temporary life in eternal perspective.
8. Centralizes the most important part of the entire Gospel of Good News – it is of first importance (1 Corinthians 15:3-4 and the whole chapter).  Paul never says this in all of his other writings.  It serves us well to pay careful attention to the resurrection of King Jesus (see Romans 10 as well).
9. Guarantees that we will be liberated from the bondage of weakness, sickness, sin, decay, and even death.  This gives us freedom to move and live through things that are very difficult – hurt, pain, broken relationships, and suffering that eventually lead us to this greater hope.  The burdens of life are a bit easier to bear.  But they are still hard, for sure!
10. Brings the reality of faith and hope to the crux of loving well.  The resurrection as followed by Jesus’ death shows us how much He loves us as it secures our eternal dwelling with Him and in His presence forever.
11. Puts Jesus in position to intercede on our behalf at the Father’s right hand throne.
12. Fulfills all (and I mean all) Messianic prophecies from the Old Testament Scriptures and the writings of the true prophets who spoke toward a future Savior who would redeem His people (note the phrase “according to the Scriptures” in 1 Cor. 15).
13. Closes the parallel gap between Adam (sin and death) to Christ (righteousness, life and resurrection).
14. Jesus’ new body guarantees our new bodies as believing Christ-followers – new resurrected bodies raised imperishable, raised in glory, raised in power, and raised as a spiritual body that bears His finished likeness.  What a finished work He makes of us!
15. Swallows death up in victory by our warrior Lion of Judah, King Jesus the Christ and Messiah.  You see, my King is a death killer.  He is God the gladiator and the true Braveheart.  He is that lion who charges to the front of the battle to face the enemy Satan without hesitation.  Have you ever noticed how the real drama of this battle and war cannot really fully be captured on the movie big screen?  There’s just too much going on in the unseen world.  Too much is happening. His resurrection ultimately swallows death in victory.  It is the deciding blow to Satan’s kingdom attempt.  And the sword of our King cuts deep into the enemy.  Victory is sealed.  We win the war.  And winning the war will be seen in real life as the consequences of the Gospel unfold.  Judgment is pending and the medals of valor as crowns will be the blessings of the saints.  Does the crown of life await you?
16. Reveals Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life.  He is King over all aspects of life and a “death-destroying God.”  This sin and death conquering King wins because He is life.
17. Causes us to not lose hope in our hearts during tremendous affliction.  The resurrection is a sustaining power to our hearts because though life tries to make us addicted to circumstances, our God calls us to focus on the unseen.  We rise above situations because Jesus did just that – in His death and His life, and in His life resurrected.  
18. Makes His death make sense to us and completes the Gospel by making Jesus supreme and superior and better than all other religious systems, doctrines, teachings, and philosophies of life, etc. (see Hebrews for more on this).
19. Causes our message to others not to be in vain.  Christianity would be pointless without the resurrection.  No resurrection means no Christian faith.  But our message is true!
20. Invites conversation because no one besides Jesus has conquered death in eternal form and eternal fashion.  Death is an unstoppable force as a result of sin and the curse.  But the death of Christ and His resurrection stops the unstoppable force of death and reverses that very curse.  What a gracious, merciful and benevolent God we have!  He so loves us!

Christ’s resurrection rolls away the heavy stone of death and buries death forever.  As we celebrate Easter, pick one of the 20 things listed above that most impacts your heart, and read it before you pray over a weekend celebration meal with your family, friends, and neighbors.  Testify to this Gospel.  Do not be ashamed of this Gospel, dear brothers and dear sisters.  For it is the cornerstone foundation of our very faith.  Resurrected Jesus means resurrected you and much more!  Praise Him, our resurrected King Jesus! 

What Resurrection Does (Part I)

(By Thor Knutstad)

Before his death on the cross, Jesus did a major miracle that caused quite a stir with the Jewish leadership, the Sanhedrin.  In John 11, He raised Lazarus from the dead.  This set off a wildfire of rage and hatred with the Pharisees.  Because of Lazarus’ resurrection (which was witnessed by hundreds), the Sanhedrin called a special meeting and began to specifically plot how to kill Jesus.  Instead of celebrating God’s Glory in this miraculous work of Christ, their jealousy of Jesus and their desires to keep their power motivated them to put a plan into motion to stop what He was doing.  I think that we sometimes wrongly assume that they tried to deny the miracles – especially the miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection.  Sure, there are moments in the gospels when they try to deny the miracles of Jesus, but here they do not deny.  They actually admit the miracles and the miraculous signs and wonders.

