Clever Free Methodist

The current state of affairs around the world today is one of unprecedented rules, regulations and precautions. We are not only washing our hands, sanitizing and staying at home for weeks, but practicing the art of “social distancing.” What was once an absurd concept and not overly conceivable is now the norm of behaviors in our communities. However, despite the precautions needed to slow down the spread of the coronavirus and guidelines issued by various governing authorities, there are those vigilantes who continue to march by the beat of their own drum. Their actions are drawing unnecessary attention. In the realm of faith, there are those pastors who continue to open their church sanctuaries for regular services. Although the request has been to shelter in place, close services to large gatherings and not to meet in groups of more than ten, we still see those churches still gathering in large crowds on Sundays in defiance to not only rules set by governors, but the Pr...

We, as the Church Universal….the holy, catholic church, as we say in the Apostle’s Creed…has been offered one of her greatest opportunities. Unveiled before our eyes is the world-wide pandemic called COVID-19, the coronavirus. It has unleashed upon us levels of unprecedented mayhem, confusion, panic and fear across the world. Yes, there is cause for concern and precautions must be taken to mitigate the swirling eddy of information, truth, and fiction funneling around this virus. We must not lose our minds or our ability to reason. We keep our heads and live in a realm of common sense. 2 Timothy 4:5   "But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." The last thing the Church needs to do is join in on the panic and stir up just as much fear. We must keep a sound heart and level head. Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; i...

President Franklin D. Roosevelt said during his 1933 inaugural address,  “…the only thing we have to fear is fear itself!”  He went on to say that we should not fear unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts “to convert retreat into advance.” Yes, we now have a pandemic with the Coronavirus. We have cause for concern, but must we really live in fear? No, we don’t. We can have a healthy respect of fear. The basic emotion of fear can be good as it guides our “fight or flight” response to stay safe. Fear heightens our sense of awareness to get prepared and to remain vigilant. But, fear, if allowed, can be dangerous. The negative side to fear is when it holds us back from doing what is right which can lead to panic, clouded thinking, and mayhem. An unhealthy response to fear can cause unnecessary panic,    misleading posts on Facebook, dissemination of rumors as fact and on a grander scale could even lead to inciting riots, mass crowds overwhelming loc...

There are many powerful stories in the Bible that we would classify as those with a “happy ending.” That is, an ending where God saw individuals, groups or a nation of people through a peril, hardship, test or even eminent death. One such story, we remember from Daniel 3:16-30 , concerning the “fiery furnace” and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Another powerful event is the beloved story in Daniel, Chapter 6, about Daniel in the den of lions. Plus, who could forget the frightening adventure of Moses against the mighty Egyptian Army of Pharaoh, in Exodus, Chapter 14 , when their backs were up against the Red Sea? Yes, all these stories ended triumphantly with the saving presence and mighty hand of God granting them their victory and escape from death and danger. But, we know this after the fact. The point I am making is that all those involved had no idea what the outcome was going to be. They entered these situations with a sudden realization that they were probably go...

One of the oldest laws in the world is known as “lex talionis” or “equal retaliation.” Oddly enough, this law had a purpose which was to restrict unlimited revenge. This law is found three times in the Old Testament passages of Exodus 21:24 , Leviticus 24:20 , and Deuteronomy 19:21 . It was understood to be “and eye for an eye” or a “tooth for a tooth” by allowing the law, judges and courts to render the appropriate judgment, restitution and punishment. It was never intended for individual retaliation. So, if that is the case, then why did Jesus say in Matthew 5:39 , “But, I tell you, do not resist an evil person….” ? The Greek verb “resist” means “to set one’s self against, to oppose” or most closely means “take legal action against.” Did Jesus really say “don’t” resist? Did he literally mean that? What exactly is he saying here? At first, it sounds like Jesus is saying we should just stand there and get pummeled physically and mentally by all that these evil peop...

I don’t think there are any social media platforms or services that don’t have some type of format where people can offer comments, ratings, or feedback. In particular, I seem to marvel mostly at the platforms that give the public opportunities to add comments to news stories, pictures, or a response to a “post” someone writes. No matter what the topic or subject matter I choose, it never fails that many of the responses can get quite vulgar, insensitive, obscene and downright heartless. Those very responses, themselves, generate their own responses from people who are angered, offended, or “triggered” by what has been written. What it generates is a near endless cycle of bantering back and forth as to who can “out-degrade” each other with the most well crafted slander. The comments that disappoint me the most are those who invoke their Christian faith or refer to some form of a Biblical passage. Although their intentions to help (and correct) are commendable, I must say i...

I believe most of us can quote some of the words of the “Great Commission” found in Matthew 28. I am pretty sure those words would include “go and make disciples” and something about baptizing. That is correct if you are just looking at Matthew 28:19 ! However, if we move into verse 20, we see that the “Great Commission” expands beyond going, making, and baptizing when Jesus adds “…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” When it comes to the “Great Commission,” we are not only instructed to “go” and “make” and then “baptize” disciples, we are also to be actively teaching others to obey what Jesus commanded. Let’s look at all these steps. First: Go! This is a very important word. First off, it is a command which must be obeyed. Secondly, it is not designating one specific place. Why? Because the proper translation of the Greek language for “go” means “as you are going.” That means, we are prepared to make disciples wherever we are at the moment....