Lent Day 12
Matthew 26.45 The he returned to the disciples and said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Look the hour is near..."
It wasn't like Jesus didn't ask for the prayer support of his disciples. They were supposed to avoid this ill advised sleep. Timing is everything isn't it! When we face the extremem circumstance we need friends but they will let us down... if not now, someday soon.
What is a christian to do with this betrayal of other believers? How do we handle the disappointment? How do we trust again? These steps have helped me...
1. we must remember that we have let others down too. It is a part of the human experience.
2. We must know the heart of another in order to trust them
3. We must relinquish all unforgiveness and bitterness for their sake, AND our own.
A wise christian gentlemen once told me to make sure my debts are paid up and my list is short. Living everyday as your last helps you with this. God help us all.
Friday, March 02, 2007
spirit is willing...
Lent Day 11
Matthew 26. 41 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into tempation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Really? Is my spirit willing? I can certainly Amen the weak flesh part. Wow, I am pathetic! But what about this idea that my spirit is willing?
The HOly Spirit is working on the inside of me according to Rom 8 and is giving me fresh perspective on my life. Empowering my spirit ( the human spirit) to apprehend the things of God, know them, and receive revelation on them. The Spirit is working on my spirit to reveal God to me.
So am I weak or strong?
Perhaps it is not so much what I am (as if it were intrinsic to my being) but who I am relying upon! When I rely upon the Holy Spirit to empower, reveal, and bring revelation I am destined to be made more alive in Christ. This ministry of LIFE flowing in me is one that I must nurture and appreciate. When I fail, like these disciples who are receiving this challenge (rebuke?), I drift into a sort of spiritual malaise that hinders the ful development of my spiritual inner man.
Victory, the life that lives above being dragged down by the human experience, is the possession of those who listen to the HS and who nurture that nature within them.
Rom 8.5 Those who live according to the sinful nature (flesh) have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires...
Matthew 26. 41 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into tempation. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
Really? Is my spirit willing? I can certainly Amen the weak flesh part. Wow, I am pathetic! But what about this idea that my spirit is willing?
The HOly Spirit is working on the inside of me according to Rom 8 and is giving me fresh perspective on my life. Empowering my spirit ( the human spirit) to apprehend the things of God, know them, and receive revelation on them. The Spirit is working on my spirit to reveal God to me.
So am I weak or strong?
Perhaps it is not so much what I am (as if it were intrinsic to my being) but who I am relying upon! When I rely upon the Holy Spirit to empower, reveal, and bring revelation I am destined to be made more alive in Christ. This ministry of LIFE flowing in me is one that I must nurture and appreciate. When I fail, like these disciples who are receiving this challenge (rebuke?), I drift into a sort of spiritual malaise that hinders the ful development of my spiritual inner man.
Victory, the life that lives above being dragged down by the human experience, is the possession of those who listen to the HS and who nurture that nature within them.
Rom 8.5 Those who live according to the sinful nature (flesh) have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires...
Coming to the Garden Alone
Lent day 10
If we are focusing on the cross during this season we would do well to look at Jesus in Gethsemane. Here he is wrestling with the greatest decision of his life... to pursue God's will. After serving the Lord these many decades I am more convinced than ever before that the most difficult decisions are the ones where our will comes in direct conflict with the revealed plan of God.
Sometimes in his guidance God leaves some figuring out for us. There is certain spiritual growth in apprehending the will of God for our lives. We apply our acquired Biblical knowledge, we postulate the possibilities, and pray for direction... listening. Think of all we would miss if God sent us a post card with our future directions on it!
But there are moments, usually crucial moments, in our life that we know God's will. It may have come to us in an inspired impression during prayer, or through a confirming word from a friend ( or a stranger), it may be clearly spoken direction from those in authority over us, or revealed by a prophetic brother or sister- when it is that important we know what the will of God is! Perhaps God is gracious to Jesus here in the garden because he recognizes that he is asking him to do what no other has ever done. The nobility of the act is as great as the conflict in his soul.- Not my will but yours.
There is something to learn there too. The lesson of submission. Heb 5.7-8 must refer to this time. "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offeredup prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered..."
Whenever our will is directly in contrast with His, when his wisdom conflicts with our desire, when his direction is unappreciated by our flesh... then, I know that I am about to learn a spiritual life lesson. If only I could submit....
If we are focusing on the cross during this season we would do well to look at Jesus in Gethsemane. Here he is wrestling with the greatest decision of his life... to pursue God's will. After serving the Lord these many decades I am more convinced than ever before that the most difficult decisions are the ones where our will comes in direct conflict with the revealed plan of God.
Sometimes in his guidance God leaves some figuring out for us. There is certain spiritual growth in apprehending the will of God for our lives. We apply our acquired Biblical knowledge, we postulate the possibilities, and pray for direction... listening. Think of all we would miss if God sent us a post card with our future directions on it!
But there are moments, usually crucial moments, in our life that we know God's will. It may have come to us in an inspired impression during prayer, or through a confirming word from a friend ( or a stranger), it may be clearly spoken direction from those in authority over us, or revealed by a prophetic brother or sister- when it is that important we know what the will of God is! Perhaps God is gracious to Jesus here in the garden because he recognizes that he is asking him to do what no other has ever done. The nobility of the act is as great as the conflict in his soul.- Not my will but yours.
There is something to learn there too. The lesson of submission. Heb 5.7-8 must refer to this time. "During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offeredup prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered..."
Whenever our will is directly in contrast with His, when his wisdom conflicts with our desire, when his direction is unappreciated by our flesh... then, I know that I am about to learn a spiritual life lesson. If only I could submit....
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
The Comfort of Spiritual Friends
Lent Day 7
Matt 26:36-38 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
When I am wrestling with the things that hurt the soul; when I am tangled in webs of dispair and disappointment; when I hurt from wounds that leave no marks... I am grateful for true spiritual friends. Spiritual friends make me capable of doing and facing things that I wouldn't be able to face alone.
In this passage we see that Jesus is crying out for moral support, for the comfort of friends, for comrades at arms. "Keep watch with me." We witness Jesus being more human than divine in this passage. And so we are comforted by the fact that the Son of God needs friends- as we do. Especially, when we are facing the impossible. We need to prayerful voice of friends who know God.
Too many of us try to do it alone.... thinking that is the stuff of heroic effort. It is the pleasure of fools and demons to convince us that we need no spiritual friends. When we are in our Gethsemane, pouring out our souls to God, fighting with his will, struggling toward obedience- we need them. If you have them- consider yourself fortunate- if you don't, seek them out.
Matt 26:36-38 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me."
When I am wrestling with the things that hurt the soul; when I am tangled in webs of dispair and disappointment; when I hurt from wounds that leave no marks... I am grateful for true spiritual friends. Spiritual friends make me capable of doing and facing things that I wouldn't be able to face alone.
In this passage we see that Jesus is crying out for moral support, for the comfort of friends, for comrades at arms. "Keep watch with me." We witness Jesus being more human than divine in this passage. And so we are comforted by the fact that the Son of God needs friends- as we do. Especially, when we are facing the impossible. We need to prayerful voice of friends who know God.
Too many of us try to do it alone.... thinking that is the stuff of heroic effort. It is the pleasure of fools and demons to convince us that we need no spiritual friends. When we are in our Gethsemane, pouring out our souls to God, fighting with his will, struggling toward obedience- we need them. If you have them- consider yourself fortunate- if you don't, seek them out.
