Brokenhearted
I weep for some people today.
We have a church in our town that has a history of power struggles and church splits etc. I heard a few weeks ago that the youth pastor, who had been there for over 15 years, was leaving without knowing what he was going to do next. I thought, "Hmmm, God must be doing something in him." So we had lunch, and I found out he was going to start a new church. I was kind of disappointed really. I was hoping that God was showing him the answers don't lay in how we do church, as much as how we are the church. But, God is showing him some things none-the-less. . .
So, the next Sunday my daughter was asked to go to this AWANA thing by one of her friends. We let her go and she really enjoyed it. She is a Martha, so busyness is next to godliness for her. . .yes, we are teaching her otherwise. It also happened to be the second week that this new church met. We found out that the "elders" of this church were waiting at the door and asking the AWANA teachers if they had attended the "new church". If they said yes, they were immediately told to get their things and leave, they were "anti-Our Church". Now, these teachers have taught these classes all year and were not even allowed to say goodbye to the kids. Not to mention that some of these people have had relationships in the church for years.
How sad it is when loyalty for an organization is given more weight than relationships and love. My heart grieves for those hurt, and for those who are causing the hurt. My heart grieves for those who left to start the new church, and for those who remain at the old church. I wonder if either will find the freedom they search for?
My heart also grieves for a mother of friend of ours. They have been life-long Lutherans. Which means, in my experience anyway, that they don't know much about the Bible. Anyway, they went to a Amazing Facts conference. This guy is some scary shit! I checked out some teaching and his view of Law and Grace is so technical and convoluted I didn't know how to follow it. He has an answer for everything, which immediately raises my suspicion.
The sad part is that through his legalistic teaching, he has this family so scared they are going to hell for having church on Sunday instead of Saturday, that they are freaking out. This is their first exposure to the Bible really, and our friend is really concerned for their wellbeing, but she doesn't know how to help them either. It is so sad when people are manipulated by fear-based teaching: "Get it right, or go to hell!" I am glad that I know a God that is much more gentle than some of his supposed "teachers" are. . . Hopefully, we will have a chance to talk to them. We did send some other teachings on Law and Grace that they can read together.
But my heart still grieves for those manipulated by legalists. . .
Friday, April 29, 2005
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Here is a part of a conversation that I had on Alan's blog regarding a critique of the "Emerging Church". I would love to hear your thoughts. . .
I will say this, hopefully with tones and words of love:
In my opinion, many leaders in the EC have over emphasized things like the role of the pastor/leader, community and liturgy. I think this over emphasis will, in the end, will sidetrack the “conversation” into becoming just another denomination/flavor of Christianity, rather than a dynamic, relational movement of the Spirit.
Additionally, I think, in general, the EC has not gone far enough in challenging the role of the pastor/leader. I believe you have merely accepted a revised version of the modern pastor that, in the end, slaps a “relational” label on the same power structure the modern church uses, and puts external expectations and obligations on people to conform. I found it interesting that Kevin Rain’s blog just today touched on an angle of leadership that may be a symptom of what I’m talking about. You see, I so agree with Kevin’s “corrective”, but I wonder if that will happen because earlier Kevin says,
“We don't have enough agenda for those we lead. . . As leaders we know where we want someone to be moving toward. We usually have the mind of Christ on this too.”
From my point of view that walks the razor’s edge between power, authority and manipulation, and the natural encouragement that flows from the pastor/elder/deacon (yes, I believe these terms are more interchangeable than we make them out to be). I mean, is it just me, or if I believe I have the mind of Christ for someone else will I start trying to make that person meet my expectations and obligations of what I perceive to be the “mind of Christ”. Why not let that person have his own “mind of Christ”? I think this problem stems for an over emphasis on the role of the leader/pastor, which should be, very simply, to serve.
If you want to focus specifically on liturgy, it reminds me of Isaiah where they were giving sacrifices and expecting that God was present because they were doing the ritual. That is no different than gathering a bunch of people together in a building and singing songs and expecting that God is present. The comfort and safety of religious rules and rituals are always easier then living in the tension of relationship. I believe Jesus made it clear that He isn’t interested in rituals, but relationship. This is why I think it is foolish to make rituals such a large part of our experience of God. He may be present in them today, but what about tomorrow? A liturgy may demand my attention for a fixed period of time, but a relationship is continuous and demands constant attention. Some might say that the ritual forms me even if God is not present in it. I might concur, but the forming may not be positive.
I guess that is part of why I don’t feel a part of the “emerging conversation”, because much of the conversation is about things that are peripheral to Christ. In my opinion of course.
As for examples of what I am talking about, just pick some links on the “emerging” lists and see what people are talking about. Chances are there isn’t a whole lot of wrestling with Scripture. But, people are very interested in liturgy as a means to connect with God, they are very interested in learning how to lead with little or no mention of the headship of Christ, and they are talking a lot about community. While these can all be good things, they can also be totally void of God.
I can just tell you what I see, given my point of view and experiences. I really don’t expect anyone to be changed by my opinion. I do appreciate the dialogue though. Unfortunately, I am working nights and have a sick kid to be with all day, so no rest for the wicked today. . .I probably won’t be able to post again today, but I will check back. Peace to all here!
I will say this, hopefully with tones and words of love:
In my opinion, many leaders in the EC have over emphasized things like the role of the pastor/leader, community and liturgy. I think this over emphasis will, in the end, will sidetrack the “conversation” into becoming just another denomination/flavor of Christianity, rather than a dynamic, relational movement of the Spirit.
Additionally, I think, in general, the EC has not gone far enough in challenging the role of the pastor/leader. I believe you have merely accepted a revised version of the modern pastor that, in the end, slaps a “relational” label on the same power structure the modern church uses, and puts external expectations and obligations on people to conform. I found it interesting that Kevin Rain’s blog just today touched on an angle of leadership that may be a symptom of what I’m talking about. You see, I so agree with Kevin’s “corrective”, but I wonder if that will happen because earlier Kevin says,
“We don't have enough agenda for those we lead. . . As leaders we know where we want someone to be moving toward. We usually have the mind of Christ on this too.”
From my point of view that walks the razor’s edge between power, authority and manipulation, and the natural encouragement that flows from the pastor/elder/deacon (yes, I believe these terms are more interchangeable than we make them out to be). I mean, is it just me, or if I believe I have the mind of Christ for someone else will I start trying to make that person meet my expectations and obligations of what I perceive to be the “mind of Christ”. Why not let that person have his own “mind of Christ”? I think this problem stems for an over emphasis on the role of the leader/pastor, which should be, very simply, to serve.
If you want to focus specifically on liturgy, it reminds me of Isaiah where they were giving sacrifices and expecting that God was present because they were doing the ritual. That is no different than gathering a bunch of people together in a building and singing songs and expecting that God is present. The comfort and safety of religious rules and rituals are always easier then living in the tension of relationship. I believe Jesus made it clear that He isn’t interested in rituals, but relationship. This is why I think it is foolish to make rituals such a large part of our experience of God. He may be present in them today, but what about tomorrow? A liturgy may demand my attention for a fixed period of time, but a relationship is continuous and demands constant attention. Some might say that the ritual forms me even if God is not present in it. I might concur, but the forming may not be positive.
I guess that is part of why I don’t feel a part of the “emerging conversation”, because much of the conversation is about things that are peripheral to Christ. In my opinion of course.
As for examples of what I am talking about, just pick some links on the “emerging” lists and see what people are talking about. Chances are there isn’t a whole lot of wrestling with Scripture. But, people are very interested in liturgy as a means to connect with God, they are very interested in learning how to lead with little or no mention of the headship of Christ, and they are talking a lot about community. While these can all be good things, they can also be totally void of God.
I can just tell you what I see, given my point of view and experiences. I really don’t expect anyone to be changed by my opinion. I do appreciate the dialogue though. Unfortunately, I am working nights and have a sick kid to be with all day, so no rest for the wicked today. . .I probably won’t be able to post again today, but I will check back. Peace to all here!
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Abba's Comfort
I posted on Nov. 3, 2003 regarding a dream I had about my Granny. My Granny was an awesome lady! She represents safety, comfort, and servanthood to me. She has been gone for going on two years now and I think about her from time to time, but nothing really emotional or anything.
Last night I had another vivid dream about her. I usually can't remember most of my dreams, so this in itself is unusual for me.
I don't know that the specific dream was really all that important. What was important was that I awoke at 1:30 feeling her presence and comfort. I had tears rolling down my cheeks as I awoke. I got and went to the couch to soak in what was going on, and God made it clear that it was not Granny comforing me, but Him. He let me know that He is with us on this journey, even when He feels distant, or chooses to remain silent. So, last night, with tears rolling down my cheeks I sat in the arms of Abba and was comforted. . .
2Co 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our suffering, so that we may be able to comfort others in all their suffering, since we ourselves are being comforted by God. For just as Christ's sufferings overflow to us, so our comfort overflows through Christ.
I posted on Nov. 3, 2003 regarding a dream I had about my Granny. My Granny was an awesome lady! She represents safety, comfort, and servanthood to me. She has been gone for going on two years now and I think about her from time to time, but nothing really emotional or anything.
