As most of you know by now, Melanie and I are going to be planting a new church in our area soon. In preparation for that, we have been working on and praying through our purpose, plan, and principles. Though we were very sure that organic faith was the mission to which God has called us, implementing that is definitely easier said than done. So, I sent out some emails and asked some people who have been down the road we're beginning to traverse for some wisdom and guidance. What I got back was both comforting and condemning at the same time. Let me share it with you.
I have been plagued with logistics questions about our new church. What are we going to do about this... how will we address that... so on and so forth. It really bothered me, because, I felt that if I was supposed to be the pastor of this church, surely I should be able to answer simple questions about its operation. So, in my frustration, I reached out to a new friend and bounced some of my questions to him. The response I got back was simple. The questions I was asking were good one, but they weren't the right questions to be asking first off. Faith, like life, grows from the micro to the macro, not the other way around. Put a different way, grow disciples and you will grow a church... grow a church and you may not necessarily grow disciples. My heart was in the right place, but my focus was not. This was very comforting to me, because I didn't feel as though I had to know it all before I began, but i didn't know how to answer some of the questions that I had been asked.
I think this lesson is applicable to all of us. (not just the crazy one's that want to start churches) I believe we should all take a step back and stop focusing on the Macro elements of our life. Because let's face it, they're big. And sometimes, I think we get discouraged when we look at our life and its problems and they are too big for us to deal with. Instead, we need to readdress our focus to the micro elements. How can Jesus be Lord of your life, if he can't even be Lord over your words, thoughts, actions, motivations, etc.
I did say earlier that this response was both comforting and condemning. The condemning part of this advice for me was not in the advice itself, but in the person who first told me. As thankful as I was to my friend for his wise words of wisdom, the overwhelming sound that resounded in my ears after reading them and talking to my wife, was that this was exactly what she had been trying to tell me for the past two weeks! And I wasn't hearing it! This was both humbling and exciting. I am humbled by the realization that it took a stranger to tell me what my wife had been telling me all long... and it is exciting to know that God is moving not just in my life, but in my wife and our friends as well.
I've said all of this to illustrate two points:
(a) Faith is grown from micro to macro. Focus on the little things.
(b) We all have a lot to learn from one another, and if you think you are right and won't listen to your friends and family, you will get a rude awakening one day about how wrong you really are.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
A bit more personal...
I realize that for many of you who read my blog on a regular basis, you know me. We're friends, so what I'm about to say may not be a shock to you, but I would like to expound on it anyway. Again, as most of you know, I joined Facebook last week and am both loving it, and totally addicted. I love being able to re-connect with people from my past as well as stay more current and updated with freinds in my present. It's been a wonderful tool and a real joy for me to use. But, I have begun to notice a trend. Of all the people that ask to be my "friend" on FB, only a handful of them actually communicate with me. Now, that may be just my experience, but it was one that I took note of.
Why is it that we are desperate to have friends, but aren't really that friendly? Is it just easier to click and link and send someone and e-vite to be your e-friend, than to put the wrench time into being a real friend? I have to admit, I have lost contact and not stayed in touch with my fair share of friends. Some because I no longer wanted to be friends with them, and others because we just naturally drifted apart. But, I began to ask my self this series of quesitons:
1. How many friends do I have?
2. Do my friends see my faith in action in my life?
3. How many people reflect back that faith, either in congruent faith, or respectful disagreement?
In my opinion, this final number is the number of people that I am actually touching with the gospel in my life. It was sad when I saw it for what it was. Even me, who I consider to be a rather friendly person, only touches a dozen or so lives with the gospel. That number is completely contingent upon my ability to make new friends and maintain my integrity and faith with them. So, in order to accomplish the Great Commission that Jesus left for us to do, we must be willing to step outside of our comfort zone sometimes and befriend some new people.
I believe the "Us four and no more" mentality has crippled the advance of the gospel in our lives today. We go to churches who many have unspoken prerequisites for attendance.
Dress this way.
Act this way.
Use these 'Christian' buzz words.
Don't do that.
Do this instead.
On and on the cycle goes until like I said last week, we become so isolated from our culture we are no longer relevant enough to affect it. Don't get me wrong, we must stand up for Biblical integrity and not make light of sin just to appeal to sinners. But, the reverse is also true, we must not make so much of sin, that sinners don't feel welcomed or loved.
- Just a thought.
