smurr's posterous
Cameron has phase two of his education
Did you cheer at Osama's death?
It started out good then I slowly slipped into conviction.
I was in my living room when I got a text saying the U.S. had killed Osama bin Laden. Much like the hundreds who cheered and waved flags, I first wanted to celebrate. As I ran it though my filter of the Sermon on the Mount I grew more and more uncomfortable with my feelings of revenge, satisfaction, retaliation and anger.
As a Christian I follow Christ, but these feelings inside didn’t match what Jesus teaches me. I can’t envision Jesus being in support of or cheer at the killing of anyone. As a Christian, I am told not to retaliate, seek revenge or to kill. I’m supposed to love enemies, do good to those who hate me, and bless those who persecute me. This news only led me further into a tension of grief, prayer and repentance.
“Blessed are the peacemakers. Offer no violent resistance to one who does evil. When someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn and offer the other cheek. Love your enemies and pray for your persecutors. Do not judge. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Seek first God’s reign and God’s justice.” All these statements were made not by a politician or a philosopher but by the one we call Lord and savior.
We cannot find one instance where Jesus waffles on nonviolence. He never says, “However, if your enemies are particularly evil, kill them all.” He does not offer a set of conditions to justify warfare. He commands universal, nonviolent love. He goes even further in his politics of peace to argue for this unusual practice because, he says, it is the very nature of God. Then you will be sons and daughters of God “who makes the sun rise on the bad and the good and causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust,” he announces.
Many in our own faith will struggle with applying these scriptures to a person like Osama bin Laden. It feels like a foreign language forced on them. Too challenging, too hard, too impractical, too scary! There must be a way to justify this scripturally.
These are the basic guidelines for Christian conduct in the world. Following the Sermon on the Mount and New Testament teachings, Christians reject violence, vengeance, retaliation, war, and killing, and instead practice universal love, boundless compassion, generous forgiveness and persistent peacemaking. We are called to walk this narrow path. This is how the Kingdom of God is spread on the earth today.
However as Christian/US citizens, we are living in two kingdoms. First one is the Kingdom of God, which is the realm of God’s rule that we submit to internally. This rule determines our personal choices, decisions and responses. The more we practice the application of this rule or its principals will determine how the Kingdom of God spreads to our world.
Then there is the kingdom of the USA or the country in which we live. The USA even though many would say has been founded on biblical mandates of human equality, liberty and justice for all, is still a secular institution ran with personal best interests. This is why we need a military and security forces to ensure we can protect our personal and best interests. When it comes to evil in the world the way the kingdom of the USA operates is through its own system of security which includes punishment, war, incarceration and walking with a big stick. To protect our citizens our government has to make calls as to when to pull the trigger and this is one of them.
Is this what we do in God’s Kingdom? No, but is it what we do in the USA kingdom? Yes it is. Until we as the church can show how this other Kingdom operates on nonviolence, this will be the way it works.
We as the “Church” need to think before we pass judgment on a military act or a corporal punishment when we ourselves have a ways to go with this very topic. When we, as those who “live in the Kingdom of God”, can’t seem to get along with members of our own family or we get angry at those that are preaching a different message than we want to hear, then we have a ways to go before the wars will stop. If Christians show hate to Muslims, liberals, homosexuals, heretics and drug addicts by speaking with vengeful speech and condemning threats, we have a ways to go. When our denominations split over feuds of doctrine and our feathers get ruffled as we flee our church over the pastors’ opinion of politics, then we know we’re not ready to judge the kingdom of the USA.
In God’s Kingdom we don’t do it this way (kill to send a message or to get justice) but in the world we do. So what is our response to be? I suggest one of sadness. Somber Sadness, that someone has fallen so far as to think we should be destroyed. Sadness that so many died on September 11th and the only justice is this act. Sadness that there are people cheering that someone is dead and revenge has been accomplished. Sadness because we know this death most likely will spread more terrorism. And finally sadness because so many of us struggle knowing that pushing for the “ideal Kingdom response” requires us to change first before we try to tell the government how to end a war or stop a killer.
I guess the real question is how far are you willing to take the Sermon on the Mount?
Pray for my enemies, Really? Do good to those who persecute me, Really?
I hope this stirs you to think even if you don’t agree.
Pastor Steve
Steve Murray is the pastor of Real Life Church – A community of real people who love God and do life together. RLC currently meets at Kentlake High School
Who really needs church anyway? | Faith - Covington & Maple Valley Reporter
Christian Fear or Eastern Mysticism
Here is the letter a concerned citizen of our city wrote. below is my response.
Christian Yoga?
