Orthodoxy vs. Orthopraxy

Orthodoxy: Right Belief

Orthopraxy: Right Practice

There seems to be some confusion today regarding orthodoxy and orthopraxy (or orthopraxis). For some, they are completely separated (both in licentious and legalistic circles). For an individual who believes that they can do whatever they want, with an "God will forgive me anyways" attitude then they are completely detatching orthodoxy from orthopraxy. Conversely, for the legalist who makes rules and laws that extend beyond the teachings of Scripture, there is a dualistic disconnect as well.

I have the privilege of speaking to thousands of people each year, which gives me the great opportunity of meeting many people from all over the United States. There have been many life-giving conversations, and unfortunately, several conversations that left me feeling confused and disoriented. I cannot even count how many times I have heard the phrase, "I'm not concerned about talking theology, but I think that..." For as many things that licentious and legalistic believers are in opposition about, this one phrase is a commonality from both groups. This is a severe error.

When we evaluate a person's practice (behavior) we must seek to understand their beliefs. Jesus was often concerned with the motivations of the people He interacted with, and we should be as well. Why a person does something seems to be more important than what a person does.

“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matthew 15:8-9 ESV, Jesus was quoting from Isaiah 29:13)

Now, you may be thinking, "Okay, Casey, but doesn't a person's actions reveal the true state of their heart?" Of course! However, it would be shortsighted (and lazy) to not seek to understand the motivation of why people do what they do. An example of this would be a rock band made up of Christians, but play in "secular" clubs. The issue here may be one of orthodoxy or it could be one of orthopraxy. I have had friends who are Christians and they played music, but specificially chose to play in secular clubs. Why would they ever do that?!? When I asked them, to seek understanding, they explained to me that they felt God calling them to be missionaries of the Light in a dark place. I originally had an issue with their orthopraxy, but after asking them with the intention of understanding (see Prov. 20:5) I agreed with their orthodoxy. We are called to be salt and light and Jesus was often criticized for spending time with 'sinners' (see Mt. 9:11-13, 11:19; Mk. 2:17, 5:32; Lk. 7:34).

What is the most upsetting to me is when individuals attack other Christians over issues of orthopraxy and don't even understand whether or not their motivations stem from proper orthodoxy. I have had several friends who were attacked by other professing Christians because they didn't like the behavior of my friends. Whether it was an issue of eating, drinking, watching, reading, listening, or visiting, they were not confronted in order to gain understanding.

How many more churches need to split over contemporary worship music or hymns? Or, projectors or hymnals? How many more youth pastors need to be run off because they see theological truths communicated well in movies that are rated 'PG-13' or 'R' (besides the Passion of the Christ, that is)? How many more times should we cause unbelievers or young believers to stumble because of the way Christians 'bite and devour' one another? When one's orthopraxy causes you to violate sound orthodoxy, then you are just as guilty and need to repent.

I may not agree with a church or individual's choices, but I must be careful to not 'break fellowship' with them because their practices are different than mine. Orthodoxy (Jesus Christ, the Son of God, lived a perfect life, died a death on the cross in our place, rose again, ascended into Heaven, and will return again one day, etc.) is worth defending. We need to be really wise with how we handle issues of liberty and orthopraxy, because if we aren't careful, we will find ourselves working against the Lord (see Acts 5:27-40).

Upcoming Articles/Posts

Hey, friends. Sorry it's been a bit since I've written on here. I have a few things to blog about over the next few weeks. Here's a list of a few of the topics (may not appear in this order):

• Orthodoxy and Orthopraxy
• Mercy Not Sacrifice
• False Gospels - The False Hopes Plaguing the Church Today (This will be a series)
  
• The 'Garbage in, Garbage out' Fallacy
• Biblical Confrontation and Restoration
  

Cash Quote

"It's good to know who hates you and to be hated by the right people." - Johnny Cash

A Great New Worship Album

My good friend Stephen Miller has released a full-length worship album full of 12 original worship songs. It is fresh, vibrant, authentic, and theologically solid. I'd encourage you to get a copy and be encouraged. There are also several songs that my other worship leader friends should consider leading out with.

