For this year I have written a weekly blog for those who would like to go deeper with the Scripture we will be teaching the next Sunday. I will continue to do so but I felt this Scripture is far too important to bury in a blog that is not universally read. So here goes ...
We will be preaching and teaching the great commission which is widely viewed as the 'great suggestion.' I want to approach this Scripture from Matthew 28 simply, Biblically and in a way I hope gets the message across.
First, the Great Commission says we go throughout the world. Some of you have expressed disagreement with this using cliche's like "charity begins at home" and "we should care for each other first." Yes, we should be charitable to each other and care for those at home, but Jesus specifically addresses other places here. The apostles and the early church took this to heart. They started communities all over the Mediterranean Rim that so expressed God's love, mutual respect and spiritual fruit that they were contagious. As we have heard repeatedly, if your view differs with God's view, it is you who are in a spiritual crisis and it is you who need to make a life-adjustment.
Some of you are already preparing your learned response that we are to preach, teach and baptize. I agree totally. Preaching and baptizing are relatively self-explanatory. It is that teaching thing we get confused about. Why do you think that almost all of the epistle writers have a statement that generally says, "live lives becoming of the gospel so no man will have anything against you." Jesus said, Matthew 5, "let your light shine so before men that your Father in heaven is glorified." While we are having high-tone discussions about the second coming, the meaning of the symbols in Revelation, doctrines that aren't even central to our faith, and who will and won't get into heaven, God's people are walking away from these discussions. I met a person that bragged that he loved to engage in discussion about doctrines of the church (none of them seemed central to the main thing). I don't know of a single person that man has brought to Christ but I know many who walked away from the faith because of his witness.
We preach the gospel. We baptize under the authority of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We teach by living Christ out in a world that needs to see an alternative to the confusion, pop psychology and false (or at least wimp) Christians that we are wont to be. We show an alternative that sees the bottom line yet has the faith to step into the river or fight the giant. We know a God who is into rescue. God and people are watching.
We go down into the dark places where light has trouble shining. Are they dangerous and inconvenient? Yep! That is how we express contagious faith. Sometimes it takes years before a soul trusts enough to say, "I want some of what you have!" God and people are watching!
We get the ministry job done! We don't drag our feet because of imagined barriers and we ask God to knock down the real ones. For we read the Word which leads us to learn and place our faith into action. The church has lived for the last fifty years inside the heads of scholars, high-ranking church leaders and even preachers who are impressed with their eloquence. The only scholars I have met who have had their faith survive the onslaught are those who know they cannot KNOW God (mind) without loving God (heart and soul) and serve God (strength). We place our sweat where our hearts are. Because God and people are watching!
I want to shout "let God's people go" because we are enslaved, entangled in the things of no meaning. So one lady tells me, "I won't give up my lifestyle for anyone." Another says, "I will redefine God's storehouse to the places I want to give." Another person says, "I would send the check, but I don't know what tomorrow will bring." Do any of these folks believe God will be with us, even unto the ends of the earth?" If not, I wonder if they really have a real, living God. Isaiah said, "why do you seek the dead on behalf of the living?" God and people are watching!
Be the called-out ones who live by and in the power of God. Learn. Tell. Bring people to a saving faith. Preach (or at least let those called preach). Teach by your witness. God and people are watching.
Go with God! Pastor Randy
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Warnings
The book of Hebrews is known for several things. First, we don't know the author. There is a lot of speculation but it wouldn't solve much so let's just say the author targeted a Jewish Christian audience that seemed intent on drifting back to Jewish connections and were forgetting that Christ had called them to greater things, namely His message and story. Second, they seemed in need of a "centering" on who Christ was and His teachings as the author cautions them to remember the centrality of their new high priest, Jesus ... greater than Moses, greater than angels, the one through which all was created and the one who is heir of all things.
Tonight I want us to focus on one of many warnings in Hebrews. The author warns in Chapter 5 for us to listen to the message and to guard against spiritual dullness. Chapter 6 warns that those who have accepted the message and have rejected God cannot be brought back to repentance. Chapter 10 warns us to not neglect meeting together (that means with other Christians, presumably in worship). Chapter 12 warns that everything will be shaken and that only eternal things will remain after God causes this to happen (I'm reminded of the words in a Rich Mullins song, 'the Lord will take by its corners this old world and shake us forward and shake us free [I think from those things that falsely bind us to this world]). Chapter 13 warns that we should be in unity with our spiritual leaders and to give them joy (lots of folks seem to dislike this chapter).
