I didn't think it possible, but one of my children (now 11) has an even greater passion for skiing that I have. Unreal! Yes, we had a 7 month ski season this year. I took my protege on a season ending overnight ski winter camping trip at the end of May. We had a blast.
I've been to a few Olympics now and World Championships for XC skiing. While there, I get a kick out of my friend Dale Swanson, attending to cheer on his daughter, who dresses up in every conceivable Canadian paraphpanalia possible. He's literally head to toe in all things "Canuck". I've thought, "That could be my future." While I don't think I could be as zany as Dale, I think my daughter is up to the task. She's got the unique blend of natural ability, passion for the sport, love of training and committment to personal goals (yes, I did say she was 11....we're trying to nurture her without burning out).
I think I can imagine the pride I'd feel as a parent if she made a team like that....or wow, even a medal? But a different thought encompassed me this morning. I watched a video of a missionary that gave his life to Veitnam. He told many stories of complete sacrifice so that these people, who's government was at war with his country, could hear the gospel. He also told stories about how when forced to leave temporarily because of the Veitnam war, the church he began to build continued and even flurished in his absence. When he returned he did so to a hero's welcome.
If any of my children choose a life like this I'd feel more pride than any gold medal parent could ever feel. Yes, I realize it could cost her her life. It could mean that we'd only see her every few years. We wouldn't watch our grandchildren grow up, if she was even able to find a spouse (many missionary ladies never do). To spend and expend your life for the sake of the gospel is the greatest way to spend your life. I pray almost daily that my children will impact God's kingdom in far greater ways than my life.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
A GOOD GOD AND AVALANCHES
It’s so true that those who want to believe in God find reasons to do so (and there are many); while on the other hand those that don’t want to believe also find reasons not to do so. Ravi Zacharious calls it "a will in search of a reason." Probably the most common excuse for not believing and following God is the age old, "How can a good, all powerful God allow suffering?" Somehow people think they’ve got us believers stuck on this one and for them a way out. Kind of their own personal loophole.
But it’s not as if no one has ever thought about this faith-philosophical dilemma before. It’s a curious fact that professional philosophers, the guys getting paid to think logically, have no problem with evil and suffering and a good, all-powerful God.....even those that don’t believe He exists! They simply reason that this good, all powerful God, that could stop evil from happening, allows it because He has a good reason to. Interesting that those not sure of this God’s existence clearly see this, how much more those of us that kinda know Him. Know a bit about His ways, His character, His omnipotence...shouldn’t be a problem with us either.
This winter I had an experience that brings some of this home. While backcountry skiing at Roger’s Pass we had some close calls with avalanches. With some Nat’l and Int’l xc and biathlon skiers and two locals and teammates of mine from the Canadian Nat’l Ski Mountaineering team (brought them along to show us the good powder stashes) we embarked on a mission to ski the newly fallen 30+ cm’s of Kootenay pow. While ascending a soon to be steepening slope we heard a couple of whumps, the tell-tale sign you’re about to see a snow pack failure, which we did on the second of those whumps. The snow started sliding and we high tailed it out of there barely avoiding getting caught in the not too extreme avalanche.
With this experience we decided to change our plans and go over to Cheeops mountain. As we ascended the backside, we noticed a party heading up ahead of us and preparing to drop into a very steep, long couloir. With the new snow and high avi rating, perhaps a precarious move. Our line down the mountain was steep, but not crazy. A couple of us mentioned to our hosts that we’d noticed the overhanging cornices that were the size of several large homes just above us. We dropped in and experienced some of the most wonderful powder skiing ever.
Just as we finished our descent the unthinkable happened. I’ll never forget the sound as the steeper couloir that the other skiers were skiing suddenly slid. It was huge. A massive powder cloud signalled that it was time to spring into action and switch our avalanche beacons into "find" mode. It turned out only one of their party was caught in the slide and he ended up on top of the snow, but man, he went for a 2000' ride. One of his skis was totally lost. One elbow was really scraped open by some rocks he hit. Fortunately his un-helmeted head didn’t hit those rocks. Back in the parking lot he was so shaken. He commented how his season was over (I guess he didn’t want to have to ski on 1 ski).
After our first run, just before this all happened we had decided to do another lap. Perhaps we were pushing the envelope, after all, the avi rating was high and we’d had a really good run, it should have been time to go home. However, when the avalanche happened we were all so shaken up we decided to call it a day. We skied out and down the valley with our legs still quaking from the event.
Three days later I thought I’d check the online avalanche report for the Roger’s Pass area and see if this incident was reported. It was, but as I read on the hair started standing up on my neck. The report also described the next chute over-the one we were on. It described how very large cornices gave way and set off a sizable avalanche over very fresh recently laid down ski tracks (ours). The cornice broke off into several smaller sections, but still the size of cars and they rolled all the way down to the valley floor.
Whoa! As I mentioned, our plans were to do another lap. We could have easily been in that steep slope when it all came crashing down. It seems that our new shaken up single skied friend might have saved our lives by taking that ride. Because of that we changed our plans and stayed off the mountain.
Now, if you were to ask him-actually he may have been asking himself, "how could a good God allow his suffering?" After all, he lost a ski (and some skin). Perhaps God had a much greater purpose in that lone skier’s suffering...to save the lives of 6 other skiers.
The funny thing is, if I hadn’t gone back several days later and checked the avi report none of us in our party would have had any clue how close we came to disaster. We would have been totally oblivious to what could have happened.
I sure am glad that our good, all-knowing, all-powerful God isn’t oblivious to the goings on in His Creation and with His children. Most of the time we’ll never see or know the reason why God allows some of the things He does. I guess that’s where faith comes in.
But it’s not as if no one has ever thought about this faith-philosophical dilemma before. It’s a curious fact that professional philosophers, the guys getting paid to think logically, have no problem with evil and suffering and a good, all-powerful God.....even those that don’t believe He exists! They simply reason that this good, all powerful God, that could stop evil from happening, allows it because He has a good reason to. Interesting that those not sure of this God’s existence clearly see this, how much more those of us that kinda know Him. Know a bit about His ways, His character, His omnipotence...shouldn’t be a problem with us either.
This winter I had an experience that brings some of this home. While backcountry skiing at Roger’s Pass we had some close calls with avalanches. With some Nat’l and Int’l xc and biathlon skiers and two locals and teammates of mine from the Canadian Nat’l Ski Mountaineering team (brought them along to show us the good powder stashes) we embarked on a mission to ski the newly fallen 30+ cm’s of Kootenay pow. While ascending a soon to be steepening slope we heard a couple of whumps, the tell-tale sign you’re about to see a snow pack failure, which we did on the second of those whumps. The snow started sliding and we high tailed it out of there barely avoiding getting caught in the not too extreme avalanche.
