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Theology of Glory and Theology of the Cross: Reflections on Maundy Thursday & Easter

Maundy Thursday was a busy day. 

In one regard, it’s the day when everything fell apart for Jesus. He lost everything. His disciples, his ministry, his safety. All gone. 

And yet…

We know the bigger picture. Jesus himself described this night as the hour for which he came. The time had come for him to be glorified… even though that didn’t look anything like what the people were expecting. 

Let’s be honest: Who would’ve devised the cross as God’s way of salvation? 

None of us. 1 Cor. 1:18 says, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Viewed from the inside, the gospel is full of power and beauty, but from the outside it’s confusing and even foolish. Why would God save people like that?!

In this way, the gospel is like the stained glass windows in a cathedral. When viewed from the inside they shine with beauty, portraying the message of the gospel; but from the outside they are dark, dull, and confusing.

Many of us want a theology of glory, not a theology of the cross. We want God on the centerstage, with the spotlight shining, highlighting all the ways that he’s amazing… and when we follow him then we join him on that stage. This theology of glory only sees suffering as a way for God to show his power for healing, rather than as the way God displays his goodness and beauty – even in the valley of the shadow of death. Our treasure is Christ, not the glory we receive because of him. 

A theology of the cross leads us through Maundy Thursday, where we follow Jesus, even though it leads us to the cross. 

That’s why Judas betrayed Jesus in Gethsamane and why the crowd chose Barrabbas. They wanted a revolutionary. Jesus wasn’t the Messiah he expected – or wanted. I think it’s helpful for us to remember everything we’ve read tonight and consider just how unexpected it was to those who experienced it. 

Their hope was for the Messiah to restore Israel’s glory, kick out the Romans, and return Israel to the prominence and power they had under King David. This is why, just before Jesus ascended to heaven the apostles asked him, “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” (Acts 1:6). They expected a new conquest, like they had under Joshua. But the gospel is not a battle cry, it’s an invitation to find rest. 

Jesus showed his power and worthiness, but he did so by experiencing death and defeating it from the inside-out. Rather than taking down the Romans he sent his disciples into the world… not with a sword, but with the cross – not to pursue a holy war, but to proclaim the gospel to those near and far. 

Maundy Thursday was a busy day. Tonight’s readings remind us just how much happened on this day. 

Jesus’ hour to be glorified had come, and it wasn’t what anyone expected. In a way, it’s appropriate for Maundy Thursday to fall on April Fool’s Day. Not for the sake of jokes about how Jesus fooled anyone by dying and resurrecting on Easter morning, but because the Gospel really is foolishness to those who don’t understand it. 

Why would God save sinners by dying? Why wouldn’t Jesus choose to come and live and teach and die when it could be livestreamed for all people around the world to see his face and hear his voice and witness his resurrection? Why did God do it this way, relying on imperfect Christians to proclaim the gospel to friends and strangers, near and far? 

Ultimately, I can’t really answer that… except to remind you that “to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” God’s ways are not our ways…

Although some may call it foolish, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to all who believe.” (Rom. 1:17)

(note: this post is a manuscript from a sermonette for my church’s Maundy Thursday service and has been lightly edited)

Additional Reading:

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Why Would Paul Rejoice in Selfish Preachers: Understanding Philippians 1:15-17

15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.

Philippians 1:15-17

It’s confusing that Paul would take an attitude of, “It’s all good. People are talking about Jesus! That’s good news. Don’t worry about it!” This is what I’d always understood this passage to mean. Afterall, Paul was writing in a time when Christianity was brand new and people legitimately may not have ever heard of Jesus. So, even an incomplete or twisted gospel might be better than no gospel. Right?

In this post, I hope to address some of the options for what Paul meant. I’m honestly not sure yet which view I believe, but I know which one I don’t.

View 1: “At least Jesus is being proclaimed!”

This is how I’d understood this passage for years. Afterall, one of my good friends in college became a Christian after hearing a Mormon try to evangelize her… and she understood the true gospel through the distorted gospel that was presented to her. So, if God can do that through a Mormon evangelist, then God can still use an evangelist whose theology is heretical.

But this viewpoint simply doesn’t jibe with Paul’s other writings. He frequently calls out churches and evangelists whose gospels are twisted or incomplete. I have a hard time believing that Paul would say, “It’s all good… so long as Jesus is mentioned!” That simply doesn’t seem like an attitude Paul display anywhere else.