Last night I had another vivid dream about her. I usually can't remember most of my dreams, so this in itself is unusual for me.
I don't know that the specific dream was really all that important. What was important was that I awoke at 1:30 feeling her presence and comfort. I had tears rolling down my cheeks as I awoke. I got and went to the couch to soak in what was going on, and God made it clear that it was not Granny comforing me, but Him. He let me know that He is with us on this journey, even when He feels distant, or chooses to remain silent. So, last night, with tears rolling down my cheeks I sat in the arms of Abba and was comforted. . .
2Co 1:3-5 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our suffering, so that we may be able to comfort others in all their suffering, since we ourselves are being comforted by God. For just as Christ's sufferings overflow to us, so our comfort overflows through Christ.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Stuuuuupid Cat!
Barna's Report for the Year
I mainly think this stuff is rubbish, but it is interesting in one way. . .
George Barna, who has overseen the measurement of these factors since the tracking process began in 1991, noted that religious change generally occurs at a glacial pace. “The meter hasn’t budged for most of the trends we have been following over these 15 years,” the researcher noted. “The only discernible increases have been in the number of unchurched adults, those who are participating in small groups or cell groups, and the percentage of born again Christians who share their faith with non-Christians. The decreases relate to church attendance, Sunday school involvement, the percentage of people who align with Catholicism, and the number who have a biblical view of God’s character. In general, predicting next year’s religious statistics is safer than foretelling whether the Cubs will win the World Series.”
Hmmm. . .no real change in 15 years. . .maybe the "evangelism" of the "Evangelicals" isn't working?
Barna's Report for the Year
I mainly think this stuff is rubbish, but it is interesting in one way. . .
George Barna, who has overseen the measurement of these factors since the tracking process began in 1991, noted that religious change generally occurs at a glacial pace. “The meter hasn’t budged for most of the trends we have been following over these 15 years,” the researcher noted. “The only discernible increases have been in the number of unchurched adults, those who are participating in small groups or cell groups, and the percentage of born again Christians who share their faith with non-Christians. The decreases relate to church attendance, Sunday school involvement, the percentage of people who align with Catholicism, and the number who have a biblical view of God’s character. In general, predicting next year’s religious statistics is safer than foretelling whether the Cubs will win the World Series.”
Hmmm. . .no real change in 15 years. . .maybe the "evangelism" of the "Evangelicals" isn't working?
Saturday, April 16, 2005
The Mystery of Christ in You
I’ve been doing some reading in Colossians as of late and God is moving and revealing Himself to me in some different ways. I was struck by something in the text.
Col 1:13-19 For He has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son; in whom we have redemption through His blood, the remission of sins. Who is the image of the invisible God, the First-born of all creation. For all things were created in Him, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers, all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the Head of the body, the church, who is the Beginning, the First-born from the dead, that He may be pre-eminent in all things. For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness should dwell.
Reread this passage and notice how Paul keeps saying “all” in the text. Paul is saying that he is our center, our context, our core, our essence, our beginning and our end. . . our everything. He really doesn’t leave anything out, does he? Life for the Christian is found IN HIM. . .and just a few verses later, Paul states that the mystery of this whole deal is that He is IN US!
Col 1:26-27 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. For to them God would make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. . .
That is good news! The One who is All In All lives in us! This is why we don’t need more of God, we need less of everything else. Recognizing His working in us, resting in the love he puts in us, cooperating as He is changing us into His image, letting everything we do spring from our union with Him, allowing His power to flow through us, ridding ourselves of those things that diminish Him in our eyes, and embracing those things that magnify Him in our eyes. . .this is the Christian life.
Now I have known that God's Spirit lives in me for a long time. But living in that reality is a totally different story. . . and the journey goes on. . .
I’ve been doing some reading in Colossians as of late and God is moving and revealing Himself to me in some different ways. I was struck by something in the text.
Col 1:13-19 For He has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son; in whom we have redemption through His blood, the remission of sins. Who is the image of the invisible God, the First-born of all creation. For all things were created in Him, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers, all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. And He is the Head of the body, the church, who is the Beginning, the First-born from the dead, that He may be pre-eminent in all things. For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness should dwell.
Reread this passage and notice how Paul keeps saying “all” in the text. Paul is saying that he is our center, our context, our core, our essence, our beginning and our end. . . our everything. He really doesn’t leave anything out, does he? Life for the Christian is found IN HIM. . .and just a few verses later, Paul states that the mystery of this whole deal is that He is IN US!
Col 1:26-27 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. For to them God would make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the nations, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. . .
That is good news! The One who is All In All lives in us! This is why we don’t need more of God, we need less of everything else. Recognizing His working in us, resting in the love he puts in us, cooperating as He is changing us into His image, letting everything we do spring from our union with Him, allowing His power to flow through us, ridding ourselves of those things that diminish Him in our eyes, and embracing those things that magnify Him in our eyes. . .this is the Christian life.
Now I have known that God's Spirit lives in me for a long time. But living in that reality is a totally different story. . . and the journey goes on. . .
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Universalism
I’ve been giving some thought to the doctrine of Universalism that some of my brothers in Christ are espousing. I decided to work out a few of the issues that I have in my flawed writing. Now, if you know me at all, you will know I am not a preacher of “hellfire and damnation” (in fact, I’m not a preacher at all). In fact, I think the typical Christian’s concept of hell is probably less than Biblical. While I believe that contemporary Christians have a diminished view of God’s love, I cannot accept Universalism as a natural consequence of that love.
Do I believe that God is love? Yep. Do I believe that necessarily limits God to being only love? No. Do I believe that I can even begin to understand the type of love that God is? Not really. I think there is a tendency to limit God’s essence to a type of love that my limited human mind can grasp.
The main issue that I have with the doctrine of Universalism is that it strips the Gospel of it’s relational and incarnational aspects. My understanding of the Universalist view is that the redeems all of mankind without mankind’s consent. In other words, God forces His love on mankind. In Fowler’s words:
He does not force His love on those that would like nothing to do with it. Without choice there is no faith-love relationship. In human terms, there is rape. God is not a rapist.
Fowler points out that “freedom of choice” is not the same as free-will. God is the only being with absolute free-will. He may choose to do what He wishes and is not bound by any single or primary character trait. Humans, on the other hand, have been granted freedom of choice which allows us “freely chosen relational participation in the inner love relations of the Trinity.” Additionally, Adam and Eve were created as “choosing creatures” it does not make sense to me that God would heal the damage of sin by forcing Himself upon us.
Universalism poses other problems when the relational context of the Gospel is taken into account. Jesus made it clear that he came to set us free to be fully human by allowing God to function through us for His glory. If Christianity were merely a religion, a set of defined rules and regulations, I could more easily buy Universalism, but it is not. If Jesus merely fulfilled a legal obligation on the cross to redeem humanity, I could more easily buy Universalism, but He did not. Christianity is relational at its core.
Salvation is Christ! Salvation is Jesus the Savior manifesting His life in a receptive individual. Christ in us is the hope of glory according to Col. 1:27! In Col. 3:4 Paul tells us that Christ is our life! 1Jo 5:11-12 tells us that “God has given to us everlasting life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
It is not just what Christ accomplished for us on the cross. Universalism allows for salvation outside of relationship. The Gospel is reduced to a satisfaction of a legal requirement that allows “all” people entrance into the presence of God, whether they desire it or not, and Jesus is reduced to a “get out of hell free card” that is jammed down humanity’s throat.
Some might say that our “freedom of choice” makes God appear weak, and that the Gospel now depends on our “works” to be effective. I disagree. A gift does not lose its worth if it is not accepted. Jesus did the work on the cross, accepting that work does not in any way diminish the efficacy or the beauty of the sacrifice.
Yes, God is reconciling “all things” to Himself.
Col 1:20 And through Him having made peace through the blood of His cross, it pleased the Father to reconcile all things to Himself through Him, whether the things on earth or the things in Heaven.
Wait a minute! Don’t stop there! Let’s keep reading!
Col 1:21-23 And you, who were once alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish, and without charge in His sight, if indeed you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard and which was proclaimed in all the creation under Heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister...
Hmmm....”if”.....
2Co 5:17-21 So that if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; whereas God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and putting the word of reconciliation in us. Then we are ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as God exhorting through us, we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For He has made Him who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Why would Paul say “if anyone is in Christ” that they are a new creature? If the world has been reconciled then everyone should be a new creature. Why would Paul say that Christ has reconciled us in the past tense, then plead with the Corinthians to be reconciled? Maybe it is because God never changes, and we are the ones who must change by responding to God’s overture of love toward us?
The Good News is that salvation is available to all those who desire it in the person of Jesus Christ! Unfortunately, not everyone desires Him, and God will not force Himself on them.
Again, I'm sure my humble attempt at understanding this stuff is flawed. Just trying to figure it out with my limited intellect. . .