But the warning I want to focus on tonight is one that seems gentle an non-threatening. It is in Chapter 2 and the Greek term is the word for drifting away. That doesn't sound so bad, does it? Until you realize the drifting away here is like being swept out in the tide or into the current of a stream ... just far enough so that the life line no longer reaches. It may be a slow, gentle movement, but when the tide or the current has you in its grip, you are in trouble. This is a real problem for a society that is not willing to live in spiritual reality. Instead we see the things on TV ... we hear the things on radio ... we click on a site on the internet ... and we are very willing to accept what I believe is a false reality. So we attack another Christian brother because it is easy to do it via email, and the conflict can't be resolved because someone can't defend against your dreams. We see the story on TV and buy in instantly to some false premise and some false truth that inspires our ire, and we move from reality to a world we have dreamed up. We think because one church makes a bad choice that all Christians are tainted ... and we drift. We find some obscure belief we want to be true, so we let it into our belief structure (no matter that it doesn't fit with Scripture) ... and we drift. We begin to construct God as we want to see Him rather than follow Him as He is ... and we drift. The author of Hebrews says this drift can become so great that we fall away and are swept away. That is a warning I want to heed.
So we study. We become faithful in our following. We serve. We remain in the communion with outer Christians, even when they annoy us. We try to see and do life through the eyes of our Savior, who is (in Chapter 12) the author and perfector of our faith. We see the drift and choose not to participate. What about you? What will you do? Pastor Randy
Tonight I want us to focus on one of many warnings in Hebrews. The author warns in Chapter 5 for us to listen to the message and to guard against spiritual dullness. Chapter 6 warns that those who have accepted the message and have rejected God cannot be brought back to repentance. Chapter 10 warns us to not neglect meeting together (that means with other Christians, presumably in worship). Chapter 12 warns that everything will be shaken and that only eternal things will remain after God causes this to happen (I'm reminded of the words in a Rich Mullins song, 'the Lord will take by its corners this old world and shake us forward and shake us free [I think from those things that falsely bind us to this world]). Chapter 13 warns that we should be in unity with our spiritual leaders and to give them joy (lots of folks seem to dislike this chapter).
But the warning I want to focus on tonight is one that seems gentle an non-threatening. It is in Chapter 2 and the Greek term is the word for drifting away. That doesn't sound so bad, does it? Until you realize the drifting away here is like being swept out in the tide or into the current of a stream ... just far enough so that the life line no longer reaches. It may be a slow, gentle movement, but when the tide or the current has you in its grip, you are in trouble. This is a real problem for a society that is not willing to live in spiritual reality. Instead we see the things on TV ... we hear the things on radio ... we click on a site on the internet ... and we are very willing to accept what I believe is a false reality. So we attack another Christian brother because it is easy to do it via email, and the conflict can't be resolved because someone can't defend against your dreams. We see the story on TV and buy in instantly to some false premise and some false truth that inspires our ire, and we move from reality to a world we have dreamed up. We think because one church makes a bad choice that all Christians are tainted ... and we drift. We find some obscure belief we want to be true, so we let it into our belief structure (no matter that it doesn't fit with Scripture) ... and we drift. We begin to construct God as we want to see Him rather than follow Him as He is ... and we drift. The author of Hebrews says this drift can become so great that we fall away and are swept away. That is a warning I want to heed.
So we study. We become faithful in our following. We serve. We remain in the communion with outer Christians, even when they annoy us. We try to see and do life through the eyes of our Savior, who is (in Chapter 12) the author and perfector of our faith. We see the drift and choose not to participate. What about you? What will you do? Pastor Randy
Sunday, May 15, 2011
52 Major Stories: Learning From Sheep
52 Major Stories: Learning From Sheep: "I have learned that we can gain knowledge from many things we do not understand in our society. As I re-read the 23rd Psalm it is evident w..."
Learning From Sheep
I have learned that we can gain knowledge from many things we do not understand in our society. As I re-read the 23rd Psalm it is evident we can learn from sheep. Yes ... those dumb animals that are known for strange behavior ... those things that get fleeced pretty often ... those creatures that will follow one another off a cliff. These are the creatures God clearly identifies with His people. Flattering, isn't it?
On the other hand, it is clear that we accept that analogy from God since the 23rd Psalm is probably the best known and favorite (if we take a poll) Psalm of all. It comforts us to know we have a God on which we can rely. It gives us peace to know that we have a God that leads us to places we can rest.