Think about this for a second. Paul spend entire letters warning churches about division and false teachers. I suspect we all know people who talk about Jesus and quote from the Bible, but their understanding of the gospel doesn’t quite line up with what Paul seems to teach. Paul has strong words for them elsewhere… it doesn’t make sense for him to say in Philippians 1:15-17 that their disagreements don’t matter.

View 2: Gospel Plagiarists

In the ancient world, rhetoric (the study and practice of public speaking) was a really big deal. Back then, good rhetoricians were like today’s Hollywood celebrities. They would make a living by traveling from city to city giving their speeches in the town square, like musicians who collect donations in their guitar cases. Except, this was a legitimate vocation that people would aspire to hold.

For these people, Christian evangelists provided a fresh subject to memorize and copy. Plagiarizing someone else’s sermon would essentially guarantee an itinerant speaker would have original material to share at the next city where he was visiting… and that would probably lead to better donations.

While I really like this option, it seems to crumble with v.17. The gospel plagiarists would be seeking selfish gain, but not trying to do Paul harm.

View 3: Rival Christian Groups

Consider the rival groups of Christians that seemed to be spreading throughout Macedonia and Greece, referenced in 1 Corinthians 1:10-17. Paul undermines those allegiances by saying, “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” This option claims the “Apollos vs Paul” debate was raging in Philippi and the surrounding region, not only in Corinth – a very reasonable and likely scenario.

So, according to this view, those who are preaching the gospel for selfish purposes in order to grow their group’s prominence while causing problems for Paul, who is in prison. This is the most popular interpretation.

View 4: Paul’s Opponents

It only makes sense that the people who are advocating for Pauls ongoing imprisonment to lead to death would be repeating his horrific blasphemies. This means they would be talking a lot about Jesus as the Son of God who has risen from the grave and as the returning king of creation. By telling everyone about Paul’s “heretical” teaching, they would actually be proclaiming the gospel to those who hear. And if that’s the case… then Paul is thankful for their help spreading the good news.

This view seems to reflect v.17’s statement, “The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment.” Their intent is not to make money, but to profit by eliminating Paul’s ongoing ministry. By doing him harm, they benefit because he’s out of the picture.

Conclusions & Application

It seems unlikely to me that view 1 is the way to go. This simply doesn’t align with what we know of Paul. Elsewhere he eviscerates the Judaizers for preaching a false gospel and says he wishes they’d castrate themselves (Galatians 1:6-7, 5:12)! I have a hard time believing this man who spent so much time training pastors and correcting their theology would embrace an attitude that says, “Meh… it’s close enough….”

This leaves views 2, 3, and 4. Honestly, I really like view 2, but the above section already highlights why it’s improbable. View 3 is the most well-attested viewpoint and seems to present the fewest problems, though view 4 is also a possibility. Given the relative proximity between Corinth and Philippi, and that Paul directly addresses the “Paul vs. Apollos” division in 1 Cor. 1:12, view 3 seems like it’s the most common interpretation for a good reason.

Pastoral application: If people are repeating your words and using them for selfish purposes, make sure they’re hearing and repeating the gospel. Don’t let yourself get so bogged-down by correcting their motives that you miss out on the reality that they’re unintentionally helping you… because your greatest desire spread the gospel (not your own fame).

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Humility is the Gospel’s Posture

Arrogant Christians should not exist. Of course, they do. But that’s a sign of God’s grace, rather than evidence that it’s acceptable. Pride and arrogance have always been vices for people of faith to overcome. Humility is usually held out as the solution.

The Gospel and Humility

A posture of humility and meekness is necessary for the Christian life. Afterall, how can you confess your sin and place all your confidence in Jesus Christ (rather than yourself) if you have never been humbled? Imagine a proud man (or woman) walking into God’s presence. That’s just laughable and silly.

Instead, Christians are called to, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). This biblical command is anchored in the gospel, which is clearly emphasized in the very next verses. Humility is not a mere add-on to the gospel. Christians are called to be humble because Jesus emptied himself of glory, was born as a human baby, was betrayed by his friends (whom he had not wronged), and died a painful death (which he did not deserve)… all for us. Therefore, Christians are called to walk in humility.

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, …Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Galatians 5:16-24

Christians are people who are being sanctified. That means they are called away from arrogance, brashness, and pride… and towards humility, meekness, and compassion.

