Blog Posts

Entropy

A few years ago, our daughter found an old, discarded bicycle and brought it home to decorate our back yard. Its basket now serves as a planter. The bike hasn’t been ridden in many years I’d guess, because the chain has rusted solid, the seat is cracked, the tires are flat, and the paint has faded. What has happened to this bicycle is what physics calls entropy.

Entropy refers to the propensity of systems to break down into disorder and randomness over time. The term decay comes to mind. In the field of physics, the second law of thermodynamics states that entropy always increases with time. But the principle of entropy can apply to any system: manmade or natural, physical or relational, organic or organizational, religious or political.

Without constant intervention and care, entropy will eventually destroy anything in this world. If we were to try to restore that old bicycle in our yard, it would take a lot of effort and money to renovate it to its original condition. Frankly, at this stage of its deterioration, it wouldn’t be worth it. But if that bicycle had been cared for and well maintained all those years, someone would still enjoy riding it instead of it decorating our backyard.

If not cared for and invested in, our relationships are subject to entropy as well. Throughout our married life, my wife and I have moved a lot. We’ve lived in several different states in the U.S. and in two foreign countries. Everywhere we’ve lived, we’ve established friendships. Most of those friendships have gone the way of entropy due to lack of contact and investment on our part and theirs. However, a few of those friendships we’ve been able to invest in and maintain over many years.

But the distance that can lead to entropy isn’t always measured in miles. Sadly, entropy occurs in many marriages when couples cease to invest in and care for their relationship. They may live in the same house, but their relationship falls prey to entropy due to neglect. Sure, a good marriage requires the investment of both husband and wife, but if each is waiting for the other to initiate, entropy will have its way.

Our relationship with the Lord can go the way of entropy as well. Jesus’ words to the church in Ephesus in Revelation 2 warned them of this danger. Despite their hard work, perseverance, and adherence to sound doctrine, their relationship with the Lord had been neglected and was degenerating. Jesus explained, “I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” (Revelation 2:4-5 NIV)

What is true for a church in this regard applies to us as individuals as well. So, how do we cultivate a living, growing relationship with the Lord and with others and prevent those relationships from degenerating into entropy? For without consistent effort and care, just like that old bike in our back yard, our relationships will corrode and crack and go flat.

The apostle Paul wrote, “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” (Colossians 2:6-7) How did we receive Christ? By faith through His grace, and so we must continue to cultivate our relationship with Him by faith through His grace.

The apostle Peter also reminds us that Christ “has given us everything we need for living a godly life” through our relationship with Him. (2 Peter 1:3) What has Christ given us? He has given us Himself, His Holy Spirit living within us, His written Word, prayer, His church filled with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and He has given us life itself, and so much more!

Jesus has given us all the tools and disciplines for investing in and maintaining a healthy relationship with Him and with others. But how many of those tools and disciplines do we ignore? I think we often neglect His church, His Word, and prayer.

But let’s put those tools and disciplines in the right context. For if Christ is no longer our first love (Revelation 2:4-5), then these disciplines seem hard and legalistic to us. And God forbid that we should fall into legalism! So, claiming to avoid being legalistic we legitimize our neglect of the very disciplines that would help us keep our relationships with the Lord and others vibrant.

But if Christ is our first love, if we are enthralled with Him, if He is the pearl of great price for which we are willing to forfeit all else to obtain, then we eagerly, hungrily, and joyfully pursue those disciplines, because we know that they lead to even deeper fellowship with Him and with others.

Some reading this might argue, “What if I don’t feel that way about Christ right now?” Feelings are fickle, we pursue Christ and love Him by faith, not by feelings (Colossians 2:6-7). Love Him by faith (a decision) and the feelings will follow.

The same kinds of tools and disciplines are readily available to us for cultivating our relationships in marriage and with others. The fruit or outcomes of walking in step with the Holy Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23 are a great place to start.

Entropy in relationships is inevitable unless we actively invest in and care for them. Which of your relationships are at risk of falling into entropy?

