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Mawwiage…. mawwiage is what bwings us togeddar…forever!

Posted by Stephanie Breznau on 1:50 pm in Devotionals, Marriage & Family | 2 comments

Marriage is what brings us together… forever. 🙂 Don’t you just love The Princess Bride? They love loyally, fight steadfastly, and endure wholeheartedly… for each other.

Many couples can recount trivial challenges such as the other spouse not replacing the lid on the toothpaste or constantly forgetting to put the toilet lid down. But what about when it gets hard? I mean the bone crunching, excruciating, agonizing kind of hardness.

Michael and I have most definitely faced our fair share of intense challenges in our marriage. Seven moves, an unexpected honeymoon baby, birth and delivery, whooping cough (Pertussis), spending 10 1/2 days in Children’s Medical Center of Dallas wondering if our baby, Hudson, was going to make it through, completing a seminary degree, full-time ministry, financial stress, a difficult second pregnancy with Everlynn, potty training (oh yes, I could write a whole blog just about that), five miscarriages, a very tough pregnancy with our little Carson, and trying to balance our time wisely. Wow, I think that is enough to make anyone go intensely insane, right? 😉

Here is just some encouragement to those of you contemplating marriage, engaged, or newly married:

1. Pray together daily: Michael and I pray together daily, and not only is it a time of praise and thanksgiving for what God has done, it is also a time where we exercise our faith in believing Him for what He is going to do in our lives. This also includes corporate worship through song (unless sickness is present of course). There are few things I enjoy as much as singing praise songs to the Lord on a Sunday morning by my husband’s side.

2. Live sacrificially: It seems like some couples seem to think it is always the wife who is supposed to give up everything when she gets married, has kids, etc. However, Michael and I believe this is a two way street. If the husband comes home from work and the house is STILL a mess, the toddler is wreaking havoc, the baby is running around in a dirty diaper, and the wife is laying on the couch feeling sick and exhausted, it is not for the husband to berate her about all the “failings” that day. Instead it might be time for him to change that diaper, get her a drink of water, and put his arms around her. But this also goes both ways. If your husband is stressed over a work or school project, don’t complain about his lack of attention to you on that day or that he is not helping with the children. Take care of the kids, make dinner, rub his neck and tell him you love him. This applies to intimacy as well. 😉

3. Submit one to another: The Bible says the wife is to submit to the husband (see Ephesians 5:22-33). However, the Bible also says that the husband is to love his wife. It is not loving to treat your wife like she is a doormat. Marriage equals mutual respect for each other. This involves discussing important decisions. There are definitely times when Michael says we need to do something that I don’t want to do, but I do it because I trust that he is wise and (since he rarely asks me to do much outside of caring for the house, Hudson, and Everlynn) I do it (though he never asks me to do anything we haven’t talked about). Most men want a partner in life, not a puppy.  Guys: please treat your wife as equal in value and significance. This goes for the wife too. Girls: don’t discount the decisions your husband makes. Don’t make him afraid to lead because of what your reaction might be.

4. Never do any name calling: Words are like wounds, they will heal but always leave a scar. Think twice before opening your mouth. Instead, try to say, “I love you.”

5. Do not try to change each other: If there is something you do not like about the person you love before you get married, it isn’t going to magically disappear after the vows and honeymoon are all said and done. You have two options here. Either discuss it before marriage (and be open about your own bad habits and such) and try to encourage change, or you need to accept it after marriage. Things can change, but it is up to God and not you. As a wife, I certainly do not want to be a “leaky faucet” so I try to take it to the Lord when something irritates me, and not “get on” Michael constantly (and vice versa). Have a teachable spirit and take constructive criticism to the Lord in prayer instead of reacting. It’s not my job to be the Holy Spirit in his life.

6. Do not correct or criticize in front of others: Thankfully, Michael has never done this to me, but I have been around people who do this. It really does wound! It can discount a person’s opinion and make them shut off communication because they are afraid they are going to be embarrassed or hurt again. If your spouse says something you consider incorrect, inappropriate, or ignorant, do NOT tell them that in front of others. This is a BIG no-no! This also goes for other people correcting or criticizing your spouse. Nip it in the bud! Men, resist the urge to tell your wife she has put on weight (or anything critical about her appearance). I guarantee that she already knows it and feels self conscious. Instead, hug her and ask how her heart is doing. And women, its probably best not to correct your husband’s grammatical or spelling errors. 😉

7. Keep your communication free and open: Set aside around 30 minutes each evening to sit and discuss your day, feelings, etc. Do not let other things crowd out sharing your hearts with each other. These distractions can come from movies, TV, internet, social media, and yes, even children.

8. Go on weekly dates and keep the romance alive!: Michael and I do not have a lot of spare money for dates, but most of the time (usually Monday evenings) I will make a meal and we will eat it at home with a lit candle and romantic music playing. We talk about life and try to avoid talking about work/church stuff and it helps us to stay connected. 🙂

9. Do not let your children crowd out your relationship with your spouse: It is all too easy to get wrapped up in your child”s cuteness, antics, and milestones that it comes before anything else, most importantly your spouse. Make sure that you aren’t ignoring your husband or wife in favor of your kids. Your kids grow up and eventually leave, but it is “till death do you part” with your spouse. When the kids leave, you want to be able to still have a loving and open relationship with your husband or wife.

10. Give your spouse the freedom to be themselves: Whether this is their hobbies, clothing or hair styles, personality, etc. We don’t have money for me to keep up on a lot of the current clothing fashions and such, but Michael always makes sure to budget enough for me to get my hair cut. Even when I am wearing the same clothes from 2 years ago, a stylish cut keeps me feeling pretty and feminine. Budget needs to be taken into consideration. If one of you knows you don’t have the money for something, don’t buy it. Wait until a special occasion comes along and buy it then (after saving for it).

I am by no means a marriage guru, especially after only having been married 4 1/2 years, but after going through some intense hardship, God has not only kept the two of us together, but has knit us even more tightly than ever before. When a couple has the joy of the Lord and a mutual love for Christ, being continually in His word as a couple and praying together draws you even closer. I love it when my friends tell me that their husband is their best friend and companion. There is nothing better than that. So in closing, marriage is not a challenge to me. It is a life-changing, character-growing,and love-expanding experience. Couples who pray together and find joy in Jesus will find joy in each other.

Remember to keep your priorities straight….
God
Spouse
Children
Church 

“Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit in everything to their husbands.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” (Ephesians 5:22-33 – ESV)

With Love, 

Stephanie

Snow-White Sin.

Posted by Michael Breznau on 5:44 pm in Devotionals, Story Time, Theology | 4 comments

:: Updated with our family video-devotional produced on 1.7.2017 ::

Stains. I hate stains. But alas, as a father of an energetic three-year-old son and a bubbly one-year-old daughter, my role intrinsically involves my shirts and pants being spotted with a whole variety of stains: juice, milk, vomit, jelly, butter, grease, and general goo. Usually we can wash out my assortment of spots with our arsenal of stain-removers. But unfortunately I have found there is one substance that simply cannot be removed: ink. No matter how hard I try to scrub, rub, and wash ink stains out of my clothing, the worse it gets.

You know just what I mean. The ink smears, spreads and seems to become a permanent part of the fabric, as if it was meant to comfortably abide with the fabric as long as the two shall live; ink and fabric in mutual love forever. And so another perfectly good shirt reaches the ultimate destiny: the rag pile.

Magic Eraser?

Not too long ago I was attempting to remove some of Hudson’s fancy “artwork” from the walls in our home. At first he wanted to “help Papa clean,” until he found out that I was trying to erase his “mountains…his big mountains” – yes, mountains of crayon, pencil, and unfortunately, ink. 

“No big deal,” I thought to myself, “This “magic eraser” sponge stuff is supposed to take care of anything.” So I went to work, scrubbing the walls ferociously with my “magic eraser.” Before I knew it the crayon was gone – swiped clean. “Awesome!” I remarked to myself. Away went the 8 and 10 foot long pencil markings too. But then came that beautiful blue and black ink that Hudson so adored. I scrubbed. I rubbed. I scraped. Eventually I began to grind away the wall and punch it to see if it would obey my will with force. The paint was coming off easier than the ink. Oi vey.

