Are You A "Hypermiler"?

A what?

A hypermiler.

Yeah, just as I suspected...the spell checking mechanism on my web browser doesn't like that word. That's because the term "hypermiler" is relatively new to the English language. I suppose it's slang at this point, but with gas prices soaring over $4 per gallon and inching ever closer to the $5 mark, it's a term that is working it's way into the vocabulary of an increasingly large number of people.

So what is hypermiling? According to an August 2006 story in the Washington Post, it is a method of increasing your car's gas mileage by making skillful changes in the way you drive, allowing you to save gas and thereby have an easier time withstanding the rising oil and gas prices.

It involves techniques such as slowly accelerating from stops, coasting to red lights and stop signs by shifting into neutral well ahead of time, and actually going under the speed limit from time to time.

When I first heard of this concept, I laughed and jeered like a typical "too cool for school" person. When I looked at our budget and realized Kelly and I are consuming $400+ per month in gasoline, I took another look. So, beginning yesterday, I started hypermiling! So far (according to my on-board computer), I'm saving about three to four miles per gallon thanks to my new driving style. When this is computed using the current $4 per gallon, I am saving between eight and nine dollars per tank of gas. Not bad at all.

Believe me...these hypermiling techniques are difficult for me to adopt. I'm not a speeder, but I do like to get up to speed quickly. Not any more. Shifting into neutral a quarter mile away from a traffic light goes against my instincts, but now I find myself making a bit of a game out of how far I can coast. And going under the speed limit? Well, I try not to do this when someone is behind me on a one lane road...that's just inconsiderate since everyone is not a hypermiler. But if I'm on a multi-lane road or nobody is behind me, I may find myself putting along at 35 miles per hour in a 45 mile per hour zone! Add to all this the fact that I'm going to try and ride my motorcycle more (once these 100+ degree days leave), and I figure to be saving significant amounts of cash!

What this all comes down to is a change of habits. If it is different results we desire, it is different actions we must take. Albert Einstein once said the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.

The same holds true with any other area of life. Are your habits in keeping with God's word? Do your daily actions take you one step closer to heaven, or hell? Both destinations are very real places that will exist forever. You and I are inching ever closer to eternity with every passing day. In the example of hypermiling, it is causing me to go against what I've always done behind the wheel of a car....and it's very challenging at times. But I know this...if I keep on doing what I've always done, I can expect similar results!

If your style of living is taking you down the broad way that leads to destruction, the only way to veer off that deadly course is to change your way of life!

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.
Matthew 7:13-14, ESV

Why are there so few that enter the gate that leads to life? Jesus said it is due to the fact that it is "hard." Heaven's road requires giving up some things we may not want to give up. It demands full allegiance and submission to Christ as King. Grace that leads to salvation is given to all (Titus 2:11), but only a few accept it.

If you are on the path that leads to destruction even now, will you make a u-turn by repenting and obeying the will of the Father? If you are living outside of Christ, and if you continue to live outside of Christ, you can expect to be in a similar situation in eternity -- that is, separated from him in outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth (Luke 13:27-28).

It is my earnest hope that you will submit to the Lord today -- for yesterday has been lost, and tomorrow may never be.

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To Love The Lord

German philosopher and theologian, Eckhart von Hocheim (A.D. 1260-1328) once said, "Love God, and do as you like, say the Free Spirits. Yes; but as long as you like anything contrary to God's will, you do not love Him."

Meister Eckhart, as he was commonly known in his day, was really on to something there. His statement is merely a re-arranged version of Christ's words in the gospel of John.

If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
John 14:15, ESV

The English word "love" in Jesus' declaration is translated from the Greek term agapate (a derivative of the well known agape). Included in this term relative to one's superior (as of Christ) is the idea of duty, respect, and veneration. Jesus is telling us the love he desires from us is manifested in our service and fidelity.

As Meister Eckhart suggested, mere lip service devotion to the Lord is of no avail. True love of the Lord -- agape love -- will always be shown by one's obedience to the will of the Master.

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The New Slavery?