Monday, February 26, 2007
6 Evidences against the Jesus Ossuary
If you got shook up from watching NBC's Today show Monday morning, relax! The claim was made that the bones of Jesus were found in a tomb in Israel. I thought I would take 10 minutes to let you know that the faith of Christianity is not in jeapordy. :-)
1. This is not the only ossuary discovered with this inscription. "Jesus son of Joseph" was found inscribed on a number of ossuaries discovered since the 20's. This ossuary is one of many.
http://www.bibleinterp.com/articles/Ossuaries.htm
2. The names of Jesus, Mara, Judas and Yose are very common names. Like finding a tomb with the name Jose in Mexico city. While we are taken back by the idea that there is another Jesus son of Joseph certainly those who heard the claims of the early Christian sect would have recognized the difference between this Yeshua and the one from Nazareth. Amos Kloner, an archeologist that examined the site said "It was an ordinary middle-class Jerusalem burial cave...The names on the caskets are the most common names found among Jews at the time."
3. The placement of the tomb in East Talpiot. Prof Kloner said there was no way the tomb housed the Holy Family."It is just not possible that a family who came from Galilee, as the New Testament tells us of Joseph and Mary, would be buried over several generations in Jerusalem."
4. In a society that worshipped Jesus, these bones would have been treated with much more dignity or with much more scandal than simply being buried in a family plot. The reverence that was given to Jesus -even being called God- is evidence against a family plot of the Nazarene http://www.bib-arch.org/bswb_BAR/bswbba3302f2.html
5. Experts deny the possibility that this is the burial plot of Jesus' family. For instance Amos Kloner, the first archaeologist to examine the site, said the idea fails to hold up by archaeological standards but makes for profitable television. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/02/24/wjesus24.xml
6. Finally, there is a book AND a movie to promote. hmmm It seems that now that the DaVinci Code proved there was money in questioning the historical validity of the gospel others are piling on.
"Simcha has no credibility whatsoever," says Joe Zias, who was the curator for anthropology and archeology at the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem from 1972 to 1997 and personally numbered the Talpiot ossuaries. "He's pimping off the Bible … He got this guy Cameron, who made 'Titanic' or something like that—what does this guy know about archeology? I am an archeologist, but if I were to write a book about brain surgery, you would say, 'Who is this guy?' People want signs and wonders. Projects like these make a mockery of the archeological profession." Cameron's reply: "I don't profess to be an archeologist or a Biblical scholar. I'm a film producer. I found it compelling. I think we're on firm ground to say that much."
for more info http://www.beliefnet.com/story/212/story_21296_1.html
1. This is not the only ossuary discovered with this inscription. "Jesus son of Joseph" was found inscribed on a number of ossuaries discovered since the 20's. This ossuary is one of many.
http://www.bibleinterp.com/articles/Ossuaries.htm
2. The names of Jesus, Mara, Judas and Yose are very common names. Like finding a tomb with the name Jose in Mexico city. While we are taken back by the idea that there is another Jesus son of Joseph certainly those who heard the claims of the early Christian sect would have recognized the difference between this Yeshua and the one from Nazareth. Amos Kloner, an archeologist that examined the site said "It was an ordinary middle-class Jerusalem burial cave...The names on the caskets are the most common names found among Jews at the time."
3. The placement of the tomb in East Talpiot. Prof Kloner said there was no way the tomb housed the Holy Family."It is just not possible that a family who came from Galilee, as the New Testament tells us of Joseph and Mary, would be buried over several generations in Jerusalem."
4. In a society that worshipped Jesus, these bones would have been treated with much more dignity or with much more scandal than simply being buried in a family plot. The reverence that was given to Jesus -even being called God- is evidence against a family plot of the Nazarene http://www.bib-arch.org/bswb_BAR/bswbba3302f2.html
5. Experts deny the possibility that this is the burial plot of Jesus' family. For instance Amos Kloner, the first archaeologist to examine the site, said the idea fails to hold up by archaeological standards but makes for profitable television. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/02/24/wjesus24.xml
6. Finally, there is a book AND a movie to promote. hmmm It seems that now that the DaVinci Code proved there was money in questioning the historical validity of the gospel others are piling on.
"Simcha has no credibility whatsoever," says Joe Zias, who was the curator for anthropology and archeology at the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem from 1972 to 1997 and personally numbered the Talpiot ossuaries. "He's pimping off the Bible … He got this guy Cameron, who made 'Titanic' or something like that—what does this guy know about archeology? I am an archeologist, but if I were to write a book about brain surgery, you would say, 'Who is this guy?' People want signs and wonders. Projects like these make a mockery of the archeological profession." Cameron's reply: "I don't profess to be an archeologist or a Biblical scholar. I'm a film producer. I found it compelling. I think we're on firm ground to say that much."
for more info http://www.beliefnet.com/story/212/story_21296_1.html
flesh and spirit
Lent Day 6
Matt 26:33 Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." NIV
When you are a lover of Christ, you are not put off by demonic threats, political pressure, or even the prospect of death. Your devotion is strong. YOU will follow Jesus. YOU will go where ever the Master dictates. YOU will be faithful! Or at least that is what your heart says.
But the reality is determined not by fleshly determination but by our spiritual strength. We tend to make sweeping predictions of spiritual grandeur because we think that by those spoken declarations we accomplish something. But we merely reveal our lack of awareness of our true spiritual state. We are weak. We are but flesh. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
Peter's fleshly declaration of devotion is weakened by his human limitations.
How often have I made powerful declarations of love and adoration? How often have I failed him? Too often. God make me aware of my accute need of your spiritual empowerment to live this life of Spiritual devotion.
Matt 26:33 Peter replied, "Even if all fall away on account of you, I never will." NIV
When you are a lover of Christ, you are not put off by demonic threats, political pressure, or even the prospect of death. Your devotion is strong. YOU will follow Jesus. YOU will go where ever the Master dictates. YOU will be faithful! Or at least that is what your heart says.
But the reality is determined not by fleshly determination but by our spiritual strength. We tend to make sweeping predictions of spiritual grandeur because we think that by those spoken declarations we accomplish something. But we merely reveal our lack of awareness of our true spiritual state. We are weak. We are but flesh. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
Peter's fleshly declaration of devotion is weakened by his human limitations.
How often have I made powerful declarations of love and adoration? How often have I failed him? Too often. God make me aware of my accute need of your spiritual empowerment to live this life of Spiritual devotion.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Falling away
Lent Day 3
Matthew 26.31 This very night you will all fall away on account of me....
Jesus knew that he lived a life that was easily perceived as scandalous. By that, I mean that Jesus recognized the profound 'other-ness' of his life and especially his death. I marvel at the strength of Christ as he approaches Gethsemane and, ultimately, Calvary. He looks into the eyes of the naive fishermen, zealots, and tax collectors who were his intimates. In his moments of approaching crisis he sees in their eyes the stumbling block (skandlon-grk) and recognizes that for all their devotion and all their love- they will fail him. "You will ALL fall away..."
I am one of those who has fallen from total devotion at times. Whether it be drifting from divine purpose or flirting with sin or even, upon occassion, outright rebellion against my savior. Many times I have come to realize that God knows that he asks a lot of me. He recognizes that we are water, dirt and spirit. That our frailty and failure to embrace his purpose,our dullness to grasp his plan, our impatience with the divine timetable is inborn within us. Yet he has built into this scandolous life a fail safe. We may return after our failure.