I want to keep this blog short and to the point today. So I will dwell on one peaceful place in this work of poetic art that is a treasure for the rich and poor, for the weak and strong and for the lost and found. That phrase is, "through the valley of the shadow of death." First, this is a real place in the ancient world. It is on that road where the good Samaritan finds the beaten man, between Jericho and Jerusalem. It is just below the Mount of Temptation where Jesus spent time in the wilderness. It is not a place to stay but a place to get through to the safety on the other side. Second, like Jesus this place is a temptation. We are tempted to give up ... to stop ... to let the shadows get the best of us. God wants us to know that they are shadows ... scarecrows that want to mess with our minds and break our spirit. I think God would say what an old Petra song says ... "where there is a shadow, there is a light." Finally, we, like those led in the Psalm, are to keep trucking through and past that valley. So many are caught up in depression and other ills that grow so freely in the fertile fields of minds imprisoned by the false gods of the world in which we live. David understood this and I think as he penned these words as a respite and refuge in his confused world of politics, extravagance, failed alliances, sin, sorrow and bad choices. I think we need this refuge too for many of the same reasons. We need to hear the words that God has told us ... we have a place that we can go ... where there are green pastures, still waters and the eternal presence of God. I don't know about you, but I long for that place and want to live as many days there as possible. Let's start now! Pastor Randy
On the other hand, it is clear that we accept that analogy from God since the 23rd Psalm is probably the best known and favorite (if we take a poll) Psalm of all. It comforts us to know we have a God on which we can rely. It gives us peace to know that we have a God that leads us to places we can rest.
I want to keep this blog short and to the point today. So I will dwell on one peaceful place in this work of poetic art that is a treasure for the rich and poor, for the weak and strong and for the lost and found. That phrase is, "through the valley of the shadow of death." First, this is a real place in the ancient world. It is on that road where the good Samaritan finds the beaten man, between Jericho and Jerusalem. It is just below the Mount of Temptation where Jesus spent time in the wilderness. It is not a place to stay but a place to get through to the safety on the other side. Second, like Jesus this place is a temptation. We are tempted to give up ... to stop ... to let the shadows get the best of us. God wants us to know that they are shadows ... scarecrows that want to mess with our minds and break our spirit. I think God would say what an old Petra song says ... "where there is a shadow, there is a light." Finally, we, like those led in the Psalm, are to keep trucking through and past that valley. So many are caught up in depression and other ills that grow so freely in the fertile fields of minds imprisoned by the false gods of the world in which we live. David understood this and I think as he penned these words as a respite and refuge in his confused world of politics, extravagance, failed alliances, sin, sorrow and bad choices. I think we need this refuge too for many of the same reasons. We need to hear the words that God has told us ... we have a place that we can go ... where there are green pastures, still waters and the eternal presence of God. I don't know about you, but I long for that place and want to live as many days there as possible. Let's start now! Pastor Randy
Monday, May 9, 2011
Failure to Live Dangerously
In Richard Adams' book, Watership Down, the author creates a story in which a group of rabbits learn the dangerous truth. They were given the gift of strong hind legs, their story of creation and speed in a world that will be an 'enemy' to the rabbits. Their world will always be dangerous.
Most of you are saying, we aren't rabbits (though I sometimes wonder if this analogy might be more on target than we would like). True, but we, too, live in a world full of dangers for our species, Christians. Some of us would like to withdraw (clearly not Jesus' intent in John 17), some of us would like to build walls and fortresses (also not the witness of the one we call our leader, Jesus). But what I think God calls us to do (it is spelled out clearly in Michael Frost's book Exiles) is to thrive in this culture by relying on the skills and gifts given to us by our leader, Jesus. We are to even "bear much fruit" in this dangerous world. But how?
David gives us an example of this and I want to rely on only one phrase in David's story from 1 Samuel 17. That phrase is "The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine [Goliath]." Let's break it down. David knows he is going into a danger that is impossible for him to defeat ... this is why he must be rescued. But David does something I see few modern-day Christians do ... he goes into the battle knowing he cannot win in his power. He must count on the greatest gift his maker has given him ... the might of the maker. I see this real life example (we often reduce it to 'story') played out every day. We can't do this because it is dangerous. We can't spend that money because I can't make the numbers work. We can't do that ministry because it brings up new liability. We can't ... we can't ... we can't. Of course we can't ... because if we could in our own strength then the power of God wouldn't be shown to the world so that our Father in heaven would be glorified! The point isn't my security ... it is God's glory! Living the life of a Christian in this world can only be done with the might, the gifts and the power of God. In the words of an old folk song, "when will they ever learn, when will they ever learn?" That's my take! Pastor Randy
Most of you are saying, we aren't rabbits (though I sometimes wonder if this analogy might be more on target than we would like). True, but we, too, live in a world full of dangers for our species, Christians. Some of us would like to withdraw (clearly not Jesus' intent in John 17), some of us would like to build walls and fortresses (also not the witness of the one we call our leader, Jesus). But what I think God calls us to do (it is spelled out clearly in Michael Frost's book Exiles) is to thrive in this culture by relying on the skills and gifts given to us by our leader, Jesus. We are to even "bear much fruit" in this dangerous world. But how?