The Strength of Humility

Some of the most humble people I’ve ever met are also the most courageous. They have stood firm in the face of opposition, because their humility required them to defend the rights of the oppressed. Humility stands in the truth, and it will not waver or give in to an onslaught of pressure to conform.

Men and women who walk with humility add joy and happiness to those around them. They are not negative-minded people who always have something to complain about, nor are they self-deprecating blowhards searching for compliments. Their genuine care for others leads them to listen far more than they speak, and their words are life-giving – even when they say something that’s hard to receive.

You see – humility is resolute and firm in the face of oppression and deception. The humble man will oppose liars and stand in the way of the evil doer. He is no pushover.

The Cost of Humility

Christians often feel like humility means you need to allow others to have their way. But if their way is built on half-truths and shady motivations then the humble response is to (graciously and without accusation) press for the truth and full-disclosure. Humility knows how to say, “No, absolutely not!”

Growing in the Fruit of the Spirit will lead to disappointment and heartache. Not because the Fruit of the Spirit are dissatisfying and will let you down, but because they will sometimes lead you into conflicts that will break your heart and make your life more difficult. It’s easier to give people their way. It’s more convenient to look around and say, “Who am I to judge – live and let live!”

Walking in the Spirit requires conviction, resolve, and sacrifice. These are not virtues we look within to find. They grow and ripen in our lives as we are rooted in the gospel… and as we become more like Jesus Christ.

When you pay your own cost for humility, consider the price Jesus paid… and remember his reward.

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Why it’s Good News that God Doesn’t Change

During this pandemic when everything is changing, we need a solid rock on which to stand. A steady and reliable foundation for life, for peace, for hope. This is why it is unexpectedly good news that God does not change.

If there’s anything that 2020 has taught us, it’s that no one can predict the future. Life changes so quickly today. Nothing is built to last. Planned obsolescence is baked into our culture. Trending news becomes next week’s ancient history.

We need something (or someone) that does not change, and yet remains true, powerful, and life-giving. This is precisely why it is good for Christians to consider the immutability of God.

The Immutability of God

“Immutability” means God does not change. This is considered an incommunicable attribute, something that is true about God’s nature that is not true of our human nature.

This about it this way: if something is perfect, any change only makes it worse. If God’s holiness changes, then he is less holy. If his omniscience changes, then he knows less. If his sovereignty changes, then he isn’t truly in control.

Consider the follow passages in Scripture.

“I am who I am.” (Exodus 3:14)

“I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” (Malachi 3:6)

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17)

God’s immutability does not mean he is disconnected from our lives. He is not standing far off, as an unmoved observer. Instead, it means the full breadth of God’s attributes are perfect, infinite, and eternal – including his love and compassion and mercy and grace.

God Will Not Love You More Tomorrow Than He Does Today

Do you remember the old song that says, “I love you more today than yesterday… but not as much as tomorrow.” That’s a nicely romantic sentiment. But God cannot sing that song.

God’s love for his children is perfect, infinite, and eternal. It is impossible for it to grow in perfection, because it is God’s holy, steadfast love.

If his love changes, there are only two options: he either loves us less today than he did yesterday, or yesterday’s love was imperfect and he’s improved it today.

As Romans 5:8 teaches, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The immutable love of God compelled God the Son to become a man, live among us, endure betrayal and die a painful death in order that sinners could be adopted as children of God.

This is the love of God that does not change. When uncertainty abounds and change seems to be lurking around every corner, you can stand upon the unchanging, solid rock.

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Are Christians “Spiritual but not Religious?”

“I’m spiritual but not religious.”

“Christianity is a relationship, not a religion.”

These are statements most of us have probably heard. The question for today is this – are these Christian statements? The gospel offers a different perspective on religion and spirituality that’s worth considering.

What Does it Mean?

When people say “I’m spiritual but not religious” it can mean a host of things. It can mean “I pray and consider myself a Christian, but don’t go to church,” or “I believe in Jesus, but not in Christianity,” or “I believe in a higher power, but think religion only creates unnecessary division.”

While there are endless combinations of “I believe in _____, but ______” the core remains the same: I don’t want any part of organized religion. Whether you think it’s simply unnecessary, or maybe you believe it’s actually evil, the personal result is the same.

The statement in question is more about what you’re against than what you’re for. And “spiritual” can mean pretty much whatever you want it to, so it’s a perfectly nebulous word if you don’t know what you actually believe.