This morning's edition of NBC's Today show featured an interview with V. Gene Robinson, the bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire in the Episcopal Church in the United States of America (better known as simply the "Episcopal Church"). You may remember the copious amounts of air time his story received back in 2003 when he was elected to this position. The controversy surrounded his open admissions of homosexual behavior.

In the years that followed these events, numerous congregations within the Episcopal denomination have broken their ties with the governing body and have since aligned themselves with other groups. The reason for Mr. Robinson's appearance on the Today show was the release of his new book, In The Eye Of The Storm: Swept To The Center By God. Robinson also appeared in the film, For The Bible Tells Me So, a documentary promoted at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival (scroll to the bottom of this post and click on the video box to see the trailer for this film).

While listening to the interview this morning, I took a pen and a sheet of paper and jotted down a few of the more notable statements made by Mr. Robinson. Here are just a few:

• Robinson compared himself to the prophets of the Bible, citing the persecution he feels.
• He likened the "discrimination" against gays to the subjugation of women and slavery.
• Mr. Robinson said he knows many people who are "unashamedly gay and unashamedly Christian."
• He said there is a need to "re-interpret the Scriptures."
• Robinson claims that God has called him into the lifestyle of homosexuality so that he can fulfill the role he is now playing.

Where does one begin in answering these statements? Let's briefly take them one by one, shall we?

• The prophets of the Bible were persecuted for their unwavering support and defense of God's word; Mr. Robinson is being criticized for his blatant disregard for that same word.

• The opposition Mr. Robinson receives from Bible believers is not to be compared with social disasters like slavery and racism. Individuals who supported slavery in the past, and individuals who harbor racist attitudes today violate the word of God in so doing. Those who lovingly teach the truth about the sin of homosexuality as it is revealed in Scripture are following in the footsteps of the Lord. Does anyone else find Mr. Robinson's comparison to slavery offensive?

• There is no such thing as a homosexual Christian. The two terms contradict one another. A Christian is one who follows the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. If there are "gay Christians," as Mr. Robinson claims, there must also be adulterous Christians, fornicator Christians, thief Christians, and the like. The truth of the matter is that no man or woman who continues in a lifestyle of sin and rebellion to God's word will inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

• The need is not in "re-interpreting the Scriptures." The need is for more people to show genuine love for Christ by humbly obeying Him (John 14:15).

• God does not call men to a lifestyle of sin. He does not compel anyone to practice that which will leave their soul in peril. On the contrary, the Lord calls men out of darkness and into the light of truth by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

It should be noted that we should never support any effort that would attack another human being, be it by words or physical violence. Anyone who spews venomous, hateful words in the direction of another also violates the law of God.

This being said, it is truly unfortunate that the propaganda machine used by many so-called "gay rights" groups paints with such a broad brush. Those of us who defend the truth and purity if the Bible and its teachings on homosexuality are often lumped in with the screaming, red-faced radicals hurling profanity-laced insults. Truly unfortunate.

It can only be hoped that those who have honest and sincere hearts can step back from the useless political debates to see the difference between those who hate homosexuals and those who love them enough to tell the truth. Gene Robinson would have you believe a loving attitude and teaching the sinfulness of homosexuality are mutually exclusive. That's a claim that will sell books...maybe even get him on a bestseller's list or two. But it is a claim that cannot be backed up by the word of God.

Let's speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

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Renewing The Mind

Conforming to the ways of the world is what comes naturally. Without any effort, one's life will be molded into a perfect image of the lost souls of this realm. However, God calls men and women to be transformed. The result of this transformation will be a life acceptable to God.

The word of God says,

I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your rational service. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Romans 12:1-2, ESV

Mind renewal, then, includes at least these two factors:

1. Testing (1 Thessalonians 5:21)
   
2. Discernment (Ephesians 5:10)

The polluted "version" of Christianity that encourages one to check his or her mind at the door has no power. Salvation comes by the grace of God when we will engage our minds in the pursuit of righteousness.

That's true renewal of the mind.

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Getting Back Into Shape

Several weeks ago, a local chiropractic office was one of several entities invited to set up a booth at one of our home rugby matches. I cannot figure out what would make them think rugby players might need a slight spine adjustment, can you?

