Jan 10

Was Jesus Fair?

by SRBichara from www.sxc.hu

by SRBichara from www.sxc.hu

In America it seems we esteem the ideal of fairness.  We can be quick to claim we are not being treated fairly.  Church leaders are expected to treat everyone fairly, or they suffer criticism.

Yet, we should ask the question, “Do we define fairness the same way God does?”

In fact, it might be better to ask, “Was Jesus fair?”

Was he fair to the rich young ruler (Mat. 19:16-30) and the thief on the cross (Luke23:39-43)?  Was he fair to the other sick and suffering around the pool of Bethesda when he apparently walked through the crowd of “blind, lame, and paralyzed” to get to the 38 year old invalid whom he healed (John 5:2-9)?  Was he fair to the many other disciples when he selected 12 apostles?  What about to the other 9 when he often gave special time to the inner circle of Peter, James, and John?  Some have suggested that Jesus was fair when he fed the multitude in that all got fed and had enough.  But in a discussion of this one brother, who has obviously been around church meals too much, opined, but what if you didn’t like fish!

The point is that Jesus was not fair as we typically define fairness in our American culture. So, if Jesus wasn’t fair, as we typically think of fairness, then what was He?

I studied the words in the Bible which are used to translate “justice.”  Both in the OT and NT these concepts are tied together.  There are basically two components of this idea of justice and fairness in the Bible:

A.  One carries a legal side and involves the idea of judgment and doing what is proper and fitting.  It has to do with conduct towards others and their rights.  (See references and terms in notes)

B.  The other term sometimes rendered “justice” carries the meaning of righteousness, upright, or acceptable to God.  (see references and terms in notes)

A key passage is Amos 5:24 where both hebrew terms are used, “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.”

So if Jesus wasn’t fair, then what was he?

Jesus operated on the principles of grace and truth (John 1:17).  He sought to treat people with grace and mercy, yet also he spoke and demanded obedience to truth.  He often did for one or a small group what he couldn’t or chose not to do for all because it met his purpose.  To put his actions in terms of what we learned above, Jesus acted justly and uprightly toward every person.

What does this mean for our actions?

You are going to fail at treating everyone fairly as the world says you should.  Teachers, coaches, preachers, elders, and parents should desire to follow the golden rule and treat others fairly, but we will fail, if it means giving to all equal and the same treatment.

But a Christian committed to justice and righteousness will seek through prayer and wisdom to treat everyone just and right.  There is a difference.  In our conscience before God we have to be comfortable with how we have treated others.

This means the objection that says, “if we can’t do it for all, then we can’t do it for one” doesn’t hold water.  But rather, we often should do for one what we would like to do for all.  

Let me challenge you to consider this truth when your feelings are hurt because you felt you were treated unfairly.  Realize there could be much more to the story than you realize.  Ask yourself, “Is the person trying to do what is right and just?”  If they are, give them respect and grace.  I guarantee you that you will be in similar situations and you will need others to understand your actions as well.

There is much more to this topic.  What can you add?

————————–

Notes:

1) Much of the thoughts for this post came from Andy Stanley’s new book Deep and Wide and also from comments of his on his Leadership Podcasts in various episodes.

2)  Some of the thoughts were taken from our men’s class which discussed this topic.

3)  Here is the further verse references:

    1. HB (mishpat) GR (krisis) – Judgment, attribute of judgment, what is proper or fitting.  It has to do with conduct towards others and their rights.  See – Gen. 18:25, Ex. 23:6, Deut. 10:18, 16:19, 32:4, 2 Sam. 8:15,  Matt. 23:23, Luke 11:42
    2. HB (tzedeq), GR (dikaiosune) – righteousness, upright, acceptable to God.  See – Lev. 19:36, Deut. 16:20, 33:21, Mat. 5:6, 20, 6:33; Acts 10:35, Heb. 11:33

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/was-jesus-fair/

Jan 08

Danger of E-readers

Amazon's E-reader and Tablet - Kindle

Amazon’s E-reader and Tablet – Kindle

E-readers, phone reading apps, and tablets have changed the reading landscape. Publishers now forecast e-readers and tablets to compromise 50% of the revenue market by 2020 of all books and magazines published.

