my thoughts, musings, rants and discoveries . . .

Well, I just finished the website section on Revelation 3:1-6 dealing with the church at Sardis. You can find it here. The most noteworthy thing recorded about this church is that they were found by the Savior to be dead, yet they didn’t have the foggiest idea.

Sadly, this commentary is probably deserving of many of our churches in America today. Now, I can’t speak for all churches or even most. I can only speak from experience concerning that brand of independent, fundamental Baptist church which is decendent of Hyles Anderson and the likes. These days the movement encompasses many off-springs as there has been a flury of new Baptist bible colleges over the years. But the taste is basically the same.

While the movement has little life, let alone life giving power, there is an occasional light, which shines forth. Recently I have come across some from various circles which seem to have broken out:

1. James Spurgeon
2. Matthew and Joshua Richards
3. Mike Hess
4. Reglerjoe (not sure his real name)
   

Now these are just representative of a few of the folks I’ve come across and whose Blogs I’ve been able to participate. Each speaks from a very personal perspective of the dealings and the philosophies of several mega churches, which are considered to be alive and thriving, but which God might declare as dead.

Getting back to the letter to the elders at Sardis, what was the reason for the declaration of death? It was that they had long departed from the doctrine originally delivered to the saints. It was almost gone. Perhaps they too had their equivalent to Goldfish Sunday. I’m pretty sure they didn’t have their bus ministries to replace God with. Can you imagine trying to cram 60 kids in a donkey-drawn buggy?

Seriously, they thought something was much more important than doctrine. I’m sure the folks I’ve listed will agree with the lack of emphasis in this particular movement. It’s ironic if you think about it. Doesn’t the term Fundamentalist suggest a defense of the Fundamentals of the Faith? But where do programs, standards (another name for man-made rules), and bus ministries fit in with old time doctrine? That’s rhetorical– don’t answer it– at least not out loud.

In all fairness, there are folks within the churches, which comprise this movement, who are in fact saved and possess the capacity to hear God’s word and to stay true to him. These individuals will continue in perseverence till the end. Others may be converted along the way and also share in the glory of Christ’s kingdom. But many will perish.

Is it our goal to be beacons to these dead many? I don’t believe so. Sure we’re to be phos, or a light source, to all around us. And sure our speech is to be full of grace and seasoned with salt (that’s doctrine) [Col 4:6]. But we’re not to dwell on those swine who will stomp the pearls of God. Right? Remember that in Matthew 7:6?

I do realize the temptation to want to convince or to win those of whom we’ve come out from. But that’s not our job. That’s the work of the Holy Spirit of God. Now, I do think these Blogs are helpful. In fact, I’ve received messages from individuals who have been helped. The sites document the inconsistencies and provide a forum for folks to interact. An occasional corpse shows up now and then to chime in too. That’s all goodness and I don’t wish to discourage any of these men. I only wish to encourage them to avoid my mistake of dwelling upon the dead. It’s discouraging and will get you caught in traps. Avoid it at all cost. But stay true and focus on the doctrine. And when things get really interesting, as they have recently with the Bob Gray situation, stay focused on doctrine.

Of course this doesn’t just apply to these and similar individuals. If you’ve happened to come across my blog article, and you are just a regular Christian, rejoice in Christ and in his doctrine too. And if you suspect you might be a tare, repent!

This church remained for several centuries and throughout its history there were a few who managed to retain the honest Gospel. Their promise was a robe of white and that their names would never, ever be removed from the Book of Life. This promise extends to us, today, who possess discerning ears.

Let us stay true!

-Mike

Well, I’m at that uncomfortable place in my life again as I have submitted my resignation on Monday. Obviously I did this to pursue a better job, right? Not necessarily so. This may be true, but I simply don’t know as I haven’t pursued anything. I just knew it was time to move on. So, as of June 15th, I may actually be without work.

This has been a familiar theme for my wife and me. I have been a startup guy for quite a while– since the early 90s. Unlike many who get recruited by such companies, I’m the kind of guy that gets the bug for an idea then begins shaping it till it looks close to being a reality. After a good bit of pioneering work, people tend to come on board with investment or with bringing their expertise to contribute.

For those who have read much about this phenomena of Silicon Valley life, it’s a lonely place for guys like me. Often times there are folks who say they buy in to the idea, but secretly are skeptics. Then there are those who will eventually join the team, but have their doubts as to whether the “thing” can actually be created. It’s in this last reaction that I tend to really struggle.

Despite all the studying, schooling, prototyping and everything else I do, I have my definite deficiencies. One such example is my ability to program in the C language. You see, this is the predominantly used programming language in my industry. Unfortunately, I have never taken a single class. And, I only have a vague notion of certain terminology– but lack understanding of syntax. So, when my friends come along who have a mastery of the subject and feel that something isn’t going to work, who am I to disagree?

Yet I can visualize this solution in my head; so it must be real. But what can a guy like me do? Do I merely wait for an individual to come along who can deliver on my dream. Or do I alter my dream to fit what others say we can do?

I’ve actually tried both of these approaches to a certain degree. What I have may be interesting to you. Waiting around for someone to come tends to lead to more waiting… and more waiting. And each time we’ve altered the gameplan, we have met with such grave difficulty that it’s inexplicable. But eventually we get back to the original idea that starts in my head and a Cinderella story follows.

Let’s add to the mystery just a bit. Remember my C deficiency? Well, I have built the initial prototype for each and every product we’ve eventually taken to market and sold. You know? The “thing” that wasn’t doable. Yes, I do the bulk of this work in C. And no, I typically can’t read the code I produce.

It’s funny with my current software team that I’m about to leave. They’re a great bunch of guys and I wish they could all come with me. This bunch has made my life easier in the way they support me. We all know that I have this weakness. And they more than cover for me. But when it comes to the really hairy kernel related work, they tend to come to me first. It’s like a marriage relationship where we both complement one another.

In Proverbs 3, we’re told to “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

Let’s think about this for a second. We’re told to trust, be confident or find security in Christ. We’re also told to not rely on our own understanding or learning.

This first part is fairly self explanatory for most Christians. After all, it’s one of the first memory verses for many. And if you ask any Christian whether he believes this, he’s sure to say yes. But it’s this second part the many tend to stumble over. But the scripture is very emphatic about this. In the Greek, the typical syntax is subject, verb, object. But in Hebrew, it’s typically verb, subject object. Here we have a deviation from the normal word order. We have understanding preceeding the verb “lean”. So, what? Well, this becomes emphatic by position. You’ll have to “trust” me on this.

Now, I don’t hear voices in my head and I don’t see writing on any of the walls in my home– well, nothing aside from my son’s artwork. But I do get a sort of intuition. Usually when I get this, I get it right down to the minute details. Not only do I get the concept, and the ability to prototype the concept, but I also tend to get the business plan and everything else that goes with it.

Slowly, I am learning to go with this and not to second guess. It’s difficult, though. It defies conventional wisdom. And before you remind me that conventional wisdom tends to be pragmatic and humanly, which I agree, you should bear in mind that you might be one that counsels me to act contrary. Why do I say that? Well, if you’re my friend, you probably care for me and my family.

Believe me, I don’t mean this as a critcism. I do the same thing to my friends.

Acting contrary to our own understanding may be one of the most difficult things we do. I’m not sure why that’s the case; but consider it. Living by faith requires all facets of our being. It’s not enough for us to simply say we believe the bible. We need to live out our faith daily.

And if you don’t mind, I do covet your prayers. Having said all of this, I may have pulled a bonehead move. I’m not exempt.

-Mike