NUMBER EIGHT, 2016
In this issue
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Good News: Life Is Not About You. CHARLES R. SWINDOLL
11 30 Days to Learning Acceptance STEVE JOHNSON
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The Tolerance Trap STEVE JOHNSON
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Tolerance Re-Formed ROBYN ROSTE
Beyond the Broadcast 15 What If a Person is an Unrepentant Troublemaker?
Insights is published by Insight for Living Canada, the Bible-teaching ministry of Charles (Chuck) R. Swindoll. Chuck is the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Texas. His international radio program Insight for Living has aired for more than 35 years. We hope this publication will instruct, inspire, and encourage you in your walk with Christ. Copyright © 2016 Insight for Living Canada. All rights reserved. No portion of this monthly publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publisher. Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture passages are taken from the NLT. Unless otherwise noted, photography and illustration by Laura Vanderwel. IFLC is an autonomous ministry and certified member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. Printed in Canada.
by CHArLes r. sWInDoLL
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have some good news for you: God’s goal is not to make sure you’re happy. No matter how hard it is for you to believe this, it’s time to do so. Life is not about your being comfortable and happy and successful and rich and pain-free. Rather, life is about becoming the person God has called you to be. We will rarely hear that message in much of our consumer-driven Christianity today. All the more reason for me to say it again: Life is not about you! So then…what is it about? It’s about God. How can I say that with assurance? Because of Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:9–10: Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. That’s it! As Paul sought to fulfil the Great Commission in Europe, he faced innumerable trials. He mentioned only a few. Nevertheless, Paul understood what life is about…and he went with it for the rest of his days. We must do the same. When you and I boast of our strengths, we get the credit…and we keep going under our own head of steam. Bad plan. But when we boast in what Christ is doing in the midst of our brokenness, inabilities, and inadequacies, then He comes to the front where He belongs. His strength comes to our rescue. He is honoured. It’s all about Him.
You see, the very things we dread and run from in our lives are precisely what brought contentment to Paul. Don’t miss that as you read through Paul’s list: • I am content when I lose • I am content when I am weak • I am content with insults • I am content when I am slandered • I am content in distresses • I am content with persecutions • I am content with difficulties and pressures that are so tight I can hardly turn around These are contexts of contentment? Seems impossible! Paul tells us how he did it: because “when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). Read that again. Knowing this truth brought the apostle to his knees, ablaze with the flaming oracles of heaven. Paul understood that it wasn’t all about him. It was about God. What a way to live your life! Content in everything… knowing that divine strength comes at the time when human weakness is evident. Quite remarkably, we never read where Paul said to his Roman guard, while he was in prison: “I need you to do me a favour. Next time you happen to be near one of the emperor’s assistants, urge him to get me out of this dump. I shouldn’t be here in the first place. I’ve been here for one year, seven months, four days, five hours, and nine minutes, and that’s long enough.” Paul’s attitude of unselfish humility prevented him from keeping meticulous records of the wrongs done to him in Rome, or anywhere else for that matter. He was in prison by divine appointment. Paul understood that God had prepared his situation before-
"I have some good news for you: God’s goal is not to make sure you’re happy. No matter how hard it is for you to believe this, it’s time to do so." hand, and the apostle willingly submitted to his situation. How could he? It was all about God. Do my words find you today in a place you’d rather not be? If you want to learn Paul’s secret of genuine contentment, the perfect place to begin is by developing an attitude of unselfish humility. Start with your family or friends. Model it before your employees or clients. You won’t believe the impact that sort of selfless mental attitude will have on others—and on yourself. Let me add that this sort of humility doesn’t mean we walk around looking like the poster
Authentic Love
child for the book of Lamentations. On the contrary, Paul exhorts believers to have an attitude of joyful acceptance. That’s right— joyful. Paul minced no words about how believers should act: Do all things without grumbling or disputing; so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world. (Philippians 2:14–15) Paul sought an attitude of joyful acceptance, free of petty disputes, bickering, and whining—he pled for authentic joy. I urge you to live this way…and the results will amaze you. After all, it’s not about you. It’s about God. Charles R. Swindoll serves as the senior pastor-teacher of Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas.
SINGLE MESSAGE
S I T WH A ? E V O L 1 CO
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by steVe JoHnson
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ver the past 25 years one of the most significant shifts in history has taken place and many Christians have missed it—worse yet, they’ve been trapped and muzzled by it. I’m talking about the shift regarding tolerance. Tolerance has become the cardinal virtue, the sole absolute of our society. It is promoted by the government, the media, and taught in our schools.
Traditionally tolerance meant recognizing and respecting others' beliefs and practices without necessarily agreeing or sympathizing with them. But today's definition is vastly different. This new tolerance considers every individual's beliefs, values, lifestyle and truth claims as equally valid. In fact, the new tolerance goes beyond respecting a person's rights; it demands praise and endorsement of that person's beliefs, values, and lifestyle.