The church of the later first century had difficulty with this notion. Those who failed to confess Christ while under duress in the persecutions were not allowed to be baptized or back into full fellowship in many churches. They had failed. Imagine the shame! Cowardous and broken by the governmental persecutors they returned to the church to find further condemnation for their actions. Now I am sure there are consequences for all our actions. But I believe that those churches missed the point. We will all fall away... perhaps not in persecution, but is it any different to deny his greatness by our lukewarm discipleship, or our half baked justification of our sins?
Later in the book of 1 John the prescription for our ills is listed. If we say we have no sin we make God a liar but if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us. Herein is the secret to healing- the confession of sins. It is probably the least practiced spiritual discipline of the Protestant church. When was the last time you made a written list of your sins, great and small? Have you ever laid it all out? There is power in the soul searched!
The result of the search of our souls has to be an appreciation for God's infinite grace upon our spotted and tainted souls. Thank God he made a way for those of us who fall away to be whole and clean once again!
1 John 1:8-10 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. NIV
Matthew 26.31 This very night you will all fall away on account of me....
Jesus knew that he lived a life that was easily perceived as scandalous. By that, I mean that Jesus recognized the profound 'other-ness' of his life and especially his death. I marvel at the strength of Christ as he approaches Gethsemane and, ultimately, Calvary. He looks into the eyes of the naive fishermen, zealots, and tax collectors who were his intimates. In his moments of approaching crisis he sees in their eyes the stumbling block (skandlon-grk) and recognizes that for all their devotion and all their love- they will fail him. "You will ALL fall away..."
I am one of those who has fallen from total devotion at times. Whether it be drifting from divine purpose or flirting with sin or even, upon occassion, outright rebellion against my savior. Many times I have come to realize that God knows that he asks a lot of me. He recognizes that we are water, dirt and spirit. That our frailty and failure to embrace his purpose,our dullness to grasp his plan, our impatience with the divine timetable is inborn within us. Yet he has built into this scandolous life a fail safe. We may return after our failure.
The church of the later first century had difficulty with this notion. Those who failed to confess Christ while under duress in the persecutions were not allowed to be baptized or back into full fellowship in many churches. They had failed. Imagine the shame! Cowardous and broken by the governmental persecutors they returned to the church to find further condemnation for their actions. Now I am sure there are consequences for all our actions. But I believe that those churches missed the point. We will all fall away... perhaps not in persecution, but is it any different to deny his greatness by our lukewarm discipleship, or our half baked justification of our sins?
Later in the book of 1 John the prescription for our ills is listed. If we say we have no sin we make God a liar but if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us. Herein is the secret to healing- the confession of sins. It is probably the least practiced spiritual discipline of the Protestant church. When was the last time you made a written list of your sins, great and small? Have you ever laid it all out? There is power in the soul searched!
The result of the search of our souls has to be an appreciation for God's infinite grace upon our spotted and tainted souls. Thank God he made a way for those of us who fall away to be whole and clean once again!
1 John 1:8-10 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. NIV
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Snow Receeding
Lent Day 2
Here in Chicago it is easy to see that the unseasonably warm weather is melting the snow. The warm weather that has followed the unseasonably cold weather and snow and ice is quite a contrast (when will we have seasonable weather?). As the warmth melts the outer layers of the snow the black and grey and dirt are revealed. What has been covered is now exposed. What was once a layer of beautiful fresh white powder is reduced to the sludge and grim that was underneath.
I am reminded that Isaiah records the words of the Lord to his people as Isa 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together,"says the LORD."Though your sins are like scarlet,they shall be as white as snow..." Certainly it is the divine prerogative to cover our sins when we enter into a faith relationship with Christ. That cleansing, the prophets says, makes us white as snow. But when we drift from the relationship with God's Son and rely upon our own self- the white snow receeds. It does so slowly, methodoligically, evenly. And as it receeds the grime of who we once were, the filth of past deeds, the dirt of our brokeness is revealed. Others see it. We are exposed!
Our choices are limited. We may deny that the snow is fading and that the vision that others see is real or run back to God for renewal. Our prayer might follow Psalm 51 as we ask God for a new covering of our dirt with his beauty. (Ps 51:7) Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Lord, cover my dirt, sin and shame- may your grace never receed from my life and may your snow white beauty reflect the brillance of your light.
Here in Chicago it is easy to see that the unseasonably warm weather is melting the snow. The warm weather that has followed the unseasonably cold weather and snow and ice is quite a contrast (when will we have seasonable weather?). As the warmth melts the outer layers of the snow the black and grey and dirt are revealed. What has been covered is now exposed. What was once a layer of beautiful fresh white powder is reduced to the sludge and grim that was underneath.
I am reminded that Isaiah records the words of the Lord to his people as Isa 1:18 "Come now, let us reason together,"says the LORD."Though your sins are like scarlet,they shall be as white as snow..." Certainly it is the divine prerogative to cover our sins when we enter into a faith relationship with Christ. That cleansing, the prophets says, makes us white as snow. But when we drift from the relationship with God's Son and rely upon our own self- the white snow receeds. It does so slowly, methodoligically, evenly. And as it receeds the grime of who we once were, the filth of past deeds, the dirt of our brokeness is revealed. Others see it. We are exposed!
Our choices are limited. We may deny that the snow is fading and that the vision that others see is real or run back to God for renewal. Our prayer might follow Psalm 51 as we ask God for a new covering of our dirt with his beauty. (Ps 51:7) Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Lord, cover my dirt, sin and shame- may your grace never receed from my life and may your snow white beauty reflect the brillance of your light.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Plotting to Kill
Lent Day 1
Most of us haven't ever experienced the kind of pressure the Jesus experienced in the last portion of his ministry. In Matthew 26.4 we read that the chief priests and the elders of Israel assembled for the purpose of devising a way to kill Jesus. I don't know if you have ever had someone trying to kill you- but that is pressure! What provoked this diabolical plotting?
Jesus' life and ministry are the very things that provoked the talk of assassination. That makes me think that Jesus was a little different than people paint him these days. The gentle, slightly effeminate, itinerate teacher that some portray as the Christ wouldn't need to be assassinated. He would be no force to be dealt with. He wouldn't be able to command the masses. But the Biblical Jesus taught more than love your neighbor and turning the cheek. He lived out a radical gospel that was an affront to all the pretenders who spouted religious jargon and rattled off religious sounding phrases. Pretenders all! No by living the Empowered Life Jesus stirred up trouble and challenged the pretenders. Calling them out, challenging thier teaching, exposing their hypocrisy.
Some think good christians are quiet and meek. Not so. Those who follow Jesus must walk in the footsteps of their master and provoke a hatred for themselves in the lives of others just because of the stand they take. So as we begin an examination of our souls in this lenten season we simply need to ask ourselves one question. What have I done to provoke an assassination attempt on my life? If you are like me- then your answer is...not enough.
Most of us haven't ever experienced the kind of pressure the Jesus experienced in the last portion of his ministry. In Matthew 26.4 we read that the chief priests and the elders of Israel assembled for the purpose of devising a way to kill Jesus. I don't know if you have ever had someone trying to kill you- but that is pressure! What provoked this diabolical plotting?
Jesus' life and ministry are the very things that provoked the talk of assassination. That makes me think that Jesus was a little different than people paint him these days. The gentle, slightly effeminate, itinerate teacher that some portray as the Christ wouldn't need to be assassinated. He would be no force to be dealt with. He wouldn't be able to command the masses. But the Biblical Jesus taught more than love your neighbor and turning the cheek. He lived out a radical gospel that was an affront to all the pretenders who spouted religious jargon and rattled off religious sounding phrases. Pretenders all! No by living the Empowered Life Jesus stirred up trouble and challenged the pretenders. Calling them out, challenging thier teaching, exposing their hypocrisy.