Why is it that we are desperate to have friends, but aren't really that friendly? Is it just easier to click and link and send someone and e-vite to be your e-friend, than to put the wrench time into being a real friend? I have to admit, I have lost contact and not stayed in touch with my fair share of friends. Some because I no longer wanted to be friends with them, and others because we just naturally drifted apart. But, I began to ask my self this series of quesitons:
1. How many friends do I have?
2. Do my friends see my faith in action in my life?
3. How many people reflect back that faith, either in congruent faith, or respectful disagreement?
In my opinion, this final number is the number of people that I am actually touching with the gospel in my life. It was sad when I saw it for what it was. Even me, who I consider to be a rather friendly person, only touches a dozen or so lives with the gospel. That number is completely contingent upon my ability to make new friends and maintain my integrity and faith with them. So, in order to accomplish the Great Commission that Jesus left for us to do, we must be willing to step outside of our comfort zone sometimes and befriend some new people.
I believe the "Us four and no more" mentality has crippled the advance of the gospel in our lives today. We go to churches who many have unspoken prerequisites for attendance.
Dress this way.
Act this way.
Use these 'Christian' buzz words.
Don't do that.
Do this instead.
On and on the cycle goes until like I said last week, we become so isolated from our culture we are no longer relevant enough to affect it. Don't get me wrong, we must stand up for Biblical integrity and not make light of sin just to appeal to sinners. But, the reverse is also true, we must not make so much of sin, that sinners don't feel welcomed or loved.
"The line between tolerance and arrogance is razor thin, if you are not consciously trying to stay in the middle, you have already chosen a side."
- Just a thought.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Nothing but the book...
I had a great conversation last night with a some friends about spiritual growth. We starting talking about this analogy and it just really clicked. So, I thought I would use it today...
When people first get saved and are brought into the family, we make sure that they have a Bible, and that they know how to pray, and send them on their way to "grow up". We tell them, "Read and pray, my bother, read and pray." And we think we are doing them a service. Let's look at it in another light...
Let's say that I want to become a mechanic. So, I go to a local mechanic that I know, or have heard about his shop, and tell him that I'm interested in becoming a mechanic. He welcomes me into the shop, shows me all the wonderful trinkets and gadgets that are there and then when I finally make the decision to become a mechanic, everyone rejoices. He takes me to his office, we sit down and have a cup of coffee and he hands me the instruction manual of how to build a car and a single ratchet.
"This is all you'll ever need." He says.
Just read the instructions and use the tool and you'll be able to build your own car from scratch.
"But, how do I..." I asked in confusion before I was cut off.
"No... wait, don't get yourself confused. Just read the instructions and use the ratchet and you'll be fine."
"But, what about all the other stuff you have in your shop?" I asked
"That's all for me to help people know more about their cars and what you can do with them." He replied
"Oh... OK." I mumbled in confusion, wondering how that is helpful when I don't have my car built yet.
"Great! Well, get started on the build. I would recommend building the engine first, it really helped me to get going... Oh, and come back next week and we'll be looking at how you can better improve your tires to stay on the road while driving in the rain! Have a great day!"
Now... I realize that was my very bad attempt at a story, but I hope that you see the underlying tone. When people get saved, we hand them a Bible, and tell them to pray, and expect them to do the rest of the work themselves! Or worse, we put them into our "10 steps to becoming a holy, righteous person... like me!" class, and when they don't like it, we say their too "carnal"
I think they way my friend Will said it yesterday is best:
"Growth is not being able to build the car with the blueprints. Growth is being able to build the engine without them. I might have to look back at the instructions to see what's next, or how it works with the next piece, but I know how to make the engine. That's growth."
I could not have said it better. But, would like to add to his thought. We should teach people how to read the Bible and how to pray, but we should also show them how to live out the faith that they are trying to build up in their lives!! There is no better way to teach someone that to tell them, show them, and then have them teach someone else!!
- Just a thought.
When people first get saved and are brought into the family, we make sure that they have a Bible, and that they know how to pray, and send them on their way to "grow up". We tell them, "Read and pray, my bother, read and pray." And we think we are doing them a service. Let's look at it in another light...
Let's say that I want to become a mechanic. So, I go to a local mechanic that I know, or have heard about his shop, and tell him that I'm interested in becoming a mechanic. He welcomes me into the shop, shows me all the wonderful trinkets and gadgets that are there and then when I finally make the decision to become a mechanic, everyone rejoices. He takes me to his office, we sit down and have a cup of coffee and he hands me the instruction manual of how to build a car and a single ratchet.
"This is all you'll ever need." He says.
Just read the instructions and use the tool and you'll be able to build your own car from scratch.