After the game was over, I paid a visit to the booth where one of the doctors laid me on a table and stretched me out (which felt quite good). I was also given a certificate that gives me a credit for $50 at one of their offices. The heading on the certificate says, "Get Your Back In Shape."

With all the pounding and violent collisions over the course of a normal week in rugby, I doubt very seriously that anyone has a back that could be described as "in shape." So these docs were right on target in their business strategy.

As the certificate is laying here on my desk, it got me to thinking about how easy it is for a child of God to get "misaligned." The world and all the trappings thereof are a constant source of pressure. Satan exerts a mighty force in this world, and if we do not take the proper care in dealing with those threats, we may very easily find ourselves in need of getting back into shape.

Consider the following factors, each of which may contribute to causing spiritual misalignment:

• Friendship with the world (James 4:4)
• Being stained by the world (James 1:27)
• Possessing undue love for the world (1 John 2:15-17)
• Conformation to the world (Romans 12:2)

Should we ever find ourselves living in-step with the world, we will of necessity be out of step with the Lord. Humble confession to the Father coupled with genuine penitence is the prescription for forgiveness offered by the great Physician.

Now, to get this spine of mine back in working order...

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Preach At The Pump

A Xenia, Ohio church has decided to promote its special Easter services by paying 25 cents of the price of every gallon of gas purchased at a local station.

Wesley Miller says by offering the deal, his church can promote its Easter services planned for the following weekend while helping those squeezed by the high cost of gasoline.

Miller says the church doesn't mind if people show up purely out of greed, because his congregation would like to reach them, too.

One wonders what it might take to retain anyone "converted" by this free gasoline. Hybrid cars for everyone who attends at least one worship service per week might be in order.

The day after Jesus and his apostles had fed 5,000 people, the Lord said to a group of disciples,

Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.
John 6:26-27, ESV

Christ knew some were following him for no other reason than to fill their bellies -- to gratify a carnal desire. When churches get into the business of quite literally competing for members to fill up the pews, this is the natural result. Carnivals, car raffles, free gas, and virtually every other scheme the human mind can imagine has been used to lure men and women who have no inclination toward spiritual living.

Some might say, "That's why we're trying to get them in the door! We can show them how important spirituality is." Do we really believe gratifying a man's every whim and desire with material gifts is going to somehow flip on his "spiritual switch?" If so, we are sadly mistaken and greatly deceived.

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
Galatians 6:7-8, ESV

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The Art Of Imitation

It has been said that imitation is the highest form of flattery. One of the talents upon which I prided myself as a "wee lad" was imitation and character impressions. I would carefully observe and give my best imitation of famous athletes, actors, recording artists, etc. I was even
able to use this gift to irritate my big sister. Did you know that God cares a great deal about whom and what you imitate?

The African Grey Parrot (pictured above at right) is almost universally considered one of the most intelligent birds in the world. Reports of "Greys" with 1,000-word vocabularies is not uncommon, and presumably, a five-year-old "Grey" has similar understanding to the average five-year-old child! African Greys have an uncanny ability to mimic voices and sounds...which, of course, caused me to ask for one as a kid (I never got one). For a hilarious and remarkable illustration of this bird's amazing abilities, see the video I've posted below.

Whether we are willing to acknowledge so or not, we all put our imitation skills into practice on a daily basis. The way we speak, the mannerisms we use, and our general outlook on life are often virtual mirror images of our parents, or some other influential person in our lives. Imitation is
indeed an unavoidable practice. God acknowledges so in His word. Imitation is neither good nor bad inherently. The determining factor in our approval (or disapproval) in God’s sight is how we use our observation and imitation techniques.

When John wrote under the inspiration of God, he implored Christians to use discretion in selecting both whom and what we imitate:

Beloved, do not imitate evil, but imitate good. Whoever does good is from God; whoever does evil has not seen God
3 John 11, ESV

God would not have His people to be naïve. It would be a mistake to surmise that we are immune from inappropriate imitation. Likewise, it should be obvious to every man that the Lord will not accept attitudes and actions which conflict with His will.