A closer look at John 11:47-48 reveals something else.  The Sanhedrin were motivated by fear.  In verse 48 John writes in chapter 11, “If we let him go on like this (performing miraculous signs), everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away our place and our nation.”  Isn’t it ironic that they were admitting that Jesus actually raised Lazarus from the dead miraculously, confessing the Glory of God in the miracle, without actually believing it?  By doing this, they are somehow saying that Jesus is Deity (God).  Their hearts do not testify to this, but their words and actions actually show an admission of the miraculous.  Yet something was more sacred to them than seeing the Glory of God and being in the presence of the LORD God (Jesus).  What was more important?  Power – the nation – the temple – their fear.  Their hearts did testify to that.  They were so afraid of losing their power and their authority over the people that they would begin the plot to kill the Lord.  Caiaphas, the high priest, didn’t even know the prophecy he was saying when he said, “It is better for you that one man die for the people than for a whole nation to perish” (John 11:49-50).  This solidifies the plot and gives the authority to the Jewish leadership to begin a widespread plot of accusation and collected information to destroy the LORD.  John notes that Caiaphas didn’t say this on his own, but that his statement was a prophecy of deeper truth.  The secondary meaning of his words indicate that God declares the eventual effect of Christ’s sacrificial and atoning death for Israel and the entire world.  What a statement!  But it is a turning point in the battle of the Pharisees against Jesus.  From that point on (verse 53), literally “from that day on” they plotted to take his (Jesus’) life.  “From that day on” is a continual phrase that defines their mission.  This meant that during the next two weeks they would bear down on the people, on Jesus, and the Roman leadership to enact Jesus’ death.  This terrible but great set-up of questions and stirrings and accusations would eventually lead to the cross on Golgotha where Jesus was crucified for sin.  Little did the Sanhedrin know that their plotting was part of a grander design by the LORD God in the sacrifice of His Son.

Lazarus’ resurrection from the dead as a miracle of Jesus is a crucial turning point in the unfolding events of history.  It pits the Sanhedrin directly against Jesus as life-giver and God.  They go so far as to even plot to kill Lazarus (John 12:10) and refuse belief in Jesus, even though they had all seen themselves His miraculous signs and wonders (John 12:37-44).  It is easy to see how they are merely tools and pawns in a greater story, but it should amaze us that their jealousy, their anger and their fear brought them to the culmination of the premeditated murder of our LORD.  The miracle of Lazarus’ resurrection stokes the fire that leads to Jesus’ death on the cross.  It should sadden us that a miracle would create so much trouble.  But life and resurrection do just that.  Our Gospel collides with the enemy and with death and with a world system that is destructive to people.  

We often consider Good Friday and Easter in this order: death, then resurrection.  But Lazarus’ death and resurrection is a sort of prophecy of Jesus death and resurrection.  It’s the very miracle and event that previews Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection that fires up the Jewish leadership to plot the LORD’s death.  Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead is in essence defying them and saying this: “I am God, and I have the power over death and life.”  Jesus provoked and irritated their self-righteous and self-protective motives to the measure of them wanting to kill Him.  Wow!  But even their sinful plan to take Jesus out would be used by our masterful God in a better way. A greater and ultimate resurrection – Praise Him!  (Part two next week – What The Resurrection of Jesus Does).

Stewarding Words: A Case for the Wise Sayings of the Proverbs

(By Thor Knutstad)

If you have known the LORD as a believer for some time, you have heard this often repeated list of phrases:

Steward your time (moments, hours, days, the clock)

Steward your treasure (money, possessions, resources, home)

Steward your talents (God-given abilities, spiritual gifts)

To steward something literally means “to manage it.”  Actually, the word itself infers that it would be “managed well.”  The dictionary defines steward (the verb) as:  1. to supervise the arrangement of, 2. to keep order of and be responsible for, 3. to manage or look after and have charge over, 4. to actively direct or administer.  In the Bible, the Hebrew for steward (as a noun) was used for one who “ruled over as an overseer.”  This person had full charge over the household, property and business affairs for the owner (like Joseph had over the house of Potiphar in Genesis).  The New Testament definition in both the Aramaic and the Greek is not dissimilar from the Hebrew.  To steward meant to rule or have charge over.  Peter called believers to steward the grace of God (1 Peter 4:10), while Paul called fellow Christians to steward the (now revealed) mysteries of God (1 Corinthians 4:12).  He told the leaders of the church (overseers such as pastors/elders) to take scrupulous care of the flock as a steward (Titus 1:7).  Needless to say, to steward can be summed up in this connection of many words – manage, look after, direct, administer, care for scrupulously, have charge over or to oversee.   

I already mentioned that we have repeatedly heard the wise mandates to steward our time, our treasure and our talents.  The LORD wants us to manage our moments and hours, to oversee our possessions and resources, and to administer our gifts and abilities for Kingdom purposes.  But when I read the Proverbs, I of reminded of a fourth stewardship.  I am called to steward my tongue (or my words).  In my observation and experience as a pastor, Christian counselor, husband, father, man and fellow struggler, we are NOT stewarding our words well.  Our words are full of lies, gossip, accusation, division, a lack of gentleness, legalism, foolishness, approval, pride, self-glory, deception, chattering, manipulation, immorality and perversions, poorly timed statements, context forgetting, ungraciousness, gospel averting, indiscretion, seductiveness, poor tone, eye-rolling, poorly stewarded words.  We are just not stewarding well our words,folks.  Go back and reread that very sobering list.  Did I miss any one of us in those depictions?  It’s doubtful.  Don’t feel judged.  That is not my intention at all.  But if you sense the conviction of God’s Spirit about stewarding your words better, then I have done my job in hoping to provide wise counsel in my own words to you.