Can Spirituality and Religion Actually be Divorced?

I think about spirituality and religion like driving and a vehicle – one drives the other, but not vice-versa. Wherever there is spirituality, there is some form of religion: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Atheism, New Age’ism, etc. Spirituality requires religion the same way driving requires a vehicle (car, truck, motorcycle, speedboat, bicycle, etc). It can take many forms, but the ideas behind the spirituality come from somewhere.

Religion, however, can be quite devoid of spirituality. Most of us likely know people who go through the motions of religiosity with very little spiritual belief. Go to church, give your money, refrain from certain foods, etc… but there is no passion in their prayers, not faith in God to provide, and no internal drive towards giving grace towards those who need it. These religious folk are like cars in a junkyard. They’re still cars, but they aren’t going anywhere without significant reconstruction.

Christianity: Spiritual and Religious

Let’s be clear: No one ever has been, and no one ever will be, saved because of their religiosity. The Bible itself has strong words regarding those who are religious but faithless.

“I hate, I despise your feasts,
and I take no delight in your solemn assemblies.
Even though you offer me your burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them;
and the peace offerings of your fattened animals,
I will not look upon them.
Take away from me the noise of your songs;
to the melody of your harps I will not listen.
But let justice roll down like waters,
and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”
Amos 5:21-24

“You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said:
‘This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’”
Matthew 15:7-9 (Jesus, quoting from Isaiah 29:13)

The gospel proclaims grace to sinners, through faith in Jesus Christ. Romans 7 emphasizes the relationship between religion (“the law”) and faith. God’s Law is good because it shows us our need for God’s grace, which comes through Jesus. He perfectly fulfilled the Law (what theologians call his “active obedience”), and his righteousness is applied to Christians by the Holy Spirit when they confess their sin and profess their faith in who Jesus is and what he has done.

Salvation isn’t a “freedom from religion” in the sense that we become “spiritual but not religious.” Instead, it transforms our understanding of what religion was meant to be all along.

Christians are religious people. But they’re also spiritual. They participate (joyfully!) in organized religion. They happily become members of local churches, give their money as an expression of faith in God to provide, submit themselves to spiritual leaders, and pray for wisdom regarding big and small decisions in life.

The Christian life is a spiritually-religious life.

Don’t fall into wise-sounding platitudes that actually undermine the ministry of the gospel by breeding suspicion against the church. Christians are not spiritual-but-not-religious. No. The Christian life is a spiritually-religious life.

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Love Your Enemies

One of the more well-known commands in Scripture is the command to “Love your enemies.” This was true when Jesus said it. And it’s still true for Christians today. The upcoming election and intense political strife of this season means all Christians need this reminder.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”

Jesus (Matthew 5:43-45)

Christians and their Enemies

Everyone has enemies. It’s just a fact of life. The question is what you do with them.

Jesus’ parable of the unmerciful servant presents a severe warning for his disciples. In this parable, Jesus tells of a servant who was forgiven the debt of a lifetime by a merciful king. After having his own debt cancelled, he crosses paths with someone who owes him money then has them arrested and imprisoned until it is repaid in full. The man is rebuked and punished for his hypocrisy.

Jesus makes it clear that the Christian’s disposition should be marked by grace and mercy. Our attitude towards enemies must be anchored in the gospel. For, “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Because we have received the grace of God, we give it.

“What if God treated me
the way I treat my enemies?”


Stop and ask, “What if God treated me the way I treat my enemies?” When Christians are harsh and mean-spirited towards their enemies they are not reflecting Christ, but the worldliness they have been called to turn away from.

Leave Your Enemies in God’s Hands

Have you ever heard someone resist your correcting by saying, “Only God can judge me!” Honestly, this is a terrifying truth. God is the judge, and his judgment will not miss the mark. He is perfectly just, and every sin will be revealed before him. The above statement is true, but it doesn’t give permission to “live and let live.”

“Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'”

Apostle Paul (Romans 12:19)

While the section above emphasizes grace and mercy towards one’s enemies, Christians are able to do that because they trust God’s judgment above their own. Evil will not go unpunished. But because God is love, Jesus took that punishment for us… and for those who confess and repent of their sin and place their faith in Jesus Christ. That invitation stands for our enemies.