John’s plea for our wisdom here comes down to choosing role models. Basketball great Charles Barkley was dragged into the spotlight several years ago for renouncing his responsibility as a role model. Who should our role models be in life? More specifically, for this study, who should our role models be in the spiritual realm? God cares!

An example of God’s concern for our role model selection is the case of Diotrephes. In the brief epistle of Third John, we learn of Diotrephes, a man who earned a place in the annals of the New Testament church for his haughty spirit. There can be no doubt that the original recipients of John’s letter were quite impressed by the illustration of Diotrephes. When they were instructed not to “imitate evil” in the context of Diotrephes’ behavior, the point was most assuredly well taken.

Truly, the same warning must be heeded today. May we never find ourselves using spiteful and unkind methods to accomplish our own agendas. Likewise, we are repeatedly warned of the dangers of wanting to be like the world (including the religious world) around us. The nation of Israel was warned of the foolishness of such a decision on more than one occasion. The Lord instructed them in one place...

...take heed that you be not ensnared to follow them [heathen nations], after they have been destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? - that I also may do the same.’
Deuteronomy 12:30, ESV

The same foolish mistakes men make today are merely repeats of those made in the long ago.
How sad it is that some churches of Christ feel the need to “compete” with the denominational world in anything! The sectarians have failed to meet God’s challenge of resisting conformation while promoting transformation (Romans 12:1-2). Now some congregations of the Lord’s church are imitating something that has already failed! Solomon, in his wisdom, said it best: “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

Neighbor, we have something, Someone too good to emulate to become involved in “keeping up with the Joneses!” The Lord cares who and what we choose to imitate. Shun all that is evil, and imitate that which is good, and you will be eternally grateful for having done so.

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Isaiah: A Pattern For Soul Winners

Isaiah was one of the most evangelistic prophets of the Old Testament. The God-breathed message he composed is comprised of 66 chapters. Many familiar hymns have been written based on certain sections of Isaiah's prophecy.

For example:

"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." (Though Your Sins Be As Scarlet, by Fanny J. Crosby; cf. Isaiah 1:18)

And another:

"O Jesus is a rock in a weary land, a shelter in the time of storm." (Shelter In The Time Of Storm, by Vernon Charlesworth; cf. Isaiah 32:2)

And perhaps one of our most well known "evangelistic" songs:

"Here am I, Lord, send me; Here am I, ready at thy bidding, Lord, send me." (There Is Much To Do, by M.W. Spencer; cf. Isaiah 6:8).

When Isaiah responded to the Lord's request for a messenger by saying, "Here am I! Send me," it was the result of a process designed by God to show Isaiah the proper mindset in soul winning. Observe...

• Isaiah saw himself as God saw him (Isaiah 6:5a)
• Isaiah saw his own need (Isaiah 6:7)
• Isaiah saw the needs of others (Isaiah 6:5b)
• Isaiah was given the call to teach others (Isaiah 6:8a)
• Isaiah willingly responded to this call (Isaiah 6:8b)

The message preached by Isaiah is encapsulated by these words:

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
Isaiah 55:6-7, ESV

Backing up to verse one in this same chapter, we find this invitation issued by Isaiah to anyone who would hear:

Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Isaiah 55:1, ESV

My friend, let's get our own lives in order that we may, like the prophet Isaiah, be used by the Lord in rescuing souls in peril.

"Here am I! Send me."

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Strengthening The Souls Of The Disciples

The 13th and 14th chapters of the book of Acts details the travels of Paul and Barnabas as they made their way preaching the gospel throughout Asia Minor. They had preached to and converted a notable number of individuals in cities throughout the region, including Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.

Persecution of the saints of God was fierce at that time. A mob of Jews that had followed Paul and his fellow laborers from Antioch and Iconium persuaded some of the citizens of Lystra to aid them in stoning the evangelists. There, they dragged Paul out of the city and left him for dead (Acts 14:19-20).