In Proverbs 6:16-19, Solomon lists seven things that the LORD absolutely hates.  Three of the seven are related to actually stewarding words: #2 – He hates a lying tongue. #3 – He hates a false witness, and #7 – He hates the stirring up of dissension among brothers.  As a matter of opposites, Solomon is in essence saying this:  steward words for truth, for honesty, and for peace and unity.  He is saying that the LORD loves these things (the latter) rather than the former (#2,#3, #7).  When we know the heart of our LORD God and how He speaks and how He stewards His own words in His Word, we will communicate better and speak from His heart (not ours).  We often say “that’s how I feel” or “that’s my opinion” or “that’s what I think,” but we forget the sobering truth that Jesus said in Luke 6:45, that “out of the heart the mouth speaks.”  When we steward well our words, we are speaking from the heart of the LORD and by His wise sayings.  Here are some questions from the Proverbs concerning the stewardship of words/talk that I am listing for us to take an honest look at:

Do I pursue wisdom in the Proverbs? (Do these wise sayings matter to me?) – Prov. 1-2

Do I know the benefits of wisdom?  Is wisdom supreme to me? – Prov. 3

Do I love wisdom? – Prov. 4:7

Do my words “invite ruin”? (Prov. 10:10)

Do I speak what is fitting (10:32) and give well timed and apt replies? (15:23, 25:11)

Are my words reckless (12:18) or perverse (10:31-32) or kind (12:25) and pleasant? (16:21)

Am I like a fool whose soul is ‘snared by his words’? (18:7)

Do I chatter aimlessly too many words (10:8,19) or hold my tongue appropriately in silence?

Again, go back and reread each one and contemplate the specific questions on this list.  Read the corresponding Scripture reference for God’s greater wisdom to see more fully what the Spirit of the LORD is saying through King Solomon.  And make it the goal of your heart and mind to steward well your words.  For the tongue truly does have the power of life, or death.  Stewarding well our words ministers life to others.  Don’t spread words of death.  Rather, steward well your words, dear people.  For this is the heart of God.  Praise Him. 

-- Copyright, 2015: Thor Knutstad, all rights reserved.

“The Margin of Real Rest”

(By Thor Knutstad)

As I write today’s weekly blog, I am reading the comments of many disappointed people. Adults wanted a day off at home. Kids wanted a snow day from school. Many businesses and schools were closed.  People throughout our region had braced for “Winter Storm Juno” – which was ‘supposed to’ (and let me emphasize SUPPOSED TO) dump a foot or two of snow in blizzard-like fashion over the entire North Eastern United States and here in the Greater Philadelphia Region. It did not. It was a bust. In the words of teens these days, “Fail.”  Actually, “Epic Fail” seems more appropriate. In the throes of expectation and disappointment, here are a few simple observations that I have made today:

 Don’t judge what you and others don’t know.

 People really do want reasons to rest and be at home.

Don’t judge what you don’t know.  The meteorologists got it wrong about the snowstorm. So what?  99.9% of the time they actually get it very right. Maybe the fear and hype of HOW PEOPLE RESPOND to snow shows that they really do want the weatherman to be correct. This was a storm that had a lot of room for meteorological error. And maybe we should be grateful that it isn’t worse. Lives are actually saved without recognizing it. We judge and we blame for what we do not really understand or fully comprehend.  This is wrong and ought not to be. But it’s more than wrong judgment and disappointed expectations.  Many crave something that is treasured, yet not really utilized or lived out.

People want real reasons to rest and stay home.  Rest is something very foreign to our busy, pleasure idolatrous culture. We cannot sit still and just talk, laugh, read or rest.  We leave NO MARGIN for ponder, thought or imagination. Our minds are distracted by an endless array of media, sights, sounds, internet, information, to do lists, social media (yes, Facebook), tablets, movies, games, apps and smart-phones that ALL subtly deceive us into thinking we are connected to others. These tools aren’t evils, and are useful secondary things, until they are abused and distract us from primary things.  When they drive our minds and bodies away from real rest, we crave someone or something to make us rest.  We want something to be done for us because we sinfully (yes, I said that) live in modes of extreme exhaustion and the busyness of “marginlessness” (my new word).  A big snowstorm puts loved ones together with lots of food and laughter and TIME and closes the door on outside activities – ENDLESS ACTIVITIES of BUSYNESS.  The disappointment isn’t just a sign of wrong expectations.  It’s an indicator of the crave of rest.  And remember people – it’s not even February.  There’s still time for snow.  Winter isn’t over.  But make time for the margin of real rest.

Christmas 2014

(By Thor Knutstad)

Dearest Friends and Family,

Setting the context for the famous passage of Isaiah 53 that describes in detail the prophetic suffering and crucifixion of the LORD Jesus, Isaiah 52:7-10 is a beautiful backdrop for Christmas. Let me “decorate” the setting for you:

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring Good Tidings, who proclaim salvation and say “Your God reigns!”  With shouts of joy, they will see it with their own eyes.  Burst into songs of Joy, for the Lord has comforted His People.  The Lord will bare His Holy Arm in the sight of all the nations and all of the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.

For some of you, that may seem like a lot of Old Testament Bible. You may be waiting for key words like Christmas, baby Jesus, family, manger and Bethlehem.  But if you look more closely and reread the passage, it doesn’t look so ancient in list form.

Good News

Peace proclaimed

Good Tidings

Proclaim Salvation

Shouts and Songs of Joy

The Salvation of our God

For any of you that have ever read one of my past annual Christmas letters, you know I will always proclaim to you this Good News, or in New Testament terms, The Gospel.  The apostle Paul, who once was a murderous persecutor of Christ, made it his mission to tell others about Jesus being the Messiah (the Christ, the Anointed One).  He once said that Jesus’ death and resurrection was of First Importance (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).  But Easter only follows the Incarnation of Christ Jesus.  Incarnation means “in flesh”.  It amazes me that we forget the fact that ‘God became flesh in Jesus’ coming as a humble child and selfless servant.  The Lord God, who reigns over Heaven and Earth, came to us as a man.  In an act of mercy and grace, Jesus shows up to bring salvation – as a humble, loving, despised, suffering man. (Isaiah 53)  Creator God lowered Himself to our level, to die for us and save us from sin. (Philippians 2: 1-11)  Then he conquered death by rising from death.  He rises OVER DEATH; His resurrection – defeating all of sin and death.  Victory.