With this experience we decided to change our plans and go over to Cheeops mountain. As we ascended the backside, we noticed a party heading up ahead of us and preparing to drop into a very steep, long couloir. With the new snow and high avi rating, perhaps a precarious move. Our line down the mountain was steep, but not crazy. A couple of us mentioned to our hosts that we’d noticed the overhanging cornices that were the size of several large homes just above us. We dropped in and experienced some of the most wonderful powder skiing ever.
Just as we finished our descent the unthinkable happened. I’ll never forget the sound as the steeper couloir that the other skiers were skiing suddenly slid. It was huge. A massive powder cloud signalled that it was time to spring into action and switch our avalanche beacons into "find" mode. It turned out only one of their party was caught in the slide and he ended up on top of the snow, but man, he went for a 2000' ride. One of his skis was totally lost. One elbow was really scraped open by some rocks he hit. Fortunately his un-helmeted head didn’t hit those rocks. Back in the parking lot he was so shaken. He commented how his season was over (I guess he didn’t want to have to ski on 1 ski).
After our first run, just before this all happened we had decided to do another lap. Perhaps we were pushing the envelope, after all, the avi rating was high and we’d had a really good run, it should have been time to go home. However, when the avalanche happened we were all so shaken up we decided to call it a day. We skied out and down the valley with our legs still quaking from the event.
Three days later I thought I’d check the online avalanche report for the Roger’s Pass area and see if this incident was reported. It was, but as I read on the hair started standing up on my neck. The report also described the next chute over-the one we were on. It described how very large cornices gave way and set off a sizable avalanche over very fresh recently laid down ski tracks (ours). The cornice broke off into several smaller sections, but still the size of cars and they rolled all the way down to the valley floor.
Whoa! As I mentioned, our plans were to do another lap. We could have easily been in that steep slope when it all came crashing down. It seems that our new shaken up single skied friend might have saved our lives by taking that ride. Because of that we changed our plans and stayed off the mountain.
Now, if you were to ask him-actually he may have been asking himself, "how could a good God allow his suffering?" After all, he lost a ski (and some skin). Perhaps God had a much greater purpose in that lone skier’s suffering...to save the lives of 6 other skiers.
The funny thing is, if I hadn’t gone back several days later and checked the avi report none of us in our party would have had any clue how close we came to disaster. We would have been totally oblivious to what could have happened.
I sure am glad that our good, all-knowing, all-powerful God isn’t oblivious to the goings on in His Creation and with His children. Most of the time we’ll never see or know the reason why God allows some of the things He does. I guess that’s where faith comes in.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Unmet Expectations?
In my previous post I mentioned the Psychology Today article on the failed American (& Canadian) Dream. The authors trace the rapidly declining satisfaction and personal meaning of Americans to unrealistic expectations. That is, expecting that achieving the standard trappings of “success” would bring meaning to life.
I’m wondering if the same could be said of evangelical spiritual life? That we have unrealistic expectations. So common it seems these days, that people leave the faith because of their personal hurts in life and the ensuing disappointment with God. “If God is good, how could he have let this happen?”
Yesterday I learned of a personal friend and long time pastor that has pretty much totally walked away from Christianity. Not shocking anymore...it’s becoming more and more common, even among Christian leaders. It wouldn’t surprise me if disappointment was at the core of his emotional reasonings. He’s had a tough go of it in his town.
What did Jesus promise to those who follow him? A worthy Bible study.
I’m wondering if the same could be said of evangelical spiritual life? That we have unrealistic expectations. So common it seems these days, that people leave the faith because of their personal hurts in life and the ensuing disappointment with God. “If God is good, how could he have let this happen?”
Yesterday I learned of a personal friend and long time pastor that has pretty much totally walked away from Christianity. Not shocking anymore...it’s becoming more and more common, even among Christian leaders. It wouldn’t surprise me if disappointment was at the core of his emotional reasonings. He’s had a tough go of it in his town.
What did Jesus promise to those who follow him? A worthy Bible study.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Finding Meaning
I'm reading the latest Ravi Zacharius book, "Dissappointment With God". In the personal interview in the back of the book he comments,
"Ultimately, meaninglessness does not come from being weary of pain but from being weary of pleasure. Now if this is true, pain and suffering are not the problem. The problem is finding meaning in a world in which so much is available and yet where true meaning is still so difficult to find."
Interestingly, in the mail came my recently new subscription to Psychology Today. This month's edition has an articale on the failed American Dream. It sites a survey from the "World Values and General Social Survey on the National Opinion Research Center". They found that amidst the successful headlong pursuit of fat incomes, 2 kids, 2 car garages (occupied), 2 master bathroom, etc. equalling satisfied adulthood....in acuality, the equation doesn't add up. The survey showed that North Americans have become more miserable over the last 1/2 century.
I don't believe P.T.'s analysis of the cause and solution of this mis-fired equation are correct as they typically don't leave any room for God into the equation. Furthermore, I find Ravi's quote interesting. It was made more as a comment on the problem many religious sceptics have concerning the problem of rectifying a good God with all the obvious pain in the world.
Perhaps we're looking at this issue wrongly. People in areas of the world that suffer the most tend to be the most religious. They don't seem to be blaming God for pain. Why would those in far less painful countries do so?
Maybe those in less developed countries, many of whom confront more harsh living than us westerners would, don't put their hope in the false materialistic promises of the so called North American dream. Behavioral researchers say much of the discontent in the west seems linked to the unrealistic expectations of this American Dream.
In the midst of all this, we might be wise to go back to the simple words of Jesus.
"These things I have spoken to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be made full." John 15:5
"Ultimately, meaninglessness does not come from being weary of pain but from being weary of pleasure. Now if this is true, pain and suffering are not the problem. The problem is finding meaning in a world in which so much is available and yet where true meaning is still so difficult to find."
Interestingly, in the mail came my recently new subscription to Psychology Today. This month's edition has an articale on the failed American Dream. It sites a survey from the "World Values and General Social Survey on the National Opinion Research Center". They found that amidst the successful headlong pursuit of fat incomes, 2 kids, 2 car garages (occupied), 2 master bathroom, etc. equalling satisfied adulthood....in acuality, the equation doesn't add up. The survey showed that North Americans have become more miserable over the last 1/2 century.