No matter how hard I tried, the ink would simply not come off the walls. It didn’t matter what cleaning solution I used. The same is true for my clothing… and our couch cushion (but that’s another story).

No Detergent Will Do. 

All of this sticky, inky mess got me thinking: this is exactly how sin operates in our lives. I once heard another pastor say, “We are not sinners because we sin, we sin because we are sinners.” The whole inky darkness of sin is intrinsically a part of who we are. The apostle Paul said, “Therefore, just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned…” (Rom. 5:12). When the first man, Adam, chose to act out in unbelief and rebellion against the God who created him, we all became part of a singular race of sinners (Genesis 3:1-19; Romans 3:23; 5:12-15). And we all prove our relation to Adam every single day by continuing to sin like sinners.

No matter how hard we try to scrub, rub, or wash away our sin with so-called detergents like good efforts, right-living, loving behavior, church attendance, modesty, baptism, generous giving, or even Bible reading, you and I will never be able to wipe away our sin or take away the impending punishment for sin.

The King-poet David knew the honest depths of his sin and the consequences he faced for his innate and personal depravity. He dove head-long into sin by lusting after the wife of his friend, Uriah the Hittite. He then proceeded to act on his sinful-lust by bringing her into his bedroom and committing blatant adultery. To make matters even worse, he tried to cover up the tell-tale track of his sin by eventually having Uriah killed in battle.

David knew the inky darkness of his sin and when confronted by the prophet Nathan; what does he do? Does David try to strike a sin-bargain with God? David: “Okay, God. I’ve really messed up. Yes, I’ve sinned big time. So, how about I promise to give the Temple administration and the priests 90% of all my profits for the rest of my life? Will that cover it? How about I also promise to never commit adultery EVER AGAIN, never get drunk, and always worship with great diligence on every Sabbath Day? Will that suffice, God?”

No. David does not even come close to any sin-bargaining. He knows the depths of sin – innately and personally – and so he prays:

“For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You are justified when You speak and blameless when You judge. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:2-5)

David understands that something much greater is needed to scrub away his sin. He was born in sin and so are we. And so he prays with deep intensity, “Be gracious to me, O God, according to Your loving-kindness; according to the greatness of Your compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin…” (Psalm 51:1-2). This sinner-of-a-king knows the only way he will ever be clean is by God’s shockingly amazing and compassionate grace.

Snow-White Sin. 

So why all of this about stain and sin? Well, it’s all because of snow. As I look out the window of my study on this beautiful, wintry day I see soft white snowflakes gently drifting to the ground. The pure, blindingly white appearance of snow is the perfect picture of what only God can do with our sin. The LORD used this beautiful analogy when He spoke through the ancient prophet Isaiah,

“Though your sins are as scarlet, they will be white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they will be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

King David poetically heightened this metaphor in his prayer of repentance,

“Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7; italics added for emphasis).

David understood that the only way he could be completely clean from the inky stain of his sin was through the compassionate grace of God. No other detergent would do. Only God’s grace. His sin could become even whiter than snow. Pure. White. Clean. Forgiven.    

Most of you probably know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. But we can still get caught up into the my-detergent mentality. We begin to think that the better we are (the less we sin outwardly) the more God will love us. I can fall into this trap so, so easily… almost without thinking about it. I begin to believe that the better I preach, sing, pray, or study my Bible, then the more my sin-stain will fade. But here’s the reality: the dark ink of our sin can only be washed away by the grace of God in Jesus Christ. No other person or action or effort will ever erase even one solitary sin. Only God in Christ offers grace and compassion and mercy, and you must come to Him without anything in your hands as extra detergents or erasers.  

David reminds us what God really desires:

“For You do not delight in sacrifice, otherwise I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offering. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise” (Psalm 51:16-17).

David had to realize God wanted only a heart surrendered in humility, clinging only to God’s sufficiency in grace, not one’s own good efforts and religious zeal. We cannot do it. Ever. We will never be able to fade the ink of our sin. Only by the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ alone can you and I be free from the stain of sin. So let’s come to God as David did… everyday. David looked forward with hope in the promise of God’s provision of grace in the Messiah and we look back in wonder and faith at God’s provision of grace in Jesus the Messiah. He alone wipes away our stains.

So everyday… Honestly repent of your sins, remind yourself of the Good News of God’s grace in Jesus, and return in humility and joy to the foot of the Cross, where we find grace upon grace forevermore.

Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to the cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.

~ from Rock of Ages, Augustus M. Toplady

Michael J. Breznau. 2.25.2013

Living in Expectation

Posted by Michael Breznau on 9:29 pm in Devotionals, Story Time | 0 comments

Dawn will break. The day is near. The amazing moment will soon arrive. Our expectation will quickly turn into reality. When will it happen? We do not know for sure. Yet we are certain the time will come. We are certain she will come. Everlynn Sarah will be here with us… and we will behold her beautiful face and nestle her in our arms…. and so we wait.

We live in expectation. For the past nine months – and especially for the past few weeks – we have lived with an unquenchable expectation. Stephanie and I wake up each bright, wintry morning with our thoughts and conversation filled with the question: “Will today be the day?” Every time Stephanie calls or texts me, I immediately wonder: “Is this it?! Has our long-awaited moment arrived?”

Patient Impatience

This life of expectation is a strange tension of patient impatience. Ironically, this oxymoron seems to be our reality. We long for the day when the very real pain, difficulty, and agony of bearing a child will be lifted from Stephanie’s body and exchanged for the beauty of our little baby. This pregnancy, in particular, has been extremely trying and exhausting for Stephanie. Yes, we know it will be worth it in the end. Yet this only heightens our desire for the end to come. So we rather impatiently wait with expectation for the day which will mark an end and a new beginning. This expectation has often consumed our attention, hopes, and desires.

My intense longing (and Stephanie’s groaning) for Everlynn’s arrival is repeated in every prayer. Our lives have changed to conform to this constant hope. Our bags are packed for the hospital (and remain a rather comical tripping hazard in the hallway). Every time we leave the house we fill the car with extra clothes, pillows, bottled supplements, organic lollipops, diapers, and an extra car seat – with the hope that our expectation will become reality. We live in persistent hope…

The Real NEW

Yesterday, as I looked out across our soggy, rainy backyard through our picture-glass window, a thought rose to the surface of my mind: am I living in expectation for the Day when the End will mark the beginning of the New? Does the very real pain, suffering, and groaning of this life and world heighten my desire for the end to come? Do I have an unquenchable longing for Christ’s return when He will make all things new (Rev 21:5)? Does He consume my thoughts and find constant mention in my conversations? Do I wake up in the morning with the burgeoning question on my mind: “Will today be the day?”

This expectation consumed and controlled the life of the apostle Paul:

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.” (Romans 8:18-25)

An Even Greater Expectation

Conviction ran deep across my heart as I watched cold rain drops fall on our brown, frost-bitten grass. Has the expectation of Christ’s return and the hope of the new heavens and earth changed the way I live? Has my life changed to conform to this constant hope? As great and wonderful as our expectation for Everlynn’s arrival may be, how much greater should my longing be for Christ at His return?

Living in expectation of the End will change how we live in the Present. There will be a day when all things will be made NEW. The earth will be remade. We will be glorified in the same manner as Christ’s resurrection. Decay, depression, and disobedience will be no more. The pain and suffering of this life will be lifted and gloriously exchanged for the beauty of Christ’s presence, when we shall see Him face to face.

So we expectantly wait…with patience.

In Christ Alone,

      Michael J. Breznau

[With fond memories one week before our little Everlynn’s 1st Birthday… Original date of writing: January 17, 2012]

P.S. This short article is dedicated to our lovely daughter Everlynn, and to a teacher who brought me to understand and behold the hope of the resurrection and its present implications in my life: Dr. Glenn Kreider.