ILLUSTRATION BY TORI NIKKEL
Furthermore, the issue is no longer about the truth of the message, but the right to proclaim it. If you seek to express personal views at odds with others, you are branded as intolerant—the unpardonable sin of today’s culture. If you reject another’s views you are automatically accused of disrespecting the individual or whatever group he or she belongs to. It seems no idea can be opposed, even if done graciously, without inviting the charge of incivility. In our new cultural climate, any unpopular message can be labelled "intolerant" and be repressed. This idea that all views are equally valid is fatally flawed. It self-destructs because it asserts two truths: the “truth” that there is no truth—clearly a conflict—and the truth that we all have a moral obligation to be tolerant. When tolerance means that all views are equally valid and true, then no one is ever truly tolerant because no one is ever neutral about his own views. If he were, he would not be making a fuss against intolerance. Such self-contradictions show that the modern notion of tolerance is seriously misguided. So what is the way out of this quagmire of confusion? Let me suggest three things. First, know the truth. Reaffirm your belief in the absolute truth of God’s Word. Jesus said to the Father, “Your Word is truth” (John 17:17 NIV). It is neither “a” truth, nor does it merely contain truths, but is the Truth. My inability to fully comprehend all of it doesn’t make it any less so. It’s the standard by which we judge all other ideas therefore we must be discerning when dealing with ideas. As someone once said, “Don’t be so open-minded your brains fall out.” Acknowledge that some ideas are better than others. Some are true and
some are false. Some are brilliant, others are just plain stupid. Any other approach is foolish, even dangerous, because all ideas have consequences. Second, speak the truth. Don’t be muzzled by the false concept of tolerance. "…If someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way" (1 Peter 3:15-16 NLT). As ambassadors for Christ we are armed with His truth to “destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God…” (2 Corinthians 10:5). Whenever you are charged with intolerance, always ask for a definition. Point out the contradictions built into the new definition.
"Traditionally tolerance meant recognizing and respecting others' beliefs and practices without necessarily agreeing or sympathizing with them." Finally, live the truth. Living the truth means living a life of love. It means treating people with deference and respect even when their views, behaviours, and lifestyles differ from ours. This is a higher calling and a harder path than to merely be tolerant, which is often little more than another word for indifference. If you find yourself caught in the bondage and confusion of so-called tolerance, God’s Word will give you clarity. Jesus said, “…know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Steve Johnson is the executive director at Insight for Living Canada.
by robyn roste
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ommitting to a career path in my early 20s seemed like a drastic step, so I moved to Amsterdam instead. I managed to find an appealing youth mission base offering lessons in urban ministry. I applied, was accepted, and went. Fascinated with all things Dutch, I practiced new words requiring sounds from the back of my throat, learned that bicycles always had right-of-way (no matter what), and embraced the need to bring flowers whenever I entered a home for a meal. Amsterdam is renowned for its “wide embrace” of tolerance; welcoming and accepting the strangers, the lost, the lonely, the oppressed, and anyone needing a place to belong. This tradition of tolerance has been practiced since the late 1500s, when the Reformation brought Protestantism to The Netherlands. Acting as a refuge for those fleeing religious persecution in other European countries, Amsterdam in particular lived out Jesus' mission—to seek and save what is lost (Luke 19:1-10) and quickly became a cultural, political, and spiritual melting pot. There was great expectation that this place of refuge and tolerance would also provide the healing and acceptance these broken, rejected, and lonely people required. While in Amsterdam, I volunteered at a soup kitchen in the notorious Red Light District. Every Tuesday at dusk I made the journey from my home to the mission winding through the cobbled streets lined with
"I discovered the dream of tolerance and acceptance was an empty promise. When anything and everything becomes right and acceptable, people stop caring about one another." tourists, drug dealers, prostitutes, and beggars. I served coffee and whatever food we had to whoever showed up, then joined the crowd for music and conversation until the centre closed. Several faces from this time are imprinted in my mind. Every squatter and addict had a story and many of them broke my heart. I longed to help but didn't know how. Here I saw brokenness, loneliness, and hopelessness. And I became confused—in this place celebrated for tolerance and refuge, why are all these people still hurting? Why are their problems worse than before, leaving them dependent on missions for food and conversation? I discovered the dream of tolerance and acceptance was an empty promise. When anything and everything becomes right and acceptable, people stop caring about one another. And yet, we celebrate this society as perfecting the model for all other societies to aspire to. Tolerance, in its essence, is a disposition to allow freedom of choice and behaviour. However, the ideal of tolerance is now a