If I had spent the last few paragraphs updating you on our lives, it would not have been a good investment of my words.  So I preach and proclaim this Gospel first.  As for the Knutstads, we are all well.  Early 2014 began with me and Lisa forming our covenant of marriage and bringing together our sons Jordan (20), Bryn (14), Jadon (12) and Elijah (8) into one blended, Christ-following family.  As Lisa and I quickly approach a year of marriage soon, we are truly grateful.  Our sons really love and enjoy each other and get along very well.  Each brings joy to us.  

Jordan is diligently working now and serves on a church worship team band as a keyboard player.  Bryn will finish 8th grade this year and is an avid lover of hunting and competitive airsoft play, aspiring to be a soldier.  Jadon wowed us with straight A’s first marking period and was very successful in both cross country running and soccer.  Elijah played soccer too and just had his 2nd grade Christmas concert where he sang with his classmates so confidently.  Lisa balances the tremendous task of working from home full-time as a Clinical Data Coordinator with taking care of our home and all of us.  Besides being a wonderful wife and mother to all our boys, Lisa also loves on her friends, takes pictures using her gift of photography and serves at Journey Church.  As for me (Thor), I continue to serve in ministry as the pastoral counselor to three churches in Limerick (PA), Langhorne (PA) and Vineland (NJ).  I am grateful to be entrusted with the hurts, struggles and relationships of so many people.

Life has changed a lot for all of us, but we are thankful to our Lord for our family and friends (YOU!) and we wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Blessed 2015.  May the LORD be known and make Himself KNOWN to you in a whole new way!  God bless you dear family and friends as you celebrate the Savior, the LORD Jesus – who has defeated death and will wipe away every tear.  What JOY awaits!

            With much Love,

                Thor, Lisa, Jordan, Bryn, Jadon and Elijah

Forgotten God

(By Thor Knutstad)

Did you know that the LORD refuses to be a forsaken and forgotten God? Look at Jeremiah chapters 1-6 -- indeed this is a sobering biblical passage from a prophet who mourns sin and addresses it boldly, but he is addressing remembering the LORD foremost. You see, our God wants to be remembered. Remembering is holy. Remembering is a mindset action of worship. This theme permeates Jeremiah's emboldened and grieved heart in his words. The LORD rejects being forsaken and forgotten. He refuses it. Are we acknowledging Him who is Creator-Father-Savior-Redeemer-King Christ-Lord Jesus? Remember the Lord, dear people, for His glory absolutely refuses to be the forgotten King. Remember.

Why do we forget? Why does God-forsakenness seem to abound even in believing Christ-followers? Here is a list of statements (some quoted, some derived) from Jeremiah chapters 1-6 that explains how and why we forget and forsake the LORD God:

1. Idolatry (false worship) 1:16, 11

2. Lack of devotion (as a bride) 2:1-2
3. Leaders don't know the Lord or His Law 2:8
4. No awe of Him 2:19
5. Unfaithfulness/faithlessness abounds 2:20
6. People forget God ("would a bride forget her wedding jewelry on her wedding day?”) 2:32
7. No reverence or fear of the LORD God 3:8, 5:22

8. Perversions are prevalent 3:22

9. People skilled at evil, not doing good 4:22

10. Dishonesty prevails and truth is absent 5:1-2

11. Repentance of turning from evil refused 5:3
12. Assumed God would do nothing 5:12
13. False prophets refuse to rebuke evil and would not point people toward the LORD 5:13
14. Stubborn rebellious hearts are hardened 5:23
15. Wealth and deceit chokes the heart 5:27
16. Prophets lie and rule by their own authority 5:31
17. Real warnings land on closed ears 6:10
18. God's Word is unheard and offensive to them and they find no pleasure in His Truth 6:10
19. Leaders are greedy for gain and deceitful 6:13
20. Leaders treat serious stuff as not serious 6:14
21. Leaders proclaim peace where there is none 6:14
22. No shame or blush over sin found 6:15,26
23. Law of God rejected boldly and outrightly 6:19

Though the prophet Jeremiah addresses the sinful and stubborn hearts of the people in general, we must note that he speaks about the effect of the leaders on the people. It's like he's saying that the leadership takes people south when they should lead them north. Let's not forget the LORD God, and let's abandon the bad theology of false prophets who rule by their authority and are not called by God. Know your Bible and remember the unforgotten God, people. If you do not, deception and confusion will encompass you in the current history and turning tide of anti-Christ.

People had followed the stubborn inclinations of their hearts (God’s exact words).  Jeremiah, the spokesman of God, extends himself by calling them “deceived,” unrepentant, evil, stiff-necked, disobedient, idolatry lovers, thieves, murderers, perjurers, adulterers and oppressors.  He pulls no punches about how sinful they have become in forgetting God. But he does more than declare that they have refused to ‘walk in the Ancient Path’ of remembering the LORD their God (16:6).  Jeremiah steps into dangerous territory by slamming the leadership (prophets/priests/scribes/elders/shepherds) with these direct and bold accusations:

You cling to deceit and trust deceptive words (7:4,8; 8:5). Note:  the word ‘cling’ means to grab or hold tightly to (like fabric) or like a child does to its mother when fearful.