I’ve been giving some thought to the doctrine of Universalism that some of my brothers in Christ are espousing. I decided to work out a few of the issues that I have in my flawed writing. Now, if you know me at all, you will know I am not a preacher of “hellfire and damnation” (in fact, I’m not a preacher at all). In fact, I think the typical Christian’s concept of hell is probably less than Biblical. While I believe that contemporary Christians have a diminished view of God’s love, I cannot accept Universalism as a natural consequence of that love.
Do I believe that God is love? Yep. Do I believe that necessarily limits God to being only love? No. Do I believe that I can even begin to understand the type of love that God is? Not really. I think there is a tendency to limit God’s essence to a type of love that my limited human mind can grasp.
The main issue that I have with the doctrine of Universalism is that it strips the Gospel of it’s relational and incarnational aspects. My understanding of the Universalist view is that the redeems all of mankind without mankind’s consent. In other words, God forces His love on mankind. In Fowler’s words:
Any mechanical understanding of God’s love as a unilateral force deterministically and omnipotently imposed upon man by the “will of God” does violence to a proper understanding of God’s love. Relational love cannot be forced or coerced. On a human level this is called “rape,” and on the divine level such a unilateral determination to coerce man to participate in God’s love does violence to the genuine faith-love relationship that God intends by a freely chosen response and willingness of man to be intimately involved with Himself. Such a personal faith-love relationship is what God intended when He Self-limited His own sovereign omnipotence in order to grant man a genuine “freedom of choice” that allows a freely chosen relational participation in the inner love relations of the Trinity.
He does not force His love on those that would like nothing to do with it. Without choice there is no faith-love relationship. In human terms, there is rape. God is not a rapist.
Fowler points out that “freedom of choice” is not the same as free-will. God is the only being with absolute free-will. He may choose to do what He wishes and is not bound by any single or primary character trait. Humans, on the other hand, have been granted freedom of choice which allows us “freely chosen relational participation in the inner love relations of the Trinity.” Additionally, Adam and Eve were created as “choosing creatures” it does not make sense to me that God would heal the damage of sin by forcing Himself upon us.
Universalism poses other problems when the relational context of the Gospel is taken into account. Jesus made it clear that he came to set us free to be fully human by allowing God to function through us for His glory. If Christianity were merely a religion, a set of defined rules and regulations, I could more easily buy Universalism, but it is not. If Jesus merely fulfilled a legal obligation on the cross to redeem humanity, I could more easily buy Universalism, but He did not. Christianity is relational at its core.
Salvation is Christ! Salvation is Jesus the Savior manifesting His life in a receptive individual. Christ in us is the hope of glory according to Col. 1:27! In Col. 3:4 Paul tells us that Christ is our life! 1Jo 5:11-12 tells us that “God has given to us everlasting life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.”
It is not just what Christ accomplished for us on the cross. Universalism allows for salvation outside of relationship. The Gospel is reduced to a satisfaction of a legal requirement that allows “all” people entrance into the presence of God, whether they desire it or not, and Jesus is reduced to a “get out of hell free card” that is jammed down humanity’s throat.
Some might say that our “freedom of choice” makes God appear weak, and that the Gospel now depends on our “works” to be effective. I disagree. A gift does not lose its worth if it is not accepted. Jesus did the work on the cross, accepting that work does not in any way diminish the efficacy or the beauty of the sacrifice.
Yes, God is reconciling “all things” to Himself.
Col 1:20 And through Him having made peace through the blood of His cross, it pleased the Father to reconcile all things to Himself through Him, whether the things on earth or the things in Heaven.
Wait a minute! Don’t stop there! Let’s keep reading!
Col 1:21-23 And you, who were once alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish, and without charge in His sight, if indeed you continue in the faith grounded and settled, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard and which was proclaimed in all the creation under Heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister...
Hmmm....”if”.....
2Co 5:17-21 So that if any one is in Christ, that one is a new creature; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; whereas God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and putting the word of reconciliation in us. Then we are ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as God exhorting through us, we beseech you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For He has made Him who knew no sin, to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Why would Paul say “if anyone is in Christ” that they are a new creature? If the world has been reconciled then everyone should be a new creature. Why would Paul say that Christ has reconciled us in the past tense, then plead with the Corinthians to be reconciled? Maybe it is because God never changes, and we are the ones who must change by responding to God’s overture of love toward us?
The Good News is that salvation is available to all those who desire it in the person of Jesus Christ! Unfortunately, not everyone desires Him, and God will not force Himself on them.
Again, I'm sure my humble attempt at understanding this stuff is flawed. Just trying to figure it out with my limited intellect. . .
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
A.W. Tozer from "The Pursuit of God"
I want deliberately to encourage this mighty longing after God. The lack of it has brought us to our present low estate. The stiff and wooden quality about our religious lives is a result of our lack of holy desire. Complacency is a deadly foe of all spiritual growth. Acute desire must be present or there will be no manifestation of Christ to His people. He waits to be wanted. Too bad that with many of us He waits so long, so very long, in vain.
Every age has its own characteristics. Right now we are in an age of religious complexity. The simplicity which is in Christ is rarely found among us. In its stead are programs, methods, organizations and a world of nervous activities which occupy time and attention but can never satisfy the longing of the heart. The shallowness of our inner experience, the hollowness of our worship, and that servile imitation of the world which marks our promotional methods all testify that we, in this day, know God only imperfectly, and the peace of God scarcely at all.
If we would find God amid all the religious externals we must first determine to find Him, and then proceed in the way of simplicity. Now as always God discovers Himself to "babes" and hides Himself in thick darkness from the wise and the prudent. We must simplify our approach to Him. We must strip down to essentials (and they will be found to be blessedly few). We must put away all effort to impress, and come with the guileless candor of childhood. If we do this, without doubt God will quickly respond.
When religion has said its last word, there is little that we need other than God Himself. The evil habit of seeking God-and effectively prevents us from finding God in full revelation. In the "and" lies our great woe. If we omit the "and" we shall soon find God, and in Him we shall find that for which we have all our lives been secretly longing.
We need not fear that in seeking God only we may narrow our lives or restrict the motions of our expanding hearts. The opposite is true. We can well afford to make God our All, to concentrate, to sacrifice the many for the One.
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Will the Emerging Church Fully Emerge?
I happened across this article on Eddie’s site the other day. I remember starting on this journey about 5-years ago and coming across Present Testimony Ministry and not understanding where they were coming from. Times have changed…
I would like to make a few comments about the article entitled “Will the Emerging Church Fully Emerge?”. Let me say a few things upfront. When I first heard of the concept of the “emerging church” I was intrigued. I knew that my church experience was missing something and I am not one that is afraid to try new things. I was drawn to the concept of “house church”, missional Christianity, and the emphasis put on community. Yet, I have hesitated to call myself part of the “emerging conversation” for several reasons. I think it is time to flesh some of them out, and I’d like to use Frank Viola’s article as a starting point.
That said, I think that Frank has a fairly limited definition of what he considers an “emerging church” and I really don’t want to get caught up in all the fuzzy language that comes into play when trying to define what this emerging thing is. So if the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t put it on. I think the principles still apply. Please take some time and read the article. My comments are based on it, and you may misunderstand what I’m saying if you don’t read it first.
Frank applauds much of what the emerging church stands for, but I think his critiques are valid based on the many conversations and blogs that I participate in. I’m not going to address them all.
I don’t know exactly who are what Viola is critiquing here, but I agree that this always a danger. Let me say that I think one example is the emphasis that many emerging leaders put on liturgy. I was raised in the church. I haven’t experienced a whole lot of high-church, so I really don’t relate a whole lot to whole liturgy thing. I understand it is supposed to form us by forcing us to read through various portions of Scripture on a regular basis. I’ve tried it. I’ve even tried to enjoy it. I’ve tried to convince myself that it was good for me. I wanted to be like my emerging brothers and sisters who claim it connects them to Christ. I felt out of place and awkward because it just doesn’t work for me. I don’t buy the garbage that “we don’t know what is forming us” either. I know what connects me to Christ. I know what magnifies Christ in my eyes.
I think the issue is that an exploration of our internal relationship with Christ can express itself in a hundred different ways outwardly. It seems like that was one of our critiques of the modern church: One size fits all worship. Do it our way or no way. I fail to see how forcing a group of people to follow a liturgy is respectful of the myriad of ways that Christ expresses Himself in us and transforms us into His likeness.
The emerging church phenomenon has wonderfully articulated some of the major flaws of the modern church, yet like all of its predecessors, it has failed to identify and take dead aim at one of the chief roots of most of its ills. Namely, the modern pastoral office.
Frank points out that the modern concept of the pastoral office, and role of pastor, is fraught with issues.
My experience in this country and overseas over the last seventeen years has yielded one immovable conclusion: God’s people can engage in high-talk about community life, Body functioning, and Body life, but unless the modern pastoral role is utterly abandoned in a given church, God’s people will never be unleashed to function in freedom under the Headship of Jesus Christ. . . The reason is that the flaws of the modern pastoral role are actually built into the role itself.