I don't believe P.T.'s analysis of the cause and solution of this mis-fired equation are correct as they typically don't leave any room for God into the equation. Furthermore, I find Ravi's quote interesting. It was made more as a comment on the problem many religious sceptics have concerning the problem of rectifying a good God with all the obvious pain in the world.
Perhaps we're looking at this issue wrongly. People in areas of the world that suffer the most tend to be the most religious. They don't seem to be blaming God for pain. Why would those in far less painful countries do so?
Maybe those in less developed countries, many of whom confront more harsh living than us westerners would, don't put their hope in the false materialistic promises of the so called North American dream. Behavioral researchers say much of the discontent in the west seems linked to the unrealistic expectations of this American Dream.
In the midst of all this, we might be wise to go back to the simple words of Jesus.
"These things I have spoken to you so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be made full." John 15:5
Friday, February 4, 2011
I Lost in Jeopardy....Baby
(The above title is to be sung to the tune of "Our love's in Jeopardy..." If you're a classic rocker, you'll know the tune)
So I'm watching Jeopardy last night and man was I ever impressed with the contestants. They were rattling off British authors, spouses and children of movie and TV stars and all kinds of obscure trivia....until they asked to complete this Bible verse:
"Lo though I walk through the..."
If you recognize it, it's the 23rd Psalm. One of the most (formerly) well known verses in the Bible. I was amazed all 3 contestants were absolutely stumped. In many cases they at least take a stab at it. However they couldn't even get into the ballpark to make a wild guess.
Is that the state of Bible literacy these days? I wonder how many Christians can get it? I"ll bet they could've gotten the verse, "Judge not lest..."
No wonder our world seems so lost and aimless these days. In another Psalm, the same guy that wrote our 23rd "mystery" Psalm also wrote, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light onto my path". No light or lamp can lead one to stumbling around in the dark!!
So I'm watching Jeopardy last night and man was I ever impressed with the contestants. They were rattling off British authors, spouses and children of movie and TV stars and all kinds of obscure trivia....until they asked to complete this Bible verse:
"Lo though I walk through the..."
If you recognize it, it's the 23rd Psalm. One of the most (formerly) well known verses in the Bible. I was amazed all 3 contestants were absolutely stumped. In many cases they at least take a stab at it. However they couldn't even get into the ballpark to make a wild guess.
Is that the state of Bible literacy these days? I wonder how many Christians can get it? I"ll bet they could've gotten the verse, "Judge not lest..."
No wonder our world seems so lost and aimless these days. In another Psalm, the same guy that wrote our 23rd "mystery" Psalm also wrote, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light onto my path". No light or lamp can lead one to stumbling around in the dark!!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Wisdom When You Need It
Yesterday while driving home from my weekly monday b-fast date with my 2 daughters a really cool though popped into my head. As the chaplain for the Nat'l sport centre in Calgary, for some time I'd been pondering what faith based services have to offer that's different from sport psychs and other centre offerings. The thought I had was, "A coach develops the body, the sport psychologist the head, but a chaplain...the heart."
As I pondered this, I realized how significant this thought was. True drive and motivation can only come from out of the heart. Superficial goals like medals, teams, etc. have limited benefit to motivation, but a true heart felt drive can effectively move an athlete beyond comfort zones into new areas of success.
A sport psychologist can help with various mental coping systems (relaxation, visualization, etc.), but how many have ever asked, "why are you doing what you're doing?" If you think about it it's a pretty important question! All the hours, sacrifices and effort....and you've never even pondered why?
When you discover why, hopefully it'll be a compelling enought reason to produce a true fire within. One that gives meaning and purpse to every workout and race. Granted..you may not like what you see. It could be vanity and selfishness. It could be a weak self concept that is in a desperate search for love and acceptance. Maybe the question "why?" never gets asked because of what might truly be found deep down there.
A Christian athlete will hopefully find their meaning...the answer to "why?" in their love and gratitude for their Saviour. When you realize it's about Him, not yourself. Bringing attention to Him and not yourself...it's at this point you've entered into a whole new realm of heart felt purpose and meaning.
Of course it's easy to say this...and many athletes may try to include it in their playbook either because they think it's the right thing to do, or it'll help them perform better. But to truly tap into this higher reason for living and competing the most important training activity you can do is spend time with God, developing a love relationship. From there the true purpose will flow out of the heart and into a passionate performance.
Interestingly, later that day I found myself riding alongside 4 friends as they bike tripped from Calgary to L.A. One of them an old friend, one an aquiantence and 2 others new. One was a retired bobsled Olympian (as were the other 2). She asked me what I'd tell her if we'd met earlier in her career. What would I tell her about the chaplaincy and why it's there. No brainer now...God already told me that morning what I was suppossed to say-just didn't know to whom, but now I did. We're there for the heart!
As I pondered this, I realized how significant this thought was. True drive and motivation can only come from out of the heart. Superficial goals like medals, teams, etc. have limited benefit to motivation, but a true heart felt drive can effectively move an athlete beyond comfort zones into new areas of success.
A sport psychologist can help with various mental coping systems (relaxation, visualization, etc.), but how many have ever asked, "why are you doing what you're doing?" If you think about it it's a pretty important question! All the hours, sacrifices and effort....and you've never even pondered why?
When you discover why, hopefully it'll be a compelling enought reason to produce a true fire within. One that gives meaning and purpse to every workout and race. Granted..you may not like what you see. It could be vanity and selfishness. It could be a weak self concept that is in a desperate search for love and acceptance. Maybe the question "why?" never gets asked because of what might truly be found deep down there.
A Christian athlete will hopefully find their meaning...the answer to "why?" in their love and gratitude for their Saviour. When you realize it's about Him, not yourself. Bringing attention to Him and not yourself...it's at this point you've entered into a whole new realm of heart felt purpose and meaning.
Of course it's easy to say this...and many athletes may try to include it in their playbook either because they think it's the right thing to do, or it'll help them perform better. But to truly tap into this higher reason for living and competing the most important training activity you can do is spend time with God, developing a love relationship. From there the true purpose will flow out of the heart and into a passionate performance.