"But, how do I..." I asked in confusion before I was cut off.
"No... wait, don't get yourself confused. Just read the instructions and use the ratchet and you'll be fine."
"But, what about all the other stuff you have in your shop?" I asked
"That's all for me to help people know more about their cars and what you can do with them." He replied
"Oh... OK." I mumbled in confusion, wondering how that is helpful when I don't have my car built yet.
"Great! Well, get started on the build. I would recommend building the engine first, it really helped me to get going... Oh, and come back next week and we'll be looking at how you can better improve your tires to stay on the road while driving in the rain! Have a great day!"
Now... I realize that was my very bad attempt at a story, but I hope that you see the underlying tone. When people get saved, we hand them a Bible, and tell them to pray, and expect them to do the rest of the work themselves! Or worse, we put them into our "10 steps to becoming a holy, righteous person... like me!" class, and when they don't like it, we say their too "carnal"
I think they way my friend Will said it yesterday is best:
"Growth is not being able to build the car with the blueprints. Growth is being able to build the engine without them. I might have to look back at the instructions to see what's next, or how it works with the next piece, but I know how to make the engine. That's growth."
I could not have said it better. But, would like to add to his thought. We should teach people how to read the Bible and how to pray, but we should also show them how to live out the faith that they are trying to build up in their lives!! There is no better way to teach someone that to tell them, show them, and then have them teach someone else!!
"Perhaps the "nothing but the book" attitude and approach to discipleship leaves us with exactly that, nothing but the book."
- Just a thought.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Deafening Silence...
I have been feeling this way for a while, but it has come to a head recently in my life as well as in conversations with some of my friends, so here goes...
As my friend Andy pointed out yesterday, it's totally cool to talk about your sin when you a sinner. People even brag about it, comparing their activities or exploits to someone else's. It almost becomes either a game or the measuring post to which everyone is compared.
BUT...
When you get saved, and all of a sudden sin is BAD. Now, I'm not trying to make light of sin, or make excuses for why we sin. There is no excuse. But, let's face it, we're sinful, carnal human beings. We will never fully escape the temptation to sin as long as we are stuck in these meat sacks we call bodies... so get over it!!!
But why then, as soon as we leave the sinner's world and step into the body of Christ are we no longer comfortable with talking about sin? Shouldn't we be? Isn't sin the common bond that we still have together? Don't we all still sin? Were we not all forgiven of our sins? So why is sin the taboo word in Christendom? (except if you're the pastor or the holy mother of the first pew...)
I personally believe we have done a great injustice to ourselves and the rest of the body when we make it uncomfortable to talk about sin among fellow believers. Now, let's be real... you're probably not going to pull out the big guns on your first meeting with someone, as well you shouldn't... but if you are truly creating godly, Christ-like relationships with other believers, why wouldn't you try to be honest about struggle?
I have a few ideas of why:
1. Pride - We have bought into the myth that because we are forgiven of our sin that we are in fact holy or sinless... We are not! As long as we live on this earth we are always the sinner saved by grace. To think that we are ever anything more is to do injustice to Christ's sacrifice.
2. Fear - This is especially true of people who work in the ministry. We are afraid to admit our trials and struggles because we are afraid what other people will think about it. If you work in the ministry, you are also afraid that you could loose your job! Now, stop and listen to that for a second... Hi, I'm a pastor, but I can't talk about MY sin, only YOUR sin, because I need to keep MY job... which is supposed to be leading you away from sin!!!
3. Selfishness - I think this is the dark demon hiding in the closet that no one wants to see or talk about... most of us like the sins that we do. That's why we do them! And, as long as no one knows that I have a problem in an area, then no one can hold me accountable to stop doing it. We don't change because we don't want to change!
No matter what the reason is, the lack of open conversation between followers of Christ about the real sin in their lives, not just sin in a random context, is frightening. If we really want to able to be free from the bondage of sin, we must realize that sin is not just the singular action that we do, but every action that is spawned from or motivated by it.
- Just a thought.
As my friend Andy pointed out yesterday, it's totally cool to talk about your sin when you a sinner. People even brag about it, comparing their activities or exploits to someone else's. It almost becomes either a game or the measuring post to which everyone is compared.
BUT...
When you get saved, and all of a sudden sin is BAD. Now, I'm not trying to make light of sin, or make excuses for why we sin. There is no excuse. But, let's face it, we're sinful, carnal human beings. We will never fully escape the temptation to sin as long as we are stuck in these meat sacks we call bodies... so get over it!!!
