a new kind of Christian

Yesterday we had another good time of "devotions". We're in Genesis, and just completed the first 11 chapters in our little study and discussion.

As usual, I brought up things that did not always resonate with everyone else, I believe. Not because I want to be controversial, I hope. In some circles I might be labeled a conservative and even a "fundamentalist". Though in other circles I've already been labeled a liberal, at least in some views.

Leaving that half hour of "devotions" yesterday, I was scratching my head, so to speak, trying to figure out that all too familiar phenomena we and I experience in that time together. I told a good friend, who is part of that group and probably more where I'm at, that there are three words, that in many discussions are three of my favorite: "I don't know."

There are many things that by faith we know, that by faith we accept as true, even though we likely do not understand it all that well. For me the story found in Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation is true. But I simply do not see that story in the same way as I used to. Years ago it had to do with propositions and truth from those propositions, more than anything else. Not that all those propositions were bad or untrue, but we didn't see, adequately, the story, and the flow of that story, nor the place of the story, within all of Scripture.

Within that story, I find some theological paradigms people hold break down. And so do many of our explanations. And things that we think we know. These especially break down when Jesus comes.

In Scot McKnight's new book- I think it will become a classic- The Real Mary, we find that Mary knew Scripture, and her faith was strong, as she responded in faith to the Lord's word to her, through the angel Gabriel. But we see along the way, that she really did not understand the meaning of all that she knew. Her journey of faith meant arriving to new understandings of what her son's fulfillment of being the son of David who would rule over all, in God's kingdom- would mean, especially for her day (and today).

A fundamental disposition we need when coming to Scripture is the attitude expressed in the words: "I don't know." This can help us be more teachable. To ponder things more in our hearts. And learn so much more. And so avoid any cut and dried Christianity, that has all the answers.

So I expressed to my friend yesterday, that I think, in the words of Brian McLaren, I have become "a new kind of Christian". One that doesn't want to leave our Christian heritage behind, expressed through the centuries by people, very diverse in their interpretations of Scripture. Yet united in their orthodoxy as part of the Church. Standing united with it, even in the midst of disagreement.

Being a new kind of Christian, means I am agnostic about a good number of things. Do I believe the Bible is true? Yes. Absolutely. But what does that always mean? In Genesis 1-3 this can be particularly difficult. But I don't care if that's mythic in recounting the history of humanity. For me, whatever the genre is, being used there, and however that was understood, even by the first recipients of it (including Moses), I believe it is true, and is from God. And is for our good. To lead us to Jesus Christ, and the kingdom of God, come, in him.

Do you struggle with any of this yourself? And how does it play out in your life and thought?

embracing grace 11: diminished by exclusion

Books could be written from each chapter of Scot McKnight's Embracing Grace: A Gospel for All of Us. (I would strongly recommend purchasing A Companion Guide to Embracing Grace.) I was struck by the newness of my reading of this chapter yesterday. Unfortunately I was not able to type down thoughts at the time. I will give reflections I have from, again (again) reading this chapter.

We as humans are created as Eikons. To see a human is to see, in our case as fallen humans, a cracked picture or representation or view of God himself. In Jesus Christ one finds the perfect Eikon, in whom all other human beings can be restored into the fullness of their status and reality as Eikons. Of course this restoration, while real is also gradual. We are heading toward that goal, together in Jesus, as we each live out this life in him.

This chapter helps us see that humans abandon their Eikonicness, when they live lives of exclusion. This often comes from hurt in wounding from relationships. It's also one "natural" (really unnatural when viewed from creation) result of the human fall. When humans sinned (and sin) we now instinctively want to hide from God. This can manifest itself in denying God in one way or another. Maybe as "an atheist". Or into partying, etc.

We turn inwardly, embracing ourselves. But in this embrace, losing our very selves, our souls. Because we wither and die, being made for relationship with God and with other humans.

Only in Christ can this embrace be fully turned out toward God and toward others. Because of his work for us in the Cross, the Resurrection and the Holy Spirit- we can begin to truly embrace God and others. This does not usually, or most of the time, for most of us, come easy. It is a process of unlearning what we had found to be "safe" and "nourishing" in days past. I know this use to be true in my own life. Instead of wanting to be a part of "the Jesus community" even as a Christian, though I loved other Christians- of course, my ideal of the "spiritual life" was to be off somewhere alone, in the woods, reading, seeking to draw near to God. Good in its place. But not good if it really is a turning inward on one's self, away from others, and too often distanced from God, as well.

God made us for himself and for each other. We begin to experience the fullness of life in God only as we begin to embrace God and others. This means a turning away from exclusion and towards inclusion. For me it has meant a new and normally ongoing sense of nearness to God and to others. Though certainly growing in that, and at time finding myself wanting to withdraw into my old way of inclusion. But those can be good times of soul searching before God. And of finding sources of pain to bring before God for his forgiveness and healing.

Scot shares the examples of some people who have been diminished by this exclusion. What about you and I? Do we find it easy to turn inwardly? Is there legitimate times for being alone before God? And are there times when people need space for healing, during which they are not necessarily turned in on themselves? (As Scot points out from Ecclesiastes: "There is a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing.") But what can we do to break this exclusion that diminishes who we really are?

I was amazed yesterday morning. When reading this chapter, it was like reading it for the first time, striking me in its newness and truth. Yet as I begun my day, I found myself wanting to withdraw from most everyone in general (seems not normal for me, anymore) and one person in particular. I broke that, in the course of the day. But it shows how this embracing is not easy, but possible only in Christ, and by grace.

i can't believe i did dat!

i just erased all the links. i'll get to them as i can. wow.

continuity and discontinuity

As we begin a new week, we see a new day. Therefore discontinuity, since there can be new possibilities. God is at work in our lives, individually and then together (or vice-versa) to continue to make all things new. If at certain points in my life, people would've told me, such and such will be the case in your life and experience in the future, I would have hardly believed them. Though knowing in my mind, that in theory, with God all things are possible. I have seen this newness in my own life.

There is also continuity. Yes, this is a new week, and another new day that the Lord has made. But in that, God is at work to complete the good work he has begun in us. Therefore the continuity. God continues with us. With us in our problems, hangups and vices. God restores us, in his grace, again and again. But he is at work to change us. That is a work in which growth in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, plays a big part.

God is good. Therefore each day has new and exciting possibilities. God is good, so even through the sameness and humdrum of life, we can look for God's hand (and face) in helping us to live up, by and in his grace, to the level of life we've already attained in our Lord. And to see, over time, and over the same situations, growth and change in our lives. As well as his continued faithfulness when all seems lost.

What do you look forward to, in seeing a new day, and a new week? Where is your expectation from? Do you see God's goodness at work in your life? Do you believe God is for you? He is for us all, and has shown that, and provided for that in the Person and work of his Son, Jesus Christ. And by the Spirit of God, brooding and moving over us.

impact from us

The Jesus community is the Body of Christ in the world. This Body is certainly not just here for itself. It's on mission. I remember years back, a strong Christian voicing his opinion that church should be only about edification of each other. Then during the week, separate members of it evangelize. This was from, in my view, a stunted reading of Paul's letters.

It is certainly true that we need to take care of each other in the Jesus community. We see this done in the early church in Acts. And this care is taught throughout the letters of the New Testament. There will be much opportunity for good ministry here. It's a mistake to discount this.