Busting the “Church Is Optional” Myth

by Rob Fischer ·

I just got off the phone with a dear friend and brother in Christ. We live a couple thousand miles from each other, so we don’t see each other very often. As we were catching up on each other’s news, I asked him where he and his wife are attending church. My friend answered that they hadn’t returned to church since covid.

This couple is very dear to me, so I was deeply saddened by his response and challenged him to get back to church. But my friend’s response was not new to me. Now, three years past the shutdowns, I’ve spoken with several couples and individuals who profess to know Christ, but who have not returned to church since the shutdowns. I’m deeply troubled by this, and so I’m writing this blog post in response.

Below, I cite seven excuses I’ve heard Christians give for not being a part of a local church. Then I’ll provide some teaching on why we so desperately need to be a part of a local assembly of believers.

7 Excuses

“After covid, we just haven’t gone back to church.” It should shame us that in countries where meeting as a church is illegal, followers of Jesus will risk everything to gather to pray, worship the Lord, fellowship, and hear from His Word.
“I can’t find a good church.” We’ve all heard the overused ditty that if you find the perfect church, don’t join it, because it won’t be perfect anymore. But it’s true. There is no perfect church. This excuse also stems from a consumer mentality. But we must not look at a church as consumers. We should look for a place where we can invest in the lives of others. That’s love.
“I’ve been hurt by the church.” Who hasn’t been hurt by the church (i.e., other Christians)? I certainly have on many occasions, both as a pastor and as a member. I’m sorry but this is really a lame excuse. For example, a few years ago I got food poisoning at a restaurant. Would it make sense for me to say that I no longer go out to eat because of that experience? Part of growing with and in a church is learning to forebear with one another and forgive each other. Growing in Christ is all about relationships.
“I belong to the Church Universal.” All followers of Jesus belong to the Universal Church. If someone uses this statement as an excuse for not aligning themself with a local body of believers, they don’t understand the meaning of church or the Scriptures. (More on this below.)
“We’re just too busy.” When I hear people say this, they speak as though their schedule is their master to whom they are enslaved. This is a matter of priorities and good planning, and not slavery to a schedule.
“I would go, but my spouse won’t.” Then go without him/her. Otherwise, you’re letting their rebellion become yours as well.
“We attend church online.” I’m sorry, but that’s an oxymoron. Watching a video of a church service may be the next best thing for a shut-in, but it’s a sterile, hands-off approach that lacks some of the primary elements of what it means to be a part of a local church family. We cannot attend church by proxy.

Why We Need to Be Part of a Church:

The church (Greek: ekklesia = local assembly of believers) is the invention of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I will build my church…” (Matthew 16:18). When Saul was persecuting the church (Acts 8:1-3), Jesus met him on the road to Damascus. Jesus so identified with the church that he asked Saul, “Why are you persecuting me?” Saul replied, “Who are you, Lord?” Jesus replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:4-5) When we shun the church, we’re shunning Jesus.

In Ephesians 5:25, we read, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” Now, you might be thinking, “All that is fine, but couldn’t that all simply apply to the Church Universal (that is all followers of Jesus worldwide and in every age)?

Yes, those passages do apply to the universal church of Jesus, but they also apply to every local assembly of believers. That’s because the universal church meets locally and only finds expression in the context of local assemblies. How else can the church exercise its basic characteristics and mission? Below are just a few of these:

To love and care for each other.
To engage in corporate worship, prayer, fellowship, and preaching of the Word.
To show Christ to the lost and send missionaries out from its membership.
To exercise individuals’ spiritual gifts for the building up of the body.

Consider also that most of the New Testament books were letters to local churches. And in Revelation, Jesus instructed John to write letters to seven specific churches. The primary work of the apostles was to establish churches in every town, for without churches, new converts would be left on their own.

When we abandon the local church, not only are we denying ourselves growth in Christ and with His people, but we deny others of the spiritual gifts and service we can provide for them as well. Also, a local church can accomplish what no one individual can accomplish for the Lord. Paul praises the church in Thessalonica for its example and witness that impacted entire regions. (See 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10.)