David gives us an example of this and I want to rely on only one phrase in David's story from 1 Samuel 17. That phrase is "The Lord who rescued me from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue me from this Philistine [Goliath]." Let's break it down. David knows he is going into a danger that is impossible for him to defeat ... this is why he must be rescued. But David does something I see few modern-day Christians do ... he goes into the battle knowing he cannot win in his power. He must count on the greatest gift his maker has given him ... the might of the maker. I see this real life example (we often reduce it to 'story') played out every day. We can't do this because it is dangerous. We can't spend that money because I can't make the numbers work. We can't do that ministry because it brings up new liability. We can't ... we can't ... we can't. Of course we can't ... because if we could in our own strength then the power of God wouldn't be shown to the world so that our Father in heaven would be glorified! The point isn't my security ... it is God's glory! Living the life of a Christian in this world can only be done with the might, the gifts and the power of God. In the words of an old folk song, "when will they ever learn, when will they ever learn?" That's my take! Pastor Randy
Monday, May 2, 2011
An Interesting Definition
As I listen to the words of our Bible teacher in this series, Dr. Bill Mounce, I am reminded of the humanity of each of us. Dr. Mounce is a renowned Bible scholar and expert in Biblical Hebrew and Greek. Yet, in his presentation for this lesson, Dr. Mounce clearly misuses a term which I will clarify in this blog. I don't do this to be critical of Dr. Mounce or to say I know any more that he knows. I point this out to say we each are responsible for learning all we can about what we hear and take in from all sources. And it reminds me that each of us, teachers included, are human and make mistakes which should not be demonized but defined.
Dr. Mounce says that Israel, to this point, was a "Theodicy." A Theodicy is (by the Wikipedia definition) is "a
theological or philosophical study which attempts to justify God’s (largely in the Monotheistic or Abrahamic sense) intrinsic (or foundational) nature of omni-benevolence (all loving), omniscience (all knowing) and omnipotence (all powerful), despite the existence of evil which, in the view of some, would otherwise stand to refute one or more of these qualities." Bill Mounce means that Israel has been a "Theocracy" which is a governmental system in which God is in charge in the number one position. Dr. Mounce is stating that God envisions a system in which we place Him in charge (i.e., God saying "I will be your God [Hebrew 'hessid']" God is steadfastly loyal to us and totally faithful to keeping covenant with those who are faithful to God]).
Remember ... God has envisioned a people who place His first. As we looked at Judges last week we found a fickle people who place God first only when they realize they are lost and need Him. This should be cutting and challenging to us who often place God first only when we cry out and need Him.
Dr. Mounce spends time this week on the prayer/song of Hannah, a beautiful expression of thankfulness, love and acknowledgment of our dependence on the strength of God (something to remember this week when we are feeling pretty strong). Hannah places God first in her words and then she expresses her submission to God's rule by giving God her most valued thing in the world ... a son named Samuel. Samuel becomes the last Judge and anoints the first king of Israel ... a move from "symbolic Theocracy" to monarchy ... God giving the people what they want, but far from what they need. This begins stories of great and bad leaders and a nation that, yet again, become more like the nations around them. This is viewed by God as a rejection of His rule. That is still the case today. Please think on this during the week. Who is in charge of your life? Pastor Randy
Dr. Mounce says that Israel, to this point, was a "Theodicy." A Theodicy is (by the Wikipedia definition) is "a
theological or philosophical study which attempts to justify God’s (largely in the Monotheistic or Abrahamic sense) intrinsic (or foundational) nature of omni-benevolence (all loving), omniscience (all knowing) and omnipotence (all powerful), despite the existence of evil which, in the view of some, would otherwise stand to refute one or more of these qualities." Bill Mounce means that Israel has been a "Theocracy" which is a governmental system in which God is in charge in the number one position. Dr. Mounce is stating that God envisions a system in which we place Him in charge (i.e., God saying "I will be your God [Hebrew 'hessid']" God is steadfastly loyal to us and totally faithful to keeping covenant with those who are faithful to God]).
Remember ... God has envisioned a people who place His first. As we looked at Judges last week we found a fickle people who place God first only when they realize they are lost and need Him. This should be cutting and challenging to us who often place God first only when we cry out and need Him.
Dr. Mounce spends time this week on the prayer/song of Hannah, a beautiful expression of thankfulness, love and acknowledgment of our dependence on the strength of God (something to remember this week when we are feeling pretty strong). Hannah places God first in her words and then she expresses her submission to God's rule by giving God her most valued thing in the world ... a son named Samuel. Samuel becomes the last Judge and anoints the first king of Israel ... a move from "symbolic Theocracy" to monarchy ... God giving the people what they want, but far from what they need. This begins stories of great and bad leaders and a nation that, yet again, become more like the nations around them. This is viewed by God as a rejection of His rule. That is still the case today. Please think on this during the week. Who is in charge of your life? Pastor Randy
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