What’s That Stench? (Part 1)

By definition a stench is an “offensive odor.” Even as I utter the word stench I find my shoulders getting tense and I sense my brain sending signals to my nostrils to watch out and be extra sensitive in order to guard my olfactory nerve from some disgusting stink. A stench can clear a room. A stench can make you sick to your stomach. There isn’t much pleasant to associate with stench.

Lately I’ve been marinating on Genesis – particularly the inception of sin and the subsequent consequences. I am amazed by our wonderful Creator’s willingness to extend us mercy and grace in spite of our disobedient nature, even from the beginning. Although we deserve death, God has offered us the chance to step back into right standing with Him, not because of us, but because of His love. Nevertheless, even though there was no immediate condemnation for humanity, there were certainly consequences. Sin affected our relationship with God, it affected our relationship with others, and it affected our relationship with the world we live in. From Genesis 3 through Revelation we can read the rest of the love story between a good and perfect God and defiant people. What was created to be a “fragrant aroma” became a stench.

Because of our sin, what was created to be good is now rotten. Naturally, things that are rotten often give off a stench. When we catch a whiff of ourselves we’re inclined to take one of two routes: 1) we may try to turn something rotten into something good; or 2) trying to cover up the stench.

Turning something rotten into something good. Before seminary my background was in psychology. I can say without doubt that there are a number of psychologists throughout the world studying the nature of humanity and making implications about what is normal human behavior. Once a given behavior is deemed normative it is often assumed that ‘said behavior’ is not inherently bad. If something is not bad, we have the freedom to entertain the idea that it may even be good. In due time an entire culture can actually be desensitized once they’ve accepted that ‘said behavior’ is not bad. For instance, consider the evolution of sex and the media. In the 1950’s hit show “I Love Lucy,” Lucy and Ricky Ricardo were happily married, yet they slept in separate beds on opposite ends of the bedroom. Funny enough, they somehow eventually had a kid together. Take an average sit-com or reality TV show today and we’re often encouraged to have sex with a friend or new acquaintance in order to help clear your mind or think straight. I’d say that’s quite a leap from the fifties.

The problem in deeming something “natural” or “normative” and thereby implying that it may in fact be good is ignorant of the fact that rotting and decay are also “natural” once the process is started. Therefore, we cannot assume than any human behavior is inherently good, because we are all tainted by sin. Decaying. Far from what we were created to be. Giving off a stench.

Allow me to introduce you…

Hi friends of Scarlet City,

If you are not already familiar with culture maker, author, and world-renowned artist Makoto Fujimura, please allow me to introduce you. His works of art and his recorded thoughts have great depth and insight.

Here is a sample of his work. Like anything worth appreciating, allow yourself to linger. Enjoy!

Observations: American Christianity vs. the Christian Gospel

Some observations on Glenn Beck, American Christianity, and the Christian gospel after this pass weekends hoopla:

- Numerous leaders of “Christian” churches willingly gave the mantel of returning America back to God to Glenn Beck who is a mormon.

- On the anniversary and location of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a dream” speech hundreds of thousands gathered to “Restore Honor.” I’m wondering if Native Americans and African Americans would celebrate the former honor of America.

-  Many are confusing American nationalism for Christian revival.

- Many confuse Christian values for American conservative values.

It’s sad to see so many Christians embrace political ideology over the historical Christian faith. This will further marginalize the American church and cloud the thinking of young evangelicals who want to love and follow Jesus but reject certain right leaning beliefs. Furthermore, as a Christian my desire is to see people embrace Jesus not a political movement and by aligning with polarizing figures we’re often pushing non-Christians away rather than bringing them near. American Christianity does not equal the Christian gospel!

For more thoughts read Russell Moore’s God, the Gospel, and Glenn Beck.

preachin’

Gabe and I had the opportunity to preach at Mosaic Church of Ann Arbor over the past few weeks. Some of you have requested our sermons so here they are.

Gabe deGarmeaux – “God’s Providence” Ruth 2

Jay O’Brien – “God’s Redemption” Ruth 4

If I Were the Devil – Tommy Nelson

Check out this short compelling video by Tommy Nelson.

If I Were The Devil – TheDevilisReal.com from Denton Bible on Vimeo.

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