Editor, the VOICE:
Those two words should never be used together. Yoga, a form of eastern mysticism, has exploded in America, and the church is sadly not exempt from it. Although many innocently believe that they are simply doing physical exercises, there is a much deeper and dangerous, demonic element at play. Yoga is a pagan Hindu practice which cannot be separated from its pagan spiritual roots. It is designed to awaken the kundalini power, expanding one's consciousness and becoming one with god. What god? The Hindu god Brahman, aka universal consciousness. The thought is that "we are gods; everything and everyone is god". The practice is designed to control the body so that this kundalini force or power can be awakened, becoming one with the god within. It is likened to a serpent, which is considered sacred and wise, and the goal is to allow this serpent to awaken the mind. Christians are not to spend time praying to (hmm, anyone put their hands in the prayer position in class?) pagan gods, looking within to find knowledge, power and enlightenment, but to spend time meditating on the Word of God and having our minds transformed by His Word. They are not to have anything to do with pagan practices. The serpent in biblical terms is the enemy of God. Christianity is not about mystical experience but about scriptural truth. We are not gods. No matter how innocent one thinks the practice of yoga is, it is anything but. This letter is a plea to Christians to study this matter thoroughly before getting into one more dog (yes, the dog god, one god of over 300 million!) pose. For heaven's sake!
Sharon Anderson
Editor, the VOICE:
Those two words should never be used together. Yoga, a form of eastern mysticism, has exploded in America, and the church is sadly not exempt from it. Although many innocently believe that they are simply doing physical exercises, there is a much deeper and dangerous, demonic element at play. Yoga is a pagan Hindu practice which cannot be separated from its pagan spiritual roots. It is designed to awaken the kundalini power, expanding one's consciousness and becoming one with god. What god? The Hindu god Brahman, aka universal consciousness. The thought is that "we are gods; everything and everyone is god". The practice is designed to control the body so that this kundalini force or power can be awakened, becoming one with the god within. It is likened to a serpent, which is considered sacred and wise, and the goal is to allow this serpent to awaken the mind. Christians are not to spend time praying to (hmm, anyone put their hands in the prayer position in class?) pagan gods, looking within to find knowledge, power and enlightenment, but to spend time meditating on the Word of God and having our minds transformed by His Word. They are not to have anything to do with pagan practices. The serpent in biblical terms is the enemy of God. Christianity is not about mystical experience but about scriptural truth. We are not gods. No matter how innocent one thinks the practice of yoga is, it is anything but. This letter is a plea to Christians to study this matter thoroughly before getting into one more dog (yes, the dog god, one god of over 300 million!) pose. For heaven's sake!
Sharon Anderson
Unnecessary fear in our community due to yoga
Editor, the VOICE, I found the letter recently written to the Editor warning Christians and others about the dangers of Yoga interesting yet potentially dangerous in creating an unnecessary fear in our community. We have people of many faith persuasions who need to co-exist with each other. These kinds of public comments can do more damage than the mentioned dangers of Yoga. This is my personal response to Sharon’s opinion of Yoga. First off, I am a pastor of a local church and not a Yoga expert or a history major of any kind. Second, I admire Sharon’s passion for her beliefs and her courage to speak out. She is correct about Yoga having its roots in an ancient eastern religions—some of which would not align with orthodox Christianity. That said, we must also recognize that many things Christians do to worship God through Christ stem out of pagan traditions as well, i.e. communion or Lord’s Supper, the celebration of Easter and Christmas, baptisms and many other forms of religious engagement. These are pagan traditions that are revised pagan practices that have been refocused on Christ. The adjusted focus represents the conversion one makes from one tradition to a new faith. In other words, for a Christian, (one who follows Christ teachings and ways), we adjust all our traditions, habits, behaviors and pursuits to be Christ-honoring or Christ-like. If a Christian attends a Yoga class and is asked to engage in a chant or mantra that is outside of their Christian faith, they can choose to leave or adjust the chant in a way that is Christ-centering. Here’s what I’ve pondered. Do the people who attend Yoga classes leave angry, bitter, or demonically inspired? Do they abandon their faith? They may leave relaxed, tired or looking like Gumby but not anti-God. I hate to admit it, but often I see people leave their faith because of people within their own faith being too extreme in some religious emphasis. I have people in my church who seem to love Yoga because it helps them slow down, relax, and clear their head of toxic thoughts. I have others who say it bothered them so they chose not to go back. For me, I think I would look funny in Spandex pants stretched out like a pretzel so I refrain. As a “Christ follower”, I’ve noticed that Jesus seems to be very comfortable with people who the religious warned each other about. In fact, He was often accused of being too close to “unclean” people and practices. He always brought grace, understanding and a picture of how life could be if people would center themselves on loving God with their whole being and loving the people around them as they love themselves Those of us who identify ourselves with Christ really believe He is the light of the world, and that same light shines out of us when we display this Christ kind of love. Wherever we go, light goes. Maybe more Christians should try Yoga and if there truly is darkness present the light will penetrate it. What if all of us took time everyday to slow down, be still and meditate on how we can love God and others this day we would have a more peaceful world. That’s my perspective—not necessarily everyone in our church’s perspective nor a consensus of the Maple Valley Pastors, just my take on the issue. And no, I won’t be doing hot Yoga or cold Yoga. I prefer mountain biking and praying with my wife. Steve Murray, Pastor
