The Homeless, the hopeless...

It had been a powerful service!  Not necessarily due to the preaching or worship or response, but simply because God had chosen to move upon us.  Many had responded to the alters and were both praying and being prayed for when I stepped to the pulpit to close in prayer.  

While praying, I began hearing a “ticking” sound.   At first, it seemed far off, but as it continued, it grew louder and drew closer to me.  I opened my eyes just in time to see a man in a wheelchair speeding down the center isle on a collision course with those at the foot of the stage.  After leaping down and preventing the five-person-pile-up, I spun the man around, wheeled him back up the isle, and finished praying from the back of the sanctuary.    

Christopher was one of the many homeless men who lived in the neighborhood where the church was located.  He was a Vietnam vet, occasionally attended the church, and lived “most of the time” - his language - under a bridge just around the corner.  Christopher looked what most-long term homeless look like.  He was dirty, his clothing was weather-beaten and torn, he was missing most of his teeth, and he reeked of alcohol.

As we spoke, I was bombarded with conflicting emotions.  I was concerned for Christopher: he clearly did not look well.  Yet I was also frustrated with him!  Christopher was completely oblivious to the scene he had just caused.  All Christopher was concerned about was...well...Christopher.  

A Forgotten Truth...

Of course, I don’t have time to go through the entire discussion that Christopher and I had that evening, but there are some highlights to our conversation that were good for him and good for those of you who are reading this article to hear.

After setting with Christopher, listening to him as he shared some of his story, giving my Bible to him, and then praying for him, I asked him if I could personally get him to one of the local missions in the area.  Christopher’s response did not surprise me, nor encourage me...for I have been working with the homeless for several years and expected his answer.  He said, “I don’t need the mission.  I am happy just the way I am.”  He continued to explain that he was content and was a Christian living “free” and “right with God.”  

Now… I don’t doubt Christopher’s motives, but I do challenge his assumptions.  As I told him, I will share with you.  Christianity is not about living “good,” nor is it about avoiding the “bad.”  It’s not about “going to church,” nor is it about giving money, time, and acts of service to the needy.  Of course, these are all things that Christians do, but doing these things, doesn’t make you a Christian.

I told Christopher that being a Christian was about asking Jesus to come into our life as Savior and Lord, asking Him to forgive us of our sins, and then, live life in response to His direction and leading and purpose.  This last part was a struggle for Christopher, and apparently, a forgotten Truth among some in the Church today.

You see, Christopher was not a bad guy.  Sure he had some substance abuse issues (but you might also, if you were in his position...so stop judging him), but he was making what seemed like an honest attempt at going to church, praying, and reading his Bible.  Christopher’s “hold-up” in his walk with Jesus was, he wasn’t allowing Jesus to be Lord of his life.

Christopher wanted to serve Jesus on his own terms.  I gathered very quickly that he was a good man, but again, Christianity is not being simply a good man.  Christianity is about responding to Jesus and walking in His will for your life.  I mean, really, remember the words Jesus spoke to the woman caught in adultery.  He did not judge her, nor did He condemn her.  He said, “Go and sin no more” (NLT).  God’s will for this woman is very similar to His will for Christopher.  As she was to no long to stay in her “way of life,” Christopher was to no longer stay in his.

Call me narrow-minded and capitalistic, but I believe God has more for Christopher than sleeping his days away under a bridge, finding dinner at the local dumpster, and collecting cans to sell for his daily alcohol rationing.  God’s plan for Christopher is BIGGER!

Silver and Gold I Do Not Have...

I travel a lot and visit around 30 states each year.  While on the road and during our stay at each church, I see a lot of homeless standing on street corners holding signs.  The message varies, but most of the time it boils down to them needing money.  I must admit, it is a bit awkward setting at a stop light with a man or woman holding a sign, only a few feet away, peering into your car window.  Normally they don’t speak and normally I don’t either, but on the occasion that they do, usually asking for money, I reply and say, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have, I will gladly give to you.”

Their reaction varies from annoyed to curious, but regardless, I am completely serious...just as Peter and John were when speaking to the beggar on the Temple steps (Acts 3:6).  And just as Peter and John certainly had money, I too have money (normally...though I usually on carry my Visa).  But I do not give it, just as Peter and John did not give it.