The writer of Hebrews urges us, “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

For more information check out: Romans 12:1-13; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; 12:1-31; Ephesians 4:9-16; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Timothy 3:1-15; Revelation 2 and 3.

The Hypocrisy of Abortion

by Rob Fischer ·

Science recognizes that an eagle egg is a developing eagle. So, to protect the eagle the government has levied severe penalties for destroying or even disturbing an eagle egg.

Science also recognizes that a fetus in the womb of a woman is a human being with unique DNA and fingerprints. But instead of protecting that human being against harm, the Pro-Choice movement claims the “right” to violently destroy that developing human being.

Is not a human life infinitely more precious than that of an eagle? Have we sunk so low morally? Have we devalued human life to nothing but waste to flush down the toilet, or part-out to clinics for experimentation?

Or consider the one million women every year in America who experience the profound loss and trauma of a miscarriage or stillbirth. Losing a child through miscarriage or stillbirth is not merely a disappointment or an unfulfilled longing. Miscarriage or stillbirth is LOSING A CHILD, and the grief and trauma that goes with it is very real.

So, how do we reconcile the profound sense of loss a woman experiences in miscarriage with the absence of love and nurturing in abortion?

We need to wake up to reality and end the hypocrisy of abortion!

If you have suffered the loss of a child through miscarriage or stillbirth, please contact www.srtservices.org.

Is Abortion Really Good for Women?

by Rob Fischer ·

Pro-abortionists claim that abortion is a woman’s right and that it is good for women. But is this true? In what way is abortion even remotely good for women?

If abortion is so good for women, why is it that so many women quail under an oppressive load of guilt and shame following their abortion? Why does abortion so often result in chronic depression, self-loathing, and self-harm?

Post-abortive women who are seeking emotional healing from a past abortion testify that their abortion drove them into depression and self-destructive behaviors including: alcohol abuse, drug addiction, cutting, sexual promiscuity, and suicidal thoughts and attempts.

How is abortion good for women?

Dr. David Reardon is one of the nation’s leading researchers on the effects of abortion. His research indicates that half of all post-abortive women experience some short- or long-term physical complications, “and almost all suffer from emotional or psychological aftershocks.” ¹

The trauma that many post-abortive women experience when they recognize and accept that they have willingly participated in the murder of their baby is akin to PTSD and is called PASS (Post-Abortive Stress Syndrome).²

Studies also show that post-abortive women have a higher occurrence of miscarriage following an abortion. And the unwanted loss of a child bears with it its own emotional trauma.

Finally, “Fifty-eight out of 74 worldwide studies dating back to 1957 have shown that abortion increases a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer. Nineteen of the 23 studies from the United States show that abortion is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer.”³

Granted, an unplanned pregnancy can pose monumental challenges for a teen or unmarried woman. But these challenges have been overcome by many courageous women who have stepped up to their responsibility. And there are many individuals, families, and organizations who will stand with those women and help them through these challenges.

But to live with the knowledge that one has willingly participated in the death of their child is a challenge of another magnitude that women do not easily overcome.

No, abortion is not good for women.

¹David Reardon, Aborted Women, Silent No More (Chicago: Loyola University Press, 1997), p. xi.

²Susanne Babble, PhD, MFT, “Post Abortion Stress Syndrome (PASS) – Does it Exist?” Psychology Today, October 25, 2010.

³ “Epidemiologic Studies: Induced Abortion and Breast Cancer Risk,” Breast Cancer Prevention Institute, 2014, https://www.aaplog.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/BCPI-FactSheet-Epidemiol-studies_2014-2.pdf.

Don’t Waste Your Hardships

by Rob Fischer ·

I recently heard Janet Parshall interview Pastor Andrew Brunson.[1] He was the American missionary who was imprisoned in Turkey for over two years on false charges of espionage. His real crime was that he was preaching Christ in a Muslim country, which he had been doing legally for 23 years. Our then president and many other US government officials pressured the Turkish government into releasing Pastor Brunson in 2018.