Some think good christians are quiet and meek. Not so. Those who follow Jesus must walk in the footsteps of their master and provoke a hatred for themselves in the lives of others just because of the stand they take. So as we begin an examination of our souls in this lenten season we simply need to ask ourselves one question. What have I done to provoke an assassination attempt on my life? If you are like me- then your answer is...not enough.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Community vs. Toughing it out
When God called his people out (Ekklesia=church=called out ones) he also called them in. He called them into fellowship, into service, into connection with each other, and into relationship. In truth, the first century church was much more united out of necessity. They practiced a form of communalism- though it wasn't mandated, people shared their lives freely, sold homes as the Lord spoke to their hearts, held a common purse, and served one another and the poor among them.
With all the talk of christian unity over the decades we really don't see much of it among us. This may be partially because there is a stubborn individual streak in us that refuses to join to the community. (The literature says that this generation isn't a generation of "joiners".) Of course, I am not saying that we should sell everything and hold the money in a common purse anymore. What I guess I am saying is that we need to get a vision that Christ has called us to each other. We form a community of believers- a faith community. Thankfully I have been blessed to be a part of a community like that.
My children have been partially raised by people in the church. The church was my entire source of child care when I needed babysitters. Men sat with my adolescent and young adult sons and daughter and talked to them about important issues in their lives- not preaching just caring like family. Some helped us move, or fix up our house. We have had the privilege to go on vacations with some of these and have eaten countless meals together. We have cried together, laughed together, and scratched our heads together over things we didn't understand. What a blessing!
So much of what Jesus teaches revolves around this concept of an alternative community of faith, that we often misinterprete the scriptures when we ignore the powerful community aspect that is in there. In Matthew 18.15-20 Jesus tells how to deal with a community member- a brother- who stumbles into sin. What discipline does he suggest for the unrepentant sinner? Removal from the community. For this brother to be cut off from community meant he had no access to the communion table, the word of life, the fellowship of saints, the life molding process of relationship. Hardly seems applicable to the mega church culture, eh\? How would you know if he continued to slip in among your thousands of Sunday visitors?
In Matthew 25.34ff we read that Jesus will judge the stingy and tightfisted who refuse to help a fellow community member. Though this verse is often freely applied to feeding the indigent and helping the starving masses, it clearly is intended to provoke an allegience toward the community. Those that are hungry, thirsty, naked, in prison- are those 'brothers' (v 40)who have been imprisoned for their faith or are persecuted. They aren't selling roses on the overpass! Compare Gal 6.10 where the community of God is prioritized in the good works of the believers.
When will the church of the 21 st Century learn that to ignore community is to develop a system of faith contrary to Christ's. The gospel of Christ prompts us to change our allegiences from our habits, beliefs, addicitons, and lifestyles that offend God and are detrimental to our souls. The community of God is the powerful system of relationships by which we challenge one another, pray for one another, and care for one another in our times of need. That said- the church is the ultimate support group. Why tough it out on your own?
With all the talk of christian unity over the decades we really don't see much of it among us. This may be partially because there is a stubborn individual streak in us that refuses to join to the community. (The literature says that this generation isn't a generation of "joiners".) Of course, I am not saying that we should sell everything and hold the money in a common purse anymore. What I guess I am saying is that we need to get a vision that Christ has called us to each other. We form a community of believers- a faith community. Thankfully I have been blessed to be a part of a community like that.
My children have been partially raised by people in the church. The church was my entire source of child care when I needed babysitters. Men sat with my adolescent and young adult sons and daughter and talked to them about important issues in their lives- not preaching just caring like family. Some helped us move, or fix up our house. We have had the privilege to go on vacations with some of these and have eaten countless meals together. We have cried together, laughed together, and scratched our heads together over things we didn't understand. What a blessing!
So much of what Jesus teaches revolves around this concept of an alternative community of faith, that we often misinterprete the scriptures when we ignore the powerful community aspect that is in there. In Matthew 18.15-20 Jesus tells how to deal with a community member- a brother- who stumbles into sin. What discipline does he suggest for the unrepentant sinner? Removal from the community. For this brother to be cut off from community meant he had no access to the communion table, the word of life, the fellowship of saints, the life molding process of relationship. Hardly seems applicable to the mega church culture, eh\? How would you know if he continued to slip in among your thousands of Sunday visitors?
In Matthew 25.34ff we read that Jesus will judge the stingy and tightfisted who refuse to help a fellow community member. Though this verse is often freely applied to feeding the indigent and helping the starving masses, it clearly is intended to provoke an allegience toward the community. Those that are hungry, thirsty, naked, in prison- are those 'brothers' (v 40)who have been imprisoned for their faith or are persecuted. They aren't selling roses on the overpass! Compare Gal 6.10 where the community of God is prioritized in the good works of the believers.
When will the church of the 21 st Century learn that to ignore community is to develop a system of faith contrary to Christ's. The gospel of Christ prompts us to change our allegiences from our habits, beliefs, addicitons, and lifestyles that offend God and are detrimental to our souls. The community of God is the powerful system of relationships by which we challenge one another, pray for one another, and care for one another in our times of need. That said- the church is the ultimate support group. Why tough it out on your own?
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Talking Faith and Politics
Some people are offended by the political stances of the church. It is as if faith shouldn't affect your world view. What nonsense! I have heard both sides (liberal and conservative) use the church and theology to bolster their agendas. Which side is the greater offender? Well, that probably depends upon who you ask!
What grinds my gears is the ill informed opinion of Christians that fail to think through their arguments thoroughly. Recently a sister in the Lord confessed her disapproval of our churches stance on a political issue. It would have been nice if she would have tried to engage in some thought provoking discussion but that isn't how she expressed her disapproval - she just left. I am sure that many Christians are the poorer for not having to engage and think through the issues that this sister was facing. Who knows if some hearts would have been sensitized or even won over for her cause, had she shared what was on her heart. But alas, she didn't have the stomach to discuss the political realities as she saw them. I am sure she sees herself as very enlightened and liberated but I fear that she doesn't understand both sides of the issues. Too bad for us all!
But let me wonder outloud for a few moments about political differences.
Why is it that conservatives give more of their personal money away to charity than "caring and sensitive" liberals?
Why is it that people who claim to have a faith in the Bible don't care about God's creation around us?
Why is it that the people who are most sensitive about testing make up on animals never are the ones protesting abortion?
Why is it that the tight fisted and stingy in our society always think that governmental funding is the answer for personal problems?
How can people of faith in Jesus ignore the earnest poor?
Why do left leaning people think that we should feed and house every drug addict and deilinquent-insulating them from the realities of their poor choices?
How come when you sin it's a disease and when I do it's hypocrisy?
Why do some people say they are "personally against abortion" but refuse to take a stand publicly in spite of the increasingly confirming evidence in the scientific community?
How is it that defending the traditional interpretation of marriage is controversial? And why is it hard to rally people around a cause as fundamental as that?
Boy I could go on for hours! But it wouldn't solve anything... it would only make me more frustrated. I just wish that christians would be informed enough to discuss freely their political views. Once they are out on the table, tempers may flare abit but eventually we may increase sensitivity to the important issues of policy in this nation. These aren't easy answers to come to grips with- which is why well meaning Godfearing people disagree. But at least lets have the guts to talk about them!