But why then, as soon as we leave the sinner's world and step into the body of Christ are we no longer comfortable with talking about sin? Shouldn't we be? Isn't sin the common bond that we still have together? Don't we all still sin? Were we not all forgiven of our sins? So why is sin the taboo word in Christendom? (except if you're the pastor or the holy mother of the first pew...)
I personally believe we have done a great injustice to ourselves and the rest of the body when we make it uncomfortable to talk about sin among fellow believers. Now, let's be real... you're probably not going to pull out the big guns on your first meeting with someone, as well you shouldn't... but if you are truly creating godly, Christ-like relationships with other believers, why wouldn't you try to be honest about struggle?
I have a few ideas of why:
1. Pride - We have bought into the myth that because we are forgiven of our sin that we are in fact holy or sinless... We are not! As long as we live on this earth we are always the sinner saved by grace. To think that we are ever anything more is to do injustice to Christ's sacrifice.
2. Fear - This is especially true of people who work in the ministry. We are afraid to admit our trials and struggles because we are afraid what other people will think about it. If you work in the ministry, you are also afraid that you could loose your job! Now, stop and listen to that for a second... Hi, I'm a pastor, but I can't talk about MY sin, only YOUR sin, because I need to keep MY job... which is supposed to be leading you away from sin!!!
3. Selfishness - I think this is the dark demon hiding in the closet that no one wants to see or talk about... most of us like the sins that we do. That's why we do them! And, as long as no one knows that I have a problem in an area, then no one can hold me accountable to stop doing it. We don't change because we don't want to change!
No matter what the reason is, the lack of open conversation between followers of Christ about the real sin in their lives, not just sin in a random context, is frightening. If we really want to able to be free from the bondage of sin, we must realize that sin is not just the singular action that we do, but every action that is spawned from or motivated by it.
"The deafening silence between believers is so great, it's a wonder we can still hear the still small voice of God."
- Just a thought.
Monday, January 12, 2009
The Single Thread of Color...
In the opening verses of the book of Genesis, even in the first chapter, we have the command and instruction from God for mankind:
At the outset of our existence on this planet, God Almighty left us a two fold charge: (a) be fruitful and multiply; (b) fill the earth and subdue it.
This shouldn't have been a hard goal. (especially since most of us like the first part anyway...) But, no less than ten chapters later, we see that mankind had already lost it's way:
Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." Genesis 11:4
Now, this is the point where most Sunday school teachers would say that God 'punished' the people by confusing their languages so they could not finish the tower. And, that may be a valid point... but I think the correct way to see this, as well as most interactions that man has with God in the Bible is in the light of our mission given to us by the Lord. The confusion of Babel was not as much a punishment as it was a course correction from the Lord for us to get back on track and fulfill the mission... Spread Out! Not only were the people staying in one place, in direct disobedience to God, but they were also trying to build something that would "...make a name for..." themselves. This is our condition at it's best, we're always looking out for ourselves.
Now, let's fast forward a few years to the coming of Christ and his last commission to his disciples. Much like God the Father's charge to Adam, Christ is now instituting a new people and He gives them a clear command:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20
Again we are given a two fold mission: (a) Go; (b) make disciples. I think it's important not to simply brush over the "Go" in this verse and miss the impact and reflection that it has on our original mission from God. We must spread out, get out of our comfort zones in order to fill the earth.
Finally, just like at the Tower of Babel, we see the Lord enable His people to complete the work that He has given them to do:
The miracle of the Day of Pentecost was not merely that we had been given the power of the Holy Spirit, but that God was now enabling us to complete the mission. Just as the confusion at Babel caused us to spread out and fill the earth (God's first mission), the day of Pentecost brought all of those "confused" nations and languages back together to hear the singular message of His Son. And just as the creating of different languages helped the people at Babel to complete their mission, so the empowering of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost now allows us to complete our mission.
- Just a thought.
God blessed them and said to them, "Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Genesis 1:28
At the outset of our existence on this planet, God Almighty left us a two fold charge: (a) be fruitful and multiply; (b) fill the earth and subdue it.
This shouldn't have been a hard goal. (especially since most of us like the first part anyway...) But, no less than ten chapters later, we see that mankind had already lost it's way:
Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth." Genesis 11:4
Now, this is the point where most Sunday school teachers would say that God 'punished' the people by confusing their languages so they could not finish the tower. And, that may be a valid point... but I think the correct way to see this, as well as most interactions that man has with God in the Bible is in the light of our mission given to us by the Lord. The confusion of Babel was not as much a punishment as it was a course correction from the Lord for us to get back on track and fulfill the mission... Spread Out! Not only were the people staying in one place, in direct disobedience to God, but they were also trying to build something that would "...make a name for..." themselves. This is our condition at it's best, we're always looking out for ourselves.