To get the MP3s on Amazon - Click Here
To get the MP3s on iTunes - Click Here

Compelling Quote

"Those standing in the stream of historic Christianity have been especially slow to understand the relationships between various areas of thought. When the apostle warned us to "keep [ourselves] unspotted from the world," he was not talking of some abstraction. If the Christian is to apply this injunction to himself he must understand what confronts him antagonistically in his own moment of history. Otherwise he simply becomes a useless museum piece and not a living warrior for Jesus Christ."

- Francis Schaeffer in The God Who Is There.

Memorial Day - Fun at Fireman's Park

Thought Provoking Quote...

"Orthodoxy, or right opinion, is, at best, a very slender part of religion. Though right tempers cannot subsist without right opinions, yet right opinions may subsist without right tempers. There may be a right opinion of God without either love or one right temper toward Him. Satan is proof of this."
- John Wesley from The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer

Rev. Casey Cease, M.Div

Erica's Baptism

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
(Matthew 28:19-20 ESV)

This past Sunday I had the joy of baptizing one of our college students here in Brenham. I met Erica last year when I was leading a college Bible study in one of our students apartments. She was sweet and seemed to be interested in spiritual things. The more Stephanie and I got to know her, the more we fell in love with this little sister in Christ.

Erica came to live in our garage apartment this school year and has been such a blessing to have around. Steph, Braelyn, and I have shared wonderful times with her and have been able to watch first-hand as the Lord continues to mature her. Steph and Erica have been in a discipleship relationship that has been beneficial I'm sure for both of them.

We love you, Erica and are SO proud of you!

New Testament in a Month

Now that I am done with seminary, I have the freedom to read WHATEVER I want to. I cannot begin to express how excited I am about this! However, one of the first things I want to do is get back into the Word more intentionally and more deeply. Not that I was not encouraged to study the Scriptures in seminary, but now I can read them with the sole purpose of enjoying God and preparing my heart and mind for ministry. Should be the same, but in my mind and heart it is different. If I'm off on this, please pray for me.

Early in my seminary experience I had the privilege of taking several classes with Dr. Rodney Woo (Pastor of Wilcrest Baptist Church). This man is the epitome of a perfect combination of scholarship and a pastoral heart. There is much I have learned from him, both in content and by his example that I am eternally grateful for.

I still remember the day in class when he was sitting on the edge of the table with his intense stare and he said, "Gentlemen, if you are going to preach the Bible, you had better know it!" This statement hit me like a ton of bricks. I mean, on one hand this statement seems to be obvious, but as this pastor-scholar sat there with the fire of God in his eyes, I realized that he was not talking about 'knowing' it, but to KNOW it.

One thing I loved about being in his classes was that when he brought correction or exhortation, he always provided a way forward. On this occasion he told us how he stays sharp in the Word. He shared with us that He read through the New Testament each month for 9 months out of the year and then took 3 months to read through the Old Testament. At first, I thought this was impossible, that it would take too much time. However, Dr. Woo shared that it only took about 30 minutes-a-day and that he would just read. No note taking, no word studies, he would just read it and enjoy it as it was. He then challenged us to try it.

By God's grace, I was able to do this several times. This experience helped me to see the grand picture of God's redemptive story through the entirety of the Scriptures. Unfortunately, it has been quite a while since I have enjoyed this discipline and am now resolved to re-institute this life-giving exercise.