Life’s Underpinning

Posted by Michael Breznau on 1:28 am in Podcast, Sermons | 0 comments

One bitterly cold, late December day, my brother Stephen and I trekked out to see the ice on a river near our house in St. Clair, Michigan. It had been pretty cold for the past couple of weeks and we were both anxious to lace up our hockey skates for the new season. The Pine River was about 60-80 feet wide and approximately 30-40 feet deep, with a strong current taken in from the St. Clair River – this was no little creek. But we thought it would make a perfect hockey rink. Stephen (10 years old) decided to skate around as we tested the ice, and I (14) decided to stay in my boots for this quick trial run.

We headed south down the center of the river about 200 yards and the ice seemed to be in pretty good shape. We weren’t sure how thick it was, but hey, it looked fine. So, with excitement we started heading back down the river toward the trail that would take us home to grab the rest of our hockey equipment. As we neared the shoreline I decided to give the ice one more test by jumping up and down on it a few times. I remember shouting out to my brother, “yeah Stephen, this ice looks great!” – Just at that moment a plunged through the ice and into some very cold, deep water. Yikes.

Sometimes the attractions of the world system are very appealing. It appears the glaze foundation is strong enough to old things together. “Hey, other people are doing it, and they look like their having fun,” we might say. It seems to look strong enough to holds things together. The questions about life away from the foundation of Jesus Christ tempt us to test, to question, to wonder, and to sometimes skate out on thin ice – completely unaware of the collapse or total disaster that lies ahead. We wonder: is following Christ like I’ve been taught really worth it? Can satisfaction and ease be found outside of doing this “Christian thing”? We might think that a job earning $100-200k a year might really give us what we want out of life. We question, “is the underpinning of the world all that bad?” Maybe some of you think having a beautiful, good-looking spouse and a snazzy family will do it for you. We think, “Yeah, that would be the life.” Maybe even some of us believe that having a flourishing, successful ministry will give us peace of mind. We so often use the world’s evaluation tools to judge the Christian life: Are you happy? Are you healthy? Are you at ease? Are you wealthy? And the more we use these gauges, the more we slide out onto a foundation that is destined to collapse…

So, my question for you and for me is this: What underpins your life? What underpinning will you trust in or stand on when you have more questions than answers? What’s Underpinning Your Life? What are you trusting in? Self? Your questions or intellect? Your Good Deeds? Money? Marriage? Material Gain? Or…

After calling and individually instructing the Twelve, Jesus taught from a mountain to a huge group of people who had been following Him and coming to Him for healing. In many ways, they wanted to receive health, ease, and physical well-being. Not necessarily bad things at all. Yet, they needed to understand (as we do) the key issue at stake. They had to face ONE QUESTION that would underpin their lives. Therefore, Jesus closed his sermon in Luke chapter 6, with an analogical story that will help us determine what must underpin our lives. So, please turn with me to Luke 6:46-49. Where we will come face to face with the words of Christ…

Listen to the full audio message entitled “Life’s Underpinning” by simply clicking on the play button below or by subscribing to our iTunes podcast. This message was originally delivered on “Grad Night 2011” at Evangel Baptist Church on Sunday PM, May 22, 2011.

Life's Underpinning: Luke 6:46-49 [ 21:12 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (668)

The Spark of Life and the Wish of Death

Posted by Michael Breznau on 1:10 am in Morality & Ethics, Theology | 0 comments

What is Life?

There are moments that occur during the span of one’s life that often profoundly impact their entire perspective and outlook. One of these moments is undoubtedly, for many people, the viewing of a newborn’s entrance into the world. While many young fathers may run away in terror from such close observation, the impact on their world and the mother’s is indeed, quite tremendous. As the mother labors to bring this little creation into the globe we call Earth, and as the father either watches in stark fear, or grimaces at every groan from the comfort of a waiting room, they all wait for one, singular sound. Here in our western culture, hoards of family members and other relatives will also gather around the door of the delivery room to catch the sound of one special noise. Suddenly, amidst the racket and bustling of a busy hospital, everyone hears what they all have been waiting for. As the delivery room doors swing open, the strong cry of life is heard loud and clear.

Life is really all that is known to the living, and death is only known by those who do not speak. Life is considered marvelous and wonderful. Death is regarded by the vast majority as terrible and dreadful. Yet, in our society we make choices of life and death every day. Millions of couples will create new life this year through sexual intimacy, many “unintentionally.”[1] Millions of new, little babies will enter this world with great hope for the future, yet millions of other little children will be aborted before ever leaving the womb.[2]

One grandmother will survive a massive open heart surgery, while another will have her food and water withheld, ultimately resulting in her death.[3] An irresponsible drunk driver will plow his car into an innocent family’s vehicle ending the life of several small children. Others filled with greed and hate will perform armed robbery on a large bank and victimize several opponents with death. The same day valiant firemen will charge into a burning house and rescue a family from the flames. This year military operations will storm a village killing several enemies, yet also lose some of their own.[4] Terrorists seeking political power will attack a city and attempt to overthrow the local government by force – at the point of a gun. A small Asian village will receive a shipment of vaccinations just in time to save them from a widespread and lethal epidemic.[5]

As one muses over the chivalry, benevolence, and the antithetical atrocities above, why is emotion invoked? Why do we as human beings even care what happens to the poor villager in southern Africa, or the enslaved child in Asia? Some may try to explain away the emotive feelings within, but ultimately such denial cannot be justified. There is real care in our hearts for those who are under duress or abuse. Even the most liberal, naturalistic atheist would seem to have some appreciation for those firemen who save the lives of those around him. Yet, on the same token, that same individual may vociferously promote the abortion of unwanted, unborn children.[6] Perhaps the solution to this strange dichotomy can be made clearer through discovering three prominent views that attempt to answer the question, “What is life?”

Just Carbon, Chemical Reactions?

When looking at human life specifically, some are led to believe that the only real, definable difference between us and the Animal Kingdom is a higher level of physical and cognitive development.[7] From that standpoint they then logically move to the position that the singular, relevant reason why human beings should be treated any different than, say for instance, a cow, is because they are members of the species Homo sapiens (humanity).[8] Following his own line of thought, Peter Singer claims that if humanity grants greater significance to itself over and above other life (per say animals etc…) then they could likely be guilty of something similar to the atrocity of white vs. black racial prejudice.[9] He goes on to say he firmly believes that simply being a member of our species is “not morally relevant.”[10] His statements at this point should seem quite outlandish, but one has to wonder how scholars like Singer or Helga Kuhse arrive at such a position.[11]

From a pure naturalistic, rationalistic standpoint such as Singer’s, his ideas make perfect sense, and he is known for proclaiming them relentlessly at times.[12] However, his position stems out of a view which logically does not accept that humans have a soul. He purports that his beliefs come from Utilitarianism[13] or classic utilitarianism, in other words, what best serves the greatest happiness of humanity and the world at large.[14] So, from a utilitarian point of view, he is doing the world a great justice, by freeing it from the moors of burdensome religiosity and hate-filled dogmatism. The actions of the mind or “thoughts” are believed by such naturalists to be simply the connections of the chemical actions of the body. These actions are purely movements of these chemicals as they act and react towards either pain or pleasure.[15] This theory is commonly known as Reductive Physicalism, which essentially means that they have reduced the matter of mind and body (they do not believe in the idea of a soul) to only a physical state. To the naturalists, there is no moral significance to the mind or conscience for it is only bodily functions and responses that control a person’s perception and reception of life. Hence, the mind and body are simply the out workings of the body itself with no outside or special involvement from anything remotely close to a theistic view of God.

For those who hold this view, human “life” is the combination of several factors that convince such proponents of an individual’s worth and quality. Naturalistic philosopher Michael Tooley suggests a list of fifteen key components that relegate life and determine true personhood. Here are a handful of his points of “life,” “(1) the capacity to experience pleasure and/or pain; (2) the capacity for having desires; (3) the capacity for remembering past events; … (5) an awareness of the passage of time; … (9) the property of having mental states that involve propositional attitudes, such as beliefs and desires; … (11) the capacity for reasoning; (12) problem solving ability; … (14) the capacity for using language; (15) the ability to interact socially with others.”[16] This list is a good example of where the logic of pure physicalism will take the thinking person.