Now, let's fast forward a few years to the coming of Christ and his last commission to his disciples. Much like God the Father's charge to Adam, Christ is now instituting a new people and He gives them a clear command:
"Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20
Again we are given a two fold mission: (a) Go; (b) make disciples. I think it's important not to simply brush over the "Go" in this verse and miss the impact and reflection that it has on our original mission from God. We must spread out, get out of our comfort zones in order to fill the earth.
Finally, just like at the Tower of Babel, we see the Lord enable His people to complete the work that He has given them to do:
"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them. Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language." Acts 2:4-6
The miracle of the Day of Pentecost was not merely that we had been given the power of the Holy Spirit, but that God was now enabling us to complete the mission. Just as the confusion at Babel caused us to spread out and fill the earth (God's first mission), the day of Pentecost brought all of those "confused" nations and languages back together to hear the singular message of His Son. And just as the creating of different languages helped the people at Babel to complete their mission, so the empowering of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost now allows us to complete our mission.
"The single thread of color that is woven through the great tapestry of the Bible, is stained red with the blood of Christ and perfectly put into place by God's own hand to lead us to love Him, and to save us to serve Him."
- Just a thought.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Putting a Dimmer Switch on a Candle
I think we would all agree that there are plenty of illustrations about light and dark in the Word.
"I am the light of the world" - Jesus
"People living in darkness have seen a great light" - John the Baptist about Jesus
"You are the light of the world" - Believers in Christ (or better stated: the light of Christ, the original light, in believers)
So, as I began to mediate on this concept of light and dark an image began to emerge in my mind. It was of a single candle. Each of us can only be held accountable for our own actions, so in my mind's eye I saw each one of us as a single candle, responsible for the light that radiates from our lives. Then I began to ask myself:
It seemed odd to me. Almost comical. But I earnestly wanted to get my brain around it, so I followed the rabbit hole a little while longer, and a concept began to emerge out of the seemingly endless sea of contemplation in my head...
What I mean by that is simply this. I believe that many followers of Christ today have, by purpose or by proxy, put a dimmer switch on their candle and turned it down. The problem is we don't notice it! The reason is because when all we do as Christians is gather with other Christians in a safe, already lit up building, we don't notice the difference as much.
BUT
When you take a single candle into a completely dark room, there is no hiding or denying that it is there and of the impact that it is making. Please don't forget that dark or darkness can't even be defined by science. It is only the absence of light! So, by default or by design, our actions betray us as people who really fear the light not the dark.
- Just a thought.
"I am the light of the world" - Jesus
"People living in darkness have seen a great light" - John the Baptist about Jesus
"You are the light of the world" - Believers in Christ (or better stated: the light of Christ, the original light, in believers)
So, as I began to mediate on this concept of light and dark an image began to emerge in my mind. It was of a single candle. Each of us can only be held accountable for our own actions, so in my mind's eye I saw each one of us as a single candle, responsible for the light that radiates from our lives. Then I began to ask myself:
If I am the light, then my am I afraid of the dark?
It seemed odd to me. Almost comical. But I earnestly wanted to get my brain around it, so I followed the rabbit hole a little while longer, and a concept began to emerge out of the seemingly endless sea of contemplation in my head...
Could it be that we as Christians are not actually afraid of the dark, but we are afraid of the light?
What I mean by that is simply this. I believe that many followers of Christ today have, by purpose or by proxy, put a dimmer switch on their candle and turned it down. The problem is we don't notice it! The reason is because when all we do as Christians is gather with other Christians in a safe, already lit up building, we don't notice the difference as much.
BUT
When you take a single candle into a completely dark room, there is no hiding or denying that it is there and of the impact that it is making. Please don't forget that dark or darkness can't even be defined by science. It is only the absence of light! So, by default or by design, our actions betray us as people who really fear the light not the dark.
- Just a thought.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
The Frightening Freedom
As many of you know, I have being going through a transformation of faith over the past few months. When I felt the leading of the Holy Spirit, I followed as best I knew how. He has led me down a path that I can not come back from. I feel as though I am either Neo just unplugged from the Matrix, or Alice just laying eyes on Wonderland for the first time. I must also admit, this hasn't been an entirely enjoyable experience either.
There have been several days that I have questioned myself, my direction, and even if I have been able to hear the Holy Spirit. All because I asked a few questions. That shouldn't be so bad. Right? Well, it has been. Quite.