Of course we must not stop there. But the point is our impact into the world begins with our impact to each other. And part of that impact to each other is to help us together be Christ's Body in the world.

How did Jesus minister to people? Sometimes in multitudes, to be sure. But more often, just one person at a time. In doing this, Jesus was simply responding to opportunities with people, who came his way. As a community of Jesus, we need to point out to each other, needs of people that we're aware of. Impact from us in Jesus to the world must begin with us blessing each other. And from there it is really to be done as a team. We care about each other, and we care about the contacts each other has.

How can this be done? Some call for house churches to do it. That can work well, of course. From more traditional settings we need to break into smaller groups. Called by various names, such as "homegroups" by our church, these can help us begin to really practice this care for each other, and for those we come into contact with, as well as those in need in our community. We need to be open to fresh ideas in this. From emergent, or missional groups and others. But this is something that should be ongoing, at the heart of what our life as church is about, year round.

These words are descriptive of what we've been experiencing in our homegroup. A great opportunity to grow together. As we sing, think from Scripture, pray and serve each other and those around us in the world. So that more and more, when we think of ourselves we think as community. That our identity is wrapped up in who we are together as a Jesus community. That would impact others for their blessing and good.

What kind of experience have others of you had in smaller groups? Did such activity spur you to love and good deeds for each other- and for others in need?

focused on living out what lasts

As I think about this day in our country, perhaps the biggest day of shopping of the year, I thought of my time at Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta, Canada. I was blessed in every way possible, above all in finding my life partner there, Deb. And also in the many people I met.

Dr. Ted Rendall was second to none in his intellect and constant reading (his personal library was massive). And he also lived out his faith. His actions and life spoke as powerfully to us, as the great teaching we received from him. There were many others too. Everyone of the professors there I feel blessed to have gotten to know.

This was largely a self-sustaining community when I was there (1980-83). Therefore it was made up of people of all kinds of trades. And believe me, these people lived simple lifestyles. In those days, no television was on campus. Prairie was in the midst of change then (for the better, I think), though we didn't see the end result ourselves. But the point I'm making is that these people lived sacrificially. They were committed to the mission of training Christian leaders and workers, many of whom would serve all over the world.

I'm thinking of this little haven, nestled in a small town, far flung from anything but beautiful rolling prairie land. It was idyllic in helping students focus on what they were there for. (And we'd go to Calgary or other places, getting to share in serving others through preaching, teaching, witnessing, loving.) Perhaps this is a major part of the point. It's okay to go shopping, of course. But where is our focus? Where is our treasure? On things of this earth? Or the things of heaven?

And how can we best express that focus this holiday season? Good question for us to ask and pray about. Let's get caught up in what will last forever- in Jesus and as his community and mission partners in the world.

being thankful

It's good to give thanks to the Lord, as we read in the Psalms. In light of his goodness to us expressed in his acts of love and salvation. We're told as those in Jesus, that God's will for us includes, in everything giving thanks. So it's to be a habit in our lives. And we're told to give thanks to God the Father always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Knowing, I take it, that God is at work in everything, even the worst of things, and we need to trust him to bring good out of it all.

Thankfulness needs to begin in the heart, though, of course it begins with the Giver and gifts given to us humans. We ought to reflect on them. And I think it's good for us to have one special holiday, marked out for this very reason. This is tradition, and tradition can be good. What will we do today, to express our gratitude to God?

Have a blessed Thanksgiving, everyone!

love

Love takes into account, always, the truly best interest of the one loved. This is clear in 1 Corinthians 13:

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love begins in the heart. But before that, it really begins with God. "We love, because he first loved us." (1 John 3) Love has much to do with grace. If we understand how much we have been forgiven of, then we'll love much, as Jesus said of the sinful woman who anointed his feet with her tears and expensive perfume.

Love means we put up with everything. Putting up here means, really loving those we may not like for certain reasons. And better than that, learning to like them. Or seeking to get to know such a person, so we can find common ground and fellowship together.

Love is inclusive. God's love embraces the entire world. If we have that love of God, our love should do the same. To everyone, period. No exceptions. Oh, by the way, in case we forget, that does include enemies, as Jesus plainly teaches us. We need to live that out among any who intensely dislike, or hate us. Hard, but this is the love God calls us to, in Christ Jesus.

I remember another Christian. He intensely disliked me. And he told others, when he left for another job, that I'm the only one he wouldn't miss. I'm sure he saw me as very disingenuous when I extended my hand to him, his last day, and told him that I'd miss him. I certainly wouldn't miss him continually interrupting me. And his obvious looking down on me. (This was for political reasons, and in this case is more complex. And to keep it anonymous, I won't go into details. But I did make one unfortunate statement early on, that I took back. But I guess the whole package of me was just unacceptable.) But I had reasons I would miss him. A good worker. And most importantly, I saw the grace of God at work in his life. He is a brother, and therefore my brother in Christ. Or even if someone is not, they are my sibling in the human race.

Love. Not easy. Not mere sentiment. Right where we live. With the goal to become friends. True friends together with our Lord Jesus Christ. And in the friendship of God. The goal. But let's start with those, anyone, whom the Lord would bring to his table- which I believe includes, potentially, everyone. To make known to them this special love. That they too may take part in it.

When is it difficult for you to love someone? What can you learn about this special love in the midst of the process to learn to love such a person? How is our faith fundamentally important to understanding this love?

depression

I work with a friend who though a strong believer in Christ, has suffered clinical depression. He has been incapacitated by it at times, for months at a time. I myself once suffered from mild forms of it, though I was never diagnosed as depressed. I took meds, but found the after-effects not worth the affect those meds had. My friend struggles with meds, because the balance in his system is disrupted, and at times (like myself), the good effect of a med wears off.

Depression is often misunderstood. It does not occur necessarily, through lack of faith. Our Lord in the shadow of his coming crucifixion, and in the garden of Gethsemane, seems to have suffered acute depression. Other notable Bible characters seemed to have been afflicted with it- Paul, to some extent at times, and Jeremiah to a large extent most of the time.

To understand depression requires us to read about it, and listen to those who have suffered it. We need to pray for them and be friends who are present for them. And we must be careful not to judge them. Depression must be viewed as something someone is carrying, that is a part of who they are. It involves brain activity. And it's something people have to learn to live with. There is recovery, though supposedly each severe bout with depression, according to medical authorities, takes something away from the person that they'll never recover.

As for me, I've come a long way in terms of avoiding depression. In my case it has come in my mental and emotional anguish over what I was suffering in the troubles of life. The emotional quotient (EQ) has been labeled and called more important to a person's success in the world, than their intelligence quotient (IQ). I remember some older brother in Christ, who counseled me in my mid to later 20's, who called me an "emotional cripple". And I think I was. But God has helped me, over the years, to come a long way. And my experience helps me identify with, and empathize over those who do suffer depression.

Of course most all humans suffer depression in at least mild forms at times. This is where, again, Scripture is so helpful. For in it, we can find real people, who, though they came near to God, and received his help, lived in the same kind of experience that you and I live. It is important for us to stay in Scripture, so that we can be encouraged through the telling of the story there, and find hope to help us carry on.

participation

Last evening we heard Gary and Sue Gilmore talk about their work in Chile as a kind of house parents of a girls' home to help them over (for the most part) abuse. They had found this work after retirement, and use their gifts to share God's love in deed and word to these girls. It is a blessing to hear them.