legalistic blanket of rightness. Over time the definition seems to have changed from allowing the freedom to choose behaviour (whether it be right or wrong), to deeming any and all choices as correct. Sure, there is still the law to contend with, and certain behaviours in society are seen as immoral, but the lines are distorted. Who sets the precedent for morality anymore? Who decides what is right and wrong? The truth is, society no longer reflects deep conviction or reverence to God's Word. We have taken our eyes off Him and vaulted Tolerance in His place. A word, once meaning acceptance and peace, is now defiled, idolized, and worshipped. In the Old Testament, Israel faced a similar situation when they settled in the Promised Land and began practicing the customs and religions of their neighbours. What started as innocent curiosity and respect grew into idolatry and unfaithfulness. But they would not listen and were as stiff-necked as their fathers, who did not trust in the LORD their God. They rejected His decrees and the covenant He had made with their fathers and the warnings he had given them. They followed worthless idols and themselves became worthless. They imitated the nations around them although the
LORD had ordered them, “Do not do as they do.” (2 Kings 17:14-15 NIV) Because the Israelites followed worthless idols, they became worthless. Because of their worthlessness, Israel was dispersed into exile. We can't have it both ways; we either love God or we love the world. We are risking the same judgment as the Israelites—if we focus on worthless things, we will become worthless. I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.” But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. (Revelation 3:15-17) When I look at the decisions facing Canadians in these coming months I recognize there is no easy solution. But we cannot lose heart! Now is the time to fix our gaze on the Lord and to ask Him how to show love and tolerance to our neighbours while still living in obedience to Christ. Robyn Roste is the media and marketing manager at Insight for Living Canada.
Insight for Living’s Bible-teacher Chuck Swindoll has spent more than 40 years emphasizing God’s grace alongside a commitment to practical application. Learn more about our pastor at insightforliving.ca/chuck-swindoll.
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TO LEARNING ACCEPTANCE
This inductive study is designed to create a better understanding of acceptance. For the next 30 days read the questions and allow them to spark deeper personal reflection and life change.
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cceptance is choosing to let go of things we cannot control. We are not God and cannot control time, our heritage, birthplace, past mistakes and sins, or how others think, believe, or behave. We can’t control the fact that weakness, frailty, and imperfection are part of the human experience. What we can control is our acceptance of these things.
DAY 1
Read Psalm 139:13-16. What will it take for you to believe God is infinitely wise, knew what He was doing, and did it for your good when He made you?
DAY 2
Read Jeremiah 17:9-10; John 3:16. God knows you intimately, including your sinfulness, yet loves you unconditionally. How can this be a radical and transformational truth?
DAY 3
Read Psalm 139:17-18. God created and knows you completely. What is your response to this? Why is being thankful for how God made you important for accepting yourself?
DAY 4
Read Exodus 4:10-12. Moses was insecure about his speaking ability. What is God’s response to his and your insecurities? How does that help you accept yourself?
DAY 5
Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-8. Paul had a limitation. What was his initial response to this? Why is it OK to ask God to change things we find difficult to accept?
DAY 6
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. When God didn’t remove the limitation, what was His response to Paul? What can you learn from this and apply to your limitations?
DAY 7
Read Ephesians 2:10. As a person in Christ, God says you are His masterpiece. How does God’s perspective affect your perspective and how you accept yourself?
DAY 8
Read Romans 12:3. You are to think of yourself honestly and truthfully—the way God thinks of you. How will thinking this way help you to accept who you are?
DAY 9
Read Matthew 22:37-40. What does it mean to love yourself as Jesus says? What are some ways you can show yourself kindness and compassion?
DAY 10
Read Matthew 22:37-39. What is the connection between loving and accepting yourself and your ability and capacity to love your neighbour?
30 Days to Learning Acceptance
DAY 11
Read Psalm 103:8-12. If you’ve repented of your sin God has forgiven you. Why is forgiving yourself important for accepting yourself and accepting others?
DAY 12
Read Galatians 6:1-5. What is the connection between accepting your past failures and showing understanding and acceptance of others who fail?
DAY 13
Read 2 Corinthians 10:12. What does Paul think of comparing and contrasting ourselves with others? What does comparison result in and how does it relate to acceptance?
DAY 14
Read Romans 14:14, 20. Christians develop different convictions regarding non-moral behaviours. What are the differences between matters of command and matters of freedom?
DAY 15
Read Romans 14:1-12. What things are believers told not to do when it comes to non-moral debatable issues? Can you think of areas where you have judged believers who differ?
DAY 16
Read Romans 14:1-12. What are some non-moral and debatable issues today and what are you to do regarding them? How can you do this and allow others the same freedom?
DAY 17
Read Romans 14:3-23; James 4:11. What reasons are you given as to why you are to accept and not judge or condemn other believers with different convictions?