If any of you out there would like to give it a try, here's the schedule:

1. Mt. 1-10
2. Mt. 11-20
3. Mt. 21-28
4. Mk. 1-8
5. Mk. 9-16
6. Lk. 1-8
7. Lk. 9-16
8. Lk. 17-24
9. Jn. 1-7
10. Jn. 8-14
11. Jn. 15-21
12. Acts 1-10
13. Acts 11-20
14. Acts 21-28
15. Romans 1-8
16. Romans 9-16
17. 1 Cor. 1-8
18. 1 Cor. 9-16
19. 2 Cor.
20. Galatians – Ephesians
21. Philippians – Colossians
22. 1 & 2 Thess.
23. 1 & 2 Tim.
24. Titus – Philemon – Heb. 1-3
25. Heb. 4-13
26. James
27. 1 & 2 Peter
28. 1-2-3 John / Jude
29. Rev. 1-11
30. Rev. 12-22

Let me know if you're going to give it a shot. I'd love to hear about your experience!

As Promised - I am Commenting... Pt. 1

“The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.”
(Proverbs 20:5 ESV)

A few months ago I blogged briefly about an article in Christianity Today™ that discussed an accusation against SWBTS (Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) accusing them of a ploy to fire Calvinists from their staff. I posted a link to this interesting article, which you can read here.

To be honest, I would not be surprised either way. Not to dishonor the president of SWBTS, nor to dishonor the other parties involved, but I have been involved in church-life long enough to not really get surprised about much. As far as I know, Dr. Patterson is an Arminian, and if there is a competitive thing going on with Southern, then I could see a possible motivation. But, I don't know. However, I must be careful to not quickly judge the situation with limited knowledge about what all is going on.

However, I do have this to say. Christians have got to stop making sweeping generalizations about people who are identified as 'Arminian' or 'Calvinist'. This is a dangerous and un-loving habit. One of my good friends and mentors was once asked how to best deal with a certain group of believers in his church and he responded, "It's not how we deal with this group or that, the question we should be asking is how we serve one another in love." Amen.

For instance, I know people who would call themselves "Reformed", but they are more Lutheran Reformed soteriologically (salvation), but Dispensationalist in their hermeneutic (bible study method) and eschatology (belief about the end times). This seems inconsistent with our little labels doesn't it? The same is true for the terms 'Emergent' vs. 'Emerging'. They are both different in meaning and what they stand for. However, if one is identified as 'Emergent', this doesn't automatically mean that they deny the Virgin birth of Jesus, etc.

All this to say, I think IF there was a hunt out to get the Calvinists professors at SWBTS out of the faculty I would be very sad. I would be equally sad if the same was happening towards Arminian professors. IF this were the case, then I would be concerned for the seminary. In my time at the Houston campus of SWBTS I was blessed to have Arminian, Calvinist, and Calminian™ (I made it up) professors. It helped to balance me out. To be honest, I entered into seminary with some pretty firm theological convictions that have remained, but have been refined by these awesome, Godly men. I give thanks to God for my time at SWBTS and pray that they will continue to provide a broad-scope of theological views that are within the bounds of orthodoxy and baptistic theology.

My prayer is that this whole thing at the seminary was a huge exaggeration or misunderstanding. However, there is a chance that this is not the case, and if so, I pray that the Lord would offer correction in His kindness.

Lord, help us to be a people who are known by the way that we love one another. (John 13:35)

Casey Cease - Luke 15:11-32

Casey Cease - Luke 15:11-32 from Casey Cease on Vimeo.

'Prodigal Daughter' Video by The Work of the People

I got sucked in to playing 'dress up'...

Happy Cinco De Mayo!

My BFFEAE

Coming Soon...

You won't want to miss this... Coming soon to Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobles.com, etc.

Learn more about Rod Brace.

Four Conversations by Rod Brace. Published by Lucid Books (a Transform Media Group Company)

Taylor Swift Concert

"OH MY GOSH!  TAYLOR SWIFT, Y'ALL!!!"

The fun before the drama.

I will still blog here too...

Some friends have wondered if I will continue to blog on this blog as well, the answer is, "Absolutely." The new 40 Pounds of Purpose Blog is specifically for that project. There will naturally be some cross-pollinating, but I will be blogging about life in its entirety (holistically, actually, which is a pre-modern term before it was a postmodern term...).