God is at work in the world. And he uses people in his work. But for us to be used means we must be willing to participate. In the case of the Gilmores, this surely started well before they retired. When we look at the Christians in the early church, reading in Acts, and in the letters, we find a church that was active in participating in God's work in the world.

What does this participation look like? It means, in faith stepping out and offering our contribution, meager as it may seem, to the whole. And it means drawing from and being blessed by the participation of others around us.

Partipation involves vision. Vision from God of his kingdom come in Jesus. And what that kingdom is all about. Then we are about God's work of the kingdom, helping others to enter into it, and seeking to share with all the blessings of the kingdom made available to all through Christ.

One of the biggest hurdles we must get over is the idea that what we have to give in participating is insignificant or inferior. Like the boy who shared his five loaves and two fishes to the Lord, we too need to share what we have and are. Knowing that the Lord can multiply it for a multitude. But our part is to hear and obey, not to be successful or look good in the world's eyes.

Participation. Together. With humility. And gratitude. It's underrated. But that's what the kingdom work of God is all about. Let's be a part of that, today.

What keeps us from participating in God's kingdom work in Jesus? What have you witnessed in your own participation in this work, as well as from the participation of others?

things that really matter

I'm a normal Buckeye fan, though I hold myself back, most of the time (exception: that brief time once a year), because I know I get sucked up into the swirl of the hype and mania that come with that, too easily. Today is the biggest regular season game between (#2 ranked) Michigan and (#1 ranked) Ohio State in the history of this fabled rivalry.

And, as we all sadly know, Coach Bo Schembechler passed away yesterday. We grieve with others, and lament his loss to the football world. And we stop dead in our tracks, and realize that there is more to life than just this game. But I'm sure Michigan players, today, will want to go all out, all the more to honor Bo with a big victory. And both teams will want to live up to the hype of what this rivalry is all about, and both will, regardless of the outcome.

Things that really matter are right down to earth where we live. They include personal issues we're working on, such as attitudes we know do not measure up to Christ. Starting at home, and working out into all the places and people our lives touch daily.

I have to keep working on this. Seeking to see my struggles or deficiencies as opportunities to grow, in learning to make and keep first things first.

What I find frustrating, is the fact that I still struggle in some areas. Though as I seriously look at them, I can see real growth over the years. But I have to realize that our pressing on towards the goal of the prize of the high calling of God, in Christ Jesus, is ongoing. We're in it together, but each of us must be seriously engaged in it, and help one another to do the same.

Well, good luck to all in the big game, and all the games today. May we be an example, as those in the Jesus community, of what it means, in all things, to keep first things first, and hold on to the things that really matter.

What are your thoughts and/or experience in this, you'd like to share with us?

relaxing

We're at the end of another week. Hopefully the weekend can be relaxing for us. Some of us will be biting our nails, so to speak over a football game (Go Bucks!). And we have the pressures of weekend tasks.

Relaxing is an art, that I think needs to be done right and well by us, of the Jesus community. We need to relax, not only on weekends, but throughout the week. Yes, working hard. But learning to do so in a relaxed spirit.

Relaxing means letting go, in a certain way. Letting one's hair down, so to speak. Being yourself, and not worrying whether or not, somehow, you're measuring up. For us of the Jesus community, relaxing is an act of faith. Knowing that all depends on God. It's not dependent on me, or us. But on God. Yet in this relaxed state, we know we're each called to play our part. But it is God who makes all things go, and all things good.

When I get uptight, opposite of being relaxed, I believe I'm getting in the way of what God is doing, and wants to accomplish. Instead, I need to step back, and let God be God, and do his work. It's like learning to be swept into another world, another reality at work in the world. And then remaining there. Relaxed in all our thinking and doing.

How do we do this? By faith. Just learn to sit back. Do nothing. In your heart. Having those seasons when we do not wish for anyone to come in. But when they do, to receive them, but only as those who remain relaxed. Relaxed in God.

What thoughts might you have on relaxing? And on relaxing in God?

why is faith hard?

I was reading this morning the case of the Canaanite woman with the demonized daughter. She comes to Jesus in desperation. Jesus is silent to her plea. And his disciples urge him to send her away. Then she kneels before him, asking for help. This is when Jesus responds in line with what he had told his disciples. The bread is only for the children, really meaning here, I believe, the children of God especially as gathered from Israel, at that time. And not for the dogs. She then responds that even the dogs under the table eat the crumbs that fall down. Jesus then commends her for her great faith. And tells her that her request is granted. And her daughter was healed from that very hour.

Arguably, you might say that a majority of people never would have come to Jesus in the first place. But against that is the times when people did bring their sick to Jesus. Also desperation can result in a new openness to God in our lives. She comes.

But then she is put off with silence. She could have left, but instead she irritates the disciples by continuing to cry out to them. Then Jesus explains his mission, how it is focused on saving the lost sheep of Israel. Again this could have resulted in her giving up, and thinking that God's blessing and salvation is not for her daughter, or for her. But instead she persists, and we already know the end of the story.

Why is faith so hard? Just late last night and early this morning I was struggling over an issue which really has to do with my faith. I am reminded of passages in which Jesus teaches us that we must have the faith of a child, if we're to enter into the kingdom of God. Or other passages that teach us that it is often the poor who are rich in faith, and the rich who are poor before God.

One could argue theologically that Jesus knew this woman's heart, and knew what she would do. And was helping her through a necessary process of faith. Or that he knew what kind of faith she had, that it was robust, and would be an example to his disciples and to future generations. Or, if Jesus was not given this to know from God, if this was how he was living out his true humanity here, which I believe it was, that Jesus, if the Spirit did not reveal the woman's heart to him, was acting wisely to encourage a genuine faith, but discourage a spurious one. Probably none of all this, but it's okay to wonder.

Back to the question. I think it's because God wants something more out of our faith than to just give us answers to our prayers. He'll begin there. But he would never end there. God wants us. He wants all of us. And this means a faith relationship with him. That comes in line with the Jesus Creed. That doesn't stop at one answer, but is drawn in to the community of God.

I can think of at least another reason- related, and a big subject in itself. But what would you say on this from your experience, study and thinking? Why is faith (at least so often) hard?

embracing grace 10: a five-foot gospel

In Scot McKnight's book, Embracing Grace: A Gospel for All of Us, we run into a five-foot gospel by the name of Araminta, who later changed her name to Harriet Tubman. She was what Paul was talking about in the work of Christ breaking down the immoveable, impenetrable walls, put in place by sin. Walls that make it acceptable to downgrade another race to slave status. Walls that not only divide, but enforce and fortify that division.

I found this chapter very inspiring, and very much needed in much of what I see of our evangelical world today. This may seem unfair. But we as a group often seem rather oblivious to the systemic evil all around us and in the world. But this gospel and God's grace in and through it, will not allow us to live there.

What if Harriet Tubman- the "Moses" of "the Underground Railroad had had a gospel like so many of us have? I know this is hard. But I'm making a point. I'm speaking here of an individualistic gospel. That's all about me, my needs. My sin and forgiveness and reconciliation. What if Harriet Tubman believed and knew only that "gospel"?

But the experience of the slaves with Harriet, would not allow them to embrace a gospel that divides people so that some can be beaten and have their children sold as property to others. Harriet learned through her people that such is not the gospel, and she learned to say, "No!", and do something about this systemic evil through her mother's example.