Most of you already know that I have been reading and studying the Organic model of church, and I have to say, the more I learn, the move I love it. But, it has led me to a place I didn't expect to be...
I feel ostracized and somewhat looked down upon from some of my church/ministry friends. That is a difficult reality for me to swallow. The same friends that I have been very close with, I now feel like I can't talk to. The people that gladly let me play and minister beside them in the context of traditional church, now think I'm the weird outsider.
This is what I mean by the frightening freedom. I feel very free and very close to the heart of God for His people and bride, but, at the same time I feel frightened and divided from my friends and old partners. This Freedom has come at a higher price than I originally anticipated, but I still can not look back.
I realize today's entry is not my usual, but I wanted to share my heart with you (and really with myself as well) and ask you a tough question...
If you can not, you are missing out of the real freedom that Christ came to give you.
- Just a thought.
There have been several days that I have questioned myself, my direction, and even if I have been able to hear the Holy Spirit. All because I asked a few questions. That shouldn't be so bad. Right? Well, it has been. Quite.
Most of you already know that I have been reading and studying the Organic model of church, and I have to say, the more I learn, the move I love it. But, it has led me to a place I didn't expect to be...
I feel ostracized and somewhat looked down upon from some of my church/ministry friends. That is a difficult reality for me to swallow. The same friends that I have been very close with, I now feel like I can't talk to. The people that gladly let me play and minister beside them in the context of traditional church, now think I'm the weird outsider.
This is what I mean by the frightening freedom. I feel very free and very close to the heart of God for His people and bride, but, at the same time I feel frightened and divided from my friends and old partners. This Freedom has come at a higher price than I originally anticipated, but I still can not look back.
I realize today's entry is not my usual, but I wanted to share my heart with you (and really with myself as well) and ask you a tough question...
Can you look at yourself, your faith, and your life and ask the tough questions?
If you can not, you are missing out of the real freedom that Christ came to give you.
- Just a thought.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
That's my toy...
I had a great meeting yesterday. I met a guy who is part of a brand new church plant in North Columbus. We had a great conversation. We got to share our hearts and visions for the different ministries that we are involved in and hopefully will be able to help one another in the process. BUT, that's not really the point of what I want to share.
I don't understand why we as Christians or even as churches feel entitled to the gospel, or the fruits of it's growth. What I mean by that is simply this:
So why do we try to pass stuff off as our own? I was in Barnes and Nobel last night looking for the sequel to Pagan Christianity (great book!) and I was amazed at the amount of "Do it my way" books that were out there. "3 Steps to This Bobble" and "Unleash Your Inner Whoosie-What Now" were all over the place. Now, granted, I have no problem with learning from those who are more mature or educated than I am, but please, don't make the mistake of thinking that you are it.
I mention these two instances because, to me, they illustrate the arrogance and misguided zeal that many Christians and sadly churches have today...
1. Jesus died to give us the power and ability to overcome sin and commune with God Himself.
Yet, sadly, we have taken the power He gave us and have tried to warp it and bend it to our own will and purpose to benefit our wants and desires.
2. Jesus died to unite all men under His name
Yet, sadly, we have disjointed and fragmented ourselves into a bunch of small factions that are at odds with one another and often malign or bad mouth one another.
3. Jesus died for the people who didn't know Him too.
This might be the one that is closest to my heart. Jesus died for EVERYONE. Yet, sadly, we seem to think (or at least act) like Jesus only sacrificed Himself for those who are in church on Sunday morning...
May we never get further down this road of power-hungry, disjointed, selfish faith so that we almost treat the King of Kings and Lord of Lords like a toy that we are unwilling to share.
- Just a thought.
I don't understand why we as Christians or even as churches feel entitled to the gospel, or the fruits of it's growth. What I mean by that is simply this:
"We are sinful, fallen, carnal people who have been redeemed and released by a graceful and merciful Savior"
So why do we try to pass stuff off as our own? I was in Barnes and Nobel last night looking for the sequel to Pagan Christianity (great book!) and I was amazed at the amount of "Do it my way" books that were out there. "3 Steps to This Bobble" and "Unleash Your Inner Whoosie-What Now" were all over the place. Now, granted, I have no problem with learning from those who are more mature or educated than I am, but please, don't make the mistake of thinking that you are it.
I mention these two instances because, to me, they illustrate the arrogance and misguided zeal that many Christians and sadly churches have today...