I have some cool stuff I'd like to share with you, but it's late and I have to be up at 5am to drive to Seminary. Things you could be praying about:

1. 40 Pounds of Purpose
2. Writing a curriculum called: The Naked Truth, but it will actually be The Whole Naked Truth. If you don't understand the content, then you can ask your momma. I may actually make this into a book, too. We'll see.
3. I have another book idea that I am just in the beginning stages of outlining.
4. Wrapping up the final 6 weeks of seminary.
5. I just have to have 5, so I am putting this one here. :-)

Started a New Blog: 40 Pounds of Purpose

40 Pounds of Purpose - Days 1 & 2

There is something that I have been struggling with for the past 2 1/2 years. It's totally an acceptable sin/struggle, even in the most conservative circles, and it is not a new struggle for me. However, I have finally had enough. "I have what the doctors call a little bit of a weight problem." - Tommy Boy.

In the fall of 2002, my good friend Joel Engle gave me a talking to about my weight. He was very kind and willing to walk with me through repentance (and getting off my lazy rump) and got me started on a 'new way of life' (see Galatians 6:1-2). I lost over 30 lbs and was in the best shape of my life. Although my travel schedule continued to increase, I was able to stick to the diet/workout schedule pretty well and maintained a healthy body.

Then in June 2006, our sweet daughter Braelyn arrived. I had done pretty good during the pregnancy (as did Steph), but after B arrived, there were many late nights. Around this time we had discovered TV shows on DVD and I had (re)discovered Goldfish crackers. Many late nights up with the baby we would watch TV shows and I would chomp down on Goldfish crackers. I wish I could blame the entirety of my current predicament on Goldfish crackers, because that would be pretty cool, but that's just where it began.

So, here I am, 2 1/2 years later, 30 years old, 238 lbs, high-cholesterol, pre-diabetic, and borderline blood pressure. Not good. Something has got to change, so with the help of my dear wife, and the encouragement of some close friends, I am going to aggressively (Lord willing and Lord helping) attack this sin problem. Now, I am only a mild glutton (and for that I repent), but the deeper sin is entitlement.

Entitlement (a caveat of pride) is a wicked vice. It can manifest in many ways including times that I feel like I have been working hard, so why not comfort myself with some tasty treats? Or, I am feeling sorry for myself. Or, I am happy and wanting to celebrate (apparently I have a LOT to be happy about!). I have this Oprah-esque hidden belief that I 'deserve' all these good things in abundance. However, if these things are so good, then why am I finding myself at a fork in the road with 2 options. Option 1 - eat, drink, and be merry, but understanding that my close friends and family will have to explain to my dear daughter that, "Daddy just loved food and himself more than you and Mommy." Or, I can commit to being different, truly humbling myself, pulling an old word out of storage, "No", and humbling myself to specific forms of accountability.

Now, some of you, I'm sure are wondering why in the world I would post this? Is this a gross illustration of pride (I guess it can work in the direction of starving for humiliation, but that's not my pride-of-choice)? Or perhaps I just am starving for attention? No. As I get older I'm more of an introvert, especially as I have been learning to, "sit down on the inside" (Thanks, Neil). Then what gives?

It's really quite simple. I recall talking to an old friend of mine who has trouble with his weight/health and he told me the reason he went to Weight Watchers™ was because he was forced to humiliate himself once a weak by stepping on a scale in front of a group of other people. That was his last ditch effort, because everything else (done in the dark), didn't seem to help. Also, I need your help, but let me start with what I don't need from everyone on the face of the planet. I know there is a huge risk in doing this, but it's worth a shot.

What I don't need from you:

1. Uninvited accountability partners. There are several people I have talked to or intend on talking to later this week about this struggle. They will have the right to speak into my life. So, if I have not asked for this delicate help, then I don't expect you to run up and slap a cheeseburger out of my hand or ask me how many calories are in such-and-such. There will be days that I will have a treat or two, which will be determined by me and my dear wife.

