Joel Johnson

I was humored by Warren Buffet’s words, “When the tide goes out you realize who has been swimming without a suit.”

In Romans Chapters 1-3 Paul has reminded us that our sin is real and that we’ll be fully exposed at the judgment of God.  But for those who put their faith in Jesus Christ there will be a covering and God’s wrath will be turned away by the shed blood of His Son.  Last Sunday I was excited to speak about the Gospel and grace.  In Christ we experiences first hand astounding and amazing grace.

In one of His last acts before death, Jesus forgave a thief dangling on a cross.  He did this knowing full well that the thief converted out of plain fear in the face of exposure before God who had, in that moment, become real to him.  That thief would never study the Bible, never attend a synagogue or church, and never make amends to all those he had wronged.  He simply said, “Jesus …remember me.”  Jesus whispered a word to this thief.  If you bend your ear toward heaven you can hear his words even now… “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

Oh, my!  What a beautiful, if not shocking reminder that grace does not depend on what we have done for God but rather what God has done for us.  Ask your friends what they must do to get to heaven and most reply, “Be good.”  Jesus’ stories contradict that answer.  All we must do is cry out like the thief, “Help, I believe.”  God welcomes home anyone who will have him and in fact has made the first move already.  Most experts who offer help, hope and healing – like doctors, pastors, lawyers, and marriage counselors – wait for clients to come to them…not God.  I John 4:19 reminds us, “We love Him because He first loved us.”

Think of the friends or colleagues you have in your sphere of influence right now.  God is seeking after them, loving them and they may not even know it.  Do you think it’s possible that a little nudge by you, a simple conversation, or sincere invitation to come to the Maundy Thursday service or Easter Sunday service might awaken them to God’s promptings?

Under The Mercy,

Joel

The response to the message on homosexuality delivered on February 20^th has been enlightening.  Thanks to those who took time to respond to the corresponding blog or gave feedback concerning one of the most difficult questions of our time. The feedback makes it clear to me that many of you are sincerely looking for trustworthy answers to the difficult questions of our time. Most of the personal feedback came from those who are struggling with same-sex attraction or are parents to children who have this struggle, or from people wanting to know what to say to those they know who are dealing with this.

 I suggested to you in the message a number of resources (see below) but nearly every inquirer asked the questions, “Which book should I start with?”  Let me suggest two:

1. Wesley Hill’s “Washed and Waiting” is the compelling story of his own struggle with same-sex attraction and how he deals with it in light of his faith in Jesus Christ:  is my identity first in Christ or in my attraction? Even those not dealing with this struggle will benefit from the rich theology and the profound insights of Hill’s personal battle. I will always remember is words, “My struggle is my offering.” Isn’t that true for all of us, no matter our struggle?  
2. Mark Yarhouse’s “ Homosexuality and the Christian,” was the most helpful resource in my preparation for the message.  He introduces new ways to think about this issue, carefully separating “same-sex attraction” from “gay identity.”  The book provides a much-needed, deeper understanding of homosexuality that helps churches find a new voice and is a truly helpful guide for parents, families and friends to enter the conversation. 

 We need clear biblical answers that are grounded in love and compassion and I’m thankful for courageous leaders like Hill and Yarhouse who give us a new frame for reference on this subject.  The church needs to find a voice that brings help and hope, not isolation and alienation.

 Under the mercy,

 Joel

 Resources:
Colon, Christine & Field, Bonnie (2009). Singled out: Why Celibacy Must Be Reinvented in Today’s Church.  Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press.

Hill, Wesley & Greene-McCreight, Kathryn (2010).  Washed and Waiting: Reflections on ChristianFaithfulness and Homosexuality. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan

Marin, Andrew & McLaren, Brian (2009).  Love Is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation With the Gay Community.  Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press.

McMinn, Lisa. (2004). Sexuality and Holy Longing: Embracing Intimacy in a Broken World. Jossey Bass
Winner, Lauren (2005).  Real Sex: The Naked Truth About Chastity.  Grand Rapids, MI: Brazos Press.

Yarhouse, M. A. Homosexuality and the Christian:  A Guide for Parents, Pastors, and Friends (2010). Bethany: Bloomington, MN.

In the past several months I have read extensively on the subject of homosexuality. I have listened to lectures. I have met with several friends who struggle with same sex attraction and gay identity.  I have listened to several parents weighted down with concern about children with same sex attraction.  And I have prayed for God’s wisdom for the words I will share in the message at each of our worship services this Sunday, February 20.

Society’s views on this topic have certainly changed over the last few decades.  Historically in America, homosexuality was a taboo subject, seldom talked about in society and a silent issue in the church.  Previous depictions of homosexuality in the media reflected the general cultural conviction that this behavior was immoral.  Today, a sea change has taken place in society’s perspective.  Mainstream media today generally treats homosexuality as a normal and acceptable lifestyle, the expression of one’s natural sexual identity.  It’s the message carried into our schools as well.  So how do we respond as Christians to this changing tide?

I like William Isaacs’ book Dialogue. The premise of his book is that we have lost the art of thinking together.  He’s right.   Many Christians don’t want to talk about this issue because of its volatility or because it invades our comfort zones.  People on all sides of the debate are so convinced about their ideas, convictions and views that there’s little room left for respect or understanding.   Emotions run high, with anger and hostility often expressed. There is a need for dialogue and new ways of entering into the conversation.  Isaacs lays out a course that encourages a more helpful dialogue which includes four practices:  listening, suspending, respecting, and voicing.   No matter which side of the issue you are on, it is wise to apply these four practices to this debate.