Interestingly, later that day I found myself riding alongside 4 friends as they bike tripped from Calgary to L.A. One of them an old friend, one an aquiantence and 2 others new. One was a retired bobsled Olympian (as were the other 2). She asked me what I'd tell her if we'd met earlier in her career. What would I tell her about the chaplaincy and why it's there. No brainer now...God already told me that morning what I was suppossed to say-just didn't know to whom, but now I did. We're there for the heart!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Recently I read an interesting article on the merits of small church. It was interesting as the author shared that despite the trend the last several years towards mega-churches, he contended (and put forth some really good research findings) that small churches are better positioned to reach out to the 21st century mind.
Here’s some reasons:
1) Authenticity. This trait has become an important value. In a best selling book, the secular authors claim that people more and more today are buying products and services based not on hi-quality and value, but increasingly on how real or fake they perceive the offerings. One church study found that the number one reason people returned to churches after an initial visit is because they think the church is "authentic"...(Pastor’s preaching was #2..... church programs were only 5% of the reason). Other research turned up that the most effective churches reaching out to young people in the 20's and 30's had authenticity as one of their highest values. This was true in 100% of these churches.
Large churches often struggle with authenticity and genuiness simply because their size necessitate that they be run like a business. Worship and programs become professionalized and struggle to function like a family (with a family’s blessings and short comings!). This doesn't mean that they can't be genuine, but it's hard for them.
2) Focused. Face it...life is getting more and more complicated. Because of this people may yearn for more focus and intention in their church experience. Sure, large churches have a plethora of programs and some people are attracted to this, but increasingly I’m meeting people who are burned out on church. There were so many ministries and programs demanding attention in their church that they had no time for community involvement or finding personal emotional space. Small churches need to find just a few programs to which they can be truly committed and get everyone on board. In doing so everyone can get involved and really take ownership as they work together and provide a quality program. The energy, sense of mission and momentum generated by this is exciting and contagious!
More coming in the next post!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
THE MOST TRUSTED PEOPLE IIN CANADA
This week a popular Canadian magazine revealed the 50 mosts trusted people in Canada. At the top of the list was David Suzuki. Now, I love his show, "The Nature of Things". It highlights the wonders of God's creation. Of course Mr Suzuki's evolutionary bias never mentions the Creator that real scientists like Einstein believed in. Interestingly, years ago I read a piece by the first phd. in climatology in Canada. You know, the guys that actually study the climate for their life's work....the people that really understand what's going on with the climate. Scientists that tell us that global warming peaked in 1998 and it's been getting cooler ever since. The people that don't fudge the data (a.l.a. United Nations) for their own nefarious purposes. He claimed that Suzuki hired a full time spin meister to present misleading climate data to Canadians with the purpose of perpetuating the global warming myth that provides the Suzuki foundation with loads of research cash and grants. He off handedly accused Suzuki of exploiting the environment more than oil companies.
So, this is the most trusted man in Canada. Did any religious or spiritual figures make the list? Nope. Wayne Gretzky came in a #14. I like Wayne. Even met him in the Nagano Olympics in '98. He seemed like a decent guy. But still I wonder...how come no religious figures? I guess too many clergy sex scandals along with the marginalizing of God in our society.
So who in Canadian society lights the path for us? Who shows us a higher road to live our lives on? 2000 years ago Jesus said the He was the light of the world and that whowever follows him will not walk in darkness. I can't help but believe that the answers for our world are in that light. And it sure seems like a lot of people have been walking in the dark groping around, looking for something.
Years ago Canadian music icon Neil Young sang, "I don't know who trust anymore, there's a shadow running through my veins like a beggar going from door to door."
Maybe God guys have something to say after all. Perhaps this light that Jesus talked about can be explained by pastors. Perhaps we should take a chance and trust them to bring us to this light. It couldn't be any darker around here anyway.
So, this is the most trusted man in Canada. Did any religious or spiritual figures make the list? Nope. Wayne Gretzky came in a #14. I like Wayne. Even met him in the Nagano Olympics in '98. He seemed like a decent guy. But still I wonder...how come no religious figures? I guess too many clergy sex scandals along with the marginalizing of God in our society.
So who in Canadian society lights the path for us? Who shows us a higher road to live our lives on? 2000 years ago Jesus said the He was the light of the world and that whowever follows him will not walk in darkness. I can't help but believe that the answers for our world are in that light. And it sure seems like a lot of people have been walking in the dark groping around, looking for something.
Years ago Canadian music icon Neil Young sang, "I don't know who trust anymore, there's a shadow running through my veins like a beggar going from door to door."
Maybe God guys have something to say after all. Perhaps this light that Jesus talked about can be explained by pastors. Perhaps we should take a chance and trust them to bring us to this light. It couldn't be any darker around here anyway.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
An Encouraging Pastor
After 18 years in para-church ministry, with a heavy emphasis on evangelism and discipleship I began a pastor position in my mountain community. One of the questions that I’d often ask myself was, "What kind of church are we going to be?" A seeker church, a bible teaching church, an outreach oriented church? The parallel question I really had to ask of myself was, "what kind of pastor am I going to be?" A hell-fire-brimstone preacher, grand fatherly affirming pastor, truth evading-but culturally relevant preacher, etc. You can imagine many categories and probably know of popular examples of each.
In the midst of this self evaluation a wise friend with whom I’d pastored said, "go with your strengths." During our conversation I’d already revealed to him what kind of preacher/pastor I wanted to be. But an additional driving desire burned within me.....to be an encouraging pastor. The greek word for encouragement is para-kaleo....literally meaning to call one alongside. That’s a great description of what a pastor...an encouraging pastor, should be doing. Calling people alongside. Of course this presumes that as a spiritual leader you’re already close to God, and as such you are then calling others alongside the both of you.
What does this look like? I thought about this long and hard, as this was something I really wanted to be....an encourager both in my personal interactions and the flavor of my Bible messages. I think it means to share the revealed truths from God in His Word, the Bible....but to do it in a way that draw people into a desire to obey and a hopeful expectation that they are capable of obeying. To hear examples of faith in action and think and trust that they too, with God’s empowerment could have similar faith and perform similar actions.
Remember when Jesus said in John 14, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater {works} than these he will do; because I go to the Father."? Wow! What a promise! What a concept! I realized that Jesus was an encouraging pastor! He was telling His guys that with God’s power-assistance they were going to do more than even the Son of God Himself! Sometimes when we dream things all we need is someone to come alongside us and believe in that dream for us. To say, "You can do it, I believe in you." How many people have gone on to fulfill great things simply because one person said, "I believe in you."?
This is a great power that each of us possess. The power of encouragement. How many people have you been the person that said, "I believe in you. You can do it."? Do you have someone in your life that regularly tells you this? If not, find someone. If you can’t, at least be that person for someone else and get the chain going.