1. Jesus died to give us the power and ability to overcome sin and commune with God Himself.
Yet, sadly, we have taken the power He gave us and have tried to warp it and bend it to our own will and purpose to benefit our wants and desires.
2. Jesus died to unite all men under His name
Yet, sadly, we have disjointed and fragmented ourselves into a bunch of small factions that are at odds with one another and often malign or bad mouth one another.
3. Jesus died for the people who didn't know Him too.
This might be the one that is closest to my heart. Jesus died for EVERYONE. Yet, sadly, we seem to think (or at least act) like Jesus only sacrificed Himself for those who are in church on Sunday morning...
May we never get further down this road of power-hungry, disjointed, selfish faith so that we almost treat the King of Kings and Lord of Lords like a toy that we are unwilling to share.
- Just a thought.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
If life were a rowboat...
The christian life and mission is quite simple. Sometimes we like to glamorize it or put our own "spin" on how we communicate it, but the reality is it stays quite simple.
It's not hard to remember. It's not hard to say. It's not even hard to spell. But, somehow we have made it hard to live out. I think it's important to note that the Great Commission that Jesus gave to his disciples wasn't just a corporate command, but a personal one as well. Each and every believer should take the words of Jesus as a person charge:
"... go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:19-20
This might be better stated as the Great Co-Mission, because we're all charged with the same mission from Christ. It is equally as clear that making disciples wasn't the end of the charge, but we are called to baptize them and to teach them!
Now, let's put this idea back into the rowboat analogy...
If the christian life were a rowboat, that the two oars that we've been left with are REACH and TEACH. This is what we were left to do. Yes, get married, have a house, a car, some kids (maybe) and live the life that God has given you, but don't forget the job we were left to do in the process of "living".
If you don't do either of these things, not using either oar, then you are left to the changing tides and currents that will push or pull you wherever they go.
If you only use one oar, yes, you will be working, and accomplishing, but still not really getting anywhere, you're just going in circles and getting tired!
If you use both oars, you will not only be working and accomplishing, but you are also now getting somewhere and that is what is both powerful and motivating.
If you take the time to recognize that the oars and direction of your life is your responsibility, the question I have for you is:
Reach the Lost & Teach the Saved
It's not hard to remember. It's not hard to say. It's not even hard to spell. But, somehow we have made it hard to live out. I think it's important to note that the Great Commission that Jesus gave to his disciples wasn't just a corporate command, but a personal one as well. Each and every believer should take the words of Jesus as a person charge:
"... go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matt 28:19-20
This might be better stated as the Great Co-Mission, because we're all charged with the same mission from Christ. It is equally as clear that making disciples wasn't the end of the charge, but we are called to baptize them and to teach them!
Now, let's put this idea back into the rowboat analogy...
If the christian life were a rowboat, that the two oars that we've been left with are REACH and TEACH. This is what we were left to do. Yes, get married, have a house, a car, some kids (maybe) and live the life that God has given you, but don't forget the job we were left to do in the process of "living".
If you don't do either of these things, not using either oar, then you are left to the changing tides and currents that will push or pull you wherever they go.
If you only use one oar, yes, you will be working, and accomplishing, but still not really getting anywhere, you're just going in circles and getting tired!
If you use both oars, you will not only be working and accomplishing, but you are also now getting somewhere and that is what is both powerful and motivating.
If you take the time to recognize that the oars and direction of your life is your responsibility, the question I have for you is:
"Where are you going?"
- Just a thought.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Isolation vs. Insulation
Hello everyone, welcome back. I guess for most of us, this is the first real "work week" of the new year. Back to the grind, of the usual everyday life, going through the motions... and it's exactly this that I want to look at today.
There is no question that we live in a fallen world. There, hopefully, is also no question that those of us who have Jesus as our Savior also have faith that lives within us. And here is where the problem begins...
There is this precious gift of faith that lives within us, and we live within a fallen, sinful, often anti-faith culture. How then are we supposed to deal with this dichotomy? We can not escape the culture or world that we live in, and yet we also should not be able to ignore the flame of faith that exists within us. May I suggest that there are two ways in which people deal with this problem:
1. Isolation
2. Insulation
Let's take a look at the two, because they are VERY different...
Sadly, most Christians that I know take an "isolation" approach to their faith. Once they receive Christ and start getting plugged into a church, bible study, etc they begin to back away from their old life as they are striving to reach their new. Not a bad idea, especially when that old life may very well have some strong ties or enticements back to a sinful lifestyle... BUT... they never get out of the safe protected bubble that they put themselves in. They have isolated themselves, their faith, and honestly the power of their testimony.