If a human is only a highly developed mammal without a soul, then life has to be measured by quality, ability, and experience. After pondering the attributes above given by Tooley, one should wonder if we are all truly life-filled persons when waking up in the morning. In all seriousness, anyone can clearly see that those with congenital birth defects, Down’s syndrome, varying forms of autism, and other abnormalities would not “make the cut” when considering Tooley’s suggested rubric for valued life. For those who purport this view, this is a bitter reality.

Body First, Mind Second

Some scholars have suggested a more moderate approach to reductive physicalism and have concluded that the body gives rise to something that deserves its own – the mind. The body is “number one,” but the mind holds a place of validity and importance secondarily.[17] This is known as Non-Reductive Physicalism. Those who purport this theory, like the pure naturalist, tend to hold atheistic or agnostic views of creation, and therefore are hesitant to give any credence to the idea of a soul. Life is the simple composition of body matter and mind action. Eventually as this development of matter matures, the mind also continues to develop into a full “life.” This form of physicalism as defined by some is, in actuality, materialistic monism masquerading as moderate dualism. Robert Pyne does an excellent job describing this interesting mixture:

Some monists find a middle ground between the extremes of materialism and idealism, contending that the common essence of all things is both material and immaterial. From this perspective (“known as dual-aspect monism”), nothing is pure matter (not even rocks) and nothing is pure spirit (not even God). David Steindl-Rast, a Roman Catholic with decidedly New Age (he would say “new paradigm”) leanings, represents this view. He wrote, “For me spirit and matter are two sides of the same coin, two interwoven aspects of reality.”[18]

For a moment this “dual-aspect monism” may seem to give us an answer to our question of life. It places some regard on the immaterial or spirit nature, and also sees the necessity of basic matter and composition.[19] However, by attempting to blend the two aspects of “life” into one essence and substance, it raises a whole field of other theological questions and implications.[20] Will the soul separate from the body at death? Does the body hold control over the spirit? When does the mind or soul reach maturity and render a particular human a whole and valuable person? Ultimately this belief brings one to the conclusion that there is no real eternality, and that death is merely the expiration of that unique yet temporary combination of mind and body.[21]

Determining life only on the basis of physicality has serious ramifications for one’s definition of life. Even though this theory places some importance on mind function, it still derives its basic factor from body matter and development alone. Therefore, from a secular standpoint, this view continues to hold the door wide open to attempts at defining life apart from theism or any eternal value. This view ultimately leads down the very same path as classic physicalism. For this reason, it does not appear to offer any more lasting solutions for the Christian than the first view in the preceding section.

Body and Soul, Heart and Mind

After observing two views that apparently seem to lead in similar directions, it will now be our goal to define and discuss a view of life that is as close to a biblical model as possible. Perhaps this will satisfy our curiosity, as well as, give us a solution to our question; “What is Life?” Predominantly in philosophical circles, the final major view in discussion is a theory calledSubstance Dualism.[22] According to this view, the body and mind are two parallel, equal, and necessary components of life. Unlike reductive physicalism, this dualistic approach allows for the utmost appreciation for both facets of humanity – the material and immaterial parts. Distinct from non-reductive physicalism, this view does not place one aspect of a person above another; the mind and body are considered equal in importance. Furthermore, differing from a dual-aspect monism, this rationale does not attempt to blend the body and spirit or mind into one unified substance that is inseparable.[23]

Substance dualism also allows for the sin nature to be played out in the lives of humans fromboth aspects of their humanity. Faithful Christian doctrine believes that all have inherited a sin nature through Adam’s fall (Gen 3:5-24; John 16:8; Rom 1:28; 3:23; 5:6-8, 12-13; 8:7). Therefore, this depravity extends not only to bodily functions, but to all intellect, emotions, and soul. This dualistic approach coincides with this idea of depravity as well as with the doctrine of the eternality of the spirit and the final shedding of the mortal body (Rom 8:23; Phil 3:21).[24]

Life is defined by this basic form of dualism as having two essential, co-equal parts. Life is understood to be the combination of the body (material) and the soul (immaterial). One sees in this man-made system perhaps the closest framework resembling God’s view of humanity as found in His Word.[25] Both aspects of life are fully affected by the total depravity received through Adam, yet both were and are created as good in the image of God (Gen 1:31; 1 Tim 4:4-5).[26] The body and soul are both infinitely valuable to the Lord and therefore must be of infinite value to us.[27] Our emphasis ultimately needs to be on the whole person as created by God, but having this faulty, yet helpful framework to build on is of great assistance.[28] So, if the body and soul together constitute a person who is part of the Imago Dei, and that person is therefore of utmost value; when do the soul and body join to become life?

There are three main theories that attempt to explain how and when the soul joins the body.[29] The first is known as the Pre-existent view of souls. This theory holds that souls exist or live in some type of “previous state” and are then joined to the material body before birth.[30] These souls are believed to be taken out of this storehouse of sinful or neutral souls and then placed within bodies by God or some other force. The terrible implications of this view toward Christian theology, led the early church to deem its theories heretical at the Council of Constantinople in 540 AD.[31] Not only does this view allow for a construed form of reincarnation; it also does not have any scriptural foundation, and thus cannot be accepted by orthodox Christianity.[32]

The second and more orthodox view of the soul and body is known as Creationism. This is not to be confused with the origin of the universe, but simply speaks of the origin of the soul. The creationist view holds that God in His omnipotent power creates individual souls for each new conception on earth, and then places them within each body sometime before birth.[33] This theory is focused on the direct, creative act of God at every point of conception (Gen 2:7; Num 16:22; Heb 12:9). This view is largely held by the Roman Catholic Church, as well as some theologians in the Reformed tradition.[34] They argue that it aptly testifies to the sinless birth of Jesus, by God the Father creating a sinless soul to place within His body. However, this seems to lead us down the road of Gnostic dualism for everyone else considered. Is it the wicked body that contaminates the soul? Or is God creating sinful souls and placing them in bodies at conception or development?

It appears that in order for mankind to be born with a sinful nature, the creationist view would have to state that God is, in fact, creating sin-filled souls in order that he might place them in bodies to be depraved people. This theological nugget is hard to swallow. Or, from a classic Roman Catholic perspective, perhaps God is not creating sinful souls, but rather neutral beings with a clean slate on which to draw their life. Such a view is lucidly Pelagian, but is not a far walk from the tree of creationism.

This view has theological implications that also interfere with the doctrine of original sin and the transfer of depravity down through the ages.[35] For this reason, many protestant theologians ascribe to a third theory, known as Traducianism. Augustus Strong defined this view quite concisely when he wrote, “The human race was immediately created in Adam, and, as respects both body and soul, was propagated from him by natural generation—all souls since Adam being only mediately created by God, as the upholder of the laws of propagation which were originally established by Him.”[36] This definition states three important concepts that help us define the joining of soul and body. First, God is understood as having created the world and set in motion the order of propagation – beginning with Adam. Secondly, through this design of reproduction, souls after Adam are mediately, not immediately “created by God.” Meaning, the Lord has rested from creation and his direct creative acts have been set in motion through the order of His universe. He does create each individual, yet He does so through the process of reproduction He set in motion at the beginning of time.

Through this theory, one is able to explain the carrying on of the sin nature and our depraved, inherited wickedness through Adam. But more importantly, one can also logically see that the joining of soul and body is something that naturally occurs at the point of conception for each individual person. Thus, the person becomes a life at conception through the design of God. While most creationists (especially with the Roman Catholic tradition) also believe that life begins at conception, it appears that traduciansim grants a better explanation for this stance. If God is not placing a soul in the body of an unborn infant at some arbitrary time during development, then it seems corollary, through the traducian view, that the joining occurs at conception. Certainly this is a highly debatable stance, yet notable Christian scholar, Kirby Anderson writes of the same logical connection between traducianism and the unborn.