You refuse to return and there’s no repentance (8:5). Note: though they have been repeatedly called to go in the opposite direction, they continue in an opposed path.

You pursue your own course (8:6). Note:  the word ‘own’ differentiates a path not of God.

You act like you are wise and know the Law (8:8). Note: Jeremiah calls the scribes ‘lying pens’ who are not writing or inscribing to circulate the Law of the LORD.

You are greedy for gain and you practice deceit (8:8-9).

You dress wounds of people as though they are not serious (8:10-15) Note: too lightly.

You say peace when there is none. Note: Danger was imminent.

You don’t shame or blush at sinful conduct. Note: brazen, bold sin by hard hearts.

You are a crowd of unfaithful adulterers who do not acknowledge God.

All of you are deceived and none of you speaks the truth because you live in the midst of deception. Note:  All are in the fog of lies/deception/untruth.

You worship dead idols that are as lifeless as a scarecrow (his term). Note: the LORD God is real and alive, while your idols are dead/worthless/lifeless.

You are senseless (10:21). Note: You lack common sense in your thoughts/life/decisions.

You do not inquire of the LORD (10:21). Note: You don’t pray!  Ever!

You refuse many prophetic warnings (10:22).

You always speak of God, but your hearts are far from Him (12:2-3). Note:  The LORD is always on their lips, but their hearts are far from Him.  Not near.  Far.  Way far.  Super far!

You uncalled and not ordained leaders are prophesying lies in the name of the LORD (14:14) and giving people idols, false visions, divinations and delusion of their own minds and by dishonoring God by not keeping the Sabbath Day holy and restful (17:21-22).

Isn’t this a sad depiction of the leadership of Israel during this time?  Jeremiah sadly weeps as he speaks this great unfolding tragedy of lament and confrontational judgment.  The leaders are lost.  Simply stated, they are deceived.  In chapter 9, Jeremiah speaks of weeping a “foundation of tears” as he walks over the sins of the nation and the leaders.  They have, to put it simply, forgotten the LORD their God.  They have not remembered His Word, His world, nor His works throughout history.  And behind this forsakenness are deceived and disobedient leaders. Dear friends who share the burden to lead stubborn sheep to the great shepherd Jesus the Messiah called Christ, the word of Jeremiah to Israel ought to cause us to stop and think and to weep.  Why?  Because there is a deep grief and sadness in seeing that many refuse to remember the forgotten God.  Cry on, brothers and sisters.  But as you shed many tears, with joy, point them toward the Savior their LORD.  Everyday, live and say and speak and share the Gospel.  In being forgotten, the LORD longs to be remembered.  And in your service and work, He will bring many sons and daughters to glory. 

Copyright, 2014.  Thor Knutstad – All Rights Reserved.

Artificial Intimacy

(By Thor Knutstad)

Life on TV is far from reality.  I think we all agree with this simple statement way too easily without understanding its various implications.  Let me state it again – life on TV is far from reality.  Even when the show or series appears to be healthy, moral, family centered or even biblically rooted, a camera of lens and microphone was never intended to capture in motion the unique story, history and context of people’s lives.  Even while we applaud those who are loving, family oriented, God-centered and who defy the norm of society, their higher road living sometimes only serves to create more comparison, more depression and more striving of works and performance; it actually leads to less joy in most people.  Life is not The Ingalls Family (yes, this dates me – I’m referring to Little House on the Prairie from the 1970’s and 1980’s).  Life is not Duck Dynasty, though I love Willie Robinson’s bold and candid expressions of the Gospel and New Testament truth.  Life is not the latest Christian movie to come on the scene and touch the hearts of audiences (but I will say that God’s Not Dead did present the Gospel as clearly as any portrayal that I have ever witnessed in larger venue film).  Life is not movies or videos that depict the life of Christ like The Jesus Film, Jesus of Nazareth, or The Passion of the Christ.  These grip our hearts and stimulate us to see the life of our Lord, but John says that all the books of the world could not list all of Jesus works and miracles and life.  Hmm.  Are my statements pessimistic?  Am I labeling all these things as bad?  I’m not.  You may enjoy these things, but they are NOT the setting for your life, your world, your situation and your unique context.  They should NOT define your worldview or your values.  Even when “quality viewing” seems to touch the strings of your heart, it’s still like finding two diamonds deep in a large pile of manure.  You may find a few valuable pieces, but you get very dirty wading through everything else to find the treasure.  And you aren’t unaffected by it.  In fact, you’re worse off than without it.  Some of you may think this sounds legalistic.  It is not.  This is a call to prudence and sober thinking about what we view, how we perceive and interpret it and why some of our “better” viewing may just be a lesser evil and just another plot of the enemy to have us fall into the trap of Artificial Intimacy.  A sober evaluation of this requires spiritual maturity and a more “meaty” understanding of the Scriptures.  My heart is to make us think this: Am I filling my heart and soul with Artificial Intimacies?  If you are, then this article is for you.