So far, this is generally safe territory for Christians. The challenge comes when are asked whether or not we can celebrate over our enemy’s salvation. Are you willing to pray for him, worship and study the Bible with him, and minister to his children as fellow-members of the body of Christ? Or do you simply quote Romans 12:19 as a message of doom against those who have sinned against you?

Trust God’s judgment upon others as much as you trust his judgment upon yourself.

Loving Your Enemies

Christians carry the name of Christ. When we spread hate and judgment, we do so in the name of Christ. When we speak online with harsh words that we would be ashamed to say in front of our mother or pastor, we are still doing so in the name of Christ. In addition to many other commands these actions break – they break the 3rd Commandment: Thou shall not dishonor the name of the LORD your God.

Loving your enemy doesn’t mean you pretend they are a friend. That’s exactly what makes it so unique – it’s unnecessary, surprising, and you probably receive zero benefit from showing this kind of mercy. If you only love those who love you back, and if you only give to those who give back to you… then you’re no different from everyone else in the world. But if you love your enemy who believes and expects the worst about you then that’s truly Christlike. You can call this loving your enemy or you can call it Christian Tolerance, but it starts with generosity towards your enemy while continuing to acknowledge the important differences that continue to exist.

May our actions, words, and attitudes bring honor to the name of Christ Jesus. What if we stopped arguing back, and took a posture of genuine mercy?

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:14-21
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3 Core Convictions of GenZ’s Religious Worldview

“Kids these days!”

It’s an expression many of us have either said or thought. They seem so different from the way we were at their age. And usually, it’s not in a good way. (Although if we’re honest, we probably need to question the reliability of our memory of our teenage lives.)

As we collaborate to pass our faith from generation to generation, it’s important to recognize the differences between generations without exaggerating them. Our core needs are all the same, regardless of age: love, grace, meaning, joy, hope, etc.

At the same time, it’s undeniable that the culture we live in as teenagers has a life-long impact on our adult years. If you understand someone as a teenager, you will, in many ways, always understand them. With this in mind, here are some central shifts in the worldview of today’s kids, also known as Gen Z.

Safety: The New American Dream

Teenagers today have never experienced a world without school shootings, terrorism or social media. Older generations grew up with fire drills, bomb drills and other safety drills, but they were fairly routine without frequent news reports of students needing to actually follow those protocols to stay alive. Many students today live with the realization that their school could be the next one to experience a very real threat.

Additionally, these kids were raised in families where they were always supervised and had fewer freedoms than previous generations of kids. For example, you’ve likely heard about parents being visited by DCF because they allowed their elementary-school-aged children to walk down the street to the playground without adult supervision.

Safety is the new
American Dream:
physically and emotionally.

Safety is the new American Dream – physically and emotionally. This is why colleges are increasingly facing the request to offer “trigger warnings” before discussing topics that might trigger someone else’s emotional pain.

Instead of casting a superior glance at Gen Z for being emotionally fragile, ministers would be wise to assume the posture of a shepherd. Care for them when they struggle and disciple them into maturity by helping them discover that personal failure is often the fertilizer of faith. Ultimately, our security is not in this world, but in Christ. This leads us to live with faith and hope rather than fear and despair in an unsafe world.

Tolerance: The New Golden Rule

Our culture’s expression of tolerance encourages everyone to “speak your truth” and says “you do you.” This view of tolerance encourages people to overlook their differences in order to affirm one another’s value. Muslims and Christians and atheists are all equally free to speak their minds. In many ways, this is good and biblical.

In reality, however, tolerance assumes disagreement – otherwise there’s nothing to tolerate. Red Sox fans and Yankee fans need to tolerate one another because there’s a very real difference between them, and well-meaning friends who say, “It’s just a game, get over it,” clearly don’t understand. Tolerance runs deeper than the logically true statement, “It’s just a game.” It speaks to the emotional weight of different commitments and looks to bring people together who are emotionally, relationally and physically different from each other.

“Tolerance means respect
despite disagreement.”

When I speak about tolerance with kids these days, I explain to them, “Tolerance means respect despite disagreement.”

It isn’t about merely putting up with people who are different from you, but genuinely respecting them despite your disagreements. You still think the other person is wrong, and you’re both still trying to persuade each other – but in a circle of respect.

Fellow pastors and leaders: we need to be models of a Christian tolerance that loves our enemies and turns the other cheek. If we continue to demean those who are different from us (politically, religiously, ethnically, etc.) then Gen Z will continue to hear and see a bad definition of tolerance. If students see Christian leaders showing respect to minorities, homosexuals and those who may be easily labeled as “enemies of the faith,” then we will be obeying Jesus’ command while setting a godly example for the next generation.