DAY 18
Read Romans 15:7. What are we commanded to do and for what motive? Why is it crucial to keep God’s glory rather than happiness as your primary aim in relationships?
DAY 19
Read Romans 15:8-9; Colossians 3:11-14. How were Jews and Gentiles different? How does Christ’s ministry to them exemplify what it means to accept one another?
DAY 20
Read Romans 2:11; 15:8. Is God’s acceptance of you based on your performance or His grace? What is the basis for your acceptance of other believers?
TIP: Keep your Bible handy and refer to it as you read the questions
DAY 21
Read Colossians 3:12-13. What kind of faults might other believers have? In light of these faults what three things does being a part of God’s holy people require of you?
DAY 22
Read 1 Corinthians 5:9-13. Are you to accept those into fellowship who are in unrepentant sin? Where is the balance between accepting sinners but not those in sin?
DAY 23
Read Luke 10:30-36. How does this story show non-acceptance of the unfortunate by the religious people and acceptance by the Samaritan? To which are you more similar?
DAY 24
Read Philippians 2:3-4; 1 Peter 5:5. What attitude is required to accept others? Why is recognizing you are not better or worse, just different, than others critical to accepting them?
DAY 25
Read John 4:1-9; James 2:1-13. Prejudice undermines acceptance. What prejudices do you have and what steps can you take to keep prejudice from letting you accept others?
DAY 26
Read Romans 1:18-25. The world differs in beliefs about God. Acceptance has been redefined from acknowledging different beliefs to now embracing them as true. Why doesn’t this make sense?
DAY 27
Read John 17:17. As one who believes in the truth of God’s Word can you accept as true other beliefs that are contrary to God’s Word? Where does discernment come in?
DAY 28
Read Matthew 5:43-48. If you accept others who have different beliefs about God should you expect tolerance in return? Can you accept that? How should you respond?
DAY 29
Read Luke 6:37; 10:25-37. Is it loving to allow false beliefs to go unchallenged? If you are called to love, how do you challenge false beliefs without being judgmental?
DAY 30
Read 1 Peter 3:15; 2 Timothy 2:23-26. How well do you know what you believe? When you are given the opportunity to share your faith how do you do it?
30 Days to Learning Acceptance
WHAT IF A PERSON IS AN UNREPENTANT TROUBLEMAKER? “Trust your Bible. If you don’t know the answer to your problem, keep reading. God will guide in His time.” - CHARLES R. SWINDOLL
Just as a family works best when there is harmony and co-operation, so does a congregation. No parent enjoys dealing with children who misbehave, but ignoring them or giving in to them are not good options. The same is true in the family of God. Throughout the history of the church, there have been those who stirred up trouble and caused dissension. Such troublemakers will always exist. To keep the unity that is so vital in a healthy church, those who habitually and persistently sow discord must be confronted, dealt with, and encouraged to repent. Unfortunately, there are always a few who refuse to repent even when confronted; these call for stronger measures. Admittedly, these situations represent one of the more difficult and unpleasant aspects of ministry and the Christian life. While we understand that the church is always going to have people in it who frustrate us and try our patience, clarifying how things really are in the church can be helpful. Two facts are undeniable. • First, those who lead are very big targets • Second, those who follow are sometimes very stubborn As long as there has been sin, there have been rebels. As long as there has been leadership, there have been those who fought
against it. Achan disobeyed God and refused to follow the Lord’s appointed leader, Joshua. David had numerous troubles with his sons Absalom and Amnon. Jesus dealt with frustrating Pharisees and smug Sadducees, while Paul and other apostles constantly had to warn churches against false teachers. Troublemakers are everywhere. As Paul concluded his letter to the Roman church in Romans 16:17-18, he wanted to make sure the people would remain on stable ground as a community. This meant watching out for those who would seek to create fissures in their church community by teaching something contrary to the apostles’ doctrine. We have to observe the divisive behaviour before we can do anything about it. What did Paul suggest we do? “Stay away from them,” (Romans 16:17). In other words, when people begin to influence our churches and teach in ways that are contrary to the good news about Jesus and the teaching we have received from the apostles, we need to protect our communities from those false teachers by keeping our distance. When it comes to dealing with troublemakers in the church and remaining unified, we need to remember one thing only: we are each the secret to having a healthy, wholesome, and happy church.
“What If a Person Is an Unrepentant Troublemaker?” is from Chuck Swindoll’s series What If...? You can stream this message online anytime at insightforliving.ca/audiolibrary.
YOU’RE INVITED
to an evening with Insight for Living Canada If you’re near Montreal make sure to join us in October for a special dessert night with executive director Steve Johnson. We’ve planned an enjoyable evening of food, friends, and music. Our special guests are The SHIYR Poets headed by renowned singer/songwriter Brian Doerksen.
For details visit experiencethepsalms.ca