What grinds my gears is the ill informed opinion of Christians that fail to think through their arguments thoroughly. Recently a sister in the Lord confessed her disapproval of our churches stance on a political issue. It would have been nice if she would have tried to engage in some thought provoking discussion but that isn't how she expressed her disapproval - she just left. I am sure that many Christians are the poorer for not having to engage and think through the issues that this sister was facing. Who knows if some hearts would have been sensitized or even won over for her cause, had she shared what was on her heart. But alas, she didn't have the stomach to discuss the political realities as she saw them. I am sure she sees herself as very enlightened and liberated but I fear that she doesn't understand both sides of the issues. Too bad for us all!
But let me wonder outloud for a few moments about political differences.
Why is it that conservatives give more of their personal money away to charity than "caring and sensitive" liberals?
Why is it that people who claim to have a faith in the Bible don't care about God's creation around us?
Why is it that the people who are most sensitive about testing make up on animals never are the ones protesting abortion?
Why is it that the tight fisted and stingy in our society always think that governmental funding is the answer for personal problems?
How can people of faith in Jesus ignore the earnest poor?
Why do left leaning people think that we should feed and house every drug addict and deilinquent-insulating them from the realities of their poor choices?
How come when you sin it's a disease and when I do it's hypocrisy?
Why do some people say they are "personally against abortion" but refuse to take a stand publicly in spite of the increasingly confirming evidence in the scientific community?
How is it that defending the traditional interpretation of marriage is controversial? And why is it hard to rally people around a cause as fundamental as that?
Boy I could go on for hours! But it wouldn't solve anything... it would only make me more frustrated. I just wish that christians would be informed enough to discuss freely their political views. Once they are out on the table, tempers may flare abit but eventually we may increase sensitivity to the important issues of policy in this nation. These aren't easy answers to come to grips with- which is why well meaning Godfearing people disagree. But at least lets have the guts to talk about them!
Saturday, December 30, 2006
How bad do you want it?
At my age (48) you realize that the preceeding question is the most important one in your life. I want to retire someday comfortably but do I want it bad enough to save money; I want to loose weight but not bad enough to exercise and eat right; etc. How bad do I really want it?
Discipline has never been my strong suite but last year I made a determination to run 3 or 4 times a week a minimum of 1.5 miles each time. And with a few exceptional times of injuries and one week of the flu- I stuck to it. Right now God is pestering my spirit ( know what I mean?) with the thoughts of a renewal stirring. Prophetic gifts have been prophecying since the fire of Brownsville began to die down that there is a new wave coming. I want it.... but how bad?
Most Christians I know are like me in this respect- they want an extraordinary walk with God on a cut rate price. But real sacrifice is called for - demanded, even- if we are going to be in on the extraordinary. Being a radical for Christ demands radical response. What is more radical than spending the first hours of your day seeking God? Or pushing the lastest celebrity news to the back burner while you get some of the Good News in you? Or living a life of love toward strangers around you? This is some crazy stuff here.
So what is it you say you want? Revival? Toronto-type blessings? Renewed fire in your heart? You will have to get off your fat butt and down on your knees: you will have to fast and pray ( you heard right!); you will have to reprioritize your time; you will have to know God and not just about him. Because he is asking you prophetically right now... How bad do you want it?
Discipline has never been my strong suite but last year I made a determination to run 3 or 4 times a week a minimum of 1.5 miles each time. And with a few exceptional times of injuries and one week of the flu- I stuck to it. Right now God is pestering my spirit ( know what I mean?) with the thoughts of a renewal stirring. Prophetic gifts have been prophecying since the fire of Brownsville began to die down that there is a new wave coming. I want it.... but how bad?
Most Christians I know are like me in this respect- they want an extraordinary walk with God on a cut rate price. But real sacrifice is called for - demanded, even- if we are going to be in on the extraordinary. Being a radical for Christ demands radical response. What is more radical than spending the first hours of your day seeking God? Or pushing the lastest celebrity news to the back burner while you get some of the Good News in you? Or living a life of love toward strangers around you? This is some crazy stuff here.
So what is it you say you want? Revival? Toronto-type blessings? Renewed fire in your heart? You will have to get off your fat butt and down on your knees: you will have to fast and pray ( you heard right!); you will have to reprioritize your time; you will have to know God and not just about him. Because he is asking you prophetically right now... How bad do you want it?
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
It's Family that Matters
It doesn't take long into the holiday season for me to get sick and tired of being pushed in the mall lines and have my parking place stolen from underneath me by some ignorant punks. I don't really like the addition of tinsel, and lights on my home in December and the thought of taking it all down, well, that is depressing enough. The wife is fussing with the elaborate meal she prepares each Christmas day and the young people are trying on clothes and new gadgets that were purchased for them.
I am sitting in my chair (at my age you get one of your own!) and petting the dog and thinking about what I like best about Christmas and it is simple... family. Family are the people who tick you off the most and yet, for some reason that I cannot explain, the house sure feels good when it is full of them. Yelling and talking at the top of their lungs ( if there is ever a game show we are sure to win for the loudest family in North America) laughing at the stupidest things (its not really a holiday until somebody has drink shoot out their nose in riotous laughter) and arguing about which one of them dressed up like woverine at age 4!
These kids have put me through the ringer! Each one with there insecurities and weird excentricities. With their problems and their joys, it has been exhausting to keep up with the tears, jeers, and laughter. But I am so glad they come back! I love them so...
So now can they go back to their houses!
I am sitting in my chair (at my age you get one of your own!) and petting the dog and thinking about what I like best about Christmas and it is simple... family. Family are the people who tick you off the most and yet, for some reason that I cannot explain, the house sure feels good when it is full of them. Yelling and talking at the top of their lungs ( if there is ever a game show we are sure to win for the loudest family in North America) laughing at the stupidest things (its not really a holiday until somebody has drink shoot out their nose in riotous laughter) and arguing about which one of them dressed up like woverine at age 4!
These kids have put me through the ringer! Each one with there insecurities and weird excentricities. With their problems and their joys, it has been exhausting to keep up with the tears, jeers, and laughter. But I am so glad they come back! I love them so...
So now can they go back to their houses!
Sunday, December 10, 2006
More, Please!
The American Psyche is a fragile thing. It is growing increasingly so as the half hearted effort to win in Iraq goes on. We are increasingly hearing the drumbeat of a so-called "unwinnable war" and the call to "bring them home". In my never to be humble estimation this will be tragic to the American psyche. It will effect us in the same way that the Afganistan conflict affected the USSR. If a group of thugs and weakly armed insurgents push the army of the most powerful nation in the world out of Iraq, we had better give up any hope of influence in the world and just brace ourselves for an ongoing series of attacks both here and abroad by maniacal terrorist-types. Please, Mr President, don't back down; don't pull out; don't weaken this nation further.
Instead, muster up 60,000 more troops and put them in the most violent places in Iraq. The numbers combined with the determined resolve to spend whatever it cost to win will beat them. They live in the hope that we are weak, and that we are unwilling to invest whatever it cost to defeat them. They live off of the feeling that a little while longer and Speaker Nancy and her boys (the Nancy Boys!) will bring back our troops and leave them to carp out for themselves a new terrorist training ground. Assessing the strength of the US as unfathomable, and the resolve to win as strong (there are a few of us who desire to see the democratic Iraq succeed), why not raise the ante and increase the troop strengths. Violence will drop (as it has before) and the civil unrest will be quelled.
The problem has always been one of strategy. Rummy wanted to weigh the cost of the warfare and lived too close to the margin of error. Overwhelming force (remember shock and awe) needs to be the continuing tactic. Once these insurgents realize that the US is committed to win beyond word but in the spending of capital and investment of blood they will have to crawl into the woodwork again. This will enable the US to leave with a victory- and will save the face of the US Armed forces in the world.