After departing from Lystra, Paul and Barnabas journeyed to Derbe (v. 20-21a). The gospel was preached to the people of Derbe, and many obeyed the Lord and became His disciples. From Derbe, Paul and Barnabas returned to the cities where they had previously preached -- Iconium, Antioch, and Lystra (v.21b). Yes, the same Lystra where Paul had been stoned within an inch of his life!

What was the purpose? What could have been so important that it called for such a risky move on the part of this apostle? Verse 22 gives us the answer:

...strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
Acts 14:22, ESV

Paul realized how crucial following up with recently converted disciples was in doing the work of an evangelist. Truthfully, at what point can we say a disciple of Christ is no longer in need of such encouragement? Does the need cease after one has been a Christian for five years? Ten years? No, my friend. We all need to be strengthened on a regular basis -- whether we have been a child of God for one year or 50 years!

A handful of observations here:

1. We sometimes place all the emphasis on how many baptisms a preacher, missionary, or congregation has to their credit. No doubt, baptisms are important; but what are we doing to keep them "encouraged and in the faith"?
2. I have heard of preachers who say something to the effect of, "I'm tired of preaching to the saved." To one who has such a mindset, I would simply say that the saved need to hear the gospel every bit as much as the unsaved!
3. Life has peaks and valleys. If we will immerse ourselves in the word of God before we get to those valleys, we will be more likely to "continue in the faith." It may be too late to encourage someone with the gospel by the time they are standing in the midst of that valley.

Let us never lightly regard the importance of teaching the gospel -- to the unsaved so they can be saved, and to the saved so that they can remain saved!

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The Wonderful Simplicity Of God's Law

When a judge in Greensboro, North Carolina issued the oath of citizenship to fifty individuals, he advised them to obey the "Ten Commandments." If they did, he said, they need not worry about keeping over 35-million laws which have been enacted in their new country.

A disclaimer needs to be made here. Students of the Bible will observe that we are under a different law today -- that is, "the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). It will also be observed that in death, Christ abolished the Old Law (Colossians 2:14), thus placing into effect a new and better covenant (Hebrews 7:22; 8:6). Thus, any council to live one's life by a set of religious laws that were for a different people at a different time may not be wise.

However, it is the sentiment of this judge that we might deem to be wise. The idea is that if we will take the comparatively succinct and simple laws of God found in the pages of the Bible, there will be no pressing need to memorize the myriad of laws on the books in this or any other country. One who truly follows Christ is one who will be a good citizen, faithful in paying taxes and obeying the law of his land (when and where it does not conflict with the supreme law of God). Read Romans 13:1-7 and notice the character of the disciple of Christ when it comes to submitting oneself to civil government.

God's law is amazingly simple when one considers the timeless wisdom and applicability. We serve an infinitely wise God who has provided us with everything we need to live in peace with both God and man!

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How To Follow In The Footsteps Of Jesus

From time to time, we sing an old hymn entitled, Footprints Of Jesus. The chorus of this song reads...

Footprints of Jesus, that make the pathway glow; we will follow the steps of Jesus where e'er they go.

For those who understand the nature of Christ (God's Son and the Savior of mankind), following in the footsteps of Jesus is the prime objective. Consider the words of Peter's God-breathed message...

For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.
1 Peter 2:21, ESV

But how does one truly follow in Christ's footsteps?

B -- Believe in him (John 1:12)

Y -- Yield to him (Romans 12:1)

G -- Go to him in prayer (1 John 5:14-15)

R -- Read & study his word (2 Timothy 2:15)

O -- Obey his commands (John 15:14)

W -- Work for him (1 Corinthians 15:58)

I -- Ignore the works of darkness (Ephesians 5:11)

N -- Nothing held back (1 Thessalonians 5:19)

G -- Give talents and resources (Matthew 25:20; 2 Corinthians 9:7)

I -- Increase in fruit (John 15:8)

N -- Neglect not God's gift (1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6)

G -- Gather with the saints (Hebrews 10:25)

R -- Redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16; 2 Timothy 2:4)

A -- Abstain from every form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22)

C -- Conquer Satan and temptation (James 4:7; Matthew 26:41)

E -- Expect Christ's return (Hebrews 9:28)

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
2 Peter 3:18, ESV

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