Now we get to some meat and potatoes. The role of the pastor, and leadership in general, is talked about a lot in the emerging church scene. We seem to be very concerned about our role in the leadership of our churches. We talk about leading from “along side” instead in “the front.” We try to define the role of a pastor in such a way that avoids any appearance of the power-hungry people that many of us have served under in our institutional experiences. We go to great lengths to avoid any appearance of power or control.
I have wondered if the issue really isn’t how we define, or execute the role and office of pastor at all. Maybe we are still defining the role of pastor based on our modern assumptions and putting way to much emphasis on the function. Why is there so much discussion about OUR role as leaders, when it is really Jesus who is The Leader? How many discussions are having about the Headship of Christ? About how to help our friends know, see, hear and follow Jesus?
I’ll confess. I like to be needed. I like to feel like I am helping others. I like to feel like I am contributing to the spiritual health of my friends. The problem is that most of our friends are conditioned by modern assumptions what it means to “do church” too. They are very likely to rely on the pastor, no matter what the context, instead of the leading of Jesus.
Frank says, For the last seventeen years, I have been gathering with Christians outside the organized church. Without exception, all of the groups that I have gathered with or have worked with personally have known the pains and joys of community life in bed-rock reality, they have all had consistent meetings under the Lord’s Headship without a leader or facilitator, they have made decisions together, and they have solved their own problems . . . all without a pastor, or a group of selected men to rule them, and without a song leader or worship team.”
Is this possible? Groups of people dealing with pains and joys of community life, meeting consistently, making decisions, solving problems. . .all without a pastor? I think it is if we are putting Person of Jesus Christ at the center of all we do, and let him run the church as He sees fit.
Additionally, I don't think we are doing those we lead any favors by calling ourselves pastors. Read this article to find out some more information about church history and role and office of pastors. Warning! You may never look at your pastor the same. . .
The emerging church phenomenon, like all preceding reform/renewal movements, has emphasized a bundle of Christian “its” and “things,” instead of the Person of Jesus Christ.
In my opinion, if we were to examine the broad canvas of Christian movements and denominations throughout church history, we would discover that each one paints with a very fine brush. For one movement, the brush is evangelism. For another, it is social justice and acts of mercy. For another, it is praise and worship. For another, it is Bible study and doctrinal/theological accuracy. For another, it is the power of God, the gifts of the Spirit, signs and wonders. For another, it is changing the political system. For another, it is spiritual warfare and intercessory prayer. For another, it is personal prophecy. For still another, it is end-time theology (eschatology). And on and on it goes. All of these brushes represent Christian “things.” And they are just that . . . “things.” They are Christian “its.” Subjects about the Lord with which to become engaged, at best. Or with which to become obsessed, at worst.
This hits the nail on the head for me. I think Viola says something to those on the emerging journey that expresses what I’ve felt. For all the talk about community, community is not Christ. For all the talk about leadership, our leaders are not Christ. For all the talk about Postmodernism, it is not Christ. For all the talk about liturgy, liturgy is not Christ. For all the talk about our “contexts”, they are merely the expression of a group of individuals filled with Christ. Without Christ, our context means nothing.
My own critique inserted here is that we are much more likely to quote McLaren and Nouwen then we are Jesus. If you don’t believe me check your blogs.
In conclusion, I guess I don’t consider myself “emerging”. I think some of the people that consider themselves leaders in the emerging church are awesome people on a deep journey with God. But, I don’t care for some of the forms, rituals and obligations that those leaders espouse. The expression of the fullness of Christ that resides in me can express itself in any number of ways and I refuse to limit it by slapping a label on it. I am a Christ-follower. Plain and simple.
If some of this is incoherent, I apologize. Much was written at work in the middle of the night.... I look forward to wrestling through these issues. . .
I happened across this article on Eddie’s site the other day. I remember starting on this journey about 5-years ago and coming across Present Testimony Ministry and not understanding where they were coming from. Times have changed…
I would like to make a few comments about the article entitled “Will the Emerging Church Fully Emerge?”. Let me say a few things upfront. When I first heard of the concept of the “emerging church” I was intrigued. I knew that my church experience was missing something and I am not one that is afraid to try new things. I was drawn to the concept of “house church”, missional Christianity, and the emphasis put on community. Yet, I have hesitated to call myself part of the “emerging conversation” for several reasons. I think it is time to flesh some of them out, and I’d like to use Frank Viola’s article as a starting point.
That said, I think that Frank has a fairly limited definition of what he considers an “emerging church” and I really don’t want to get caught up in all the fuzzy language that comes into play when trying to define what this emerging thing is. So if the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t put it on. I think the principles still apply. Please take some time and read the article. My comments are based on it, and you may misunderstand what I’m saying if you don’t read it first.
Frank applauds much of what the emerging church stands for, but I think his critiques are valid based on the many conversations and blogs that I participate in. I’m not going to address them all.
While the emerging church phenomenon has placed a much needed emphasis on the Jesus of the Gospels, it has focused on imitating His outward conduct instead of exploring His internal relationship with an indwelling God which was the source of His conduct.
I don’t know exactly who are what Viola is critiquing here, but I agree that this always a danger. Let me say that I think one example is the emphasis that many emerging leaders put on liturgy. I was raised in the church. I haven’t experienced a whole lot of high-church, so I really don’t relate a whole lot to whole liturgy thing. I understand it is supposed to form us by forcing us to read through various portions of Scripture on a regular basis. I’ve tried it. I’ve even tried to enjoy it. I’ve tried to convince myself that it was good for me. I wanted to be like my emerging brothers and sisters who claim it connects them to Christ. I felt out of place and awkward because it just doesn’t work for me. I don’t buy the garbage that “we don’t know what is forming us” either. I know what connects me to Christ. I know what magnifies Christ in my eyes.
I think the issue is that an exploration of our internal relationship with Christ can express itself in a hundred different ways outwardly. It seems like that was one of our critiques of the modern church: One size fits all worship. Do it our way or no way. I fail to see how forcing a group of people to follow a liturgy is respectful of the myriad of ways that Christ expresses Himself in us and transforms us into His likeness.
The emerging church phenomenon has wonderfully articulated some of the major flaws of the modern church, yet like all of its predecessors, it has failed to identify and take dead aim at one of the chief roots of most of its ills. Namely, the modern pastoral office.
Frank points out that the modern concept of the pastoral office, and role of pastor, is fraught with issues.
My experience in this country and overseas over the last seventeen years has yielded one immovable conclusion: God’s people can engage in high-talk about community life, Body functioning, and Body life, but unless the modern pastoral role is utterly abandoned in a given church, God’s people will never be unleashed to function in freedom under the Headship of Jesus Christ. . . The reason is that the flaws of the modern pastoral role are actually built into the role itself.
Now we get to some meat and potatoes. The role of the pastor, and leadership in general, is talked about a lot in the emerging church scene. We seem to be very concerned about our role in the leadership of our churches. We talk about leading from “along side” instead in “the front.” We try to define the role of a pastor in such a way that avoids any appearance of the power-hungry people that many of us have served under in our institutional experiences. We go to great lengths to avoid any appearance of power or control.
I have wondered if the issue really isn’t how we define, or execute the role and office of pastor at all. Maybe we are still defining the role of pastor based on our modern assumptions and putting way to much emphasis on the function. Why is there so much discussion about OUR role as leaders, when it is really Jesus who is The Leader? How many discussions are having about the Headship of Christ? About how to help our friends know, see, hear and follow Jesus?
I’ll confess. I like to be needed. I like to feel like I am helping others. I like to feel like I am contributing to the spiritual health of my friends. The problem is that most of our friends are conditioned by modern assumptions what it means to “do church” too. They are very likely to rely on the pastor, no matter what the context, instead of the leading of Jesus.
Frank says, For the last seventeen years, I have been gathering with Christians outside the organized church. Without exception, all of the groups that I have gathered with or have worked with personally have known the pains and joys of community life in bed-rock reality, they have all had consistent meetings under the Lord’s Headship without a leader or facilitator, they have made decisions together, and they have solved their own problems . . . all without a pastor, or a group of selected men to rule them, and without a song leader or worship team.”
Is this possible? Groups of people dealing with pains and joys of community life, meeting consistently, making decisions, solving problems. . .all without a pastor? I think it is if we are putting Person of Jesus Christ at the center of all we do, and let him run the church as He sees fit.
Additionally, I don't think we are doing those we lead any favors by calling ourselves pastors. Read this article to find out some more information about church history and role and office of pastors. Warning! You may never look at your pastor the same. . .
The emerging church phenomenon, like all preceding reform/renewal movements, has emphasized a bundle of Christian “its” and “things,” instead of the Person of Jesus Christ.
In my opinion, if we were to examine the broad canvas of Christian movements and denominations throughout church history, we would discover that each one paints with a very fine brush. For one movement, the brush is evangelism. For another, it is social justice and acts of mercy. For another, it is praise and worship. For another, it is Bible study and doctrinal/theological accuracy. For another, it is the power of God, the gifts of the Spirit, signs and wonders. For another, it is changing the political system. For another, it is spiritual warfare and intercessory prayer. For another, it is personal prophecy. For still another, it is end-time theology (eschatology). And on and on it goes. All of these brushes represent Christian “things.” And they are just that . . . “things.” They are Christian “its.” Subjects about the Lord with which to become engaged, at best. Or with which to become obsessed, at worst.