Why?!!!

Perhaps the answer is in Peter’s response.  Listen to what he says…

“But Peter said, ‘I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" - New Living Translation

Notice that Peter says, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you.”  

I think there is valuable Truth in this statement.  The circumstances and culture are a bit different, but the Truth is applicable in our day just as it was in Peter’s day.  Perhaps the “Church” should respond more like Peter to the needy of our generation. 

I have to admit, it does our conscience well and fits nicely into our time-crunched-rushed-lifestyle to quickly spit out a few $$$ and get on with our day, but is that the real...Christian...answer in such circumstances?  I think not, and apparently, neither did Peter.

Loving People...

Is Not Always Giving Them... 

What They Want...

I imagine there are going to be some who will verbally pound me for such comments, but I think it’s more cruel to contribute to poverty than to embrace, love, and help people out of it.  I think, in general, people think it’s cruel to not give money to the homeless.  I want to challenge this….and yet...not necessarily prevent.  If you want to give money, fine, do it!  But don’t stop there!  Reach out!  Draw in!  Walk them, being pushy if needs be, into a new direction!  Remember, Peter said, “In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!"

What does that mean?  I don’t know, maybe, “walk in a new direction.”  “Try something new.”  “Follow Jesus!”

A Lesson From a Crippled Beggar…

In John 5:1-15, we find a story about Jesus healing a man who had been a cripple for most of his life.  Notice, Jesus did not “buy him off” with a few quarters from his pocket.  He asked him, “Do you want to get well?”  It was a life-defining question for the man.  

So what happened?  You know, Jesus healed him and set him on a new path...a new direction...a new way of living.  There was no conditions, no qualification, and no demands.  The man didn’t even have to believe or follow Jesus.  He was free to live, fresh and new.  

...but did he?

We gather that he did not.  At the end of the story, Jesus finds him still in the temple...still in his old ways...not moving forward...returning to his mat.  Jesus speaks openly to him, “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.”  What does that mean?  “Move on my beloved!”  “God has more for you than this.”

Ponder this as you calculate if you should’ve wasted your time in reading this radical article by a non-caring middle-class snob (I get that from time to time): it may be easier and make you feel better to give money to the down and out...and maybe you should, but please, don’t stop there!  You’ll more than likely do more harm the good.

To give someone “Jesus” is to give them YOURSELF!  

As a prop to hold on to?  Yes.  

As a shoulder to lean upon?  Yes.  

As a Light in the darkness?  Yes. 

Even as a hope for the hopeless.  Indeed!

I hope you’ve heard my heart and participate in your world rather than being a spectator within it.

His Alone,

Jeremiah 

Recreational Marijuana

Recreational Marijuana

Disc Golf

I took up playing disc golf a couple years ago.  Having worked in teen ministry over the past 18 years, I was familiar with throwing frisbees in baskets.  What I had never witnessed was watching a Professional Disc-golfer make a disc fly like it was on a remote control.  So, after being exposed to the “next level” play of the sport, I became thoroughly hooked!

I quickly learned that “casual” play and recreation marijuana use, often times, go hand-in-hand.  In fact, it’s unfortunately common to play a round of disc golf and bump into a friendly group of disc-golfing, pot-spoking, locals at your local disc golf park.  Therefore, although I support the sport and encourage regular play and practice, I would advise that you prepare yourself to encounter this sub-culture in the disc-golfing community.  

After playing a few months at my home course in Nashville, TN, my local club caught wind that I was a preacher.  I’ve made several friends and have handed out quite a few of our Jesus Saves Par disc golf t-shirts.  They have accepted me as part of their group and have become comfortable enough to chat about the topic of my life-style.  On the disc golf course, at least where I am playing, religion and golfing take up quite a bit of the conversation.   

Among the conversations that have taken place between me and my “pot-smoking” locals, is the open dialogue about marijuana use.  I have heard all the religious perspectives about marijuana, from it being a “seed-bearing plant” that God has blessed, to it being a religious experience that opens your mind in a special way to God.  Some ideas are strange, others border on extreme, while most are simply bazar.  

Yet most of the guys I play with are not bad guys.  They’re fun, polite, and accepting.  They’re friendly, honest, and look forward to beating me (if they can) whenever I’m in town to play.  And up to this point, they’ve politely tolerated my views on marijuana use.