So that’s it. That’s the kind of person.....and pastor I want to be....an encouraging one. With every message I prepare I want to ask myself if I’m presenting these Godly truths in a way that people will feel encouraged and hopeful.
"Lord, thank you for the gift of encouragement that even your Son modeled to us during His time on earth. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that wisely leads us in dispensing these words. Amen"
In the midst of this self evaluation a wise friend with whom I’d pastored said, "go with your strengths." During our conversation I’d already revealed to him what kind of preacher/pastor I wanted to be. But an additional driving desire burned within me.....to be an encouraging pastor. The greek word for encouragement is para-kaleo....literally meaning to call one alongside. That’s a great description of what a pastor...an encouraging pastor, should be doing. Calling people alongside. Of course this presumes that as a spiritual leader you’re already close to God, and as such you are then calling others alongside the both of you.
What does this look like? I thought about this long and hard, as this was something I really wanted to be....an encourager both in my personal interactions and the flavor of my Bible messages. I think it means to share the revealed truths from God in His Word, the Bible....but to do it in a way that draw people into a desire to obey and a hopeful expectation that they are capable of obeying. To hear examples of faith in action and think and trust that they too, with God’s empowerment could have similar faith and perform similar actions.
Remember when Jesus said in John 14, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater {works} than these he will do; because I go to the Father."? Wow! What a promise! What a concept! I realized that Jesus was an encouraging pastor! He was telling His guys that with God’s power-assistance they were going to do more than even the Son of God Himself! Sometimes when we dream things all we need is someone to come alongside us and believe in that dream for us. To say, "You can do it, I believe in you." How many people have gone on to fulfill great things simply because one person said, "I believe in you."?
This is a great power that each of us possess. The power of encouragement. How many people have you been the person that said, "I believe in you. You can do it."? Do you have someone in your life that regularly tells you this? If not, find someone. If you can’t, at least be that person for someone else and get the chain going.
So that’s it. That’s the kind of person.....and pastor I want to be....an encouraging one. With every message I prepare I want to ask myself if I’m presenting these Godly truths in a way that people will feel encouraged and hopeful.
"Lord, thank you for the gift of encouragement that even your Son modeled to us during His time on earth. Thank you for your Holy Spirit that wisely leads us in dispensing these words. Amen"
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Horticulture in the Millenium
Last week as we ended our family summer vacation we drove homeward from Southern California back to our cool mountain home in Canmore Alberta. As we motored along I-5 streaming past mile upon mile of fruit and nut orchards I found myself in wonder and amazement. My course of study while at the University of MN was horticulture. Seeing these absolutely spotless orchards with absolutely no cluttering weeds on the ground (the opposite of my families apple orchard in MN) made me daydream somewhat longingly at what my life would have been like had I continued on a horticultural path.
It wasn’t until a few days later that I had an interesting realization. It came as we were watching Lindsey Lohan’s first movie, The Parent Trap, which setting took place in one of these Northern California orchards. As I longingly looked at the beautiful vineyards on the screen I remembered what I’d recently been reading about the Millennial Kingdom of Christ. That the Earth would grow tremendous crops. We’d seemingly all be capable gardeners and because the soil would produce such a bounty, we’d easily be able to be self sufficient in growing our own food. So this means that even though my career choice went from harvesting fruit to harvesting souls via ministry...my days as a horticulturist most certainly aren’t over! It was also good news to know how easily the crops would grow. The last couple of years I’ve been a little embarrassed to let people know what my undergrad degree was in if they knew how brutal the turf in my small front yard looked!
There are some other interesting features about this 1000 year reign that comes immediately after the 7 year tribulation period. One of them is that scripture seems to indicate that the final earthquake of the tribulation levels all the mountains. That and the probable eradication of winter would surely end our skiing! Another is that the animals all live peacefully together...which likely means that they revert to an all plant diet as in the days before the flood. Does this mean that humans also will be vegetarians?
There are many fascinating aspects to this time, but the best for sure is that Jesus will be physically present and will be our ruler. Finally...face to face with our Saviour!!!
It wasn’t until a few days later that I had an interesting realization. It came as we were watching Lindsey Lohan’s first movie, The Parent Trap, which setting took place in one of these Northern California orchards. As I longingly looked at the beautiful vineyards on the screen I remembered what I’d recently been reading about the Millennial Kingdom of Christ. That the Earth would grow tremendous crops. We’d seemingly all be capable gardeners and because the soil would produce such a bounty, we’d easily be able to be self sufficient in growing our own food. So this means that even though my career choice went from harvesting fruit to harvesting souls via ministry...my days as a horticulturist most certainly aren’t over! It was also good news to know how easily the crops would grow. The last couple of years I’ve been a little embarrassed to let people know what my undergrad degree was in if they knew how brutal the turf in my small front yard looked!
There are some other interesting features about this 1000 year reign that comes immediately after the 7 year tribulation period. One of them is that scripture seems to indicate that the final earthquake of the tribulation levels all the mountains. That and the probable eradication of winter would surely end our skiing! Another is that the animals all live peacefully together...which likely means that they revert to an all plant diet as in the days before the flood. Does this mean that humans also will be vegetarians?
There are many fascinating aspects to this time, but the best for sure is that Jesus will be physically present and will be our ruler. Finally...face to face with our Saviour!!!
Friday, June 12, 2009
The Value of Friendship
The older I get the more I value good friendships. Perhaps as a young man engaged in achieving athletic and career success, I plowed forward and didn’t make time to develop quality relationships. I had a couple. And they meant a lot to me; yet I probably I didn’t see the value in them enough to prioritize them and intentionally deepen them.
Ironically, one of the things that started turning me more into this direction was an interview I read with Don Henley, one of the original founders of the rock band the Eagles. The way he spoke of the people he valued in his life made me want to have relationships like that. He described the guys that he wrote and played music with. The young men that he initially left his home in Texas to come further west to be with and embark on a career in music. It seemed like a fraternity of guys that banded together with a common dream of making it big. Even if the dream didn’t materialize (which of course it did...probably bigger than any of them could have imagined), they’d be pursuing it together, giving it their best shot and wouldn’t have to look back in mid life with regrets for failing to venture out onto the quest.
Maybe they accomplished so much because they did it together. Dreams that may have been too scary to pursue alone were now a little more attainable. When discouragement came knocking on the door and attempted to derail the dream, at least one the troubadours wouldn’t open that door and would keep the train on the tracks.