This hits the nail on the head for me. I think Viola says something to those on the emerging journey that expresses what I’ve felt. For all the talk about community, community is not Christ. For all the talk about leadership, our leaders are not Christ. For all the talk about Postmodernism, it is not Christ. For all the talk about liturgy, liturgy is not Christ. For all the talk about our “contexts”, they are merely the expression of a group of individuals filled with Christ. Without Christ, our context means nothing.
My own critique inserted here is that we are much more likely to quote McLaren and Nouwen then we are Jesus. If you don’t believe me check your blogs.
In conclusion, I guess I don’t consider myself “emerging”. I think some of the people that consider themselves leaders in the emerging church are awesome people on a deep journey with God. But, I don’t care for some of the forms, rituals and obligations that those leaders espouse. The expression of the fullness of Christ that resides in me can express itself in any number of ways and I refuse to limit it by slapping a label on it. I am a Christ-follower. Plain and simple.
If some of this is incoherent, I apologize. Much was written at work in the middle of the night.... I look forward to wrestling through these issues. . .
Saturday, March 26, 2005
Prayer and Presence
Our gathering of misfits watched The Passion together last night. I was not really looking forward to it, but I think that our hearts were stirred as we took communion together immediately following the movie. Watching the movie from a perspective of what Jesus went through to break the power of sin out of his great love for us is quite different than watching it from the perspective of appeasement of God's wrath toward humanity. Did that make sense? If not, read He Loves Me by Wayne Jacobsen. He explains it far better than I. . .
I've been putting some thought into our journey recently. It's been a little while since we have been "unhooked from the Matrix." We are moving on from being critical of the Institutional Church to learning how to live the way that God has called us to: loved by Him, loving Him, and loving others, and letting the rest work itself out.
I need to confess that there are some things that left bad tastes in my mouth about organized religion that have caused me to react in ways that may not be positive. I think one example is prayer. I have been turned off by some of my charismatic brothers and sisters that over spiritualize every little thing in life and turn any difficulty into and attack by Satan. I have participated in praying for the sick that never got healed. I have prayed for and against circumstances that never worked out the way we were praying. (Looking back, there were many reasons why those prayers weren't answered. Don't want to go into it now.) So, I figured, screw it! I'll pray for the basics: God's will etc. But, I need to confess that I stopped praying with passion. I stopped praying with eager expectation. I was really paying God lip-service. . . and I thought this was part of my new journey.
As I begin to understand and live in the love God has for me I am learning to discern God's will in prayer. There is a spiritual realm where there is a battle going on, and prayer does affect it. I am asking God what He is doing. How does he want me to pray in certain situations? I am not taking for granted that God wants to heal somebody, or make a certain situations benefit my, or someone else's, self-interest.
God is active in His creation for the purpose of our redemption. He wants to transform humanity into His image and make us whole. He wants to see us free from sin. Can I pray those things for myself, for my friends and family, for my town, and eagerly expect God to answer? I think so. . .
If God is present in us, can we expect His power to flow through us? In the Naked Church, Wayne Jacobsen says, "We are a generation mostly won to Christ through the persuasion of orators, not the power of God's presence. Paul warned us that such people would have the inclination to put their trust in man's wisdom instead of God's power." What I get from that is talk is cheap. Intimacy is linked to God's power. So many people we come into contact with need the healing presence of Jesus. I have begun to see the fruit of God's presence in my life and His power flowing through me as people are being changed. I hope to see more as I continue to grow closer to Him. . .
Our gathering of misfits watched The Passion together last night. I was not really looking forward to it, but I think that our hearts were stirred as we took communion together immediately following the movie. Watching the movie from a perspective of what Jesus went through to break the power of sin out of his great love for us is quite different than watching it from the perspective of appeasement of God's wrath toward humanity. Did that make sense? If not, read He Loves Me by Wayne Jacobsen. He explains it far better than I. . .
I've been putting some thought into our journey recently. It's been a little while since we have been "unhooked from the Matrix." We are moving on from being critical of the Institutional Church to learning how to live the way that God has called us to: loved by Him, loving Him, and loving others, and letting the rest work itself out.
I need to confess that there are some things that left bad tastes in my mouth about organized religion that have caused me to react in ways that may not be positive. I think one example is prayer. I have been turned off by some of my charismatic brothers and sisters that over spiritualize every little thing in life and turn any difficulty into and attack by Satan. I have participated in praying for the sick that never got healed. I have prayed for and against circumstances that never worked out the way we were praying. (Looking back, there were many reasons why those prayers weren't answered. Don't want to go into it now.) So, I figured, screw it! I'll pray for the basics: God's will etc. But, I need to confess that I stopped praying with passion. I stopped praying with eager expectation. I was really paying God lip-service. . . and I thought this was part of my new journey.
As I begin to understand and live in the love God has for me I am learning to discern God's will in prayer. There is a spiritual realm where there is a battle going on, and prayer does affect it. I am asking God what He is doing. How does he want me to pray in certain situations? I am not taking for granted that God wants to heal somebody, or make a certain situations benefit my, or someone else's, self-interest.
God is active in His creation for the purpose of our redemption. He wants to transform humanity into His image and make us whole. He wants to see us free from sin. Can I pray those things for myself, for my friends and family, for my town, and eagerly expect God to answer? I think so. . .
If God is present in us, can we expect His power to flow through us? In the Naked Church, Wayne Jacobsen says, "We are a generation mostly won to Christ through the persuasion of orators, not the power of God's presence. Paul warned us that such people would have the inclination to put their trust in man's wisdom instead of God's power." What I get from that is talk is cheap. Intimacy is linked to God's power. So many people we come into contact with need the healing presence of Jesus. I have begun to see the fruit of God's presence in my life and His power flowing through me as people are being changed. I hope to see more as I continue to grow closer to Him. . .
Thursday, March 24, 2005
For those of our friends and family that would like to better understand this journey that God has us on take a listen to The God Journey. Wayne Jacobsen has been very influential in our journey and has a very loving way of explaining some of issues that we find important in living the life of God....
During some conversations with some brothers on a different blog I have really given some thought to our interpretation of the Bible. Especially the influence that bias and presuppositions have on our interpretation. I am no theology Nazi and I hold my interpretations fairly loosely. I have had to many experiences where I have found out my interpretations were flawed, or flat out BS.
For instance, when I first started following Jesus I was reading something like Mat 21:21
"Jesus answered and said to them, Truly I say to you, If you have faith and do not doubt, you shall not only do this miracle of the fig tree, but also; if you shall say to this mountain, Be moved and be thrown into the sea; it shall be done. "
I took this verse to mean that if we want to pray in effective ways that we MUST verbally speak our prayers. There were some other verses where Jesus says something similar, so I thought my interpretation was on strong grounds. . .until I told someone my interpretation. . .
We can look at the Bible through a hundred different lenses. If you are a music worship leader you will be able to find verses that make you think the core of the Bible is about worship. If you are passionate about helping the poor you will find enough verses for you to believe that the core of the Bible is about that. The bottom line is that our bias and presuppositions can drastically shape our interpretation of the Bible.
We really can't get rid of our bias and presuppositions. We are who we are. We were born in a certain nation, in a certain region, in a certain town. . . We all have had different religious experiences in different denominations. . . We all have had different family experiences, some healthy and some not so healthy. . .and all those circumstances influence how we read the Bible. For instance, isn't it interesting that European Christians typically don't believe in the rapture, yet it is a common belief among North American Christians?
Additionally, as we read the Bible we may be likely to give more weight to some parts of the Bible than others. We may choose to interpret the rest of the Bible through one our two verses that back up a certain position we hold. Our we may have certain beliefs about the nature of God that color our interpretations. Is God love? Is God just? Is He both?
So if we can't totally rid ourselves of bias and presupposition, how do we deal with them in order to move toward a better understanding of the Bible? I think the answer is to be self-critical of our bias and presuppositions. All of us have them. Most of the people that I discuss the Bible with are not even aware of them. Ignorance is bliss when it comes to presuppositions and bias. Once we realize that we have them we have to do the hard work of becoming aware as we read and interpret the text. We start asking questions like: Why do I interpret the text this way? What in my history biases me in this interpretation? What are the other possible interpretations? What were their presuppositions? If I change my presupposition can I see how it changes my interpretation? Am I willing to let others critique my interpretation? Am I willing to readdress my interpretation?
There are tons of other issues involved in this topic. The role of reason, sin, language, history etc. Understanding the Bible is a journey. As we gain knowledge, as we let God deal with and change our presuppositions, as we become conformed to God's image, as we interact and converse with others on this journey, we will gain a better understanding of the Bible and the story of God , of which we are part. . .
During some conversations with some brothers on a different blog I have really given some thought to our interpretation of the Bible. Especially the influence that bias and presuppositions have on our interpretation. I am no theology Nazi and I hold my interpretations fairly loosely. I have had to many experiences where I have found out my interpretations were flawed, or flat out BS.