The High School Years

Most of my experience with marijuana comes from my high school years.  When you think of a Hoodlum, or “Hood” as it was called in my day, you might think of the mullet-wearing, jean-jacket with the Metallica back-patch sporting, cigarette toting, pot-reeking teenager.  If you can force the images to remain in your mind, this was what I looked like for most of the late 80’s.  

No…  That’s not me!

A lot has changed in my life since that time, and more than just my hair style - I no longer recreationally (or medically for that matter - I’m a healthy guy) use marijuana.  

Now, before you jump to any conclusions, let me tell what I’ve told my disc-golfing buddies.

A Word from The Word

Revelation 9:21

Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual 

immorality or their thefts.

Revelation 21:7-8

He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 

But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually 

immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all 

liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 

This is the second death.

Revelation 22:14-15

Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the 

tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. Outside are the 

dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the 

murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and 

practices falsehood.  

3 times in Revelation the phrase ~magical arts~ is used.    

the context

In chapter 9, those who did not repent where those who used magical arts.  In chapter 21, those who practice magical arts are not children of God, but objects of God’s wrath.  In chapter 22, those who practice magical arts will not be granted the right to eat of the Tree of Life (consistent language used throughout the Bible describing salvation), nor will they be permitted into the city (Heaven), but remain outside (Hell).

The context is clear: those who practice magical arts are always among those who are rebellious (do not repent), not children of God, and will not be those who spend eternity with Jesus in His Heavenly City.  

the phase

So what are ~magical arts~ ??

The Greek word translated “magical arts” is the term φάρμακοwν, pronounced phar-ma-kown.  You may recognize this word when you pronounce it.  It’s closely associated and linked to our word Pharmaceuticals.  This word was used in three basic ways in Jesus’ day:

1. a harmful drug, poison
2. a drug used as a controlling medium, magic potion, charm
3. a healing remedy, medicine, remedy, drug

Two of the three uses of this word are obvious.  Definition (1) is used to describe poison.  Definition (3) is used to describe medicinal remedies.  Definition (2) needs some explanation...  

The word φάρμακοwν, when not used to describe (1) harmful intentions, or (3) medicinal purposes, only has one other use: Definition (2) Sorcery (King James Version), Witchcraft (New Living Translation), and Magic Arts (New International Version).  In other words, when not trying to poison or heal someone, the only other use is associated with Sorcery, Witchcraft, and the Occult.

the problem

So what does the phrase ~magical arts~ have to do with Marijuana?

It’s really not that difficult.  Christians, children of God, believers, those filled with the Holy Spirit, ...those who will one day leave this planet and spend eternity in Heaven with Jesus...do not use any pharmaceutics, including marijuana, in a recreational or non-medicinal context (...meaning smoking pot to get high...).  

As always, the above expressed is not the opinions, ideas, or desires of Jeremiah Bolich (~ me ~), but the Truth as we believe the Bible contains it.  

His Alone,

Jeremiah Bolich

Sanctification

John 6:61

Sanctified  

At least in Nazarene circles, there seems to be much debate these days over this one word.  Am I sanctified?  If I am, what does that mean?  Can I "lose it," become un-sanctified.  Are there outward signs of a person who is sanctified?  If I'm a girl, do I have to grow my hair long and then put it in a bun?  If I'm a guy, do I throw out all my shorts and tank tops?  These are the kinds of comments I hear when the word sanctified comes up for discussion.

If you were to search the word "Sanctify" in a NIV translation of the Bible, you would find it used twice in John 17:17-19, once in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, and once in Hebrews 9:13.  If you were to dig a little deeper, you would find that all four uses of this word are translated from the same Greek word, hagiazo, and that it means to consecrate, set apart (for sacred use), or to make holy.  

Most times, the dispute surrounding this word arises when a person or group seeks to define what being consecrated, set apart, or to be made holy actually looks like in day to day living.  Of course, I believe there are physical displays of sanctification, but who can actually nail them down and who would be the person or group to do that.