Real Life Church
Editor, the VOICE, I found the letter recently written to the Editor warning Christians and others about the dangers of Yoga interesting yet potentially dangerous in creating an unnecessary fear in our community. We have people of many faith persuasions who need to co-exist with each other. These kinds of public comments can do more damage than the mentioned dangers of Yoga. This is my personal response to Sharon’s opinion of Yoga. First off, I am a pastor of a local church and not a Yoga expert or a history major of any kind. Second, I admire Sharon’s passion for her beliefs and her courage to speak out. She is correct about Yoga having its roots in an ancient eastern religions—some of which would not align with orthodox Christianity. That said, we must also recognize that many things Christians do to worship God through Christ stem out of pagan traditions as well, i.e. communion or Lord’s Supper, the celebration of Easter and Christmas, baptisms and many other forms of religious engagement. These are pagan traditions that are revised pagan practices that have been refocused on Christ. The adjusted focus represents the conversion one makes from one tradition to a new faith. In other words, for a Christian, (one who follows Christ teachings and ways), we adjust all our traditions, habits, behaviors and pursuits to be Christ-honoring or Christ-like. If a Christian attends a Yoga class and is asked to engage in a chant or mantra that is outside of their Christian faith, they can choose to leave or adjust the chant in a way that is Christ-centering. Here’s what I’ve pondered. Do the people who attend Yoga classes leave angry, bitter, or demonically inspired? Do they abandon their faith? They may leave relaxed, tired or looking like Gumby but not anti-God. I hate to admit it, but often I see people leave their faith because of people within their own faith being too extreme in some religious emphasis. I have people in my church who seem to love Yoga because it helps them slow down, relax, and clear their head of toxic thoughts. I have others who say it bothered them so they chose not to go back. For me, I think I would look funny in Spandex pants stretched out like a pretzel so I refrain. As a “Christ follower”, I’ve noticed that Jesus seems to be very comfortable with people who the religious warned each other about. In fact, He was often accused of being too close to “unclean” people and practices. He always brought grace, understanding and a picture of how life could be if people would center themselves on loving God with their whole being and loving the people around them as they love themselves Those of us who identify ourselves with Christ really believe He is the light of the world, and that same light shines out of us when we display this Christ kind of love. Wherever we go, light goes. Maybe more Christians should try Yoga and if there truly is darkness present the light will penetrate it. What if all of us took time everyday to slow down, be still and meditate on how we can love God and others this day we would have a more peaceful world. That’s my perspective—not necessarily everyone in our church’s perspective nor a consensus of the Maple Valley Pastors, just my take on the issue. And no, I won’t be doing hot Yoga or cold Yoga. I prefer mountain biking and praying with my wife. Steve Murray, Pastor
Real Life Church
Everyone is looking for peace. Make Some!
Peace Makers
Peace comes to us through God in various ways. To live with peace we have several basic sources provided us. As we point people to these sources, we act as peacemakers.
1. God’s creation. Nature, the environment God created, is designed to replenish us with peace but we live in manmade environments so we must be intentional about being near or immersed in this source.
2. God’s Word. The written Words of God, when meditated on, regularly provide us with a peace that goes beyond our understanding.
3. Gods Still small voice. Speaks to us and reminds us He is near. This peace is most often discovered in times of solitude and silence.
4. God’s people can deliver an encouraging Word of comfort, wisdom, exhortation and reminders that brings us a sense of peace.
5. Music can drive out anxiety and bring peace. This includes birds, waves, sounds of nature as well as skilled instruments playing.
Below are scriptures that we can explore peace with.
Psalm 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. Security
Psalm 29:11
The Lord gives his people strength. The Lord blesses them with peace. Fruit of the Spirit
Psalm 34:14
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. Lifestyle
Psalm 37:37
Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace. Fruit of the Spirit
Psalm 119:165
Those who love your instructions have great peace and do not stumble. Fruit of the Spirit
Psalm 120:6
I am tired of living among people who hate peace. Relational
Proverbs 16:7
When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them. Fruit of the Spirit
Isaiah 26:3
You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Thought Life
Luke 10:5
“Whenever you enter someone’s home, first say, ‘May God’s peace be on this house. Relational
John 14:27
“I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid. Thought Life
Acts 10:36
This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. Peace with God
Romans 8:6
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. Thought life
Romans 12:18
Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Relational
Romans 16:20
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Peace with God
1 Corinthians 14:33
For God is not a God of disorder but of peace, as in all the meetings of God’s holy people. Peace with God
Ephesians 2:17
He brought this Good News of peace to you Gentiles who were far away from him, and peace to the Jews who were near Peace with God
Ephesians 4:3
Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Relational
Philippians 4:9
Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Fruit of Spirit
Colossians 3:15
And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Thought life
1 Thessalonians 5:13
Live peacefully with each other. Relational
1 Peter 3:11
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. Lifestyle
James 3:18
And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. Lifestyle
Your Best You
It’s amazing how common messy divorces wind up in financial devastation, legal battles, and child custody wars leaving everyone with a deep sense of bitterness and mistrust. The same is reflected in how people often leave business partnerships and exit church families.