Psalm 51:5 also supports the traducian view of the origin of the soul. According to this perspective human beings were potentially in Adam (Rom 5:12; Heb 7:9-10) and thus participated in his original sin. The “soulish” part of humans is transferred through conception. Therefore, an unborn baby is morally accountable and thus is fully human.[37]

Life is defined by some as merely physical matter and the chemical reactions of the same. Others seek to define it as a combination of the physical state controlling the subordinate matter of the mind. Yet others, who see the reality of God in the universe, have continued to declare that there is more to mankind than simple biology. Sacred life is that unique creation of God that combines both soul and body through His orderly design of human propagation on earth. This marvelous miracle of our Creator testifies both of his power and wisdom, for we as humans are made in His likeness and image (Gen 1:26-27; 5:1; 9:6).[38]

What is the Value of a Person?

The questions of value and personhood are the two fundamental hinges on which all other ethical issues pertaining to human life swing. How we define a “person” will define how we handle death, life and every other important bio-ethical decision. Through the eyes of such naturalistic philosophers such as Peter Singer, Helga Kuhse, and Peter Wenz, life is only the essential components of physicality.[39] This view of humanity, logically moves toward the argument for abortion, broad reproductive control, euthanasia, and other forms of life control, because a person truly only exists to have capacity for the giving and receiving of either pain or pleasure.[40]

If a particular result of sexual intercourse, a fetus, becomes a nuisance or inhibits or prohibits a “developed” person from experiencing mature pleasure in life, then that person is believed to have every right to end the cause of their displeasure.[41] It would only be impermissible for someone to carry out these actions if the victim is determined to be another fully developed and functioning person. If this were so, then the displeasured would only at that time be forced to adjust to the change and accept temporary displeasure. However, to such naturalists, the unborn child (or even a young child) is neither fully developed as a person nor a self-functioning member of society, therefore their life should be allowed to expire without any further ramifications or culturally enforced guilt.

Personhood is everything. If the fetus is considered partially human or compartmentally having potential for being a person, then just like the pure naturalist, this purports that defining personhood is humanity’s job. Referring back to Tooley’s suggested rubric for what constitutes life (pg. 7) one can see what humanity has offered for a solution. This solution unfortunately can potentially open the floodgates of a “practical” infanticide for the overall utilitarian benefit and pleasure of our species.[42] The current day follower of Christ should find these theories both startling and grievous. For none of these theories can justifiably be aligned with the tenor of Scripture.

As believers in the Word of God as the Lord’s special revelation to mankind, we are held accountable to perceive the attributes of our God, and walk according to His ways and commands. This doctrine that we as Christians lovingly hold for the glory of the Father, must affect how we value each and every person in this world.

In Psalm 139:13-16, David writes, “For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it will. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.”

In this beautiful ballad, David is succinctly declaring that God knew Him and was with Him even before his first day from the womb. R.C. Sproul notes that in vs. 16 is the “only use of the Hebrew word for embryo found in Scripture – ‘unformed body.’ ”[43] This is very interesting in light of David’s praise of God’s awareness, care, and watchfulness over the very earliest beginnings of David’s life. This certainly appears to point toward personhood at conception. Other examples abound of God’s concern for the unborn and His relegation of them as being true persons. In Jeremiah 1:5 we read, “Before I [the Lord] formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.”[44] Here Jeremiah is clearly known and appointed by the Lord, even before conception. God is stating that he was determined as a person with a personal call before he left his mother’s womb. This appears to be pointing us again toward the joining of body and soul at the point of conception or perhaps even at some earlier point.

Upon reflection of verses such as those above, Sproul contends a case for the personhood of the unborn child this way:

Even those who do not agree that life begins before birth grant that there is continuity between a child that is conceived and a child that is born. Every child has a past before birth. The issue is this: Was that past personal, or was it impersonal with personhood beginning only at birth? It is clear that in Scripture personhood begins prior to birth: “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me” (Psalm 51:5).[45]

The passage quoted by Sproul in Psalm 51 again gives further credence to the view that our depraved and sinful nature does not begin at some arbitrary time in development, but instead at the very point of conception. If an unborn infant is thus morally responsible in Adam, then it can also be stated that as a moral agent, this child is also fully personal in the sight of God, and should be viewed as such in our opinion as well.

There has been much debate over the reference to varying punishments in Exodus 21:22 for those who injure pregnant women under the Mosaic Law, however, under close scrutiny this verse does not deny the personhood of the unborn, but essentially grants further establishment to this view. Even if one takes a variant view of this verse, the vast weight of Scripture still points very strongly toward personhood at conception.[46] For instance in Amos 1:13, we see God exacting strict and severe judgment on Israel’s neighboring nations, and one particular reason is seen here, “Thus says the Lord, for three transgressions of the sons of Ammon and for four I will not revoke its punishment, because they ripped open the pregnant women of Gilead in order to enlarge their borders.” God is punishing the people of Ammon because they have chosen to treat pregnant women, and ultimately the unborn carelessly merely for their own political gain.

Life is fundamentally precious and valuable to God for it is His very creation. Most importantly, human life from conception to the grave reflects the very likeness of the Creator, His own personal image. Therefore, if personal life is the true creation of God through his orderly, designed universe, then each person young and old, born and unborn, must be cherished, treasured, protected, and defended. To do any less is to disregard the very character of the God we claim to love and serve.

A Death Wish: Is the Choice ours to Make?

Abortion. Euthanasia. Two words that are heavily weighted with pain, sweat, tears, debate, controversy, and millions of dollars spent on political movements from every side. Such issues are never going to be settled easily. Emotions rage and the bitter reality of those caught in the middle of such strife can be utterly bewildering. The innocent lives of mothers and children are often held in a wickedly spinning cycle of propaganda and philosophical agenda. Yet, for all of this, we as individual followers of Christ must come to a decision. Will we side with a view of personhood that reflects naturalism and finds little, if any stretched alignment with God’s moral character? Or, we will decide to lovingly and thoughtfully stand firm on the side of personhood beginning at conception?[47]

In the coming years, issues of abortion and euthanasia are not going to dissipate. In fact, they will likely rise in prominence. It is quite possibly that many, many believers will be faced with the grim decision to “pull-the-plug,” “yank the food and water tubes,” or even undergo forced abortions as part of governmental enforcement.[48] The decision to side with a biblical view of life and personhood may become increasingly less popular and those who stand firm are likely to receive some level of persecution for their beliefs.

However, as has been portrayed in this study, there is really no gray area in this matter.[49] Either personhood begins at the conception of life, or it is left up to the determination of physical functions. If God is the giver of life and if He views life as personhood from conception to the grave (as was demonstrated in this work) then we, as His followers, must regard this wondrous creation as sacred and leave the life and death choices up to the God who granted us breath at the beginning of time (Gen 2:7).

Conclusion

Through looking at the three major views of life and personhood and carefully coming to a biblical position of what precisely begins at life’s inception at what ends at life’s expiration, it is hoped that the reader has now be equipped with a more thorough basis for believing in the sanctity of human life. Ultimately, the issue is personhood. And arriving at such a stance requires one to take a theological position. As stated previously, life is defined by some as merely physical matter and the chemical reactions of the same. Others seek to define it as a combination of the physical state controlling the subordinate matter of the mind. Yet others, who see the reality of God in the universe, have continued to declare that there is more to mankind than simple biology. Sacred life is that unique creation of God that combines both soul and body through His orderly design of human propagation on earth. This marvelous miracle of our Creator testifies both of His power and wisdom, for we as humans are made in His likeness and image.

Therefore, if personal life is the true creation of God through his orderly, designed universe, then each person young and old, born and unborn, must be cherished, treasured, protected, and defended. To do any less is to disregard the very character of the God we claim to love and serve. May His glory be known and His power be shown in and through our lives for His great praise.

FOOTNOTES: 

[1] Kirby Anderson, Christian Ethics in Plain Language (Nashville: Thomas Nelson 2005), 38-9.

[2] Ibid., 38. For further reference, see also: Ronald Munson, Intervention and Reflection: Basic Issues in Medical Ethics, 7th ed. (Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth Learning, 2004), 570-71.