As is the case with every question I have, I return to the Bible to find my answer.  I found it intriguing that Jesus used the word twice in John 17 in his lengthy discourse to his disciples and yet did not use the word in any of his teachings up to that point.  It's not found in any of his teachings during his multiple visits to the temple.  It's not found in his is monumental conversation with Nicodemus.  It's not even found in his thorough explanation of being a disciple to the 5,000 crowd in John chapter 6. 

This might seem to lesson the weight of Jesus' sanctification teaching in chapter 17, but if you have followed closely Jesus' message as a whole over the prior 16 chapters, you would see that the word "sanctification" culminates in this chapter and does not make it's first appearance.  In other words, though the word has not been used up to this point, the concept has been clearly defined.

 Sanctified or Sinful

The last 12 verse of this chapter contain the decisive moment where many who have followed Jesus as disciples turn back and no longer follow Him.  Jesus' response in verse 61 is very important, for it reveals the spiritual condition of sin (in the context of our discussion; not being sanctified) that has captured the 5,000 crowd.  

Aware

Jesus is aware of the crowd's spiritual condition.  The word aware is the Greek word oida and conveys a knowledge that comes from facts or information.  In Matthew 6:8, Jesus teaches that in prayer, the Father already knows what we need before we ask.  This is our word.  Just as the Father already has the information that we bring to Him in our prayers, so Jesus already knew of the 5,000 crowds spiritual condition before they began to argue among themselves.

There is much we could say about this spiritual condition and how Jesus knew about it, but it is enough to say, considering the conversation from verses 25-59, that the spiritual condition of a person bears fruit that is easily seen by a disciple.  Jesus' awareness in this passage is not a supernatural phenomenon as much as it is a common supernatural result of one who is sourced by the Spirit.

Grumbling

Jesus compares the 5,000's spiritual condition to that of their forefather's by referring to both groups as grumblers.  As their forefathers grumbled and did not trust, so they also are grumbling and not trusting.  The Greek word translated "grumbling" describes an inward condition that breaks forth out of the mouth.  In this crowds case, it is a deep discontent with Jesus and His teaching about the disciple lifestyle.  

Jesus uses phrases like "the work of God is this: to trust in the One He has sent" (v29), "...I have come down from heaven not to do my will, but to do the will of Him who sent me" (v38), and "...unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you." (v53), to convey to this crowd what the lifestyle of a true disciple looks like.  As Jesus lived trusting the Father, His disciples will live trusting in Him.

Offend

There are two extremely important aspects to Jesus' statement, "Does this offend you."  The first is the word Jesus uses that we translate "offend" and the second is that it is a question.  

The word translated "offend" literally means to cause to sin.  The spiritual condition of the 5,000 crowd is sinful.  This is important and alarming, for the result of resisting the lifestyle Jesus called and demonstrated to us, is rebellion against God.  

And the way in which Jesus states this is also important.  It is a question that reveals an awareness of the Truth.  In our cultural language today, we would say, "Really?"  Jesus is saying in shock and horror, “this is what is causing you to sin?” or “You are resisting me because you are not willing to be impartial to my heart and will?”  The question of their sin reveals Jesus stunned response to the basics of discipleship.  

Sanctification: An Inward Work of the Holy Spirit

To be sanctified, is to be set-apart by the Holy Spirit to Jesus.  It is to be enabled by the Holy Spirit to trust Jesus unequivocally.  To be sanctified is to belong to Jesus so completely, that our mind, our heart, and even our will is so intimately sewn together with His, that it is impossible to tell where Jesus ends and the disciple begins.  This is not super or next level Christianity, but ordinary, average, everyday, don't get into heaven without it Christianity.  What we learn from Jesus, is that sanctification is the natural progression of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a disciple.

In regard to the physical displays of sanctification, it is not surprising that Jesus does not bring up anywhere in John's Gospel outward aspects of the disciple (sanctified one).  He does not give details concerning clothing, hair, makeup, or jewelry.  In fact, you are under the conclusion after readying John's Gospel, that these issues are non-issues for those who are disciples.

My aim and hope for you is the same for myself.  I pray that Jesus would so capture us that the outward displays of our life would testify to His inward work.  I pray that as we live in continual trust in Jesus, our outward physical life would bend and flex to the demands of a heart and will that is saturated with the Person of Jesus.  I pray that it may it be so in our lives.