TV, movies, FB and most social media (even including sports) and the internet promote Artificial Intimacy.  Artificial Intimacy can be defined as “the result of anything that promotes feelings of connectedness and closeness.”  Artificial Intimacy blurs the lines of reality and fantasy to create a passive distraction.  In it, we consume data and feelings are created.  We are emotionally manipulated, and we don’t even know it sometimes, if not often.  Artificial Intimacy is known by, but not limited to, the following defining factors:

1. It disconnects us from real life (makes us want another life)

2. It discontents us with real life (hmm, where is the secret of contentment?)

3. It devalues real life and devalues the ordinary by craving the extraordinary

4. It deceives our hearts and minds with world views that are less than biblical

5. It disappoints us and is often quite idolatrous (promotes a false worship of something/someone) without ever really saying the word “idolatry” or “idol of the heart”

6. It dramatizes everything that happens and looks to solve every problem

7. It deepens our sinful desires for a good, comfortable life (not a cross-bearing, self-denying one)

8. It doesn’t deliver the end of isolation and loneliness; it actually isolates us even more

9. It lures us with tastes and hungry cravings for more entertainment and self-preoccupation

10. It doesn’t tell you that the backdrop and setting for consumerism leaves us with a plethora of multiple choices, selfish humanism, false optimism, a gospel of social justice that trumps the Gospel of death and resurrection, a desire for more efficient and the faster version, a bow to rationalistic reason and a freedom of doings that go beyond biblical boundaries.

11. It doesn’t tell you that as you are emotionally manipulated, you will feel more passive and actually more depressed.   Consumer and cultural absorption will fill the sponge of you if you haven’t soaked up the deeper truths of God in His Word and soaked up His presence.   Artificial Intimacy would never tell you that you’re given dirty and sick water from manmade cisterns (wells) as a trade off to our Lord’s living water for the heart (tough statements, but read them again).

12. It will make you think that you are ruled by your rights and not by your responsibilities.  You are not ruled by your rights.  You are ruled by your responsibilities to the Savior and the King.  Artificial Intimacy calls you a victim, but the Bible calls you a culpable participant.

13. It won’t tell you that it wants your theology to come from culture and the world; instead, your theology should stand against and infect the world’s sick heart with cures and antibodies.

Whether it’s TV, social media or even our cell phones, we have to ask this question: are we becoming over connected to Artificial Intimacy?  We fear a slowdown from Artificial Intimacy because silence and conversations often reveal what lives below the surface of our hearts.  Distractions and busyness are welcomed (in Artificial Intimacy) because they keep us away from sober, somber and prudent considerations.  Loud surroundings, the motion of commotion and the visually fast will always occupy and attempt to dominate our minds.  But it’s artificial.  Let’s get real, people.  Is your Intimacy Artificial?  Are you over connected?  What masters and enslaves you?  What is the noise that preoccupies your soul with distractions and stimulations?  We wrongly allow the enemy a foothold over the cacophony of our hearts ponderings and pains and the even the voice of God – Satan and the world love the silence of Artificial Intimacy.  And Artificial Intimacy is a god (a false one) who serves that very desire.  But it is deafening to our souls.  And the cost of Artificial Intimacy is vast.  It robs you of the gold of True Intimacy – being connected in a still and quieted soul to your Lord Jesus and the Spirit of God –

Feeling Followership

(By Thor Knutstad)

The enemy’s deception has slowly and methodically traded real freedom (in us) for the worship of what I will call ‘Feeling Followership.’  But we know that our feelings don’t really free us – they often mislead us, they often distort the truth and they often bring us into deeper bondage when we live following the misguided sense of direction that comes from Feeling Followership.  

Show me a man or woman enslaved by passions, feelings and desires, and I will show you a heart that is laced and bound with heavy chains of enslavement.  False teachers deceive people into thinking that freedom is found and experienced in the idolatry of Feeling Followership, but they would never call it that.  Oh, they never call it the adultery (unfaithfulness) or the idolatry (false worship) that it really is either.  They never label it as license or liberty of the world; and they surely wouldn’t call it the legalism that it often represents in its many rules and manmade traditions.   This is because the devil, though he appears to often work quickly, picks at our fleshly sin nature sometimes very slowly and patiently.  This strategy, coupled with the wrong desires that cause confusion within us, serve to thwart God’s deeper work within our hearts.  Feeling Followership promises freedom from the constraints God outlines in His Word, but ultimately real freedom is lost.  During the downward process of Feeling Followership, freedom evaporates and bondage takes hold and roots deeply.  While our hearts are held hostage in the deception of Feeling Followership, this soul-killing process that bathes in Satan’s great lies causes us to lose ourselves and become mastered by the very things that enslave us.  Feeling Followership is a legion of demons invading the desires of the flesh.  It is not real freedom.  Feeling Followership is a deadly and dark path – a highway with few or any exits.  Beware.  Beware of the false teachers and false prophets who tickle your ears with Feeling Followership appeals.  Beware of the lies – and behold the truth.  

This truth is a person – His Name is Jesus, the Christ.  And though He always comforts your pains and sufferings with an everlasting love, He will never call you to Feeling Followership.  Instead, He will take you to places that you never wanted to go; He asks you to deny yourself and carry your cross like He did – so He can get you home - to eternity’s Heaven, unto holiness.  Therefore, we must often forsake Feeling Followership, trading it for righteous actions and doings of holy moments that exemplify the Gospel and live out our real freedom.  Let’s see Feeling Followership for the lie that it really is – Praise Him.  