If not, those men who have fought the hardest, sacrificed the most, paid the dearest, and should be the proudest- will forever hang their head in shame and will hide their old uniforms in the back of the closet. All because we sent them to win a war on the meagerest rations and the slightest margin.
Mr President, please ignore the Iraq Study groups report( it is the lowest common denominator of compromise and pessimism), and send more troops please! Let our boys win.
Instead, muster up 60,000 more troops and put them in the most violent places in Iraq. The numbers combined with the determined resolve to spend whatever it cost to win will beat them. They live in the hope that we are weak, and that we are unwilling to invest whatever it cost to defeat them. They live off of the feeling that a little while longer and Speaker Nancy and her boys (the Nancy Boys!) will bring back our troops and leave them to carp out for themselves a new terrorist training ground. Assessing the strength of the US as unfathomable, and the resolve to win as strong (there are a few of us who desire to see the democratic Iraq succeed), why not raise the ante and increase the troop strengths. Violence will drop (as it has before) and the civil unrest will be quelled.
The problem has always been one of strategy. Rummy wanted to weigh the cost of the warfare and lived too close to the margin of error. Overwhelming force (remember shock and awe) needs to be the continuing tactic. Once these insurgents realize that the US is committed to win beyond word but in the spending of capital and investment of blood they will have to crawl into the woodwork again. This will enable the US to leave with a victory- and will save the face of the US Armed forces in the world.
If not, those men who have fought the hardest, sacrificed the most, paid the dearest, and should be the proudest- will forever hang their head in shame and will hide their old uniforms in the back of the closet. All because we sent them to win a war on the meagerest rations and the slightest margin.
Mr President, please ignore the Iraq Study groups report( it is the lowest common denominator of compromise and pessimism), and send more troops please! Let our boys win.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
When in Doubt DON"T
This morning I read the story of Abram and Sarai. When the overwhelming promise was made to the Father of our Faith that he would indeed have a son from his own loins. He and Sarai got together to try to figure out how they could "help God" fulfill his promise. The brilliant deduction of these two spiritual giants was that Abram would impregnate Hagar, Sarai's maid servant and this would fulfill the promise. The result of that action was a son named Ishmael who God said would be " a wild donkey of a man" who would "raise his hand against everyone... and live in hostility toward all his brothers" (Gen 15.12).
Now I don't think I need to make any references to the current situation in the Middle East to confirm the truthfulness of the prophetic utterance regarding Ishmael the father of the Arab people. But what strikes me is the insistence that we humans have on cobbling together a fulfillment other than the one that God has has in his mind.
Whenever we do this we screw up the works and leave lasting implications for the "real promise" that God has for us. Perhaps instead of trying to cobble together a blessing we would be better to trust the divine providence that brought us to the place of promise in the first place.
God, help us to respond in faith to what you have promised and to do nothing out of doubt and unbelief- and so to incur the blessing of your hand upon our present and our future. AMEN
Now I don't think I need to make any references to the current situation in the Middle East to confirm the truthfulness of the prophetic utterance regarding Ishmael the father of the Arab people. But what strikes me is the insistence that we humans have on cobbling together a fulfillment other than the one that God has has in his mind.
Whenever we do this we screw up the works and leave lasting implications for the "real promise" that God has for us. Perhaps instead of trying to cobble together a blessing we would be better to trust the divine providence that brought us to the place of promise in the first place.
God, help us to respond in faith to what you have promised and to do nothing out of doubt and unbelief- and so to incur the blessing of your hand upon our present and our future. AMEN
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Pastor's Appreciation Day
I don't know where the idea came from (okay- it is in scripture Gal. 6.6) but it sure is a blessing to be on the receiving end of it! Often the job of the pastor can be exhausting. I used to talk all the time to men and women who were pastoring in places where congregations didn't show their appreciation for their pastors. It made their job all the more difficult.
Pastors have to listen to garbage, carry out the spiritual trash, administer the dirty details of the church (including hiring and firing), and they are the CFO and the CEO of the church. They are expected to have an exemplary prayer life, character, family, home life, and oratory skills. They are counselors and confidants. They are friends and mentors. They are examples to young children and adults alike. They are lead evangelists in the church. They are the promotion committee, the organization committee and even, sometimes, the janitor. They are the topic of much gossip and condemnation from people over a Sunday lunch yet they are often the first person called when those same people are in the hospital. (And don't think they are ignorant of who is saying what about them!) Yet they marshall a smile and do the work of God without an attitude most of the time.
After 23 years of carrying the torch for Jesus as a pastor I recognize that the job is beyond description. Drug addicts on your porch, screaming couples in your living room, constant phone counseling with those who need to hear your voice, email answermen and wonderwomen. They lead worship, crack jokes, and cry at the hospital bed. And what about the funeral, baptism, child dedication, or wedding. They are dependable even when their paycheck isn't.
I am so grateful for the people who serve alongside me. And, maybe it shouldn't be this way, but the Pastor appreciation day has come to mean something to me. If I am a ego maniac, forgive me- but it is nice to hear that you are appreciated.
My thanks goes out to the pastors who have invested in my life Rev.Walter Pederson-an example to my young eyes of a caring spirit filled shepherd; Rev. Galen Hertweck- a master of exegetic masterpieces who loved people and remembered my baby's name.
Christianity Today put out an article that shows how to bless your pastor. (Though Cash is always appreciated! :') 8 ways to bless you pastor.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/9r5/9r5035.html
dave
Pastors have to listen to garbage, carry out the spiritual trash, administer the dirty details of the church (including hiring and firing), and they are the CFO and the CEO of the church. They are expected to have an exemplary prayer life, character, family, home life, and oratory skills. They are counselors and confidants. They are friends and mentors. They are examples to young children and adults alike. They are lead evangelists in the church. They are the promotion committee, the organization committee and even, sometimes, the janitor. They are the topic of much gossip and condemnation from people over a Sunday lunch yet they are often the first person called when those same people are in the hospital. (And don't think they are ignorant of who is saying what about them!) Yet they marshall a smile and do the work of God without an attitude most of the time.
After 23 years of carrying the torch for Jesus as a pastor I recognize that the job is beyond description. Drug addicts on your porch, screaming couples in your living room, constant phone counseling with those who need to hear your voice, email answermen and wonderwomen. They lead worship, crack jokes, and cry at the hospital bed. And what about the funeral, baptism, child dedication, or wedding. They are dependable even when their paycheck isn't.
I am so grateful for the people who serve alongside me. And, maybe it shouldn't be this way, but the Pastor appreciation day has come to mean something to me. If I am a ego maniac, forgive me- but it is nice to hear that you are appreciated.
My thanks goes out to the pastors who have invested in my life Rev.Walter Pederson-an example to my young eyes of a caring spirit filled shepherd; Rev. Galen Hertweck- a master of exegetic masterpieces who loved people and remembered my baby's name.
Christianity Today put out an article that shows how to bless your pastor. (Though Cash is always appreciated! :') 8 ways to bless you pastor.
http://www.christianitytoday.com/tc/9r5/9r5035.html
dave
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
I get a little annoyed
Okay,I get a lot annoyed when there are people who want to talk the game but don't put up. You know the ones I am talking about? The guys with all the answers for your life but can't seem to get their lives together! These mellon heads who like to stand in judgment of your best effort but who won't break a sweat to do anything to benefit the kingdom. If I was God I would send them to hell for that kind of judgment! (Thankfully, no need to worry about me being deity- ask my wife- she is certain of it!)