David Renard, an industry executive, stated, “We forecast that by 2020 there will be more than 1.1 billion tablets and e-paper e-readers in use worldwide, and more than 260 million in the U.S. alone. Over the next 7 years, this will represent more than 50 percent of our revenue as an industry. We are in the initial stages of a revolution in publishing . . .”  (source).

While there are many advantages to e-readers and tablets causing this growth, there is also one danger that Christians should note.  The danger is that they do not have a cover!  You see you can read whatever you want to be reading in a public space and no-one else will know what you are reading.  It allows for discreet and private reading of books, magazines, internet, and blogs without allowing others to see what you are reading.

This has been seen as a primary factor in the explosive sales in the erotic or pornographic fiction series 50 Shades of Grey.  One industry insider in discussing the book stated, ““Romance and erotica have been at the forefront of the e-book revolution because you can take e-books anywhere without telltale lurid covers revealing your reading habits,” (source).

Christians need to be aware of this temptation afforded to satan by this technology.   Parents should monitor what is read and viewed on e-readers.  One way Christians can set up protection is to share their device OR there online retailer account with others.  For example we have one Amazon account and one iTunes account as a family to purchase Kindle or ibooks.  This makes the books available on all of our devices, but it also creates a protection that everyone knows what is being read.

Typically satan wins, when people are able to enjoy things privately without the accountability of others.  Paul said, “walk as children of light . . . take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.  For it is shameful to even speak of the things that they do in secret.  But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible.”  (Eph. 5:8-14).

Let us not fall victim to the darkness, but expose our screens to the light!

Josh

Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/danger-of-e-readers/

Jan 03

Choosing to Cheat

by alphao - www. sxc.hu

by alphao – www. sxc.hu

Andy Stanley wrote a book originally entitled Choosing to Cheat.  It was re-released last year under the title When Work and Family Collide.   This is a great little book that works on the premise that somebody is going to  get cheated from the time, attention, or devotion that they feel they deserve.  Typically this sets up as a tug-a-war between family and work.  Stanley argues that we must “choose to cheat” intentionally by setting our priorities appropriately.  He argues that problems occur in the family when the family is cheated for the sake of work, which is far too typical.   The book is an easy read and uses the story of Daniel as a basis.

I preached a well-received sermon series that was germinated from this book back in January of 2011.  It focused on aligning our priorities the way God would have us align them.  It was a four part series which I uploaded to the Audio Resources page also I uploaded an ebook that contains all four sermon outlines that are available for you free it is on the sermons page.   These are the titles of the lessons:

Choosing to Cheat – God

Choosing to Cheat – Spouse

Choosing to Cheat – Kids

Choosing to Cheat – Work

If you didn’t hear those sermons, or are struggling to find balance in the many areas of your life, I would encourage you to read the book by Andy Stanley and listen or read through these four sermons.

Josh

Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/choosing-to-cheat/

Jan 02

From the Eyes of a Child

Here are two true stories I recently heard or witnessed involving two precious boys and their deep spiritual reflections!!  Enjoy these with a laugh and maybe even garner a lesson or illustration.

“A Really Long Prayer”

Jude, an early elementary grandchild of one of our elders, wanted to read his Bible, so he turns to the book of Jude.  He thought he would read it because they share the same name.  [Makes sense to me!]

Later when he is recounting this to his mom, she compliments him on how good this is.  She asks him, “Did you read the whole book?”  He replies, “yes.”

She says, “Tell me what you learned.  Just one thing from reading this book.”

He replies, “Well it was one really long prayer!”

[Hint:  the book ends with “Amen”]

This is Landon!!!

This is Landon!!!