“Relating Without Guile”

(By Thor Knutstad)

Most of our patterns of relating are naturally very self-protective and actually quite manipulative. While distance or demand provides us a setting to be safe from the transparencies of vulnerability, contact and relating in conversation often only touches others to the degree that we get our own needs met. This is sad. Neither strategy is loving, but actually very self-serving.

Life’s disappointments and our deepest pains will almost always seem to occur in the context of some of our closest relationships. Our sinful strategies that try to control our relational world are very self-interested and very self-deceptive. 

Maybe we need to repent of these manipulative styles of relating and move toward others with risky involvement and words that connect to their hearts? Do you fear this style of intimate relating? Do you crave closeness but avoid it to the measure that it serves you?

Though Jesus was careful not to entrust Himself to the Pharisees, He does pour Himself into the hearts of the apostles and sometimes even other disciples. There were emboldened moments of relating – yet there were many tender ones as well. My friend Karen is now 71 years old and is in ministry in the Rochester, NY region. About 10 years ago, this 60+ year old woman came to me (a young pastor of about 33) and asked to be my Philadelphia Biblical University (PCB, now Cairn University) masters level counseling intern. What business did this mature, godly woman have being my intern, but I am grateful for her ministry – to others, and even to me. She was a good learner, but a good teacher as well. She knew how to love people and how to encourage. She gently and confidently once said to me in response to how I had handled some situation at church, “Thor, you are like Jesus – you are without guile.” She then proceeded to tell me what she meant by that. Guile is a military term from the Old King James Version of Scripture that denotes one who strategizes and plans in a sly and cunning manner – like a military leader who in crafty preparation knows how to flank his enemy and set up the victory. 

She was calling me to continue to deal with people and in their relationships (and mine) with a form of innocence – a reminder to never trade it for a shrewd plan or strategy that relies on a craft or skill that manipulates situations. This style of relating is vulnerable, but it cuts to the quick of the heart and often reaches the hearts of others. It touches people where they are, but it doesn’t pretend to have all of the answers. It listens and loves but doesn’t do so with a cunning agenda. It’s how Karen was – it’s who God has made her to be. This encouragement has stayed with me, and I have even passed it on a few times myself. If I have said it to you at some point, you are smiling right now. She blessed me and laid a foundation for my life, my relationships and my ministry.

While the Pharisees were self-righteous, self-absorbed and quite manipulative in tactic (hence, FULL OF GUILE), our sweet, loving Lord Jesus was the COMPLETE ANTITHESIS OF GUILE. His innocent, loving, merciful, gentle, unassuming ways reached into the hearts of His Most Beloved Relationships. Without guile, He healed and did miracles. Without guile, He spoke the Word of God – boldly and unapologetically. Without guile, He fulfilled His calling of His ministry and lived “on mission” with all whom He came into contact with daily. Without guile, He didn’t try to control or manipulate the outcome of those moments – He simply loved others well. Without guile, may WE repent of our maneuverings and the craft of relational control – instead, may WE turn toward our Jesus and replicate His love for others as an instrument of His heart.

Praise Him.

Vacations, Family Meetings and God-Moments

(By Thor Knutstad)

Our family recently had the opportunity to spend a week together at Spofford Lake (Camp Spofford) in beautiful southern New Hampshire.  During our monthly "family meeting" in June prior to the trip (yes, we actually do this after a good meal together, usually on a Thursday evening for about an hour once per month), I lovingly warned our sons (Jordan- 20, Bryn- 13, Jadon- 12 and Elijah- 7) that the gift and the investment of vacation would be discussed and evaluated at the next family meeting.  I explained the costs, what was expected as we journeyed north toward NH and told them that we would talk about it in late July after our week away together.  Needless to say, besides a few battles among one another (siblings) over who would shower first after canoeing or swimming in the lake, space in the bunk beds, and electronics with limited usage, it was a memorable and enjoyable trip.  There were loud moments, ornery moments of teen boys and lots of laughter filled with pictures, memories and good meals together.  But even after a week of travel distance and the dynamics of our energetic boys, my wife Lisa and I truly needed a vacation from our vacation.  The stress of managing the excursion took its toll on us, and we needed some real rest.  This rest is actually happening as I write - and we are both working this week :)   

 In our follow-up family meeting with all six of us together, I addressed the following aspects from the previous month: 

1. Scripture memory and Bible reading- though the culture distracts our kids from God's Word in a thousand ways, we want to teach this and model it as a priority - we as the parents even have our own verse to study and memorize
2. Chores- to help manage household tasks and take the pressure off of one another, as parents we are teaching our kids to assist and work together for the benefit of the household with time sensitive expectations 
3. Relational Dynamics- this is self-explanatory, but it relates to how everyone is getting along and 
4. Vacation Behaviors and Observations from the trip- this took some gutsy honesty on my part, laced with encouragement of the positive that I observed.  