Often common interests and dreams bring people together, but it takes a commitment to engage in friendship building to deepen these connections and really make something out of them. Just like Don Henley, Jackson Browne, Glenn Frey, J.D. Souther, et.al, can look back and reminisce with each other on their incredible journey ...how rewarding in life to have close friends that have been with you. Encouraging each other and facing down whatever giants are out there together. It’s a well known statement, but still true: "Shared sorrow is half sorrow, shared joy is double joy."
No wonder the wisest man of all, Solomon, declared, "a friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity" Pr. 17:17. And "... there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" Pr. 18:24
There are a few guys in my life now that I won’t let a couple weeks go by without checking in with them. There are more of them out there too. Maybe for you as well...go ahead pick up the phone...
Ironically, one of the things that started turning me more into this direction was an interview I read with Don Henley, one of the original founders of the rock band the Eagles. The way he spoke of the people he valued in his life made me want to have relationships like that. He described the guys that he wrote and played music with. The young men that he initially left his home in Texas to come further west to be with and embark on a career in music. It seemed like a fraternity of guys that banded together with a common dream of making it big. Even if the dream didn’t materialize (which of course it did...probably bigger than any of them could have imagined), they’d be pursuing it together, giving it their best shot and wouldn’t have to look back in mid life with regrets for failing to venture out onto the quest.
Maybe they accomplished so much because they did it together. Dreams that may have been too scary to pursue alone were now a little more attainable. When discouragement came knocking on the door and attempted to derail the dream, at least one the troubadours wouldn’t open that door and would keep the train on the tracks.
Often common interests and dreams bring people together, but it takes a commitment to engage in friendship building to deepen these connections and really make something out of them. Just like Don Henley, Jackson Browne, Glenn Frey, J.D. Souther, et.al, can look back and reminisce with each other on their incredible journey ...how rewarding in life to have close friends that have been with you. Encouraging each other and facing down whatever giants are out there together. It’s a well known statement, but still true: "Shared sorrow is half sorrow, shared joy is double joy."
No wonder the wisest man of all, Solomon, declared, "a friend loves at all times, And a brother is born for adversity" Pr. 17:17. And "... there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother" Pr. 18:24
There are a few guys in my life now that I won’t let a couple weeks go by without checking in with them. There are more of them out there too. Maybe for you as well...go ahead pick up the phone...
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
What is a Church?
In 2 Timothy 4 (vv. 6-16), the elder spiritual statesman Paul, imparts several important instructions for the younger leader, Timothy. One of the first and most important was to warn those under his charge concerning false doctrines and error. From the very beginning erroneous ideas crept into the church (either nefariously or innocuously by those just either prone to wrong thinking or easily swayed). The importance of keeping God’s message true and pure should be obvious. A little error up front can soon lead to a lot later on and severely missing the mark. This is why so much of the N.T. seems to be combating ideas and teachings that are contrary to God’s ways.
Funny, things don’t seem to change much. Even in our day...actually, especially in our day. Of late one of the issues several pastors I’ve known have had to deal with is break off home groups that want to separate from the existing church, call themselves a church and do their own thing. While the idea of meeting in a home is not contrary to Biblical practice, however what these "wanna be" churches are doing is anything but church.
Here’s why... 7 reasons:
1) The home church movement has been a magnet for counter culture rebellious types of individuals that don’t like to submit to anyone or anybody. There’s a reason why Paul appointed certain individuals to lead the church. He also gave several qualifications for these leaders. This apostle spent a lot of time undoing damage to susceptible young Christians that were easily led astray by self appointed, self styled preachers that weren’t qualified to lead. And this is what we often find in HCM’s assembly’s. Which leads to #2...
2) False Doctrines and erroneous ideas run wild in these forums. In this supposed post modern age, anyone’s opinion is just as valid as anyone else’s. Even though a person may be totally uneducated, inexperienced and absolutely unaware of anything historical. What they have to say is just as meaningful, informed and authoritative as let’s say a pastor who studied the Bible formally in Grad school seminary....knows the original languages of the Bible and owns a plethora of exegesis tools and is skilled in using them. (And this doesn’t even take into account varying levels of spiritual maturity).
3) Accountability. Most home groups don’t have any. Formal/normal churches are set up to have a balance in leadership. So let’s say even if the pastor mentioned in above #2 starts to sway off course a little in his theology and doctrine, the church has mature, godly, biblically insightful leadership in place that can steer him back on course or in severe cases, protect the flock from being led astray.
4) Teaching and preaching of God’s word has always taken primacy in church gatherings. This does not seem a value in these home meetings. Even before New Testament times in the Old Covenant, those that knew the Torah instructed the faithful in God’s word. The written word has always been highly esteemed and taught by those dedicated and ordained for this purpose. In the New Testament it’s the same thing. The gathering would worship in song, etc., then be taught the word. In fact it was so important that the Apostles were relieved of the ministry to the community so they dedicate themselves "to prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:1-5). And this function was so valued to the point that they were financially provided for so they could continue in this skillfully. Jesus himself said that the workers are worthy of their wages. A fact that Paul later affirmed and even claimed that those who teach and lead well are actually worthy of double wages!! (1 Tim. 5:17-18).
5) Home fellowship groups don’t fulfill the great commission. Jesus left the church with one great mission. And it’s called the great commission (Mt. 28:18-20). And that is....to make disciples. Now it’s one thing to gather around guitar, sing and share, but it’s not making disciples. Without the teaching and guided application of God’s word, growth and maturity don’t take place. Granted, some churches are better than others at making disciples. And there should be an intentional plan for the production of disciples. The successful disciple-making church employs’ many methods in this work...small group fellowship is but one of them.
6) Home fellowship groups don’t have effective organized outreaches and ministry. Taking part in a formal/normal church is better way to organizationally reach out to your community whether it is providing physical needs or evangelization. They’re better equipped with leadership, structure for getting it done, resources (financial, networking, manpower, etc.). And when that church is a part of a larger denomination it greatly enhances their opportunities to be a part of world evangelization.
7) Home fellowship groups are greatly limited in their spiritual gifts inventory. The bible makes it very clear that each one of us has a spiritual gift. This gift is to be used to build up the body of Christ. The wider the range of gifting, the more opportunity there is for the body to be made complete, and be equipped. A church gives more occasion to use your gift and to be blessed and equipped by other’s gifts.