2. Fat jokes are not funny. I'm pretty laid back with most things, but it has gotten old having people pat my belly and make jokes about Blue Bell, etc. Thank you, I know you mean well, but seriously, I am very much aware that I have gained weight. It's just hurtful. I'm a tough man, and if you've said something stupid (which I honestly don't recall the who's and what's) no need to apologize, just be aware.

3. Denial of my weight struggle. Now, if I were 165 pounds and 6 feet tall and was talking about aggressively losing weight, then I definitely would need a talking to. However, if a person has 2 eyes and believes in science, then it is apparent that some radical changes need to take place. So, please don't try to say, "You don't look that fat..." I mean, I can handle it, but seriously, not very helpful.

4. Tons of diet plans. If I ask for tips on here, please feel free to share. But, I have become diet-schizo trying to incorporate everyone elses diets into my life. I can't handle all of that. I've lost weight before, I know what my body responds to, so thanks, but not necessary. I like tips like, "Green Tea is a great substitute for coffee!" That's helpful, but, "Do this diet and you'll lose 85 pounds in 2 weeks!" - Not helpful.

5. Brussels Sprouts. I do not care how good they are for me. No.

How you can help:

1. Pray. Please pray. I know how cliche it may seem, but I cannot do this on my own, nor do I want to strain my marriage by having Steph have to 'force' me towards anything. I need the Lord's help.

2. Gift cards to HEB, Wal-Mart, GNC. Not really, but my family and I are committing to eat much 'cleaner' and I know the supplements that help my body function appropriately, so any love in that regards would be great. :-)

3. Join me. This is a bummer to do alone. I'd love for some of my friends out in the blogosphere to join me in committing to living healthier.

4. Healthy Food Options. I never want a guest to plan a meal around me, by any means. That is why I have not made specific food requests in my ministry agreements (even though my Doc was trying to make me do so). However, if you are going to have pizza, please have salad. There are days that I will still eat pizza, but I love pizza, and need to watch my intake. Or, if all else fails, just let me know ahead of time that you are going to have unhealthy food and I'll get something to eat on my own. Totally cool.

5. Encouragement. When I said previously that I did not want uninvited accountability partners, this does not mean at all that you cannot ask me how it is going or encourage me. I just need to have some healthy boundaries.

Now for the Days 1 & 2 Summaries:

DAY 1: I had committed last week that this Monday (March 16) I would begin eating better and working out. To be honest, I like to work out, it just takes so much time, of which I am often limited. However, as I was driving home yesterday afternoon, I realized that I had sprouted, bloomed, or whatever you want to call it. I actually had MAN-BOOBS! Frustrated, yet determined, I walked in the house, barely said 'Hello' to my wife and declared that I would be going to the gym. She could tell that I was feeling upset and asked what was wrong and I declared, "I HAVE MAN-BOOBS!" Apparently, she thought that was funny, and in hindsight, I suppose that astute observation (and truthful statement) could be a bit humorous. However, I didn't think it funny at the time, but appreciated her light-hearted response.

So, I went to the gym, worked my upper-body and then did 20 minutes of cardio (just walking, after lifting I lacked the energy to run with all this extra weight). I ate well yesterday, and Steph has been a big help. Also, I have been drinking a lot of Green Tea, I hear it's good for you and a healthy alternative to coffee.

Day 2: Today has been a good day so far. I drank a lot of water yesterday, so I have been a freqeuent guest to our 1-bathroom and at times to our backyard (hey, we live in the country!). I had some Fiber-One™ Cereal this morning and Green Tea. Went to the gym and did 30 minutes on the elliptical machine. Am blogging now, drinking green tea, and about to go have lunch. Weighed in at the gym today and I'm still 238 lbs. As much as I was going tinkle, I had thought that I could have dropped a pound of water weight or something. No dice... Steph reminded me today, "It didn't take one day to put the weight on, so it's not going to come off in a day either." True. Encouraging and discouraging.

Well, I'm off for now. I started another blog to follow this journey and to offer public humiliation/encouragement. 40poundsofpurpose.blogspot.com .