[3] Sadly, this hypothetical statement is all too realistic for the author. Through first-hand experience, he witnessed the battle for life as his grandmother struggled to survive with very little water and no food for more than ten days. She had no written consent for this type of treatment, yet was placed under this care through the will of her husband – the author’s grandfather. Essentially, starvation was forced upon her because they deemed her only partially functional after a major stroke. Even though signs of recovery were in order, all was disregarded for the sake of her “quality of life.” Although complete forgiveness has been extended to the parties responsible for this action, the irony of what constitutes a “functioning” person remains.

[4] The string of statements in this paragraph is not meant to be prophetic, but merely realistic, hypothetical descriptions of the actions that occur every year all around the world.

[5] Again it is stated that these narrative remarks are not intended to be at all prophetic or unsubstantiated statements, but simply the encapsulation of what one is likely to find across news headlines during the course of a year. This, in a sense, can be assumed true for the sake of argument. In regard to the hypotheses of a small Asian village, the author can personally testify to its accuracy. During a five-week mission outreach in southeast India, the author was involved in medical camps that helped stem the tide of a whole variety of physical ailments and lethal diseases.

[6] The term “abortion” is herein defined as the ending of human life before birth. To this hypothetical atheist, those “unborn, unwanted children” are of course not children at all. But would most likely be considered fetuses or collections of developing mass that do not equal a true person, or that cannot be identified as having full-personhood. This point will be discussed in greater depth in the following sections.

[7] Peter Singer, Practical Ethics, 2nd ed. (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1993), 86-9.

[8] Ibid., 84-6.

[9] Holly, A Matter of Life and Death: What the Bible Has to Say About Violence in the Pro-Life Movement, 19. Within this text, Holly quotes a large section out of an article written by Peter Singer in the periodical Pediatrics, 72, No.1 (July 1983), 128-29. The author was unable to procure the direct material from this journal, but finds the quote by Holly as verbatim to the words of Singer.

[10] Ibid.

[11] Helga Kuhse, The Sanctity-of-Life Doctrine in Medicine: A Critique (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1987), 6-20. In this work and in several others written by Kuhse that were observed by the author, it is found that she closely coheres to the same basic fundamental views of humanity and life as those of her close colleague, Peter Singer.

[12] Singer, Practical Ethics, viii-xi.

[13] Munson, Intervention and Reflection: Basic Issues in Medical Ethics, 28.

[14] Singer, Practical Ethics, 90-1.

[15] Ibid.

[16] Michael Tooley, Abortion and Infanticide (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1985), 90-1.

[17] Nathan Holsteen, St103 Class Discussion Notes: Angelology, Anthropology, and Hamartiology (Dallas: Dallas Theological Seminary, 2008), 27.

[18] Robert A. Pyne, “Understanding Christian Theology,” ed. Charles R. Swindoll and Roy B. Zuck (Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2003), 689.

[19] Ibid.

[20] Ibid.

[21] Ibid.

[22] Holsteen, St103 Class Discussion Notes: Angelology, Anthropology, and Hamartiology, 27.

[23] Pyne, “Understanding Christian Theology,” 694-5.

[24] This idea of the Christian entering a glorified state and having a new body is undoubtedly a subject that needs to be handled with theological care. It is all too easy to have a heretical belief of Gnostic dualism creep into one’s theology, when speaking of receiving “new bodies.” cf. Ibid., 694. Gnostic dualism purports that the body is “inherently evil” and that it is this wicked, material part of human beings that drives us to sinful behavior.  Such a theology is aberrant from orthodox Christianity, because it is clear that both the body and soul were created good in the sight of God and have been made in His image (Gen 1:31; 1 Tim 4:4-5). Furthermore, the sin nature permeates both the body and soul.

[25] While some may hold to a dualistic approach to life and deny the claims of Christianity, it appears that this framework is the most easily understood and least problematic outline to follow for the theologian.

[26] Scott B. Rae and Paul M. Cox, Bioethics: A Christian Approach in a Pluralistic Age (Grand Rapids: W.B. Eerdmans 1999), 130-31. For a further concise definition of the phrase “Image of God” see also: Robert D. Orr, David L. Schiedermayer, and David B. Biebel, Life & Death Decisions: Help in Making Tough Choices About Infertility, Abortion, Birth Defects, and Aids (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1996), 120.

[27] Schaeffer, Plan for Action: An Action Alternative Handbook For “Whatever Happened to the Human Race?” 9-10.

[28] Millard J. Erickson, Christian Theology, 2nd ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1998), 554-57.

[29] The reader will find that the usage of the terms “soul” and “spirit” are used interchangeable throughout this paper, although the term “soul” has been preferred in the text for overall unity. These are used interchangeably because it is firmly believed by the author that two separate the two ideas and the resulting trichotomous theory lack biblical support and only serve to create further theological problems. This paper is written from a decidedly dichotomous point of view.

[30] Holsteen, St103 Class Notes on Anthropology: Angelology, Anthropology, and Sin, 59.

[31] Ibid.

[32] Pyne, “Understanding Christian Theology,” 714.

[33] Holsteen, St103 Class Notes on Anthropology: Angelology, Anthropology, and Sin, 60.

[34] Pyne, “Understanding Christian Theology,” 714.

[35] This does not mean that one is outside of orthodox Christian doctrine if they attempt to hold this view. The author simply believes it is not the best theological choice.

[36] Augustus Hopkins Strong, Systematic Theology: A Compendium Designed for the Use of Theological Students (Old Tappan, N.J.: Revell, 1907), 252.

[37] Anderson, Christian Ethics in Plain Language, 42.

[38] Ibid.

[39] Peter S. Wenz, Abortion Rights as Religious Freedom (Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1992), 170-81.

[40] Singer, Practical Ethics, 95-100.

[41] Charles R. Swindoll, Sanctity of Life: The Inescapable Issue (Dallas: Word Publishing, 1990), 12. It is a shocking and interesting notation in this text that statistically, 75 percent of all abortions are performed because it was said, “the child would interfere with their [the parent(s)] lives.”

[42] Singer, Practical Ethics, 95-8.

[43] R. C. Sproul, Abortion: A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue (Colorado Springs: NavPress, 1990), 54.

[44] For further reference to God’s thoughts and dealings with the unborn, see also Isaiah 49:15; Luke 1:40-44 etc…

[45] Sproul, Abortion: A Rational Look at an Emotional Issue, 55.

[46] Ibid., 59.

[47] It is vitally important that we treat all people with dignity and respect, including those who have undergone abortion or who perhaps even perform abortions. Responding with violence against the violence of abortion and euthanasia will only spawn more violence, hatred, and killing. A good exemplar of Godly, moral statesmanship can be found in the historical figure of William Wilberforce, who for decades wisely and carefully fought for the abolishment of slavery in Great Britain. He ultimately succeeded in his efforts and through this we may find hope for the same results as we exert our energy toward saving the lives of the unborn.

[48] Such occurrences are already quite prominent in many places across central Asia and China.

[49] There are no gray areas on the basis of normal situations. However, ectopic pregnancy is one hard case that must be dealt with on a more cautious level. For a biblical and helpful look at this particular issue see: Dumitru Macaila, The Right to Life: The Eastern Orthodox Perspective on Abortion (Salisbury, Mass.: Regina Orthodox Press, 2001), 154-62.

Jesus vs. Easy-Life Religiosity

Posted by Michael Breznau on 11:41 pm in Podcast | 0 comments

The Berlin Wall surrounding East Germany was the singular glaring obstacle to real freedom in Europe from August 1961 until November 1989. For almost 30 years the people of East Germany were locked behind a wall, a wall of communism – a regime that kept the populace bound in a life of fear, freedom-less-ness, and hopelessness. Some were imprisoned or even killed for merely attempting to escape the prison that had become their home. And so, the people of East Germany, eventually settled for what they thought would be the only life they would ever live. Perhaps some of them argued that life behind the Berlin Wall was great, easy, and moving towards a bright hope and future. That is certainly what the GDR (German Democratic Republic) tried to promote through various fliers and advertisements… and so most people settled behind The Wall.