Does our gospel have anything to do with the genocide in Darfur? The grieving Palestinian or Israeli mother? The bereft of Iraq? The poor among us? Or is it just about getting people's "souls" saved? The things in this world mattering not at all!

Well, if the latter is the case, then you don't have the gospel that Jesus brought. The gospel of the Bible. It is a gospel that has good news of a kingdom from God in Jesus, that begins now. And it's a gospel that cannot be silent and inactive when there is systemic evil and injustice in the world and in our neighborhood.

Read Jesus in the gospels. Read Acts and Paul, for example in Colossians. And the entire New Testament. And the rest of the Bible. This gospel is evident, and really "in your face" throughout. And be satisfied with nothing less.

Why is this gospel often missed by us, especially we evangelicals? How does this fit with "the Jesus Creed"?

expectations

We live in life with many expectations. I suppose most of them we take for granted. But when they don't happen, such as our car getting us to work, then we can be quite unhappy. Other expectations are things that we anticipate in life. Such as finding a soul mate and getting married. Or landing the job we've been working towards in our education or training. Or expecting God to do certain things in our lives, based on our theological understanding of his Word, of him and his promises to us.

In Scot McKnight's book, The Real Mary, we find that Mary, as well as many of Jesus' followers during that time, had to work through unrealized expectations. In fact Jesus fulfilling God's promises as given to Mary by the angel Gabriel, as well as from her reading of Scripture as expressed in "the Magnificat", was not at all like Mary had envisioned. She tried to correct her son along the way. But instead had to learn to trust and follow him.

We too, as those in Jesus have "visions" and "dreams" of how things can, should and even will take place, especially when we're younger in our faith. But as we grow older, we begin to see some of these ideals and goals slip away. And what we encounter is not at all like what we had thought God would surely bring to pass.

But if we continue on, steadfast in our faith in God, in spite of, and even because of the unrealizations in life we encounter, we will begin to see God's hand and his grace on us. In ways we would not have predicted before. But we'll find that he and his promises are true. Even though this truth is different than what we had comprehended before, though the words are the same. We then seek and learn to line up our lives according to his working and revelation to us.

Is it good to have strong expectations, especially as one young in the faith (even as Mary did, as expressed in her song)? What is a part of our journey of faith in regard to those expectations? How has that played out in your own life?

ambiguity

12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

1 Corinthians 13 (TNIV)

The mirrors of Paul's time were not the mirrors of today that give us an undistorted image. You caught only a distorted view of the real image, but would have been better off peering in a pond on a placid, sunny day. Paul's point is for us now. We need to learn to accept living with ambiguity.

Somewhere in Scot McKnight's new book, The Real Mary, Scot speaks of the ambiguity Mary had to live with, in her faith. She had received God's words, and accepted them, and taken them to heart. But as the life of her son unfolded, the promises from God were not being fulfilled in the way she supposed they would be. And though she stumbled over what her son was doing, she learned to become a follower of him, as her Lord. In that following, to the very end at the cross, she experienced ambiguity. Yes, she followed on. But, no, she really didn't always understand.

Paul, even post-resurrection and post-Pentecost, says that this side of the kingdom come in Jesus, we too must be willing to live with a true measure of ambiguity. We too must put our faith in God and in his promises. But we too must acknowledge that we really don't "get", oftentimes, what God is doing. We catch only glimpses of it here and there (as Scot points out).

This is surely a part of our walking/living by faith and not by sight. (Paul) This ambiguity helps us to hold on and cling to God as a person. Whom, as Father, Son and Holy Spirit we are getting to know and learning to live in dependence on.

Together we need to accept and own that we don't know it all. That we're always in need of our Lord. And of each other in this life of faith. That we will cling to God and his Word, in faith. And seek understanding from him through the Spirit and as part of our Lord's Bride. We learn, not only from the Lord, but from him through each other. As we remain true to his Word, and seek, in faith, to act on it.

Mary did so. Sometimes mistakenly (as in Mark 3:20-21,31-35). But like her, we need to stake our lives on this faith. Even though we live with uncertainty, not having all the answers about our own lives, much less the bigger picture. But confident that God's will in Jesus will be done in this world. And that we live to be a part of that. In fellowship with our Lord, and with each other.

How do you see ambiguity? How is this a challenge to your faith? In what ways does this experience of ambiguity help us grow in our faith? (a paradoxical question, to be sure)

prayer for veterans

Let us remember our veterans. And pray for them regularly. As we also pray for peace on earth, good will towards all humankind.

memories of a pastor

I know of a pastor who was dearly loved by his congregation. He was limited in theological education, and was not a dynamic speaker. He had sensed the call of God to be a pastor into his adult life, and had followed this inward urging and conviction.

He was known for spending his mornings walking through the church cemetary faithfully praying for the church, and I presume each person in it. The people loved him. He humbly served, and the Spirit was evident on this yielded, humble, faithful servant of God.

Later he sensed the call to go as a missionary to Africa. So he and his wife (I'm not sure if any of his children remained at home, yet) went. I heard his story through a dear lady whose faith was a light for me and others. I did have the privilege of hearing and I presume, meeting this pastor. May God raise up many more like him. And may we all so follow our Lord Jesus Christ.

love as activity

Love, if it is real, must express itself in action. If I really love God, than I will do something about it. If I love another, somehow I will want to express that love. To say I love someone, yet to not help them in their need, the apostle John tells us, is to neither love them, or the God we profess to love.

In the community of Jesus, love must be expressed in a good number of ways. We are already on our way to conformity to the Lord. But we haven't arrived. There will always be the need to forgive each other. And to reach out, in love, in some kind of imaginative way, at times, to break down walls. And to really be in the same room, so to speak, in spite of our remaining differences.

To express our love for each other may often require remaining silent. "There is a time to be still and a time to be speak" (Ecclesiastes). When we do speak, we'll do so in love. Seeking truth. But in a posture of wanting to do so together.

This subject is keen on my mind, because I work at a Christian ministry and on a team in factory work there, among some who have a very strong political opinion that I do not share. We all want God's righteousness to prevail. But our theologies and understanding of Scripture differ. What to do?

Reach out in love. Seek to grow together. Learn to be able to discuss differences. And in doing so, really hear the other person out. Be open to change. In these kind of discussions there should be growth on both sides. Both intellectually, and in regard to wisdom. And especially in the dynamic of our life together in Christ. That we are being lifted up by grace into conformity to him, and in this same process, being brought to increasing fellowship with each other.

One other thing I must add. Love will forgive. Whatever grievances one has towards another in the community of Jesus. We're to forgive, just as God in Christ forgave us. And to put over that, and everything else, this love, we're talking about here. (Paul) This is so necessary. I've found that no matter what I do, there may be that certain someone who doesn't like you, and is more than willing to express that. We have to consider where they're coming from, what they believe, and where they're going. When we see the grace of God in their lives, we know it's just a matter of time before there will be complete reconciliation between us. In the love of God.

What activities do we do at home, at work, as church, in our neighborhoods, and in other places- as acts of love? When we might confront someone, do we do it gently, and out of this love? And are we open to being corrected?

individual versus corporate spirituality

When in seminary, I recall a professor who made the statement that all spirituality in the Bible is corporate in nature, and never individual. In context I may have considered him correct, if I could have heard or read his view explained. And it made a point, in bringing out the needed (maybe especially at that time) Biblical emphasis on community.