Finally, I would like to say that I have nothing against home churches in the proper context. If they effectively fulfill the above scriptural mandates, then go for it. In fact there are many places in the world today where home churches are flourishing, but this is mainly a cultural specific situation and usually involves persecution (i.e. Cuba, China).
Home fellowship groups are an important part of church life. Much ministry takes place there... care for one another, encouragement, and maybe even the occasional rebuke and correcting. However, let’s not make the mistake of replacing the church with something new and different simply because it seems cool. Jesus was the one that said HE would build the church. Because people are involved the whole process may not be perfect (and there certainly have been some corrections along the way), but to radically change what has been done for 2000 years is to tell Jesus He hasn’t been doing it right all along.
Funny, things don’t seem to change much. Even in our day...actually, especially in our day. Of late one of the issues several pastors I’ve known have had to deal with is break off home groups that want to separate from the existing church, call themselves a church and do their own thing. While the idea of meeting in a home is not contrary to Biblical practice, however what these "wanna be" churches are doing is anything but church.
Here’s why... 7 reasons:
1) The home church movement has been a magnet for counter culture rebellious types of individuals that don’t like to submit to anyone or anybody. There’s a reason why Paul appointed certain individuals to lead the church. He also gave several qualifications for these leaders. This apostle spent a lot of time undoing damage to susceptible young Christians that were easily led astray by self appointed, self styled preachers that weren’t qualified to lead. And this is what we often find in HCM’s assembly’s. Which leads to #2...
2) False Doctrines and erroneous ideas run wild in these forums. In this supposed post modern age, anyone’s opinion is just as valid as anyone else’s. Even though a person may be totally uneducated, inexperienced and absolutely unaware of anything historical. What they have to say is just as meaningful, informed and authoritative as let’s say a pastor who studied the Bible formally in Grad school seminary....knows the original languages of the Bible and owns a plethora of exegesis tools and is skilled in using them. (And this doesn’t even take into account varying levels of spiritual maturity).
3) Accountability. Most home groups don’t have any. Formal/normal churches are set up to have a balance in leadership. So let’s say even if the pastor mentioned in above #2 starts to sway off course a little in his theology and doctrine, the church has mature, godly, biblically insightful leadership in place that can steer him back on course or in severe cases, protect the flock from being led astray.
4) Teaching and preaching of God’s word has always taken primacy in church gatherings. This does not seem a value in these home meetings. Even before New Testament times in the Old Covenant, those that knew the Torah instructed the faithful in God’s word. The written word has always been highly esteemed and taught by those dedicated and ordained for this purpose. In the New Testament it’s the same thing. The gathering would worship in song, etc., then be taught the word. In fact it was so important that the Apostles were relieved of the ministry to the community so they dedicate themselves "to prayer and the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:1-5). And this function was so valued to the point that they were financially provided for so they could continue in this skillfully. Jesus himself said that the workers are worthy of their wages. A fact that Paul later affirmed and even claimed that those who teach and lead well are actually worthy of double wages!! (1 Tim. 5:17-18).
5) Home fellowship groups don’t fulfill the great commission. Jesus left the church with one great mission. And it’s called the great commission (Mt. 28:18-20). And that is....to make disciples. Now it’s one thing to gather around guitar, sing and share, but it’s not making disciples. Without the teaching and guided application of God’s word, growth and maturity don’t take place. Granted, some churches are better than others at making disciples. And there should be an intentional plan for the production of disciples. The successful disciple-making church employs’ many methods in this work...small group fellowship is but one of them.
6) Home fellowship groups don’t have effective organized outreaches and ministry. Taking part in a formal/normal church is better way to organizationally reach out to your community whether it is providing physical needs or evangelization. They’re better equipped with leadership, structure for getting it done, resources (financial, networking, manpower, etc.). And when that church is a part of a larger denomination it greatly enhances their opportunities to be a part of world evangelization.
7) Home fellowship groups are greatly limited in their spiritual gifts inventory. The bible makes it very clear that each one of us has a spiritual gift. This gift is to be used to build up the body of Christ. The wider the range of gifting, the more opportunity there is for the body to be made complete, and be equipped. A church gives more occasion to use your gift and to be blessed and equipped by other’s gifts.
Finally, I would like to say that I have nothing against home churches in the proper context. If they effectively fulfill the above scriptural mandates, then go for it. In fact there are many places in the world today where home churches are flourishing, but this is mainly a cultural specific situation and usually involves persecution (i.e. Cuba, China).
Home fellowship groups are an important part of church life. Much ministry takes place there... care for one another, encouragement, and maybe even the occasional rebuke and correcting. However, let’s not make the mistake of replacing the church with something new and different simply because it seems cool. Jesus was the one that said HE would build the church. Because people are involved the whole process may not be perfect (and there certainly have been some corrections along the way), but to radically change what has been done for 2000 years is to tell Jesus He hasn’t been doing it right all along.
Ironmans and Ministry
Ministry can learn a lot from Ironman triathlon. I still remember the first of my (to this point) four Ironmans. I’d had a rough go, over pacing on the bike leg turned my run into something less than spectacular (to put it very mildly). From the very beginning of the run my leg muscles were on the edge of cramping.... and this persisted the entire 26.2 miles. Needless to say when I finally made it to Lakeshore Dr. in Penticton it was a major relief. Even though the winners had crossed the finish line over 2 hours earlier, the last mile was absolutely lined with people cheering wildly. It’s an experience I’ll never forget. Then I got to hear those magical words by the famous Ironman announcer Steve King, "Steve Sellers, you’re an Ironman!!!" It still makes me emotional thinking about it today!
The thing that amazes me about Ironman is what people will do to hear those words I got to hear that day. Friends and family members will come to Penticton to cheer their loved ones on in Ironman Canada and get so caught up in the experience that the very next day they’ll place themselves in the long line to register for next year’s event. Many of whom weren’t even training or racing to that point. They’ll put down their Visa or MC (b/c Ironman doesn’t take American Express), be 600$ poorer, and then the training begins (after they get themselves the bike, maybe a coach, pool membership, etc.... it’s a major expense and time commitment!).