Threatening Others’ Safety Cancels Your Right to Tolerance

This is the key that many adults fail to recognize: if you threaten someone’s safety, then you will be “cancelled,” and your right to be tolerated revoked. This is why so many Christians read the statement above (“Muslims and Christians and Atheists are all equally free to speak their minds”) and disagreed. I agree that Christians face increasing scrutiny and skepticism in our culture today – but we need to acknowledge the ways we’ve done this to ourselves by failing to love our enemies. We have believed that speaking the truth without love is honoring to God – but it’s not.

So if you want to reach kids these days, you need to love them with the truth. Listen, encourage and shepherd them. Recognize the ways their world is genuinely different from the world you grew up in, while remembering that their hearts are the same as yours. Don’t treat them like immature children, but as people you are nurturing and guiding in the faith.

The Gospel is our only hope. It is truly good news of great joy for all people. Help them to see how the Gospel fuels the way we love our brothers and sisters and the way we love our enemies. Encourage them with the reality that we are fully secure in Christ because nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus Christ. When we walk in the light of the cross, we can handle worldly rejection and failure because we know we’ve been fully accepted by the grace of Jesus Christ.

(note: this article was originally posted on the BCNE blog with the title, “Kids These Days.”)

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Should We Forgive & Forget?

We’ve all been hurt. We’ve all been forgiven. We’ve all needed to be forgiven. But I seriously doubt we’ve forgotten.

“Forgive and forget” sounds good advice until you’re the one hearing it. When the conflict is personal and when the hurt is deep, it seems like you’re expected to do something impossible. And for the Christian, it begs the question: Is “forgive and forget” biblical?

Does God Forgive and Forget?

I am so thankful we serve a forgiving God! The Bible teaches that “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “There is no one on earth who is righteous” (Ecclesiastes 7:20). You can say you’re a pretty good person, but the fact is no one has perfectly kept all of God’s commands.

Jesus died on the cross in order to forgive our sins and to remove the judgment we earned for ourselves (Romans 6:23).  We have been forgiven and washed clean through faith in Jesus Christ, “There is… no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).

Isaiah 42:25 says the LORD will “sweep away your transgressions…and remember them no more.” This, however doesn’t mean that God literally forgets them. Instead, the power of sin has been swept away, so God does not call it to mind anymore. We see this portrayed in Jesus’ very own body.

Jesus was crucified and nailed to the cross. When he rose from the grave, we know he still had nail holes in his hands. We know this, because Jesus showed them to Thomas when he said he wouldn’t believe Jesus rose unless he saw them and touched them. (John 21:24-29)

Jesus’ “resurrection body” still had scars. He remembered the sin for which he died. He remembered Thomas’ doubt. He perfectly forgave and remembered.

Forgiveness & Trust

God’s children are commanded to do as Christ did: to forgive and reconcile, even if it requires great sacrifice. We are called to be peacemakers (Matt. 5:9) and agents of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:11-21). If Christians only show kindness and mercy towards those who are kind and merciful to them, then how are they any different from nonChristians (Luke 6:27-36)? Instead, Jesus called his disciples to a bold kind of mercy.

We can give forgiveness to those who hurt us. Sometimes forgiveness can take a long time to really give, and that’s ok. The deeper the offense, the longer it will take before you can really forgive that person. Don’t rush it. It’s ok to say, “I want to forgive you, and I’m trying to. But I’m just not ready yet, I need more time.”

“He who walks with the wise becomes wise. A companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). If you suffered harm because you were hanging out with fools, then forgive them but don’t start walking with them again!

Forgiveness is given. Trust, however, is earned. If a person has shown themselves to be untrustworthy, it is not a mark of wisdom to put your trust in them. At the same time, Christians are people who live with the daily reminder that God has redeemed them and transformed their lives. Of course God can do the same thing for this untrustworthy person who has caused us harm.

So what are we to do? For the most part, forgiveness means you give someone the opportunity to regain your trust, but that starts in the small things and slowly increases as people prove their repentance and trustworthiness.

Pray for Wisdom

Life is complicated. Relationships are messy. We all need to pray for wisdom, and live with a heart that desires to glorify God. This may lead us back to people who caused great pain in our lives. God can bring is truly beautiful and miraculous healing and redemption.