For instance, when I first started following Jesus I was reading something like Mat 21:21
"Jesus answered and said to them, Truly I say to you, If you have faith and do not doubt, you shall not only do this miracle of the fig tree, but also; if you shall say to this mountain, Be moved and be thrown into the sea; it shall be done. "
I took this verse to mean that if we want to pray in effective ways that we MUST verbally speak our prayers. There were some other verses where Jesus says something similar, so I thought my interpretation was on strong grounds. . .until I told someone my interpretation. . .
We can look at the Bible through a hundred different lenses. If you are a music worship leader you will be able to find verses that make you think the core of the Bible is about worship. If you are passionate about helping the poor you will find enough verses for you to believe that the core of the Bible is about that. The bottom line is that our bias and presuppositions can drastically shape our interpretation of the Bible.
We really can't get rid of our bias and presuppositions. We are who we are. We were born in a certain nation, in a certain region, in a certain town. . . We all have had different religious experiences in different denominations. . . We all have had different family experiences, some healthy and some not so healthy. . .and all those circumstances influence how we read the Bible. For instance, isn't it interesting that European Christians typically don't believe in the rapture, yet it is a common belief among North American Christians?
Additionally, as we read the Bible we may be likely to give more weight to some parts of the Bible than others. We may choose to interpret the rest of the Bible through one our two verses that back up a certain position we hold. Our we may have certain beliefs about the nature of God that color our interpretations. Is God love? Is God just? Is He both?
So if we can't totally rid ourselves of bias and presupposition, how do we deal with them in order to move toward a better understanding of the Bible? I think the answer is to be self-critical of our bias and presuppositions. All of us have them. Most of the people that I discuss the Bible with are not even aware of them. Ignorance is bliss when it comes to presuppositions and bias. Once we realize that we have them we have to do the hard work of becoming aware as we read and interpret the text. We start asking questions like: Why do I interpret the text this way? What in my history biases me in this interpretation? What are the other possible interpretations? What were their presuppositions? If I change my presupposition can I see how it changes my interpretation? Am I willing to let others critique my interpretation? Am I willing to readdress my interpretation?
There are tons of other issues involved in this topic. The role of reason, sin, language, history etc. Understanding the Bible is a journey. As we gain knowledge, as we let God deal with and change our presuppositions, as we become conformed to God's image, as we interact and converse with others on this journey, we will gain a better understanding of the Bible and the story of God , of which we are part. . .
Thursday, March 17, 2005
I wholeheartedly apologize for my blog silence as of late. I have been working two part time jobs and filling in for another guy at my night job, which turns it into a full-time job. They have Blogger blocked, so I can't post or comment on other peoples sites either. I am reading yours though...just can't respond....
We see God working his way with some people around us. It is cool to see some of our prayers being answered! Our desire for freedom is increasing...as is our desire to see other's healed and set free....lots of stories but so little time....
Here are a few of my uncensored "prophetic" thoughts:
The time for God to pour out his presence in Highland is beginning. We have had occasional cool drops of water poured on our parched tongues, but now God wants to reveal His river to us…ever-flowing, satisfying, refreshing, powerful…
The time for human devised plans is over. God wants us to seek His heart, not just for Highland Hope, but all of Highland. What are His plans? How can we cooperate? What is our part? The time for church growth principles and financial campaigns has past. It is time to move in the Spirit and activate our faith. It is time to activate the supernatural that flows from our dynamic relationship with Abba.
We must pray against the spirit of religiosity and legalism that has infected Highland for many years. This is a spiritual battle that must be overcome by prayer. It will not be easily or quickly overcome. The root is very deep. Freedom is at stake. Fear of man is at the core.
Churches are situated to get the results that they are currently getting. Embrace change with eager expectations of what God is doing. S T R E T C H !
God is bringing inner healing to many who have been “walking wounded”. Spiritual warfare, intercession, unity, reconciliation, prophecy etc. will be more effective as God heals the inner hurts in His bride. God is going to release gifts, birthed from His power, fueled by His love, for nothing other than the purpose of making His Bride healthy.
We see God working his way with some people around us. It is cool to see some of our prayers being answered! Our desire for freedom is increasing...as is our desire to see other's healed and set free....lots of stories but so little time....
Here are a few of my uncensored "prophetic" thoughts:
The time for God to pour out his presence in Highland is beginning. We have had occasional cool drops of water poured on our parched tongues, but now God wants to reveal His river to us…ever-flowing, satisfying, refreshing, powerful…
The time for human devised plans is over. God wants us to seek His heart, not just for Highland Hope, but all of Highland. What are His plans? How can we cooperate? What is our part? The time for church growth principles and financial campaigns has past. It is time to move in the Spirit and activate our faith. It is time to activate the supernatural that flows from our dynamic relationship with Abba.
We must pray against the spirit of religiosity and legalism that has infected Highland for many years. This is a spiritual battle that must be overcome by prayer. It will not be easily or quickly overcome. The root is very deep. Freedom is at stake. Fear of man is at the core.
Churches are situated to get the results that they are currently getting. Embrace change with eager expectations of what God is doing. S T R E T C H !
God is bringing inner healing to many who have been “walking wounded”. Spiritual warfare, intercession, unity, reconciliation, prophecy etc. will be more effective as God heals the inner hurts in His bride. God is going to release gifts, birthed from His power, fueled by His love, for nothing other than the purpose of making His Bride healthy.
Tuesday, March 08, 2005
Movement
God has been at work in our little part of the world, not that he hasn’t been, but something different is happening. In my previous post, I mentioned my friend Rich. I am so blessed to have Rich for a friend. We have known each other since before either of us were Christ-followers, and it is amazing to see what God has done in our lives. Rich was blessed to find an awesome church family that has nourished his spirit, encouraged his spiritual gifts, and loved him into the presence of God.
Rich’s church is very charismatic. Most of the experiences that I’ve had with Charismatic churches have been uneasy at best. I’ve witnessed people so caught up in chasing religious experiences that it was like a drug. I’ve seen people do all kinds of crazy stuff in God’s name so I was skeptical when Rich started talking about what God was doing in his church. They have been helping people through sort through the crap in their lives and helping people get healed and set free by God. But the more we talked, the more it made sense. My background is with 12-step groups, so I’ve been through some of this stuff… Unfortunately, not many other Christians have….
Anyway, I was blessed to watch and assist several people deal with their past and lay it as the cross this week. People are getting free as they are dealing with unforgiveness, vows and judgements that have bound them for years. People in our little religious, legalistic town are tasting the freedom that only comes from having a relationship with God, and they want more. People are beginning to experience what we’ve only talked about until now. God is moving, and it is good….
I’ve got more to write, but no time at the moment...
God has been at work in our little part of the world, not that he hasn’t been, but something different is happening. In my previous post, I mentioned my friend Rich. I am so blessed to have Rich for a friend. We have known each other since before either of us were Christ-followers, and it is amazing to see what God has done in our lives. Rich was blessed to find an awesome church family that has nourished his spirit, encouraged his spiritual gifts, and loved him into the presence of God.
Rich’s church is very charismatic. Most of the experiences that I’ve had with Charismatic churches have been uneasy at best. I’ve witnessed people so caught up in chasing religious experiences that it was like a drug. I’ve seen people do all kinds of crazy stuff in God’s name so I was skeptical when Rich started talking about what God was doing in his church. They have been helping people through sort through the crap in their lives and helping people get healed and set free by God. But the more we talked, the more it made sense. My background is with 12-step groups, so I’ve been through some of this stuff… Unfortunately, not many other Christians have….
Anyway, I was blessed to watch and assist several people deal with their past and lay it as the cross this week. People are getting free as they are dealing with unforgiveness, vows and judgements that have bound them for years. People in our little religious, legalistic town are tasting the freedom that only comes from having a relationship with God, and they want more. People are beginning to experience what we’ve only talked about until now. God is moving, and it is good….
I’ve got more to write, but no time at the moment...
Wednesday, March 02, 2005
I apologize for the silence on the blog front. There have been some awesome things happening around here though!
First, my friend Rich, has been visiting us from England. God's Spirit moves mightily in him and he is a great encourager. Rich has reminded me of the passion that I used to have for Jesus, and how it has wained in the past few years. He has also reminded me that I cannot just keep giving and giving without being encouraged and filled by Jesus and those who passionately follow Him. God is doing some good things around here....I am encouraged for the first time, in a long time...
More to come....
First, my friend Rich, has been visiting us from England. God's Spirit moves mightily in him and he is a great encourager. Rich has reminded me of the passion that I used to have for Jesus, and how it has wained in the past few years. He has also reminded me that I cannot just keep giving and giving without being encouraged and filled by Jesus and those who passionately follow Him. God is doing some good things around here....I am encouraged for the first time, in a long time...
More to come....
Tuesday, February 15, 2005
I've started my new part-time job. My body is not used to stayin up all night, so I promptly got sick which it made it that much more fun. Today both my daughters were sick so I got up and down all afternoon taking care of them and then overslept when it was time to pick my son up from school. Fun day! And it's not over 'cause it's back to work at 10pm.