As Christ-following individuals, we get to choose how we respond to those who attack us. When our character, our actions, or our intentions are challenged or judged, we want to judge back or return the punch with added force. Jesus knew this and told us the way to a peaceable kingdom or a peaceable resolve is to act counter-intuitive. Forgive 70x7, pray for your enemies, do good to those who take advantage of you, don’t return evil for evil, turn the other cheek, and on and on. Since this is not a natural or even fair response, we need to re-program our minds to respond a new way. For me—I write out positive affirmative prayers based from Scripture. I keep them in my journal and read-pray them regularly. This is how we expose people to our faith, treating attackers in a Christ-like way.
Maybe you have a brutal relationship battle going on—try downloading this type of prayer and see if you can avoid the bitterness some have allowed to fill their spirit.
Speak this out loud (don’t wait for a conflict!)
“I treat my critics to my best me"
Over the future years I will have many opportunities to be misquoted, lied about, misunderstood, abandoned, and judged. Therefore, I choose to respond with grace, civility, and understanding.
It is my hope that by responding with a Christ-like manner, people will see Christ and not an adversary.
I practice turning the other cheek, I respond with soft answers and I turn wrath away because I am a peacemaker, I’m a forgiver that separates people’s behavior from their person. I find the good in those who accuse me and find truth in those that find error in my ways. I trust that God will always redeem me, restore me, and revive my reputation. I live out my faith by forgiving my enemies, praying for those who speak against me, and I do good to those who take advantage of me. I speak well of everyone I meet. I only respond with life words when being attacked. I’d rather be kind than right. Life and people may or may not treat me fair yet I’m fair and just towards everyone.
I live free of bitterness, anxiety, and anger. No one can take me off center. No one can flip my switch or ruin my day. I never respond sideways or rudely. I am a child of God. I live with patience, love, and joy. I’m always happy.”
Peace!
This video is for my friend going through.....
This video is for my friend going through a tough divorce, my friend who has cancer that gives him 3 weeks to live, my cousin who can’t seem to help his wife beat depression and anyone else that can’t make sense of dark times in their lives http://www.twitvid.com/VHJ23
Orthodoxy vs Orthopraxy
People have been asking me my thoughts on Orthodoxy compared to Orthopraxy so here you go.
Which way do you lean? http://www.twitvid.com/Y35NA
Rethinking outreach.
Outreach - The Right thing to Do?
I've been thinking lately about how we as the church view our role in relation to our communities. “Outreach” is a buzz-word that often surfaces.We often hear (or say) phrases like, “Let’s do an outreach”. “We had an outreach and had food, music, and a guest speaker”. Or “In order to grow, we need to 'reach out' into our community.” Though I don't necessarily disagree, these phrases raise a concern for me. I don’t want my neighbors inviting me over for dinner because they want me to join their church, their political party or their Amway pyramid (unless of course they let me know that up front). I want them to invite me over because they enjoy time with me. I don’t want to be invited to a party or event and be trapped into listening to a 20-minute message that I never knew was in the agenda. Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the church being a light, and sometimes that means doing outreach-type events. I just don’t want to be only seen as an outreach project, and I think it is healthy that we ask ourselves, “Why would anyone else?”At Real Life Church, our goal is to add value to our community and those around us. We want to work on service projects, help disaster relief teams and give to the needy. This is not for the purpose of getting new members or attracting the attention from potential consumers of our religion (though that can and should be a result). We do it because it’s “The Right Thing To Do”. That's what being the Church is all about.I wonder how many churches would do “community outreaches” if they couldn’t wear church T-shirts or hang their banners or pass out invitations to their church? I'm not saying that any of those are bad, but if the main reason isn’t pure, then is it truly a spirit led action? Our motive should be out of a heart of love and care for people.I would encourage you (the Church) to lean more toward getting involved in the community and the lives of the people you're around, letting your light shine before them, that they would see your good deeds and glorify God (Matthew 5:16). Our goal as Christians is to become more like Christ, and he did life with people. Let's allow that to be our witness of the love of God.
Pastor Steve