However, I must say that Scripture seems to indicate something that needs nuancing here. I would want to say that God created each individual as special. And as a special part of the whole of corporate humanity. And that, in the new creation, God recreates each individual in Christ as a special part of the whole of this new humanity, no longer "in Adam", but now "in Christ".

This means that we can never separate our individuality from the corporate whole God is making. As in a New Age kind of self-help spirituality. But neither can we discount at all, the powerful, and I believe, Biblical message that "Jesus loves me", yes, me. And even in a special way. Just as he loves each human, I believe, in a special way.

So we're left, if what I'm saying is getting at the truth, with the importance of seeing each of us as special. But each as a special part of the whole of humanity, that in Christ God would be bringing into his community of perichoresis, in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In a true sense we should not separate our individuality from the whole of human community. "No one lives unto themselves." (Paul) But at the same time, we must take seriously the special place in this community that each and everyone of us has, potentially- in Christ. So that we need not be ashamed of talking about our own experience, or God's grace in our own life. "...who loved me, and gave himself for me." (Paul)

God's grace

How uplifting is the grace of God. I've seen it time and time again. When I think I'm in some kind of trouble. Or have fallen short. Or am grieved over something of the past. God's grace in Jesus comes in. This grace works in us to free us. To accept God's forgiveness and live in his love. And to do so, much more aware of the depths of who we are. And something more of who he is.

Paul made it clear, "By the grace of God, I am what I am." And also that God's grace was at work in him, and is at work in all believers in Jesus. And with this grace comes God's truth. Which alone, by the Spirit gives us freedom. And this grace is good, even when things seem bad. I might add, especially when things seem, and are bad.

It's a grace that draws us in to "the Jesus Creed": to love God with all our being and doing, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Who can receive it? Anyone. Look at the gospels. To come to the Lord and be at table with him was, and is open to everyone. Grace can begin there. And it needs to begin time and time again even for us who stand in that grace (Romans 5). We need it as much as we did, when we first came to the Lord.

What would you like to share about your experience of God's grace? Does God's grace stop with just one's self, when one is experiencing it?

election day

It's election day again here in the United States. Here in Michigan we've had what's becoming the normal fare of "go after your opponent" politics. It seems like the candidates have a hard time respecting each other in what they say. It's all about showing up their opponent. Instead of thoughtfully being engaged together in a discussion of the issues. And with charity, debating their differences. Not.

I have to say, for myself, that while it's an important day here, I think we as evangelicals are missing the boat in some ways. We have exalted to some kind of canonical status certain positions, that while good in their place can blind us to other issues. And most importantly, what we say, and how we conduct ourselves on the political stage, conveys something to the world that I think, all too often, is less than Christ-like, as in following the Jesus of the gospels. He is, after all, the Jesus we follow.

For myself, personally (to emphasize it!), I am in a kind of funk over my quandary as to how to vote. Voting, as has well been said by an eminent blogger, is a messy thing. More messier than we evangelicals often make it out to be. If I'm to believe my ears, this is all about "black and white". But unfortunately I can't see it that way. I can't say that if I do vote on certain races, I'm going to be happy with my vote. But I vote, and seek to do so in prayer. Praying that God's will will be done as I try to think through issues. And I am sure this can be the case for us, even as we vote for opposite candidates or differently on proposals. This is good to at least get us engaged in prayer, and perhaps at times, in actions in our endeavor to follow Jesus.

My hope and prayer is that we would learn to see the political side as one way in which we express our faith in Jesus. That we would move away from either "the religious right" or "the religious left", into a far more thoughtful and kingdom of God-oriented political view, ethic and practice. And that above all, in all of this, we will be more and more in sync with our status and calling in God as the "holy nation" in Jesus, that resides in every nation throughout the earth. Lord, help us to that end. Amen.

confession of sin

Ted Haggard has confessed his sin publicly, and we need to be in prayer for him and his family. I think Scot McKnight points out a problem that needs addressed among us who are evangelicals. This is the problem of unconfessed sin. And a culture, and perhaps a theology that promotes such a problem.

I would encourage any readers of this blog to go over to this post on Jesus Creed today, and think through this issue and discussion together.

embracing grace 9: the divine comedy gospel

Scot McKnight in this chapter writes of the difference between tragedy and comedy. They are polar opposites. Tragedy ends badly and sadly. As in Ernest Hemingway's great little classic, The Old Man and the Sea. But all too true as to what we often see in real life. Much of what happens here does not end up "happily ever after". Scripture is another story. It is full of comedy. Not comedy as we in our culture understand as in "I Love Lucy" or "Seinfeld". But the classic meaning, comedy as in a good ending, after a conflict has been resolved, as in "happily ever after". This is evident all throughout the Bible. Most climactically in Jesus' death followed by his resurrection, then ascension to be followed by his return to earth. To which the last book of the Bible, Revelation points, in the comedic climax of the Story.

Scot points out that the death of Christ on the cross, alone does not save us. The death and resurrection of Christ, together do. We receive forgiveness and a new life through both. And in real life, too, Christ's death and resurrection means everything for those who have faith. Paul Carlson, an American missionary to the Congo, laid down his life in service to the sick and poor there, as a medical doctor. In spite of danger in a rebel uprising, Paul did not abandon the hospital and those in need. And in doing so, and helping others to escape, he himself was shot. But the end, even there and in the here and now is comedy. An extensive health care system in the Congo rose out of this work. Along with nearly 200,000 Christians in Covenant churches. "All because of resurrection faith."

I am nearly forgetting Pentecost, which Scot adds to this salvation at work in the world now, that is to completely take over the world. The gift of the Spirit keeps the Story very much alive and well, even in this tragic world. And in the end turns tragedy into comedy.

We cracked Eikons are thus restored. And put into community (called "the Jesus community" here) "for the good of the world." Scot suggests that the symbol we need is a cross (in this case, empty- depicting death and resurrection) with a "symbol of fire above it -- telling us that Jesus' death and resurrection, along with the gift of the Spirit, is what creates the cycle of grace."

How do you see life? Do you see it as tragedy, or comedy (in its classical meaning)? And why?

(As in all of these postings on Scot's book, my own thoughts are intermingled.)

the goodness of grief

Jesus tells us, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." What is good about grief?

Lately I've been grieving some deeply inside. Partly for good reason from my view. But partly beyond my reasoning, I think.

Grief is good in its place. Jesus fulfills the prophecy of being "the man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah). It is part of living fully in a fallen world. Sharing in its suffering. Weeping with those who weep. And burdened by our own falleness in sinning or being sinned against. As well as the curse accompanying this present life.

What I have noticed is that grief can be a good thing, a stage after which God's grace becomes evident to us. "Weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning" (Psalm). Grief involves taking life seriously. Not that we aren't amiss in much of the way we see life. But our grief is still important, and God takes it seriously as well.

It opens us up to heart change. Because it involves the depths of who we are. We can end up, in God's grace, being deepened, so that we are not as shallow as we were before. This opens us up more to others, and especially to our God.

I am one who likes to laugh. We "carry on" quite a bit of our day where I work, in a big, loud factory room/space. I would probably ordinarily be characterized as a dispenser of humor and laughing rather than one who is grieving or depressed (depression, at least as I've experienced it before, rare now). But sorrow has its place. Doing its work in the heart, even when one can still laugh and sing.

What do you see as good about grief?