I am a bit troubled over the way that believers in Jesus want to do their own thing. There is a sort of anti-establishment bias in the body of Christ. It is cancerous if you ask me. I don't mean those who want to sin- those boneheads are just plain sinners. I mean the ones who always want you to be a part of their ministry function but they are notoriously absent when it comes to doing something that won't benefit their egos, their ministries, their personal life.
Hmmm- I guess it is just the flesh.
Brennan Manning writes, " The surest sign of union with the crucified Christ is our forgiveness of those who have perpetrated injustices against us." OUCH!
Okay- I forgive them.... but IAM STILL ANNOYED!
I am a bit troubled over the way that believers in Jesus want to do their own thing. There is a sort of anti-establishment bias in the body of Christ. It is cancerous if you ask me. I don't mean those who want to sin- those boneheads are just plain sinners. I mean the ones who always want you to be a part of their ministry function but they are notoriously absent when it comes to doing something that won't benefit their egos, their ministries, their personal life.
Hmmm- I guess it is just the flesh.
Brennan Manning writes, " The surest sign of union with the crucified Christ is our forgiveness of those who have perpetrated injustices against us." OUCH!
Okay- I forgive them.... but IAM STILL ANNOYED!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Digbats, Forgiveness, and Politics
After viewing the incredible forgiveness of the Amish during the crisis in their community, Diana Bulter posited that we should practice this kind of forgiveness to the perpetrators of 9/11. I can't believe anyone would be that naive, but in fact, that is exactly the kind of nonsense that passes for "Christian thought" these days. You can click here for her blog site, if you must. http://www.beliefnet.com/blogs/godspolitics/2006/10/diana-butler-bass-what-if-amish-were.html
Forgiveness is a powerful tool of God that can change lives and eternal destinies. It is amazing in its ability to set people free from crushing guilt and shame (as in the case of Marie Roberts). But is it bilbical to practice forgiveness toward the unrepentant. I would like to posit three reasons why it is not. 1) Forgiveness can only be offered to someone who accepts responsibility for their actions. It is granted upon repentance. 2) Since God forgives us when we repent- if we forgive all who sin against us without demanding repentance- aren't we practicing a higher form of forgiveness than God? Why don't we officially forgive the whole world of its offenses and then they can go to heaven without personally repenting for their evil deeds? 3) What passes for forgiveness is less than altruistic. Therapeutic forgiveness is really selfish at its core. I am forgiving your so that I can get on with my life and cut my life free from the residue of your evil works.
Honestly, I think that there is a terrible oversimplification that Christians perform when they speak of forgiveness. It is hard work to forgive even the penitent. Why do we burden ourselves with unbiblical ideals on forgiveness? Did Jesus call us to let murderers go free in our society? Did he call us to ignore justice? Did he call us to ignore pedophilia in the name of forgiveness?
Seems to me that this is a diabolicaly twisting of a Biblical concept. What do you think?
Forgiveness is a powerful tool of God that can change lives and eternal destinies. It is amazing in its ability to set people free from crushing guilt and shame (as in the case of Marie Roberts). But is it bilbical to practice forgiveness toward the unrepentant. I would like to posit three reasons why it is not. 1) Forgiveness can only be offered to someone who accepts responsibility for their actions. It is granted upon repentance. 2) Since God forgives us when we repent- if we forgive all who sin against us without demanding repentance- aren't we practicing a higher form of forgiveness than God? Why don't we officially forgive the whole world of its offenses and then they can go to heaven without personally repenting for their evil deeds? 3) What passes for forgiveness is less than altruistic. Therapeutic forgiveness is really selfish at its core. I am forgiving your so that I can get on with my life and cut my life free from the residue of your evil works.
Honestly, I think that there is a terrible oversimplification that Christians perform when they speak of forgiveness. It is hard work to forgive even the penitent. Why do we burden ourselves with unbiblical ideals on forgiveness? Did Jesus call us to let murderers go free in our society? Did he call us to ignore justice? Did he call us to ignore pedophilia in the name of forgiveness?
Seems to me that this is a diabolicaly twisting of a Biblical concept. What do you think?
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Church Planter Characteristics
Dr Ridley's 13 Essential Characteristics of a Successful Church Planter
1. Visioning capacity
being a person who projects into the future beyond the present
developing a theme which highlights the vision and philosophy of ministry
persuasively selling the vision to the people
approaching challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles
coping effectively with non-visioning elements
not erecting artificial walls or limits either overtly or subconsciously
establishing a clear church identity related to the theme and vision
believing in God's capacity to do great things
2. Intrinsically motivated
having a desire to do well and a commitment to excellence
stick-to-itiveness and persistence
having initiative and aggressiveness without the negative connotations
having a willingness to work long and hard
being a self-starter with a willingness to build from nothing
having a high energy and vitality level; physical stamina
3. Creates ownership of ministry
helping people to "buy in" and feel responsible for the growth and success of the church
gaining commitment of the people to the vision
establishing a congregational identity
avoiding stereotyping of congregation by imposing unrealistic goals for which it cannot claim ownership
4. Relates to the unchurched
communicating in style that is understood by the unchurched
understanding the "psychology" or mentality of the unchurched
moving and functioning in the "personal space" of the unchurched without fear
quickly getting to know the unchurched on a personal level
breaking through the barriers erected by the unchurched
handling crises faced by the unchurched
5. Spousal cooperation
having an explicit agreement regarding each partner's respective role and involvement in ministry
having explicit rules regarding the use of home as an office
evaluating the consequences of ministry demands upon the children
functioning as a team through individual and collective action
having a strategy for dealing with strangers
modeling wholesome family life before church and community
agreeing upon and sharing the ministry vision
deliberately planning and protecting private family life
6. Effectively builds relationships
responding with urgency to expressed needs and concerns of people
displaying Godly love and compassion to people
getting to know people on a personal basis
making others feel secure and comfortable in one's presence
not responding judgmentally or prejudicially to new people
appreciating and accepting a variety of persons
spending quality time with present parishioners without overstepping them for new people
7. Committed to church growth
believing in church growth as a theological principle
appreciating steady and consistent growth without preoccupation with the quick success factor
committing to numerical growth within the context of spiritual and relational growth (more and better disciples)
recognizing that non-growth is threatening and self-defeating
establishing the goal of becoming a financially self-supporting church within a specific period of time
not prematurely falling into a ministry of maintenance
seeing the church project within the larger context of God's kingdom
8. Responsive to community
understanding the culture of the community
identifying and assessing community needs
responding to community needs on a priority basis such that resources are most efficiently used
determining successes and failures of other organized religious attempts to respond to community needs
not confusing what the community needs with what the church wants to offer
acquiring and understanding of the character and "pulse" of the community
adapting the philosophy of ministry to the character of the community
9. Utilizes giftedness of others
releasing and equipping people to do the task of ministry
discerning of spiritual gifts in others
matching the gifts of people with ministry needs and opportunities
delegating effectively in areas of personal limitation
avoiding personal overload by delegating effectively
not prematurely assigning ministry assignments before people are adequately equipped
not placing unwarranted restrictions on other's spiritual giftedness
10. Flexible and adaptable
coping effectively with ambiguity
coping effectively with constant and abrupt change
adapting oneself and one's methods to the uniqueness of the particular church planting project
shifting priorities and emphasis during various stages of church growth
doing "whatever" is necessary "whenever" necessary
11. Builds group cohesiveness
developing a nucleus group or groups as a foundation
quickly incorporating newcomers into a network of relationships
engaging others in meaningful church activity
monitoring the morale of people
utilizing groups effectively