To borrow an example from modern culture, in the movie Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, the king of Rohan is faced with an evil army that's about to be at his door. He decides, rather than ride out and meet them, (and don't forget they were known for their cavalry and horsemanship) to secure the castle gates and walls and keep his people safe. This was a great idea, until the enemy got there and started to pound away at the walls of castle until it became vulnerable.
In my opinion, this is a modern day parable for what we as Christians have done to ourselves. We have retreated inside of our stained glass castles and not gone out to meet the enemy head on and fight for our people.
The second, all be it less chosen, way to deal with the issue is insulation. The insulation approach is quite simple. I recognize that my soul has been bought and paid for, and I insulate myself from evil and sin without having to isolate myself from it.
How do you do that? Well, first off, this requires you to be much closer to the action. (Something, sadly, most Christians do not want to do.) But, secondly, it's about working smarter, not harder. Don't go into an atmosphere alone, make sure that you are the one doing the influencing, not the other way around. The biggest mistake that Christians make is that they think they are impenetrable because Christ is invincible. Christ may be, but we are still sinful at the core of our flesh... take some other believers with you that will hold you accountable as you hold them. Insulate yourselves from being influenced by the sinful culture and start spreading some light into some darker areas.
To finish the analogy...
When faced with the evil army, the king of Rohan said, "I will not risk war on my people." Aragon, a member of the fellowship that was trying to defeat the evil army simply replied, "War is already upon you."
I would like to say something to anyone who calls on the name of Jesus for their savlation:
What are you going to do about it? Are going to remain isolated inside the stained glass castle walls, as the enemy outside continues to tear away at them? Or will you insulate yourself with other believers, and "Ride out with me" to meet them...
- Just a thought.
There is no question that we live in a fallen world. There, hopefully, is also no question that those of us who have Jesus as our Savior also have faith that lives within us. And here is where the problem begins...
There is this precious gift of faith that lives within us, and we live within a fallen, sinful, often anti-faith culture. How then are we supposed to deal with this dichotomy? We can not escape the culture or world that we live in, and yet we also should not be able to ignore the flame of faith that exists within us. May I suggest that there are two ways in which people deal with this problem:
1. Isolation
2. Insulation
Let's take a look at the two, because they are VERY different...
Sadly, most Christians that I know take an "isolation" approach to their faith. Once they receive Christ and start getting plugged into a church, bible study, etc they begin to back away from their old life as they are striving to reach their new. Not a bad idea, especially when that old life may very well have some strong ties or enticements back to a sinful lifestyle... BUT... they never get out of the safe protected bubble that they put themselves in. They have isolated themselves, their faith, and honestly the power of their testimony.
To borrow an example from modern culture, in the movie Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, the king of Rohan is faced with an evil army that's about to be at his door. He decides, rather than ride out and meet them, (and don't forget they were known for their cavalry and horsemanship) to secure the castle gates and walls and keep his people safe. This was a great idea, until the enemy got there and started to pound away at the walls of castle until it became vulnerable.
In my opinion, this is a modern day parable for what we as Christians have done to ourselves. We have retreated inside of our stained glass castles and not gone out to meet the enemy head on and fight for our people.
The second, all be it less chosen, way to deal with the issue is insulation. The insulation approach is quite simple. I recognize that my soul has been bought and paid for, and I insulate myself from evil and sin without having to isolate myself from it.
How do you do that? Well, first off, this requires you to be much closer to the action. (Something, sadly, most Christians do not want to do.) But, secondly, it's about working smarter, not harder. Don't go into an atmosphere alone, make sure that you are the one doing the influencing, not the other way around. The biggest mistake that Christians make is that they think they are impenetrable because Christ is invincible. Christ may be, but we are still sinful at the core of our flesh... take some other believers with you that will hold you accountable as you hold them. Insulate yourselves from being influenced by the sinful culture and start spreading some light into some darker areas.
To finish the analogy...
When faced with the evil army, the king of Rohan said, "I will not risk war on my people." Aragon, a member of the fellowship that was trying to defeat the evil army simply replied, "War is already upon you."
I would like to say something to anyone who calls on the name of Jesus for their savlation:
"War is already upon you!"
What are you going to do about it? Are going to remain isolated inside the stained glass castle walls, as the enemy outside continues to tear away at them? Or will you insulate yourself with other believers, and "Ride out with me" to meet them...
We are the fellowship that was left to keep the evil army of sin and its works at bay, if we won't do it, who will?
- Just a thought.
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