Blanche B

Yesterday Scot McKnight reminded me of loved ones who have gone before me, and at present are more alive than we are (even in their "intermediate state" awaiting the resurrection). One such saint that I look forward to seeing again, is Blanche B.

She was a single lady all her life. Faithful is one word I think of, when I think of her. And caring is another. She very much cared for us kids. And she manifested her love for the Lord and for people by her faithful ministry in Sunday School at our Mennonite church for many years.

I remember her leading us, probably in singing. And definitely in telling us Bible stories. And I believe she often pressed home to us our need of commiting our lives to Jesus and receiving his salvation for us. We had other good teachers. But she stands out to me. Perhaps because she taught me early on, when I was most influential, and being formed in my understanding of the faith. Even though it wasn't until I was 17, that I committed my life to Christ, yet the seeds she had so faithfully sown over the years surely came to life and fruition during that time.

Blanche, you may not be reading this post, but if you were, I want to say, Thank you. Your heart ran deep for us children. We knew your love, that it came from your heart. Thanks so much for teaching us the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. I look forward to seeing you again, dear sister.

focus

Off and on I struggle with focus to the point that I realize it is an issue I must deal with. I think here of focus as in faith, and what my mind is fixed on. And then from that, my heart, and all I am, as much as possible, by the Spirit and the Word in the Community of Jesus.

I am reminded of what I heard Richard Wurmbrand say years ago. Something like: "You will regret bitterly the weaknesses you have, that you encounter in your ministry." (a paraphrase, keeping the thought I remember). I often am going along fine. But before preaching or when doing a "ministry" activity, I am sorely tempted to focus on something that is a fear to me. That in reality is probably a lie, in and of itself. But in so doing, I find myself losing my focus on the Lord and lose out on the simplicity of the walk with him.

This is like Peter on the water. First he comes (evidently, especially knowing him from the gospels) unhesitatingly at Jesus' bidding, toward Jesus on the water! But then he is tempted to consider "reality". In so doing he loses his focus of faith. No longer is he looking at Jesus, but instead at the waves, whipped up by the wind on the water. Peter is sinking! Of course, in answer to his cry the Lord's hand is there to save him.

I remember in the past going up on a rope's course. It was very high (can't remember just how high, maybe 30 feet), especially for me, as I have a fear of heights. Just to get to the top for me was good. But being there, I was terrified. In fear I couldn't even go through the first rope without falling (of course one is kept safe and simply ends up hanging). And when I got to the other end, all I wanted to do was immediately climb down, which I did.

The next year I determined to do better. I was not going to look down, as I had my first time. I expressed my determination to do well, and not to be afraid this time, at which someone laughed (understandably so, given my other time on it).

I climbed to the top. Never once looked down. Did the entire ropes course. And never once fell! Though some of it was tricky. In all of that, I never lost focus. If I had slipped, that would have been a test of whether or not I would keep focus on what I had to do next. Though certainly exhilerating, and intense, I had avoided the paralyzing fear that comes with the loss of proper focus.

And so it is in our life in God. When danger comes our way, and seems to be in our face, we need to keep the faith. Fixing our eyes, as the writer of Hebrews tells us, on Jesus. Both in the personal-relational way. And in the way of the disciple, learning from our Mentor. From his life as recorded for us in the gospels. And from the Spirit teaching us. And all of this both in our aloneness, and especially in the community of Jesus.

How do we apply this focus? This is where we need to be in Scripture. There are various things we'll have to do. Including, perhaps, like Paul, glorying in our own weakness, because of "the thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan" that may trouble us. Because we know God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. Indeed, a most hard lesson to learn. Simply learning to keep our eyes, in faith on the faithful One: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

How about you? What have you learned about the focus of faith? What keeps you on track? Or helps you get back on track?

the religious roots of American democracy

This weekend on Speaking of Faith Krista Tippett had an interesting interview with Jacob Needleman, philosopher and author of the book, The American Soul: Rediscovering the Wisdom of the Founders, well worth listening to.

Needleman, I think, brings some balance and perspective into the tendency to simply brush off most of the founders of the United States as Deists and men of the Enlightenment, and not Christians. There is much good to be said for them, in spite of the truth in such an assertion.

Needleman himself seems to champion the Enlightenment. He sees it as good, stating that knowledge leads to good actions. Nevertheless his point about how the founders saw democracy compared to how Americans look at democracy today is interesting. In terms of how they saw "happiness", and how rights entailed responsibility for them, contrasted to the "individualism" that can so characterize us today. Also interesting is how Needleman sees the vision of the founding fathers as being appropriate and helpful for the pluralistic society America finds itself in today. A pluralism that is inclusive of all the good in religions, an understanding that many of the founding fathers were more than aware of.

While this does not make some of the leaders in the "religious right" correct about their assertions of the Christianity of the founders, it does provide some balance so that we can see and appreciate their keen insights that in themselves lay the groundwork for a progression towards the realization of the ideals of democracy in the republic, of which they held dear.

please pray again for Bob Robinson

Our blogger friend and servant of Christ is having problems with unstable blood pressure.

embracing grace 8: stories of the gospel story

Scot McKnight points out how the gospel we tell as evangelicals, is not as big as the gospel we find in Scripture. We confine ourselves to individual souls. But this gospel in Jesus is so much larger. It embraces all creation, and the entire story of it.

In fact this gospel is so big, that it takes several stories Christian theologians have come up with, over the centuries, to begin to tell it. The gospel in evangelical circles over the years has been confined to just one story. And it is a grand, glorious story. But to begin to know the depth and riches of it, as given to us from Scripture, requires several tellings of it, from differing perspectives seeing different aspects of it.

First there is Irenaeus, the story of recapitulation. Christ does for the human race what Adam failed to do. He undoes what Adam did. And in the words of this early theologian: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, who did, through his transcendent love, become what we are, that He might bring us to be even what He is Himself." Christ does this by his life, death, resurrection and ascension. We then are by faith part of a new race in Christ, living in this new life he has established for us.

The early theologians tell us the story of ransom. In their version, humankind is captive to Satan. God fools Satan by letting him put to death the Son of God. When Satan grasps the Son, he loses his hold on the human race. Then God mocks him, as the Son of God is raised from the dead. Today's version of this drops this scheme. Sin and systemic evil are dealt a death blow through Christ's death and resurrection. And humans are restored to their Eikonic status.

Anselm tells the story of satisfaction. God had been dishonored by Adam and Eve's sin. The Son of God by his death on the cross restores that honor to God. And along with that, humans are restored and God is honored in it all. Only the Son, finite as a human, but infinite as God, could restore the infinite honor to God along with restoring humans. He becoming like us so we could become like God.

The evangelical reformers tell us the story of penal substitution. God's wrath is factored in for them, against humanity's sin. Christ pays the penalty of God's just wrath by his death for us, as our substitue. Therefore God's wrath, in Christ is deflected from us humans. We must have faith to enter into this blessing, by which we are justified. Though the wrath aspect is controversial with some today, this story does point out that Jesus does something for us, in his death, that we cannot do for ourselves. And takes our judgment for us. Giving us his righteousness.

Abelard tells the story of the example. Christ's life and surrender to the will of God in the death of the cross is an example we're to follow. This is to be our way of life in Christ Jesus. We are to live cruciform, or Cross-formed lives.