dealing with conflict assertively, constructively and tactfully
12. Resilience
experiencing setbacks without defeat
riding the ups and downs (i.e. attendance)
expecting the unexpected
rebounding from loss, disappointments and failure
13. Exercises faith
possessing a conviction regarding one's call to church planting ministry
believing in God's action
having expectation and hope
having a willingness to wait for answers to specific prayer requests
Dr. Charles Ridley (A leading pioneer in church planting assessment), Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
1. Visioning capacity
being a person who projects into the future beyond the present
developing a theme which highlights the vision and philosophy of ministry
persuasively selling the vision to the people
approaching challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles
coping effectively with non-visioning elements
not erecting artificial walls or limits either overtly or subconsciously
establishing a clear church identity related to the theme and vision
believing in God's capacity to do great things
2. Intrinsically motivated
having a desire to do well and a commitment to excellence
stick-to-itiveness and persistence
having initiative and aggressiveness without the negative connotations
having a willingness to work long and hard
being a self-starter with a willingness to build from nothing
having a high energy and vitality level; physical stamina
3. Creates ownership of ministry
helping people to "buy in" and feel responsible for the growth and success of the church
gaining commitment of the people to the vision
establishing a congregational identity
avoiding stereotyping of congregation by imposing unrealistic goals for which it cannot claim ownership
4. Relates to the unchurched
communicating in style that is understood by the unchurched
understanding the "psychology" or mentality of the unchurched
moving and functioning in the "personal space" of the unchurched without fear
quickly getting to know the unchurched on a personal level
breaking through the barriers erected by the unchurched
handling crises faced by the unchurched
5. Spousal cooperation
having an explicit agreement regarding each partner's respective role and involvement in ministry
having explicit rules regarding the use of home as an office
evaluating the consequences of ministry demands upon the children
functioning as a team through individual and collective action
having a strategy for dealing with strangers
modeling wholesome family life before church and community
agreeing upon and sharing the ministry vision
deliberately planning and protecting private family life
6. Effectively builds relationships
responding with urgency to expressed needs and concerns of people
displaying Godly love and compassion to people
getting to know people on a personal basis
making others feel secure and comfortable in one's presence
not responding judgmentally or prejudicially to new people
appreciating and accepting a variety of persons
spending quality time with present parishioners without overstepping them for new people
7. Committed to church growth
believing in church growth as a theological principle
appreciating steady and consistent growth without preoccupation with the quick success factor
committing to numerical growth within the context of spiritual and relational growth (more and better disciples)
recognizing that non-growth is threatening and self-defeating
establishing the goal of becoming a financially self-supporting church within a specific period of time
not prematurely falling into a ministry of maintenance
seeing the church project within the larger context of God's kingdom
8. Responsive to community
understanding the culture of the community
identifying and assessing community needs
responding to community needs on a priority basis such that resources are most efficiently used
determining successes and failures of other organized religious attempts to respond to community needs
not confusing what the community needs with what the church wants to offer
acquiring and understanding of the character and "pulse" of the community
adapting the philosophy of ministry to the character of the community
9. Utilizes giftedness of others
releasing and equipping people to do the task of ministry
discerning of spiritual gifts in others
matching the gifts of people with ministry needs and opportunities
delegating effectively in areas of personal limitation
avoiding personal overload by delegating effectively
not prematurely assigning ministry assignments before people are adequately equipped
not placing unwarranted restrictions on other's spiritual giftedness
10. Flexible and adaptable
coping effectively with ambiguity
coping effectively with constant and abrupt change
adapting oneself and one's methods to the uniqueness of the particular church planting project
shifting priorities and emphasis during various stages of church growth
doing "whatever" is necessary "whenever" necessary
11. Builds group cohesiveness
developing a nucleus group or groups as a foundation
quickly incorporating newcomers into a network of relationships
engaging others in meaningful church activity
monitoring the morale of people
utilizing groups effectively
dealing with conflict assertively, constructively and tactfully
12. Resilience
experiencing setbacks without defeat
riding the ups and downs (i.e. attendance)
expecting the unexpected
rebounding from loss, disappointments and failure
13. Exercises faith
possessing a conviction regarding one's call to church planting ministry
believing in God's action
having expectation and hope
having a willingness to wait for answers to specific prayer requests
Dr. Charles Ridley (A leading pioneer in church planting assessment), Indiana University, Bloomington, IN
Serious Servants
Why don't people want to serve in the local church? It seems to be a pretty big problem, from the pastors I talk to. The ones that do work always seem like they are doing double duty. What is with that? I have spent the last 20 years or so collecting excuses. Some are mere excuses, others are a reflection in the way we think.
I'M REALLY BUSY LATELY. People often say that because they think it lets them off the hook. But in reality it often points out the everything else takes priority over obedience to the Lord.
THE LORD DIDN'T SPEAK TO ME ABOUT THAT PARTICULAR MINISTRY. I completely agree that we should be submissive to the leading of the Lord. But there are verses written in the Scripture that make it pretty clear we are supposed to be reaching out, extending the love of God, and helping those in need. Sometime I find folks who, in effect, declare the written Word of God is not enough- they are demanding a sign or a "rhema word" or some subjective feeling regarding the specific way.
I AM GOING TO PRAY ABOUT IT. But they don't. They often have no intent to. They don't want to ask God because it would cramp their style.
I NEED TO GET MINISTERED TO. This is the ridiculous thinking that we can only receive when we are sitting in the sanctuary hearing the word. Giving, serving is an amazing growth opportunity.
THAT MINISTRY? OH GOD WOULDN'T PUT A PERSON WITH MY TALENT IN THAT PLACE. The thinking is that the "lime light ministries" are more deserving of my talent.
Too often the local church limps along while people who could strengthen it, don't. If God has called them- how can they fail to respond? Often these are the same people who recieved so much help from the church! Is it selfish? I look at my life- I have worked the nursery, taught sunday school for nearly every age child, cleaned the church, repaired things, moved people, fed the homeless, etc. In everything that I have done- I have become a better Christian believer and a more mature person. Perhaps the problem is that they were never serious about being servants of Christ- period.
I'M REALLY BUSY LATELY. People often say that because they think it lets them off the hook. But in reality it often points out the everything else takes priority over obedience to the Lord.
THE LORD DIDN'T SPEAK TO ME ABOUT THAT PARTICULAR MINISTRY. I completely agree that we should be submissive to the leading of the Lord. But there are verses written in the Scripture that make it pretty clear we are supposed to be reaching out, extending the love of God, and helping those in need. Sometime I find folks who, in effect, declare the written Word of God is not enough- they are demanding a sign or a "rhema word" or some subjective feeling regarding the specific way.
I AM GOING TO PRAY ABOUT IT. But they don't. They often have no intent to. They don't want to ask God because it would cramp their style.
I NEED TO GET MINISTERED TO. This is the ridiculous thinking that we can only receive when we are sitting in the sanctuary hearing the word. Giving, serving is an amazing growth opportunity.
THAT MINISTRY? OH GOD WOULDN'T PUT A PERSON WITH MY TALENT IN THAT PLACE. The thinking is that the "lime light ministries" are more deserving of my talent.
Too often the local church limps along while people who could strengthen it, don't. If God has called them- how can they fail to respond? Often these are the same people who recieved so much help from the church! Is it selfish? I look at my life- I have worked the nursery, taught sunday school for nearly every age child, cleaned the church, repaired things, moved people, fed the homeless, etc. In everything that I have done- I have become a better Christian believer and a more mature person. Perhaps the problem is that they were never serious about being servants of Christ- period.
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