This week read Romans 1:18-32 in preparation for the message during this Sunday’s services.  There is an urgent need to talk about God’s design for human sexuality and to address the issue of homosexuality in a loving and biblical manner.  I will seek to reframe the following set of questions both communities (Gay and Christian) ask with the hope of engaging in a healthier conversation then the one currently dividing our country and even our churches.

• Do you think people who embrace a gay identity are born that way?
• Do you think homosexuality is a sin?
• Can a person with gay identity change?
• Do you think that someone can be gay and Christian?
• Are gays going to hell?

Every day I am grateful that God’s Word gives us a compass to help navigate the difficult terrain of life’s greatest questions and concerns. Let’s rediscover the art of thinking together and in so doing receive the wisdom of God available to all who humble themselves in His presence.

Joel
Listen to the sermon here:  What about Homosexuality?

After last Sunday’s message about religions I received this e-mail.

My husband and I and another couple attended today and the two men had a completely different take on what you were saying from what the women heard. The men thought you were saying people of other religions (Jews, Muslims) can go to heaven as long as they believe in God. The women heard that only Christians will be in heaven. Can you clear this up for us? Thank you.

I actually didn’t address that specific question in the message last week. I did say that Paul’s reflection “I am not ashamed of the gospel because IT is the power of God for the salvation of all who believe” is clear- the Gospel saves us. And the substance of the Gospel is Jesus who said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). In John 8:23,24 He said, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. I told you that you would die in your sins: if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be you will indeed die in your sins.” And again, in Acts 4:12 it records that Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit said, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”

Today many respond to this by saying, “I’m sorry, I just cannot buy that. I work with some fine people who are Muslim, Jewish, or agnostic. I cannot believe they are going to hell just because they don’t believe in Jesus.” This may be the main objection moderns make to the Christian message. Perhaps you struggle with this yourself. Many moderns reject the idea of final judgment and hell. The idea that you have to believe in Jesus seems narrow and exclusive. That’s why I addressed how the exclusive distinctives of biblical Christianity actually lead us to demonstrate a humble, reconciling, inclusive behavior. Listen to the January 30 message, “What about Other Religions” to better understand what this means.

I’m curious though–how do you view the “real tension” that Jesus is the way to the Father? And how do you personally address the subject in this day of tolerance? People hold many views and understanding some of these views will help us better understand God’s perspective and the manner in which we can speak into this relevant subject with greater clarity. I look forward to seeing your response as I prepare to answer this question in the weeks ahead.

I was 22 years old when my good friend, Nancy Wong, challenged me to memorize 34 passages from Scripture.  I didn’t know if I could do that, nor did I know the value of such a practice and I never could have anticipated the results and reward that discipline has made in my life. I did memorize those verses and I’ve been memorizing the Bible ever since that first invitation.

Dallas Willard, professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, wrote, “Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth. That’s where you need it! How does it get in your mouth? Memorization” (“Spiritual Formation in Christ for the Whole Life and Whole Person” in Vocatio, Vol. 12, no. 2, Spring, 2001, p. 7).

Here are ten reasons why I memorize Scripture:

1.     It draws me closer to Christ (James 4:8)

2.     It reminds me that I’m loved by God and eternally secure in His presence (John 10:27-28; John 3:16; I John 3:1)

3.     It gives me strength to resist sin and temptation (Psalm 119:11, I Corinthians 10:13)

4.     It reminds me to live free because I am forgiven (I John 1:9)

5.     It has given me a compass when I need to make decisions in my life (Romans 12:1-2)

6.     It reminds me that God is bigger than my problems, He knows my needs and will meet them according to His purpose (Proverbs 3:5-6; Philippians 4:19)

7.     It has given me confidence to share the love of Jesus Christ with my friends and acquaintances who don’t yet know the Lord (Romans 1:16-17)

8.     It helps me to live in vital union with Jesus Christ.  I can’t make you live in vital union with Him and you can’t make me live in vital union with Him.  But being in the Word every morning reminds me that His mercies are new every day if I awaken to them (Lamentations 3:22-24)

9.     It comforts me when I am discouraged and in times of loss (Psalm 52:8-9)

10.     It helps me love my wife and others  the way God wants me to love (Luke 10:27)

And I could go on and on…

God’s Word will be the light upon your path.  Take the time to learn it and love it.

I invite you to learn these key verses from Romans that reveal the story of God’s passion for all people.  These verses will cause you…

·     to reflect more on God and His amazing grace;

·     to humble your heart as you gain understanding of the power of sin and selfishness in your life;

·     to enthusiastically and joyfully stir your desire to reach people in your sphere of influence with the love of Jesus Christ.

Martin Luther’s life was powerfully transformed by Paul’s words to the Romans, so much so that he believed every Christian should memorize the whole letter.   The following verses are a great starting point in the journey.

Respond to this post by sharing brief testimonies of how God has blessed you through memorizing His Word.

To see all of the memory verses for the Romans series go to: www.westwoodcc.org/romans

This is my first blog.  I approach it with hesitation and enthusiasm: hesitation because it’s something new to me, and the uncertainty of doing something that you’ve never done always causes pause; enthusiasm because I believe it will be a fabulous way for me to listen to your ideas, convictions and opinions as well as give me increased opportunity to connect with you in new ways.