“Where is God?”

This story involves our third born Landon.  Landon is full of life and energy.  He is our most challenging child, but he also gives us so much joy and energy.  We were recently going to a wedding ceremony.  On the way down the kids were asking us questions about the ceremony.  I believe the question was “Who makes them married, Dad?”   Just the way a father should, I informed them that God was there at the wedding and He unites them together as a couple.

Fast forward to the church building. . . .

We walk in and take our place, trying not to draw attention like the circus we are with our four kids under 8.  Landon is setting besides me and he stands up on the pew and is intently looking up at the stage.  He says with all seriousness, “Where is God?”  I said, “Well you can’t see Him.”  Landon says, “Well, why not, I want to . . . where is He at?”  (So I did what any good father would do . . . call on mom for more explanation!!)

“Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”  Jesus Christ – Mat. 18:4

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/from-the-eyes-of-a-child/

Dec 31

January 1st

Christmas before our wedding. Boy, I looked Young there!

Christmas before our wedding. Boy, I looked Young there!

I love the date — January 1st.

It has always been the start of a new year.  I like new years, because they are filled with opportunity, potential, and dreams.
It was a fun day when I was in college as we would often be with friends playing sports or hanging out.
It was crowned a special day for me in 2000 when I was united in marriage to Amanda Carson.
(Despite warnings of Y2K the wedding went off wonderfully.  I am so thankful for that day!)
I love my anniversary on January 1st, 2000.  I can always remember the day, the year, and it gets my year off to a great start spending it with Amanda.
It has been a day filled with memories every since.
We are blessed each year to begin a new year together with the calendar.

But it doesn’t matter what day your anniversary falls on, make it a special day.  It needs to be a celebration of your love.  A reminder to move on to a new year together.  Forgive!  Love!  Grow!  And Cherish each other!  The years pass by too quickly not to.

What memories do you have about January 1st?

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/january-1/

Dec 27

Reducing the Noise!

copyright - www.sxc.hu - by Ayla87

copyright – www.sxc.hu – by Ayla87

In the last post I explored mind-food.  We have to manage our mind-food and it is very difficult in this world today with so many distractions.  One of my friends made me laugh with this tweet over the holidays:

 

Let’s not forget what the holidays are for: gathering around the table with your family so you can play on your phones and laptops.

 

Isn’t that funny;  until you stop and think about how true it often is.   But this taps into one of the big problems with our culture today.  There are so many things competing for our attention.  If we are going to think with the “mind of Christ” we must find time for silence and meditation.

Psalm 46:10 speaks to us today as a powerful admonition “Be still and know that I am God.”  Great men of the Bible had periods of silence in their lives.  Silence and being alone with God allow time for our mind to be restored and renewed.  It allows time for us to reflect on God, our purpose, our choices, and for prayer to God.

Here are a few suggestions for reducing the noise in our lives:

  1. Turn off the TV;  don’t just let your TV run all the time, I think this is especially a good rule for families with kids.
  2. Control your phone, don’t let your phone control you.  Use the silence and power button, you are in charge!!
  3. Choose to take time to just rest without being focused on TV, reading, or some other activity.  Just let your thoughts wonder.
  4. Turn off the radio in the car and just ride.  
  5. Determine to have quiet time with God.  Spend some time in reading, meditation, and prayer as a part of your spiritual devotion to God.  Try to make this a set time each day.
  6. Walk, jog, or exercise in a way that allows you to get away and be restored physically and mentally.
  7. Find a hobby that gets you focused on it alone.  It can be anything from sewing to wood-working, but it will be a great blessing in reducing stress, refreshing your mind, and reducing the noise around you.
  8. Determine to spend time in conversation just talking and being together with someone without noisy distractors like TV, phones, internet, and even kids!
  9. Enjoy some mundane work away from distractions.  I grew up driving a cab-less John Deere 4020 or hoeing cotton and it was a blessing.  There is benefit to these types of work.  Maybe this is why so many like gardening today.