Near the end of the family meeting, I asked our children two pointed questions of risk as I affirmed our love for them and for one another: 

1. Are your needs being met? 
2. Can Mom (Lisa) and I do anything better as your parents? 

 Before you try to precisely replicate what you are doing or want to do as a family, ask the Lord to help you think of creative ways to bring unity, wise communication and disciplined reminders to your children and one another.  It's not that these meetings are perfect for us - they have rough edges all the way around.  And so do our kids.  The goal is to sandpaper smooth some of the rough edges of our children's hearts, carving away the desires of their own hearts’ idolatries. Overall, this is God's artwork in their lives.  He is ultimately creating each as a workmanship (literally "masterpiece").  Our hearts want to MODEL and TEACH selfless Christ-likeness, merciful grace of the Gospel in less than perfect moments (there are many of these) and to overarch every moment somehow with the undying and sacrificial love of our Father God.  I would challenge you to have these "tune-ups" of whittling to that God's carving work happens through you the parents in your family - your children may just respond to you and the God Moments may just surprise you.

DAD, PIZZA, AND THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

(By Thor Knutstad)

When I was maybe like 14, my mom and my sister were away for the weekend at a Christian women's conference or church event. It was just me and my dad. That Saturday evening, Dad rounded me up and we went for pizza downtime. When we walked in to the back room to be seated, to my shame and embarrassment, most of my closest friends were gathered for a birthday party - that I wasn't invited to. When we sat down in the booth, I wanted to crawl under the seat. I felt rejected and could feel the staring eyes of disapproval from my classmates. They felt bad too - maybe worse. I wanted to run and hide. I felt exposed. But my Dad made me stay. He sensed my shame and said "Honey Boy (that was his term of affection for me through my life), sometimes people won't include you and will not invite you. When you are young, it hurts. You feel ashamed that they didn't invite you to the party, but they feel worse." Then he reached across the table and gently squeezed my hand - in a firm but tender and manly way. He opened his wallet and said to me, "Here" and handed me a $20 bill. "Here's enough for you to share with all of them - go play video games with them and include them even though they haven't done that for you." A few of my friends joined me, talked with us, and we even left them extra pizza (I never understood till now why my Dad bought two pizzas but now I do). This is a simple story with a deep, complex meaning. My father used creativity and wisdom to compensate for and alleviate my pain of wanting approval and fears of rejection. He rose above a situation with encouragement and quick thinking that rescued his young son's fragile, developing heart. (I just teared my way through this reading this to my Gram and to Jordan before). I think those moments prepared me for greater rejections - and for walking wisely in tough situations - and made and make a little more like Jesus. Teach your sons well fathers - life is more than hard work and education and survival. Your life is Christ. Be that to your sons.

Walking In Rest.

(By Thor Knutstad & Diego Cuartas)

Rest. We crave it. We rush to it. We plan how to rest in a furry of activity and we invest in it feverishly. But we misdefine it. Rest is not time off. Rest is not the weekend nor a break nor a vacation. Rest is actually my calling - daily. Rest must be my mindset. My friend Nate uses the phrase "walking in His Rest" as a statement of calling and command. When I walk in God's Rest, I do not bow to anxiety and fear. I do not seek power over situations that are out of my control. I do not fret over circumstances. Instead, I trust my God and entrust myself to Him. Rest, or unrest, displays who or what rules my very heart. It's almost Monday, but will you walk in His Rest? 

In A Pilgrim Song, found in the 131 chapter of the book of Psalms, we can see the relationship between rest and hoping in God: (The Message)

God, I’am not trying to rule the roost,

I don’t want to be king of the mountain.

I haven’t meddled where I have no business

of fantasized grandiose plans.

I’ve kept my feet on the ground,

I’ve cultivated a quiet heart.

Like a baby content in its mother’s arms, 

my soul is a baby content.

Wait, Israel, for God, Wait with hope.

Hope now; hope always!

Reflection:

• When do you experience the most rest?
• What role does God play in that rest?
• What would have to change for you to find rest in God?

The Heart Of Approval

(By Thor Knutstad)

Sometimes we so desperately need each other's approval.  Unfortunately, fear and worry are so connected to how much we crave approval and how much we hate failure.  Whatever you think you need will always control you.  If you need love and acceptance and approval from others, they hold the keys to something very valuable to you.  You will live in fear that they might not deliver.  You will fear those who are the gatekeepers to the fulfillment of your needs.  This can control your heart, your conversations, your goals and even your relationships.

The opinions of other human beings are by far the scariest things on the planet.  Our formula for avoiding rejection deceives us into thinking that we can win the approval, the prestige or the love that we desire.  But God doesn't want us dominated by the opinions of other people.  His approval, by far, is all that we really need - and we have that in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.  You see, God the Father approves of the work His Son Jesus did - and that changed and changes everything.  God's approval reigns over me because of my Savior - not because of others and not because of my performance.  I can rest in this great truth. Praise Him.

Free to Love

(By Thor Knutstad)

Being free to love provides the power to appeal to strong satisfactions. Focus more on loving others well rather than resisting temptation. The fruits of holiness are visible with more freedom to love, so make every effort to love more, not sin less. You are free to love. Gospel freedom means that I neither indulge my whims nor keep my rules. Whim - indulgers and rule keepers are slaves to the corruption within them that demands a kind of self-satisfaction [unto works and performance]. Christ has, through the cross, set us free to love.

The world's compulsive need to feel whole and complete is a lie. It screams of a preoccupation with satisfaction and makes you want relief from feelings of pain and brokenness. We were designed for purity and for the peace of Shalom. The cross and resurrection are leading us there. But it is not yet realized. In the meantime, walk in the freedom to love. Yes, walk holy - but an over focus on sin and struggles will reduce the power of the Gospel in your life. Yes, confess. Repent. And make loving others
well your only deep satisfaction. For it is there that truth will set you free.

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