But a wall surrounds us too. I believe the biggest obstacle or wall around most everyone who claims to be a Christ-follower in America is this: Life is great! Life seems easy. Our biggest obstacle between genuinely following Christ is not that life is hard or full of persecution or suffering for Jesus’ sake, but that life is great – and we think we don’t need anything. We are happy to settle for the American Dream and the easy life of evangelical religiosity. And we don’t even know what we’re missing. You and I settle for life in a limited world behind a wall of small doses of Christianity and a palatable amount of Jesus. And we don’t even know what we’re missing….

Imagine with me for a moment that we live in East Germany, and we hear that President Ronald Reagan has shouted out those infamous words, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” And yet, you and I think life is as good as it gets back in East Germany, behind the Berlin Wall. And so we settle into apathy, complacency, as if we don’t care.

We hear news that there’s something more to life than going through religious motions, saying the “sinner’s prayer,” and going to church like nice people should do. Yet we think life is great as it is. No need to change. And we settle. We think we have need of nothing more… really. I believe this is the biggest obstacle, the biggest wall between young people (and older people for that matter) in America and Jesus.

So, how are we supposed to respond to Jesus when life is great?

We are not the only Christ-followers who have faced this obstacle of complacency or apathy. We are not the only ones who have lived in a place of abundance where it is so easy to think life is as good as it gets, and that we don’t need anything. In the Revelation of Jesus Christ, John was inspired by the Spirit to pen a message to a church in the ancient, wealthy city of Laodicea, and the words are shockingly relevant to us today. So let’s turn to Revelation 3:14-22…

Listen to the full audio message entitled “Jesus vs. Easy-Life Religiosity” by simply clicking on the play button below or by subscribing to our iTunes podcast. This message was originally delivered at Evangel Baptist Church on Sunday, November 18th, 2012.

Jesus vs. Easy-Life Religiosity [ 46:07 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (658)

Search and Rescue

Posted by Michael Breznau on 11:54 pm in Podcast, Sermons | 0 comments

When Jesus walked the roads of Israel He was on a mission with a consuming sense of urgency for the lost sheep, first for the house of Israel, but also for anyone who was spiritual lost and apart from God. Jesus came to seek out and save the lost…

If this was and is the heartbeat of Jesus Christ – to be on the rescue mission of the Father – are we honestly being His followers? Somehow I find myself acting in apathy when it comes to the rescue mission of God. We are really good at rationalizing our way out of a sense of urgency when it comes to pursuing the lost. We forget that we were once that “lost cause,” that we were once that “outcast.”

We so easily forget how messed up we really were before Christ changed our lives. We forget that the reality of eternity is hanging in the balance with every individual we pass every single day. Yet all the while we call ourselves Christians, followers of Christ. Yet do our lives really look like His? Are we really on God’s mission? There seems to be something that holds us back – something that sidelines us from the mission…

So seriously, what do you think sidelines us from passionately and consistently living out God’s search and rescue mission?  What does it really mean to look like Jesus? Well, in concrete terms, it means our lives actually begin to look like Jesus – the One who received sinners, ate with them, and actively sought out the lost sheep to bring them home.

The Twelve disciples who followed Jesus everywhere struggled with this same question – they kept getting sidelined, I believe, by the same issue that we deal with. It was also the same issue the Pharisees and other religious leaders of the day were trapped in. And in a subtle yet striking way, Jesus clears the table for both of these groups (and for us) and points out our central problem and the heartbeat of God’s mission that is required for all who follow Him. Let’s pick up the story in Matthew 18:10-14…

Listen to the full audio message entitled “Search and Rescue” by simply clicking on the play button below or by subscribing to our iTunes podcast. This message was originally delivered at Evangel Baptist Church on Sunday, August 12, 2012.

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The Run of Your Life

Posted by Michael Breznau on 10:14 pm in Podcast | 0 comments

We often face walls in our lives that may drive us to unbelief. The wall seems insurmountable. It seems as though we can’t go on. Perhaps we are faced with doubts because of a skeptical, atheistic professor or teacher. Or maybe you are being barraged by friends at school who think your belief in Christ is making you a “stick in the mud.”

Maybe it seems easier to revert back to the old way of doing things – to figure out life on our own. Perhaps it seems as though God just hasn’t come through and life is only getting harder, not easier.

What should we do when we are faced with “the wall?” How should we live in the face of doubts or the temptation to “do it our way?”

The Christ-followers who received the epistle to the Hebrews in the first century A.D. were facing a very similar situation. The pressure to turn back from their profession of faith in Christ was very strong, and the social and economic rewards for doing so would have been tremendous. Life wasn’t easy being a follower of “the Way.” However, the book of Hebrews specifically addresses just what they – and we – are to do when faced with this kind of pressure, this kind of “wall” in the “run” of the Christian life. So let’s take a look at Hebrews 10:35 and the following context. We are going to see this passage will help answer our question of what we should do when we are faced with the temptation to fall back – to give into “the wall”….

Listen to the full audio message entitled “The Run of Your Life” by simply clicking on the player below. I delivered this sermon during our Winter Camp Report Night at Evangel Baptist Church in February 2011.

The Run of Your Life [ 26:52 ] Play Now | Play in Popup | Download (633)

Looking Backward and Forward

Posted by Michael Breznau on 11:58 pm in Devotionals | 0 comments

Have you ever taken the time to look backward in your calendar? We live in a day where the mantra of “successful” people is usually, “never look back, always look forward.” Certainly, there’s merit in keeping a forward focus about life. We need to plan, plot, and program our schedules. Keeping a forward focus is also deeply-rooted in our faith, the Christian hope. We live with a futurist anticipation for the day when all things will be remade – when Christ will return to reign in justice and righteousness on the throne of David (cf. Jer. 23:1-8; 1 Peter 1:3-7).

Yet there is also something about looking backward that is thoroughly centered in biblical theology and Christian worship. We are guided in God’s Word to remember the Lord’s covenants with His people (cf. Gen 9:15, 15:1-21; Jer 31:27-40) and thoughtfully retrace how utterly dead we were in sin and how Christ brought us to new life through His blood (cf. Eph 2:1-19).

The apostle Paul exhorted the church in Ephesus this way: 

“Therefore remember that formerly you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called “Uncircumcision” by the so called “Circumcision,” which is performed in the flesh by human hands – remember that you were at that time separate from Christ, excluded from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ” (Eph 2:11-13).

Thus, a look into the past can radically change how we respond today. Pondering the Lord’s acts of faithfulness and power in the past will bring us to renewed worship in the present.

Using an old Calendar?

One afternoon this past summer, just before a heavy rainstorm started drenching the landscape around Evangel Baptist‘s campus, I found myself looking through the past four months of summer events, camps, programs, conferences, and outreach activities. There were times when I thought most of us might possibly become totally lost in the flurry of action. Things started out like a rocket ship with our Grad Night celebration, then came NGO (Neighborhood Gospel Outreach) and “Cola Wars”. Summer Camp at Lake Ann quickly followed thereafter, along with intensive training for our teen mission trip. Then off we went to the Teen Leadership Conference at BBC, coupled with our mission work at Restored Church of Wilkes-Barre, PA. Others served Christ at Camp Barnabas during that same time, and then we all stormed back to our beloved Downriver community to ramp up for this year’s VBS and AWAKE outreach. And of course, all these big events coincided with our regular Youth Unleashed gatherings on Wednesdays and Sundays, worship team practices, and much more.

It would be easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of logistics, organization, and energy required to run such a summer operation.  But as I looked back through the months of May, June, July, and August, my heart was instead overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness and power. I was not necessarily drawn to worship Christ for “seeing us through to the completion” of all the events outlined above. No, I was instead drawn to worship the Savior for how he had given us the opportunity to see His Gospel bring life-transformation for some of the teens under our care… and in our own lives as well.

Over the past twelve months…

I remember… finally receiving a bound and completed edition of my Th.M. thesis from Dallas Theological Seminary in January. All praise to God for His great grace toward me so that I could finish this year-and-a-half long project!