I am glad to have some kind of job to get some money coming in though. I am going to focus on songwriting and recording, and giving music lessons in whatever spare time I have. Until I get done with training that won't be much... But this job is pretty gravy, I must admit. Out of eight hours there is probably two hours of actual work. The rest of the time is monitoring systems, which means it's pretty much free time. So they said I can bring my guitar to work....kinda cool...
Sometimes I wish God would be more specific and direct in his directions. This job will probably only last until August and then I will have to have to bring money some other way. My level of trust is much deeper than it ever has been, but it would occasionally be nice to know where I'm going a little in advance.....
Whining over.
Have a God-filled day!
I am glad to have some kind of job to get some money coming in though. I am going to focus on songwriting and recording, and giving music lessons in whatever spare time I have. Until I get done with training that won't be much... But this job is pretty gravy, I must admit. Out of eight hours there is probably two hours of actual work. The rest of the time is monitoring systems, which means it's pretty much free time. So they said I can bring my guitar to work....kinda cool...
Sometimes I wish God would be more specific and direct in his directions. This job will probably only last until August and then I will have to have to bring money some other way. My level of trust is much deeper than it ever has been, but it would occasionally be nice to know where I'm going a little in advance.....
Whining over.
Have a God-filled day!
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Screwtape according to Wayne Jacobsen in "The Naked Church":
Sometime late in the third century Satan must have called a conclave. Hades I, he might have called it. Since persecution had failed so miserably, this diabolical council needed to develop a new strategy to undermine the life of the church. The solution it produced has done far more to render the church powerless than any persecution ever has.
The objectives were clear: The plan would have to diffuse the self-sacrificing love that carried the church through conflict, distract it from intimacy with God, and devalue the importance of the individual believer. And, since the church had already prevailed over direct assaults, the plan needed to be so deceptive that it could not be recognized as coming from hell.
A few suggestions were offered, but they were so weak that they didn't even invite discussion. After a painfully long silence, someone, perhaps Screwtape, cam up with a very simple idea: "Trying to keep it small hasn't worked-let's make it big!"
All the other devils gasped, thinking that old Screwtape had finally bolted his sanity. "Make it big? What do you think we've been working so hard to prevent?"
"Hear me out, colleagues. We can kill it with its own success. What would happen if the church suddenly became acceptable?"
"Lots of people would go to it, you idiot."
"But what would all those people do to it?" Screwtape replied with a smirk, then sat back as he watched their minds churn. One by one the others began to see the brilliance of the scheme.
"Many would come for social reasons. They would quickly dilute those who are really in God's clutches. And imagine all the programs and activities they would have to plan to keep those people happy. Nothing chokes out intimacy as well as busyness."
"A crowd like that would have opinions so diverse and disruptive that the power of the gospel would be compromised in just a few short years. The church would eventually become a machine, chewing up individuals instead of loving them. Programs would take over where personal ministries now flourish. And everyone knows how easy it is to kill a program."
"Hear! Hear!" they all yelled.
"They couldn't possibly teach all the followers to walk with God personally, so they would soon substitute rules and guidelines for his ever-present voice."
"The machine would have to be run by professionals. The others would become nothing more than spectators and bill-payers. And that leadership would waste most of its time tied up in administration, which we know benefits almost no one."
"Who would have time for individuals" They would have to try to disciple people by regulations, and the cracks in that are so wide we could go on vacation."
"And best of all," Screwtape spoke up again, "they wouldn't even know what happened to them. They would think themselves successful beyone their wildest dreams. They would be pillars in the community and stand before huge crowds. We would let them keep all their Christian terms, but we would substitute our own meanings. It's foolproof!"
"But size alone won't do that, Screwtape," Satan himself finally said. "They could still teach all those people what it really means to follow God and they could still love people one-by-one no matter how big they got."
"True, O Wicked One," Screwtape waggled his index finger, "but do you think they would? Do you think they would risk losing all those people or would resist the corruption that such power and influence would give them?"
Satan smiled in whatever ecstasy hell allows. "Of course not!" He slammed his fist on the table, "Let's do it!"
Sometime late in the third century Satan must have called a conclave. Hades I, he might have called it. Since persecution had failed so miserably, this diabolical council needed to develop a new strategy to undermine the life of the church. The solution it produced has done far more to render the church powerless than any persecution ever has.
The objectives were clear: The plan would have to diffuse the self-sacrificing love that carried the church through conflict, distract it from intimacy with God, and devalue the importance of the individual believer. And, since the church had already prevailed over direct assaults, the plan needed to be so deceptive that it could not be recognized as coming from hell.
A few suggestions were offered, but they were so weak that they didn't even invite discussion. After a painfully long silence, someone, perhaps Screwtape, cam up with a very simple idea: "Trying to keep it small hasn't worked-let's make it big!"
All the other devils gasped, thinking that old Screwtape had finally bolted his sanity. "Make it big? What do you think we've been working so hard to prevent?"
"Hear me out, colleagues. We can kill it with its own success. What would happen if the church suddenly became acceptable?"
"Lots of people would go to it, you idiot."
"But what would all those people do to it?" Screwtape replied with a smirk, then sat back as he watched their minds churn. One by one the others began to see the brilliance of the scheme.
"Many would come for social reasons. They would quickly dilute those who are really in God's clutches. And imagine all the programs and activities they would have to plan to keep those people happy. Nothing chokes out intimacy as well as busyness."
"A crowd like that would have opinions so diverse and disruptive that the power of the gospel would be compromised in just a few short years. The church would eventually become a machine, chewing up individuals instead of loving them. Programs would take over where personal ministries now flourish. And everyone knows how easy it is to kill a program."
"Hear! Hear!" they all yelled.
"They couldn't possibly teach all the followers to walk with God personally, so they would soon substitute rules and guidelines for his ever-present voice."
"The machine would have to be run by professionals. The others would become nothing more than spectators and bill-payers. And that leadership would waste most of its time tied up in administration, which we know benefits almost no one."
"Who would have time for individuals" They would have to try to disciple people by regulations, and the cracks in that are so wide we could go on vacation."
"And best of all," Screwtape spoke up again, "they wouldn't even know what happened to them. They would think themselves successful beyone their wildest dreams. They would be pillars in the community and stand before huge crowds. We would let them keep all their Christian terms, but we would substitute our own meanings. It's foolproof!"
"But size alone won't do that, Screwtape," Satan himself finally said. "They could still teach all those people what it really means to follow God and they could still love people one-by-one no matter how big they got."
"True, O Wicked One," Screwtape waggled his index finger, "but do you think they would? Do you think they would risk losing all those people or would resist the corruption that such power and influence would give them?"
Satan smiled in whatever ecstasy hell allows. "Of course not!" He slammed his fist on the table, "Let's do it!"
Thursday, February 03, 2005
Righteous
God has a sense of humor. Not, my sense mind you... I have a part-time night job lined up doing computer operations. Just what I left when I went into "full-time ministry". Not all that thrilled about it, but I need to do something to make ends meet around here.
We are opening up for our friend Blue and her band Morning Vision tonight. If you are in the St. Louis area come on out!
I have been reading Wayne Jacobsen's "The Naked Church" for awhile now. I'm taking my time because I realize there are still some presuppositions about this journey that I need to unlearn. I've been particularly challenged by the concept of righteousness. I've always been under the assumptions that righteousness was something that I could attain with effort. God gives grace to get into to heaven, but I had to take care of things while I'm here on earth. Unfortunately, I am an absolute failure at maintaining righteousness. My failures either led to disappointment or anger with myself, because of my weakness, or with God, because he didn't give me the strength to resist the sin.
James 1:14-15 tells us that sin consists of two things: desire and opportunity. Unfortunately, I have been taught one of the many traps of dealing with sin. There are several ways that Christians deal with sin:
Wayne points out, and I think rightly so, that most followers of Jesus don't hunger for holiness today because they have misunderstood the process that brings it to them. We think holiness comes through gritted teeth. But, if righteousness comes as I learn to trust in God above my self-centered desires, then righteousness is a product my relationship with God, changing me from the inside out. It really has very little to do with me. As I trust in Jesus he changes me from the inside out, replacing MY desires with HIS.
So the basis of my righteousness is relationship. It is a gift from the Father, not something I can earn. Sin is a relationship breaker. It's not that it removes me from God's presence, it's that it keeps me from the deep, inner change that God desires as the result of trusting in my own desires over and above my Father's.
Trust, and live a righteous life...
God has a sense of humor. Not, my sense mind you... I have a part-time night job lined up doing computer operations. Just what I left when I went into "full-time ministry". Not all that thrilled about it, but I need to do something to make ends meet around here.
We are opening up for our friend Blue and her band Morning Vision tonight. If you are in the St. Louis area come on out!