The Story for us is a Person. In this Person, Jesus, we are embraced by God, and we embrace God. We have atonement, or at-one-ment in union with God and his will. The creeds of Christianity do not try to explain Christ's atonement, because no one theory of atonement can cover the depth and riches of the Story we find in Scripture. Pondering is good, but as Kevin Vanhoozer points out, partaking of this bread of life, who is the Lord, is better.

How would you define or describe the gospel? What story here matches your understanding best? What value do you see in each or any of the stories, especially those you are not familiar with?

less is more

I believe often that less is more. And because of that, often more is less.

Statements like this tend to be reductionistic and simplistic. For example there is an important place for reading much, and many books (and blogs?), and especially reading much Scripture- even if all of that is wearying to the body (Ecclesiastes). And it is good to be able to see the big picture along with its many parts.

But the point here is, I just don't believe we "multi-task" all that well. The other evening at our home group I was playing my guitar, and leading us in singing. Someone requested a hymn. I was trying to remember the words and hit the right chords at the same time. But dropped the ball on both, the failure to grasp the words breaking my concentration on hitting the right chords. It is something like that in the point here, I'm trying to make.

I'd rather give a one page handout, getting us into Scripture with some questions to facilitate discussion, than give a handout with reams and reams of material, that likely neither they nor I am really going to "get" very well. In this case, less is more, and more is less.

We want depth. We want substance, not only style, and certainly not "fluff". But this all takes time. As we build into our lives, and into the lives of others: line upon line, precept upon precept, working goodness and truth into our lives. Little by little. Until something grows, and continues to grow out of it.

As my blogger friend, Allan Bevere reminded me, the kingdom of God as a mustard seed is important for us, in our outlook of what is truly more and great. We find God at work in the little things of our relationships and of our lives. Taking us along one step- even if small- at a time.

What are your thoughts and experience here? Do you think this is a valid maxim (or generality)? Why or why not?

connecting personally

Last evening we had a home group of our church, in which I think there was a significant connecting to each other personally. And to some degree a connecting together to the Lord.

In much of what we do that is good, we can fail to connect, either with each other, or with God. I often fail to do this in my daily readings of Scripture. I fail to see this as a personal encounter with God. I am working on that.

First we must seek to be walking faithfully with God. As in personal communion with him. This is a walk by faith, not by feeling- though feelings come and go. And from that walk, we encounter others personally. This is a communion that includes God, even if at times we're unaware of that.

Relationship is central in God's eyes. The heart, mind, strength in activities, and life-activity in general are all important, but peripheral to that. Relationship to God, and to each other- in love, is what each of these aspects of life are about, the heart of our living. The Jesus Creed. Loving in response to God's love for us, in Christ.

What keeps us from personally relating to God? To each other? What is the kingdom of God like, as to the place and experience of relationships? What helps relationships become strong and growing, in spite of the difficulties all relationships have? Where is to be our first love? And what does that look like in our lives?

United States: dangerous nation?

Robert Kagan, author of a new book, Dangerous Nation, was interviewed. Worth listening to for me. And the book looks interesting too. An excerpt is shared on the same page.

I think his thoughts help me take a more realistic view towards the United States of America, my country. He helps us avoid an unreal ideal attributed to the founding and earlier years of our nation. This nation is made up of humans who do good and bad things. Motives have not, nor always are completely good. Though the United States has often seen itself as an agent of good will toward humanity, as in what we're doing now, in trying to bring democracy to other peoples, so that they might enjoy ideals that some of us think are intrinsic to human beings.

Of course we get into all kinds of problems philosophically here. And I don't want, neither very well can go into that in this post (or any post). But my point here is that we need to take leaders and their policies for what they are. Maybe poor judgment. Generally well meaning for others, with not a little of our own interests factored in. This is a part of our American heritage, if one is to believe Kagan. I, at least in large part, do.

Does the book live up to its name? Based on the interview alone, I rather doubt it. Though Kagan does have some hard things to say about the United States. And in some ways sees this nation as an empire (benevolent, certainly not in the same category as the Third Reich), but in other ways- not (as compared with the Roman empire). The book, I believe helps us see the fallibility of our leaders from the beginning. But is richly nuanced, if I can judge by the interview itself. So that we're left with some complexity about American ideals and actions. And basically see a nation that wants to do good by its standards, sometimes fails, often succeeds. But with consequences that can be a mixed blessing.

So if you have a little time, and are so inclined, I would encourage you to give this interview a listen. And read the excerpt from Kagan's new book, as well. Then give us your thoughts, if you like, about it.

being missional

On Benjamin Myers' Faith and Theology blog, he has some good words on being missional.

Being missional is rooted in the loving activity of the Triune God. It is who this God is. And being missional for us, as the Jesus community, is essentially part of who we are in Jesus. So that, as we're following him in this world, we are bent towards mission. As in living out and sharing the good news of God's kingdom and love, in Jesus.

And we come to realize that we are here on earth, now, essentially as part of Christ's Body in the world. To do his works as they are given to us to do. A stretching thought, indeed.

This should shape how we see all of life. Certainly not meaning that we don't engage in what are fun activities for ourselves. But that, in all things, we see them in some way, with reference to our mission in Jesus here on earth. Sometimes that can come across radical, as Paul did in 1 Corithians 7. But in one way or another, it should affect our outlook and what we do in all of life.

Good things to ponder on. What thought or thoughts might you add to this?

embracing grace 7: a missional gospel

From Scot McKnight's Embracing Grace: A Gospel for All of Us, we now look at the gospel as being missional in its focus and impact. And that focus and impact is on no less than the entire earth. Especially humans, but inclusive of all of God's creation. And holistically too, in the sense of redeeming and reconciling through Christ, all that is under the curse due to human sin, and broken in relation to God and his good will.

By the way, Paraclete Press has published a helpful companion guide to this book (as they did for The Jesus Creed), well worth having, especially if one leads a group or goes through the book with another person.

To obey "the Jesus Creed" involves addressing problems, then solving them- through Christ. The problem of "systemic evil" rears its ugly head everywhere. We must be those, in Jesus, who do not merely curse the darkness. But light candles of good will in good works. Churches of various traditions are doing just that. Impacting their communities and neighborhoods with the love of God in Christ. Being, as Christ's Body: his hands, feet and voice. We must begin where we're at. Looking, listening, learning and linking- to the needs of our neighbors, all around us. Helping those in need. Stemming the tide of systemic evil. And as we learn how to do it where we live, we can then help see it done in various places throughout the earth.

The impact of the gospel is to begin now, in this world. And all creation has its special place in God's redemption in Christ Jesus. And we in Christ are now agents of the message of this redemption and reconcilation. Of God's good will for the world.

What impact does the gospel have now, as you understand it? What various roles can be played by those in the Jesus community, in seeing this gospel take root and bear fruit in our world?

community and mission

The American myth of the rugged individual (see last post), for the Jesus community, needs to be morphed into thinking as a community together in the Triune God. And this community being missional- on mission in Jesus to the world.

This mission is about a holistic gospel whose vision is the kingdom of God come in Jesus. It has to do with all that God reconciles to himself in Christ, all creation. So it means an attitude, on the part of us in the Jesus community, that all peoples as well as all of God's creation matters.

As Jesus told his disciples, "As the Father sent me, so I am sending you." We receive the Holy Spirit in this context for mission. We are Christ's Body to the world.