Did I say why they registered a full year in advance? Because the event sells out the very next day for the succeeding event. People clamour all over each other to get into these torturous races. Why? I’ll leave that one for the sport psychologists to figure out. But let’s just imagine that the powers that be at Ironman Corp. feared that registrations would be low because not enough people would be willing to commit to this kind of rigorous preparation and competition. They could charge a more reasonable 100$ (people would pay that to be called an "Ironman". And suppose they make the event easier. Of course you couldn’t change the distances (3.85km swim, 180 km bike, 42 km run) because then you wouldn’t legitimately be an Iroman. But maybe we could have some motor boats with ropes behind to pull athletes in case they get tired. For the bike they’ll allow motorized 2 wheelers and for the run, well it’s hard to run the full 26.2 miles after being out in the sun all day so they would permit roller blades, which would certainly speed things up a bit. A great advantage to all this is that spectators wouldn’t have to wait until midnight to cheer on their slower loved ones!
Do you think this would go over? Not on your life!! It’s the challenge that brings people out. The mentality that says, "I need a challenge worthy of me!" If it was easier, so that just about anyone could do it, people wouldn’t bother. It’d be a nowhere event instead of the yearly sell out with thousands of spectators also taking part in the day.
I fear that a lot of churches take this second approach to ministry. They figure that people today in this unbelieving, un-truth affirming, non-committal age can’t really digest what God has to clearly say in His Word....the Bible. So messages are shared that have lots of relevance to our lives today, but virtually no Scriptural truth. Great music....everyone likes good music. Creative community building gimmicks, because community is important... especially to young people. But community built around what? Certainly not truth..... post moderns don’t believe truth exists. "How dare we tell anyone what to believe!!!"
Whether you call a ministry like this "emergent"or "seeker friendly" or whatever moniker the church growth gurus are calling it these days, in the end all you’ve got is something that resembles a Seinfeld episode... "A church about nothin’" (Ok, I’m giving away my age group demographic here, but do you remember that episode?).
2000 years ago Jesus gave us a little command which we call the "Great Commission". Its mission is to make disciples. The Greek word means, "learners". So how are we going to do this unless we teach? Teach what? Clearly, God’s message to us.... His Word.
But you say, "What about the seekers, pre-Christians and unchurched that we want to attract?"
Let me put it this way... if I was considering buying into Islam I’d want to know what was expected of me. I’d also want to know what the benefits are once I’d bought in. Would I have to blow up a building? Take part in Jihad? If I was a woman, would I be required to wear a Gurkha all my life? Etc. Etc. Tell me straight. Don’t play games with me. I really want to know. Perhaps you are hiding the real truth because you’re either ashamed of it, or you really don’t think it’s that great and I wouldn’t want to be a part of it. So now you’ll try to fool me into joining up.
What we have in Christ is amazing. It’ll take us a lifetime of Bible study to even begin to grasp the treasures that have been given to us by God. It makes me want to immodestly join with the Ap. Paul in his personal proclamation in the first chapter of Romans where he exults, "for I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation. To everyone who believes..."
Wonderful stuff!
The thing that amazes me about Ironman is what people will do to hear those words I got to hear that day. Friends and family members will come to Penticton to cheer their loved ones on in Ironman Canada and get so caught up in the experience that the very next day they’ll place themselves in the long line to register for next year’s event. Many of whom weren’t even training or racing to that point. They’ll put down their Visa or MC (b/c Ironman doesn’t take American Express), be 600$ poorer, and then the training begins (after they get themselves the bike, maybe a coach, pool membership, etc.... it’s a major expense and time commitment!).
Did I say why they registered a full year in advance? Because the event sells out the very next day for the succeeding event. People clamour all over each other to get into these torturous races. Why? I’ll leave that one for the sport psychologists to figure out. But let’s just imagine that the powers that be at Ironman Corp. feared that registrations would be low because not enough people would be willing to commit to this kind of rigorous preparation and competition. They could charge a more reasonable 100$ (people would pay that to be called an "Ironman". And suppose they make the event easier. Of course you couldn’t change the distances (3.85km swim, 180 km bike, 42 km run) because then you wouldn’t legitimately be an Iroman. But maybe we could have some motor boats with ropes behind to pull athletes in case they get tired. For the bike they’ll allow motorized 2 wheelers and for the run, well it’s hard to run the full 26.2 miles after being out in the sun all day so they would permit roller blades, which would certainly speed things up a bit. A great advantage to all this is that spectators wouldn’t have to wait until midnight to cheer on their slower loved ones!
Do you think this would go over? Not on your life!! It’s the challenge that brings people out. The mentality that says, "I need a challenge worthy of me!" If it was easier, so that just about anyone could do it, people wouldn’t bother. It’d be a nowhere event instead of the yearly sell out with thousands of spectators also taking part in the day.
I fear that a lot of churches take this second approach to ministry. They figure that people today in this unbelieving, un-truth affirming, non-committal age can’t really digest what God has to clearly say in His Word....the Bible. So messages are shared that have lots of relevance to our lives today, but virtually no Scriptural truth. Great music....everyone likes good music. Creative community building gimmicks, because community is important... especially to young people. But community built around what? Certainly not truth..... post moderns don’t believe truth exists. "How dare we tell anyone what to believe!!!"
Whether you call a ministry like this "emergent"or "seeker friendly" or whatever moniker the church growth gurus are calling it these days, in the end all you’ve got is something that resembles a Seinfeld episode... "A church about nothin’" (Ok, I’m giving away my age group demographic here, but do you remember that episode?).
2000 years ago Jesus gave us a little command which we call the "Great Commission". Its mission is to make disciples. The Greek word means, "learners". So how are we going to do this unless we teach? Teach what? Clearly, God’s message to us.... His Word.
But you say, "What about the seekers, pre-Christians and unchurched that we want to attract?"
Let me put it this way... if I was considering buying into Islam I’d want to know what was expected of me. I’d also want to know what the benefits are once I’d bought in. Would I have to blow up a building? Take part in Jihad? If I was a woman, would I be required to wear a Gurkha all my life? Etc. Etc. Tell me straight. Don’t play games with me. I really want to know. Perhaps you are hiding the real truth because you’re either ashamed of it, or you really don’t think it’s that great and I wouldn’t want to be a part of it. So now you’ll try to fool me into joining up.
What we have in Christ is amazing. It’ll take us a lifetime of Bible study to even begin to grasp the treasures that have been given to us by God. It makes me want to immodestly join with the Ap. Paul in his personal proclamation in the first chapter of Romans where he exults, "for I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God for salvation. To everyone who believes..."
Wonderful stuff!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Welcome!!!
Hi there! Welcome to my new blog place. This is my first one. Well actually it's just a test. I'm putting up a website for our church and it should be up and running real soon and I want to have this blog as part of it. Since the Web Page isn't up yet, this blog will be neglected until then. So, We'll be running by mid Nov.
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