I have been reading Wayne Jacobsen's "The Naked Church" for awhile now. I'm taking my time because I realize there are still some presuppositions about this journey that I need to unlearn. I've been particularly challenged by the concept of righteousness. I've always been under the assumptions that righteousness was something that I could attain with effort. God gives grace to get into to heaven, but I had to take care of things while I'm here on earth. Unfortunately, I am an absolute failure at maintaining righteousness. My failures either led to disappointment or anger with myself, because of my weakness, or with God, because he didn't give me the strength to resist the sin.
James 1:14-15 tells us that sin consists of two things: desire and opportunity. Unfortunately, I have been taught one of the many traps of dealing with sin. There are several ways that Christians deal with sin:
- Bear the consequences of it, because salvation can't heal us from it.
- Conquer it by sheer force of will.
- Deny ourselves ANY sinful opportunity (become isolated from society and legalistic).
- Allow Jesus to deal with our self-centered desires.
Wayne points out, and I think rightly so, that most followers of Jesus don't hunger for holiness today because they have misunderstood the process that brings it to them. We think holiness comes through gritted teeth. But, if righteousness comes as I learn to trust in God above my self-centered desires, then righteousness is a product my relationship with God, changing me from the inside out. It really has very little to do with me. As I trust in Jesus he changes me from the inside out, replacing MY desires with HIS.
So the basis of my righteousness is relationship. It is a gift from the Father, not something I can earn. Sin is a relationship breaker. It's not that it removes me from God's presence, it's that it keeps me from the deep, inner change that God desires as the result of trusting in my own desires over and above my Father's.
Trust, and live a righteous life...
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Father, forgive me for I have sinned...it's been 2 weeks since my last post...
Yea, well I've been busy. I have refinished a hardwood floor (for someone who doesn't have a handy bone in his body this is no small feat) and it doesn't look to bad. Not as good as Vineyard Central's....but it was my first shot.
I have been working a demo of a song that Trish is going to give to Garth Brooks. I wrote a Christmas song a few years ago that gets rave reviews. Trish is going to a Dental conference where Garth is playing and set it up with the director to get it into Garth's hands.....I'm not holding my breath, but who knows...
I've also been writing some music again. Trish and I were asked to open up for Morning Vision at a fundraiser. I felt like God was wanting me to share where my heart is right now on this long journey.... Here is one of the offerings:
Love
I’ve tried my best to find you here
Where faith and reason seem to dissappear
If I could just believe
Beyond the suffering
Is Love....Your love
There’s something more than I can see
Beyond the senses, just out of reach
A holy mystery
Beyond theology
There’s love....Your love
I’ve tried to turn it
Into something I could earn
But I could never do enough
I could never do enough
I’m losing expectations
Trading obligations
For simple trust
Simple trust
There’s something more than I can see
Beyond the senses
Just out of reach
A holy mystery
Beyond theology
There’s love....Your love
Yea, well I've been busy. I have refinished a hardwood floor (for someone who doesn't have a handy bone in his body this is no small feat) and it doesn't look to bad. Not as good as Vineyard Central's....but it was my first shot.
I have been working a demo of a song that Trish is going to give to Garth Brooks. I wrote a Christmas song a few years ago that gets rave reviews. Trish is going to a Dental conference where Garth is playing and set it up with the director to get it into Garth's hands.....I'm not holding my breath, but who knows...
I've also been writing some music again. Trish and I were asked to open up for Morning Vision at a fundraiser. I felt like God was wanting me to share where my heart is right now on this long journey.... Here is one of the offerings:
Love
I’ve tried my best to find you here
Where faith and reason seem to dissappear
If I could just believe
Beyond the suffering
Is Love....Your love
There’s something more than I can see
Beyond the senses, just out of reach
A holy mystery
Beyond theology
There’s love....Your love
I’ve tried to turn it
Into something I could earn
But I could never do enough
I could never do enough
I’m losing expectations
Trading obligations
For simple trust
Simple trust
There’s something more than I can see
Beyond the senses
Just out of reach
A holy mystery
Beyond theology
There’s love....Your love
Thursday, January 13, 2005
Once again U2 is my favorite "worship" album... I love the double meaning in the chorus of this song.
All Because of You
I was born a child of grace
Nothing else about the place
Everything was ugly but your beautiful face
And it left me no illusion
I saw you in the curve of the moon
In the shadow cast across my room
You heard me in my tune
When I just heard confusion
All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am...I am
I like the sound of my own voice
I didn't give anyone else a choice
An intellectual tortoise
Racing with your bullet train
Some people get squashed crossing the tracks
Some people got high rises on their backs
I'm not broke but you can see the cracks
You can make me perfect again
All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am...I am
I'm alive
I'm being born
I just arrived, I'm at the door
Of the place I started out from
And I want back inside
All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am
All Because of You
I was born a child of grace
Nothing else about the place
Everything was ugly but your beautiful face
And it left me no illusion
I saw you in the curve of the moon
In the shadow cast across my room
You heard me in my tune
When I just heard confusion
All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am...I am
I like the sound of my own voice
I didn't give anyone else a choice
An intellectual tortoise
Racing with your bullet train
Some people get squashed crossing the tracks
Some people got high rises on their backs
I'm not broke but you can see the cracks
You can make me perfect again
All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am...I am
I'm alive
I'm being born
I just arrived, I'm at the door
Of the place I started out from
And I want back inside
All because of you
All because of you
All because of you
I am
Monday, January 10, 2005
St. Stanislaus
Since many of you don't live in St. Louis you may not be familiar with the controversy going on over a Polish Catholic Church here. St. Stanislaus was founded by Polish Catholics in 1891 and has controlled their own property and finances since that time. They have done quite well without being under the control of the Catholic hierarchy but, there is a new Archbishop in town (can you here the Spaghetti Western music?).... He has decided that St. Stanislaus needs to be controlled by the Catholic Church and needs to turn all of their money and assets over, a total of about $9.2 million.
Needless to say, the parishioners feel differently. The board has fought the archbishop, because he really can't force them to turn over the assets. So, what does he do? He pulls their priest. That's okay. The parishioners fly in their own priest to celebrate Christmas mass. Now what would any self-respecting, power hungry archbishop do to get this church under control? Oh yeah! Threaten to withhold the sacraments and essentially excommunicate them if they don't "see the error of their ways and come back into the fold of the Catholic church." Well, the members took a vote and decided overwhelmingly to thumb their nose at the archbishop. It will be interesting to see how this power-play works out...
Money, power and property. I just wonder if the parishioners are seeing that there are better ways to be the church? Unfortunately, probably not.
Read about it here and here.
Since many of you don't live in St. Louis you may not be familiar with the controversy going on over a Polish Catholic Church here. St. Stanislaus was founded by Polish Catholics in 1891 and has controlled their own property and finances since that time. They have done quite well without being under the control of the Catholic hierarchy but, there is a new Archbishop in town (can you here the Spaghetti Western music?).... He has decided that St. Stanislaus needs to be controlled by the Catholic Church and needs to turn all of their money and assets over, a total of about $9.2 million.
Needless to say, the parishioners feel differently. The board has fought the archbishop, because he really can't force them to turn over the assets. So, what does he do? He pulls their priest. That's okay. The parishioners fly in their own priest to celebrate Christmas mass. Now what would any self-respecting, power hungry archbishop do to get this church under control? Oh yeah! Threaten to withhold the sacraments and essentially excommunicate them if they don't "see the error of their ways and come back into the fold of the Catholic church." Well, the members took a vote and decided overwhelmingly to thumb their nose at the archbishop. It will be interesting to see how this power-play works out...
Money, power and property. I just wonder if the parishioners are seeing that there are better ways to be the church? Unfortunately, probably not.
Read about it here and here.
Thursday, January 06, 2005
Christian fellowship is so much more than polite conversation at a missionary tea or looking at the back of people's heads in the pews in front of you. Most people don't understand the differnce between true fellowship and attending church services, and that is tragic because these two things often have so little in common.
Biblical fellowship involves people sharing together the reality of their spiritual journey. They trade insights into his ways and seek counsel in difficult circumstances, encouraging each other to greater trust in Father's working. They serve each other even when it is inconvenient, are honest with each other even when it is difficult, and pull together instead of pulling each other apart.
- Wayne Jacobsen (The Naked Church)
What is so interesting to me is how much of this I experienced in 12-step fellowships when I was younger. I caught glimpses of it in the church where we first started following Jesus, but since then....well, not much...
It is so nice to have a group of people to journey with and who accept each other for who we are. We haven't gathered for a few weeks so I'm really looking forward to tomorrow night!
Biblical fellowship involves people sharing together the reality of their spiritual journey. They trade insights into his ways and seek counsel in difficult circumstances, encouraging each other to greater trust in Father's working. They serve each other even when it is inconvenient, are honest with each other even when it is difficult, and pull together instead of pulling each other apart.
- Wayne Jacobsen (The Naked Church)
What is so interesting to me is how much of this I experienced in 12-step fellowships when I was younger. I caught glimpses of it in the church where we first started following Jesus, but since then....well, not much...
It is so nice to have a group of people to journey with and who accept each other for who we are. We haven't gathered for a few weeks so I'm really looking forward to tomorrow night!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