I think of the old quote that says, “I cannot hear what you say, because who you are screams so loudly.”  I fear that today, we cannot find out who we are, because the world is screaming so loudly in our ears. 

We need to reduce the noise in our lives to strengthen our families, our personal spirituality, our mental well-being, and most importantly, our relationship with God.  Go find a quiet spot in the midst of all the noise and dream, listen, reflect, pray, and be refreshed.  

Honestly, I often struggle with this topic.  It is just hard to find regular quiet time.  What other suggestions can you share for reducing the noise in our lives?

Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/reducing-the-noise/

Dec 26

Mind-Food Diet for the New Year

"scary book" Copyright by Bizior - www.sxc.hu

“scary book” Copyright by Bizior – www.sxc.hu

It is dieting time!!  I plan on cutting back  after eating so much food over the holidays.  Many others will start dieting in January.  Sadly, far too few consider what they put into their mind like they do their body.   Christians are to manage our mind-food more carefully than our physical food (Phil. 4:8, Rom. 8:5-8).

Behaviors happen because we think first.  You think;  you act;  and your actions become habits.  We are  to “take every thought captive to obey Christ” (2 Cor. 10:4).  We are transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2).  We are what we think!   The battle for our soul takes place in our minds!

Many have been successful at loosing weight through simply tracking their calories and fat in-take.  Let me encourage you to really consider what you put into your mind.  Keep a pen-and-tablet with you or use a note-taking App on your phone to record your mind-food for a week.  It might surprise you what are your feeding your mind and the percentage of time dedicated to certain areas.

I think we need to consider three broad categories of mind-food,  rather than two as we might typically think.  Because this is not just as simple as negative-versus-positive or sinful-versus-spiritual.  When it comes to the content that I try to put into my mind and allow in the minds of my kids, these three designations have helped.  The first category of “garbage” is one that I don’t want to put into my mind and I want to keep it from my children’s minds.  I will be exposed to some, but I don’t want this to be an intentional part of my diet and I must work to keep it out of my mind-diet.  The second category is the one that I believe is often difficult to navigate.  The key in this category is finding the balance.  It seems that a temptation that many Christians fall into is living in this category and feeling content because they are not in the “garbage” category, but they are not putting enough of the spiritual content into their minds.

Look over the chart below and consider the mind-food you are eating daily, in which category does it mostly fit?  Thought question for you:  How much percentage of mind-food should come from the spiritual area?  {I am not sure there is a standard answer here, but I know that as I have matured in Christ I have put more previously comfortably viewed content into the “garbage” category.  I also now feel more of an obligation to spend less time in the middle area and more in the spiritual.}

mind food chart.008What are your thoughts?  How do you choose what you put into your mind and the percentage of time allocated to the above categories?

Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/mind-food-diet-for-2013/

Dec 23

Merry Christmas 2012

Austin, Landon, Amanda, Caleb, Brooke, and me

Austin, Landon, Amanda, Caleb, Brooke, and me

Merry Christmas

Christmas is a special time for our family.  We get to spend time with family, which is always special.  We are extremely blessed, for which we give thanks to the Lord.  We are enjoying a great Christmas and we hope you and your family are as well.

Josh

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/merry-christmas-2012/

Dec 20

Parenting Through Grief

sad boy[*Disclaimer – I am not a professional counselor, I am a minister and father sharing my thoughts.]
Death has been at every turn this December, via our ministry, the national news, and within our family.  Parents of young children often ask me how they should handle death as it concerns their children.  For example, when they have a grandparent die, a classmate, or there is a national situation like the school shooting in Newtown, CT, how much do you speak with your children about it?  We have four kids ranging in age from 8 years to 3 months so this is an issue for us as well.  Here are my thoughts:

  1. Maybe it is because of our necessity of having kids with us, but we have always believed it is good for our kids to learn how to behave in funeral homes and towards grieving people.  We have taken our kids to visitation services, funerals, viewed bodies, and gone to grieving homes.  We don’t want them to have anxiety in those situations, and we do want them to know how to be respectful and compassionate toward those who are hurting.
  2. We believe it is important for kids to be a part of the grieving process.  Yes, they should be protected so that this is not all they are thinking and dealing with at the time, but they should attend visitations and funerals of those they love.  Life is different for preachers, (in fact some of you may say preachers are just different!!)  but I am surprised when parents keep their kids from attending visitations or funerals.
  3. My good friend Jim Savage, who is a professional counselor, encourages families to get pets with one of the reasons being to teach them about death.  Children need to be exposed to the “cycle of life” (see 1 Kings 2:1-2).  Death in pets give parents an opportunity to teach and speak to the child about loss, grief, and death.  Our dog of 12 years had to be put down this summer.  We were able to use this as a teaching tool for our family.
  4. We need to constantly be emphasizing to ourselves and our kids that this world is not our home (Heb. 11:13-16).  It is our responsibility to give our kids through our words and life a Christian worldview regarding pain, suffering, and death.  Let them know that grief is personal.  They need to be allowed to cry, be sad, and miss their loved one.  Be there for them to discuss their questions and concerns while talking about memories and their loss.  This is a faith issue for the Christian.
  5. Don’t let the heavy issues of life consume your family time.  This final one is a hard one for us, and we have thought about it quite a bit these past few weeks.  Especially as your kids move into adolescence, they will start to soak up your adult conversation.  We try to watch what we say and specifically not to say too much.  We guard the TV and don’t let them be exposed to all the details on the news.  Families need to discuss, pray about, and give Biblical answers to these issues, but it should not be the whole of our discussion and family environment.  Preachers have to work on leaving work at the office too!  We must let kids be kids.

What questions or suggestions would you have to add to this discussion?

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/parenting-through-grief/

Dec 18

Get an App for the Bible on your Phone and Tablet

I like technology, but I only recently upgraded to a smart phone.  I got an iPhone 4s on Straight Talk.   I really enjoy it.  It has been great for our family and for my ministry.  We have had an iPad2 for the last year.  I am not going to call names (Seven Oak’s folks), but I have been surprised by the people who want a Bible on their phone or tablet and they resort to some type of a book reader app for the Bible.  That is, they use the Kindle reader or iBooks app to either purchase or get free a Bible.  So they have for example the KJV or ESV as a book on the device.  Typically this is cumbersome for searching text and going to references during a lesson.  What I recommend doing is getting an APP for the Bible.  There are many out there.  Here are two of the most popular and both are FREE.

My favorite and the easiest I have found to change verse references is the ESV Bible App.  It is sleek, easy to use, simple, and allows you to take notes.  It is available on whatever platform you have.

ESV app

Visit the Crossway Website to Download the ESV App for your device.  Of course you can also search in the iTunes or Android store.

My next favorite Bible app is also a well-known one and it is called: You Version.  This one has an incredible amount of versions and even different languages on it.  You can either download the given Bible version to your device or simply use it through being connected to the internet.  This program has lots of possibilities.  One of my favorite features of this APP is that it has many audio Bibles.  So it will read you the Bible by using the recorded program, which are really well done.  You need to be on WIFI or data network to listen to these.  HINT:  Through StraightTalk I have unlimited data, so I enjoy streaming the audio Bible when exercising or riding in the car.  It is an easy way to listen and learn the Bible and rotate between versions.  

Visit the You Version Website to Download Your App for your device.   Of course you can also search in the Itunes or Android store.

you version Bible app

I will share more in future posts on technology.  But these two apps will help you tremendously in reading and listening to the Bible through your smart phone or tablet.  You will enjoy it much more than using a book reader to find verses.

 

Permanent link to this article: https://www.joshketchum.com/get-an-app-for-the-bible-on-your-phone-and-tablet/