As you navigate broken or strained relationships – pray for God’s wisdom. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus Christ, who loved you while you were still his enemy. Remember Jesus’ prayer for his own crucifiers, “Father, forgive them. For they do not know what they are doing.” And in your heart, ask the Holy Spirit to give you a desire to forgive and be reconciled. That is the starting point for all potential reconciliation. From that point, pray for wisdom and for the peace of the Holy Spirit. Because not every broken relationship will be mended on this side of eternity… but living with resentment and anger is contrary to the way of the cross.

(note: this post is an edited/revised version of an older post)

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When Should Kids Take Communion?

Before digging into this important question, let me unequivocally state that this post reflects my personal opinion and in no way represents my church’s official opinion. Also, please respect this is obviously coming from a Baptist’s perspective without turning the comment section into a debate over infant baptism versus believer’s baptism.

After years of reflection on this question, as both a youth pastor and as a father, here is where I’ve landed.

What Does Communion Mean?

Communion, or the Lord’s Supper, is an ordinance of the Church. That means it’s something Jesus directly instructed his disciples to do when they gather for worship. The instructions for Communion are given in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, based off Jesus’ celebration of Passover with his disciples in Matthew 26:17-35.

Communion is anchored in the Jewish celebration of Passover. Whereas the firstborn sons of Israel were spared from death because of the sacrificial lamb, the children of God are saved from sin and death through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ – the lamb of God. When we celebrate communion, the bread symbolizes the flesh of Jesus, which was broken for us; and the cup (usually grape juice, but some traditions still use wine) represents the blood of Jesus, which was poured out for us on the cross.

When Christians partake in Communion they are experiencing a physical reminder of their salvation. Jesus’ body was broken, and his blood was poured out. Christians are not saved from sin and death because they are better than anyone else, but because of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ alone.

Not only does Communion look back at the foundation of the Christian’s salvation, it also looks forward to its fulfillment at the “wedding supper of the Lamb.” On that day, when Jesus returns in glory, all believers will partake in a great celebration of our salvation’s fulfillment. The great enemy will be utterly defeated and all God’s promises, secured through Christ’s resurrection, will be visible.

Communion is so much more than a nice snack break towards the end of church.

Relationship Between Baptism and Communion

It is obvious from the Scripture referenced above that Communion is meant as a regular part of Christian worship. On the other hand, baptism is a one-time-only experience.

Baptism symbolizes the Christian’s conversion and their adoption into the family of God. As Romans 6:4 says, Christians have died to their sins (been immersed beneath the waters) and raised into newness of life (lifted up, out of the waters). Our baptism unites the believer with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as they publicly aligns themselves with Jesus Christ. It is the rite of entrance into Christ’s Church. This is why most churches have some type of formal processes for baptism, in order to be assured that the person being baptized is a genuine convert.

Whereas conversion happens once in a person’s life, the Christian needs regular reminders of the source and fulfillment of their salvation. This is where Communion comes into play. When the church celebrates Communion, it is usually prefaced with comments marking it as something that is only for Christians to partake in because it is a reminder of the gospel.

To put it another way, Baptism symbolizes the Christian’s Justification while Communion reflects Sanctification.

Readiness for Communion

The Apostle Paul makes it clear that Communion should be treated with great reverence. He even says that some are suffering discipline from the Lord because they are treating Communion so casually, and they are taking it unworthily. Generally speaking, most Baptists are far too casual regarding the ordinances of Baptism and Communion.

“Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.“

1 Corinthians 11:27-29

This means that Christians today should continue to be sure they are approaching Communion with reverence and faithfulness to the Scriptures. Christian leaders who allow anyone to partake in communion may believe they are erring on the side of grace, but they may actually be allowing well-intended participants to enter into spiritually-dangerous territory.

If someone is not ready to be baptized, why would they be ready for Communion? Since baptism is the ordinance of conversion, it should come first. I fail to see any reason a child or teenager who has not been baptized should be encouraged to take communion – it’s a confusion of theological categories. It is the theological equivalent to a boyfriend and girlfriend cohabitating before marriage because they “aren’t ready” to be married… if that is true, then they aren’t ready to live together either. Sometimes, the order of things matters.

Certainly, it is possible for children to profess faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and therefore they can understand what Communion represents. But the genuineness of their faith and their understanding of the gospel should first be tested and affirmed through baptism.

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