I remember… seeing my little Everlynn’s face for the first time on February 6th. Holding my beautiful girly was (and still is) like nothing else I had ever before experienced. She is an amazing gift from our wonderful Creator…

I remember… watching Hudson (3 years old) attempt to carry “Papa’s Bible” into church one Sunday morning. He was so determined to manage the task without any help. Wow, how he has grown. 🙂

I remember… celebrating 4 years of marriage with my Darling, Stephanie. She is the most amazing and wonderful woman on earth. I simply do not deserve her love, devotion, encouragement, and care. She is my partner, lover, confidant, and friend. And she never ceases to shock me with her creativity and ingenuity. God knew just what I needed and I praise Him everyday for the gift of Stephanie.

I remember… the morning when one teenager openly confessed to all their peers how they had wronged other members of the youth group. And they did so purely by the initiative of the Holy Spirit bringing personal conviction to their heart! What a radical change God brought to this teenager’s life…

I remember… the dramatic life-shift occurring in a young man who decided to throw in the towel of “his plans” and wholeheartedly give his life for the mission of the Gospel. And then, getting to watch this guy boldly and passionately preach God’s Word. Wow.

I remember… our “teen missionaries” coming alive with the urgent mission of Christ in downtown Wilkes-Barre, PA, as we passed out more than 3,000 water bottles to people thirsty for the One who alone provides eternal satisfaction and peace.

I remember… being given the opportunity to stand before an ordination council for examination of my calling, commitment, and doctrine. And by God’s grace, the council unanimously voted to recommend me for ordination as a minister of the Gospel.

And the list could go on and on…  

What do you remember about God’s faithfulness and power over the last 12 months? I would LOVE to hear about it. 

Life can be busy, cluttered, and hectic. And we always must keep moving forward with a focus on the future. But let’s not forget to take time to look backward too. You may be quite surprised how doing so might radically change how you respond in the present. You may also find yourself totally overwhelmed with a desire to worship God for His great, faithful love.

In Christ Alone,

Michael

Jesus Isn’t the Reason for the Season

Posted by Michael Breznau on 11:35 am in Sermons | 0 comments

Christmas. For most of us the Christmas season makes us think of fighting crowds amid the shopping rush, receiving gifts of all sorts, joining together for family gatherings, singing cheerful carols, and maybe even enjoying freshly fallen snow – especially if you’re from Michigan like me. All of us from Michigan know it is just not quite Christmas if there isn’t snow on the ground. We want snow, great parties, awesome food, cool presents; and on the list goes.

But now that twenty-four hours have passed since the sugarplum dreams danced in our heads, let’s be honest. Jesus isn’t the reason for the season. Jesus isn’t the reason why we storm shopping malls, plazas, and outlets centers on Black Friday (and all throughout the month of December) in order to spend hundreds of thousands – even millions – of dollars on stuff, “stuff” so that we can “get ready for Christmas.”

Let’s be honest. Jesus isn’t the reason why we sing, “Grandma got run over by a Reindeer” or “I’ll have a Blue Christmas without you.” Jesus isn’t usually the reason why we spend hours thinking, planning, and organizing our Christmas events, parties, super-saver sales, and “get-to-togethers.”

Most of the time, Jesus isn’t really the reason for the season at all. It’s as if we get so distracted by everything around this season called Christ-mas, all of the lights, presents, parties, songs, sales, and hype, that we totally lose sight of the One who is more than the reason for the season, He is the centerpiece – the orchestrator of our salvation.

It is as if everything around us is attempting to pull our eyes toward the surroundings of the Christmas event and away from Christ. It’s almost like you and I walking into the ancient manger, a smelly, dusty cave on the outskirts of Bethlehem. And we see Jesus, the very Son of God, cuddled up in a rough sawn trough, and yet we are more preoccupied with the event than with Him. We get caught up talking about how we should clean up the cave, dust off the beams, clean the animal refuse, and decorate the door… and we ignore Jesus.

Yet what God simply desires for you and me is this: Worship Jesus. Focus on Him. Put your trust in Him. Find hope in Him. In Him you’ll have all that you need. In Him you will find life forevermore, in relationship with God Himself.

The Bread of Life from the House of Bread

The baby Jesus born in Bethlehem arrived in a village that was entitled by the joining of two Hebrew nouns – one proper noun, the other a genitive (possessive) noun. Bethlehem means “House” (bait) “of bread” (lechem). It is shocking to think a town that was named “the House of Bread” – Bethlehem – hundreds of years before Jesus Christ came to earth, would then be the place where God would sovereignly choose to present the One who would be called the Bread of Life.

Jesus said of Himself in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.”

You see, Jesus knows there’s a void in our lives that all the distractions, entertainment, and even family gatherings can’t fill. And Jesus came to be the One who would offer a relationship, a new life that would change everything – one that would change you and I from the inside out.

Sometimes I get really distracted around the house. I get so focused on making sure our furnace is working properly, that the leaves are blown out of the gutters, and that there’s food on the table that I tend to get distracted from what really matters. When our son Hudson was one or two years old he would sometimes sense my distracted-ness and come over to me, put his little hand on my cheek and say, “Papa, look at my eyes. Look at me Papa. I want to be with you…”

We can become so easily distracted by everything surrounding the Christmas event that we lose sight of Christ. And God simply want us to look to His Son and worship Him.

Later on in the same chapter in John’s Gospel, in verse 51, Jesus elaborates on the same life-altering message:

“I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” (John 6:51)

Mission: Incarnation

God came. He moved into the neighborhood of sinful, rebellious, ridiculously distracted human beings. Jesus, the second person of the Triune God came down to earth – God incarnate – to offer Himself as the Bread of Life so that we could have real, eternal life and peace with God in Him…in Jesus Christ alone. He did not come to simply be a moral teacher or an example of how to live a nice life and treat people right. He came to be the Savior, the Messiah.

And here’s how He accomplished His mission: He came down from heaven, lived a sinless and perfect life, and then offered up His life as the only perfect and complete substitute for our sins on the Cross. He died and was buried, and then after three days He rose from the dead in victory over sin and death. And after being seen by hundreds of verifiable witnesses, He ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven – His saving work is complete.

I believe this is exactly what Jesus was hinting at in John 6:51 when he said, “and the bread also which I will give for the life of the world is My flesh.” He is saying, that He would offer Life to all who will believe in Him, through His body, His blood, as the sacrifice for our sins. That’s the Good News of Jesus.

And here’s the crux for you and me: “For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:40)

More than a Reason

So let’s not simply “make Jesus the reason for the season,” but instead look at Him – for who He is and what He accomplished through His perfect life, death, and resurrection – and worship Him as the Savior of the world. Look to Him as the centerpiece of Christmas, but not just for Christmas but also for your entire life. Jesus isn’t the reason for the season, unless we actually come to Him and find in Him new life, eternal life, and all that we need.

Charles Spurgeon beautifully declared this truth, “Having made Jesus your all, you shall find all in Jesus.”

Perhaps most of us might say, “I’ve already heard all this before, I’ve heard the Gospel that Jesus came to live a sinless and perfect life, that He died on the Cross to be my substitute, and that He rose again… And I remember the time I placed my trust in Christ alone as my personal Savior.”

But if you and I are honest, we realize that we’ve become just as distracted as the next guy or girl. You realize that you’re more excited and more focused on the event of Christmas rather than on Christ. And God is saying: Come to Jesus and Worship Him. Find in Him everything that you need. Look at the Son.

Yet for others, you think you’ve heard this before too, but right now is the first time it really is connecting, the first time it actually makes sense. And God is saying, “Come to my Son Jesus Christ and trust in Him as your Savior.” Trust in what He accomplished through His perfect and complete life, death, and resurrection. Trust in Him to do what only God can do… come to Jesus. So I invite you to come to Jesus and find new life now and eternal life forever with God.

Come look at the Son, Jesus Christ. He is the centerpiece. He is the One come to save, redeem, and forgive. Everything else is meaningless in comparison to Jesus Christ. Come to the Bread of life who was born in the House of Bread and find new, eternal life in Him. You will never be the same.

“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you.” (Augustine, Confessions, Lib 1,1-2, 2.5, 5: CSEL 33, 1-5; translated)