But I was shocked when Janet asked Pastor Brunson what he missed from his time in a Turkish prison. Pastor Brunson readily admitted that it was a terrible place and a horrifying experience that he would not want to relive. But there was one thing he missed about being in that oppressive place: He missed how his suffering drove him to greater dependence on the Lord. Reflect on that.

Few of us have experienced anything as awful as what Pastor Brunson lived through, but we all experience hardships. No one is immune from difficulties, challenges, and suffering. Hardships are simply part of the human experience.

Our natural human tendency is to avoid hardships at all costs. We curb our activities and take special precautions. We do what we can to engineer difficulties out of our lives, so we plan and prepare and wear our personal protective equipment. We even surrender our freedoms for the sake of safety.

There’s nothing wrong with trying to avoid or prevent hardships and suffering in our lives. In fact, it’s prudent—to an extent. But I wonder if sometimes we sell ourselves short by trying to avoid or extract ourselves from all hardship.

For instance, in Mark 4:35-41 we read the account of Jesus and His disciples in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. Jesus had been preaching to the multitudes all day long and was tired. It was His idea to cross the lake to the other side, and as they sailed Jesus fell asleep in the stern.

But “a furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.” Gripped with fear, “the disciples woke Jesus and said to Him, ‘Teacher, don’t You care if we drown?’” Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the waves so that all became still. Then, Jesus turned to His disciples and said, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

The fact that several of His disciples made a living fishing from boats in this lake gives us some context for how violent this storm was. But there are some other significant factors.

First, it was the Lord’s idea to cross the lake. They were following Him in doing so. They were “in His will” as we say. This is an important factor for us as we follow Jesus too. Often, we seek His will and then follow, only to confront difficulties. Then we wonder if we heard the Lord right, or we question His goodness in sending us into trials. We fail to recognize that hardships may be part of His loving plan for us.

Second, the Lord was with them in the boat. This is perhaps the crux of why He asked them why they had no faith in this situation. For if the Lord Himself was content to ride out this storm, then they should have trusted Him and rode it out too. This also applies to us, because Jesus said, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” He is right here with us in our deepest, darkest trials.

Finally, we see the mercy and grace of the Lord in that He calmed the wind and waves even though it would have been better if the disciples had weathered the storm. I think the Lord often answers our pleas for deliverance even though He would rather we would simply trust Him through the hardship.

We know from Scripture (James 1:2) and from experience that hardships, trials, and suffering can be a gift and a blessing from God. As Pastor Brunson explained, hardships drive us to dependence in the Lord and that is always a good thing. Being stretched beyond our abilities to cope humbles us and exposes our neediness before God. In those tough circumstances we press into Him.

The Apostle Paul also reveals that persevering through hardships produces godly character in us (Romans 5:3). Persevering through trials also demonstrates to the world the goodness and mercy of God despite awful circumstances. When we persevere through hardships, we experience God more intimately in ways we couldn’t have if all went well. And when we endure trials trusting in the Lord, He is glorified.

But I also believe we can waste our hardships:

When we grumble, moan, and complain through them.
When we get angry at God and those arounds us.
When we curse God instead of draw near to Him.
When we make the hardship all about us and our comfort.

Our response to hardships is key. Either we let them wear us down or build us up. The question is not whether we will experience hardships in the days to come, but how we will respond to them and trust the Lord when they do come.

To this end, we need each other. We need the fellowship and encouragement other followers of Jesus can give us. We need God’s Word. King David told God, “It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn Your decrees [i.e., God’s Word].” (Psalm 119:71) Spend time in God’s Word daily.

We need to spend time conversing with our Lord every day, throughout the day. Pour your heart out to Him and fellowship with Him. Trust God’s Holy Spirit within you. He will never leave you or forsake you.

So, let’s not waste our hardships. Let the Lord use them in our lives to make us more like Jesus.

[1] In the Market with Janet Parshall, December 27, 2021, “God’s Hostage.”

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