As Christ's Body we must be "hands on". Doing this together. But each having our unique part. While it's not about any of us, or even all of us together, we each have our unique contribution in this mission. This includes concerns from saving an animal from extinction to concern and love expressed for our neighbor across the street. And everything in between. A general interest to us all, while each have our own special interests.

This post anticipates my next post on Scot McKnight's profound book, Embracing Grace: A Gospel for All of Us. Taking ideas from the chapter we will look at next.

Have you seen a faith community that seemed strong on community, at least for a time, but lacked a proper missional focus beyond its own communal concerns? Of course strong community is important and needed, but in Jesus' eyes is only as strong as their abilility to come to live not only to themselves, but to the world in bringing the gospel in Jesus to bear on it. What seems to happen to such a community that seems more than less turned in on itself? What does a community look like that is missional, and how might that compare with a community that is weak in missional focus? We must beware thinking any two local communities must be the same in how they live out the mission in Jesus. For just as each individual member of Christ's Body is unique, so surely each community of the Body of Christ in the world, is likewise unique in its expression of faith and mission in the following of Jesus in the world.

the myth of the rugged individual

Pastor Jack Brown gave us a helpful message Sunday, on community and about the myth of the rugged individual. This is what has largely defined America, being a chief part of its identity. Among its icons: Davey Crockett, Abraham Lincoln, Donald Trump, Arnold Schwartzenegger. But it is not to be so, among the followers and community of Jesus.

Genesis 2, in which God said that it was not good for the man to be alone. Then Acts 2, in which the early church lived as community. This community grounded in the Being of God as Trinity, in interrelational love. Something is inherent in humans, that makes solitary confinement one of the worst punishments a human can endure. Pictured in "Cast Away", in which Tom Hanks plays the castaway, who befriends and speaks to the volleyball, "Wilson".

I have to agree that this is perhaps the mythology that has most shaped and defined the United States. To be human, as revealed by God in Jesus Christ, involves living in union with God and communion with humans. To become a Christian means to become a member of the Body of Christ. So that it's not about "me and Jesus." But it's about fellowship together in the community of the Trinity. It's about "Jesus and us."

I recall a recent conversation I had with a believer over the issue of "affirmative action", which we're soon to be voting on, here in Michigan. He appealed, really, to this myth, I believe, in his own position on this divisive, and admittedly difficult political issue. His appeal was to the individual- Abraham Lincoln, who in spite of circumstances, was able to overcome. And there is truth here. But surely not the whole truth even in Lincoln's life. And even if it was, does that make such an individualistic experience right, or the best?

Each of us present, doing our part as a member of Christ and each other. Not independent, but in need of our brother and sister. We together in need of Christ. And together in the fellowship of the Triune God. This is really what it's all about.

Do you see this myth as a defining one, in the American saga or experience? How does the Story of God found in Scripture compare or contrast with this? What are your own thoughts?

rest and responsibility

For some reason this evening, as I was kind of in a daze over the wasted hours I had spent on a wild goose chase between two stores of the same chain, in trying to exchange a monitor still under the return date- as I understood it, etc., etc., etc.... And as I heard my wife, Deb talking about her problems at work. And as I thought on some of the extra stress I myself have experienced in the past weeks. Then I had to think- being helped with the journal my wife gave me for our recent anniversary- that indeed, I have really come into a more real rest, by and large. This is a rest, by faith in God. Believing that he is at work and that his promises are true. And that therefore, the burden is not on me. Not that I've arrived on this issue of rest. Just that I've grown, so that rest in God is substantial and more real for me.

Once I'm learning to live in that rest, then I am freed to seek to fulfill God-ordained responsibilities. When not really resting in God, one is simply trying to deal with life in a way that God can be, and often is left out. There is the kind of laboring that is really more like just trying to get through another day. Maybe with a few highlights and experience of God's grace here and there. But by and large a struggle to the end.

But learning the light yoke and labor that comes from the rest God calls us to in Christ, means freedom to labor with God, by the Spirit. To follow Paul's example, he did so putting all effort into it. But it was not futile. For God was energizing him by his power at work in him. Paul wasn't concerned about surviving, but in fulfilling God's calling for him.

So I reflected, not only on my new found substantial rest (compared to years of falling short of it), but my desire to better fulfill responsibilities at hand. Especially prayer for others, as well as other good works I find to do.

Rest and responsibility. Surely they go hand in hand. As we better get down the rest part, than we are able to concentrate better on the responsibility part. For only as we rest can we really do the works of God. Just another paradox in the long line of them we find in Scripture and in our life in God.

a small editorial: political (and talk radio) arrogance: let's avoid it

I am fascinated by the charges of arrogance given by talk radio against the political party they oppose. There is really arrogance on every side. And the devastating part is when we Christians are caught up in all of this. Then we unwittingly can become partakers in this same kind of arrogance.

I am sad at saying this. I really can't take seriously much of what I catch on talk radio. Because those ready to do eye surgery on others, or ready to stone others, fail to see their own blindness and sin.

It is refreshing to see people talk about issues and with respect to their opponents, as Eikons of God- when that happens. Let's not lower ourselves, as those in the Jesus community, to the thoughts and standards that are common fare- and even more so, this political season.

Please don't miss the "embracing grace" post of today, not seen unless one scrolls down.

embracing grace 6: page after page

In this chapter, Scot helps us see clearly the importance and centrality of community. In God. In humankind. And in God's work of restoring the broken Eikons, we are.

God as Trinity is inherently a communal God, and a God of loving, embracing, interpenetrating community. Humans are made in his image, being Eikons of God. We are made to be united to God in this triune community. God takes us up in him, but it is "us", because humans are not inherently individualistic. We are individuals, but individuals who naturally (by creation) want and are made for community. Sin comes in and makes us run from God, and become strangers with each other. Thus sin not only means a broken relationship with God, but broken relationships with each other. This human brokeness is portrayed all throoughout the Bible, beginning with Cain's murdering of Abel.

But "page after page" we find that God is restoring humans, in Christ, into a community of love. And into the dynamic, divine community of love, together. Though it is not always pretty, and often resisted. Yet in the midst of that, there can come the kind of community that a John Wesley could point to, for any skeptic, and say, "Come and see."

This all climaxes at the end, with God coming to earth to dwell forever with his people (Revelation 21). It is the climax of what has begun now in Jesus and the coming of the kingdom of God to earth through him. God is with us in the community of Jesus. This communion will be perfected so that there will no longer be any struggle to maintain this community by the Spirit. But we will all be confirmed together in a perfect unity that will grow all eternity, in this, the New Jerusalem, the dwelling place of God.

This gets "to the heart of the gospel: It is the work of God, in the context of a community, to restore us to union with God and communion for the good of others and the world."

Why is community important for us as humans? What keeps us from good community, as is evident all over the world- often from our homes, to the ends of the earth? How does that compare with the vision God gives us of the End (Revelation 21)? How do we see life in God- in individualistic terms primarily, or in communal terms? And how do we work this out in our lives?

refresher on "the Jesus Creed"

29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12; TNIV)

I have found, and am finding my recitation of this passage as a reminder, to be a helpful check and directive for me during the day and days, as I work with other people in process, like me, who still sin and fall short of God's standard for us in Christ.

This is a needed reminder that it's all about love. Loving God with all our being and doing. And loving our neighbor as ourselves. This helps us hang in there, by faith, to receive God's grace to forgive those who sin against us (so that, in the words of our Lord, we too may be forgiven by our Father in heaven).

Of course love for God is the formative foundation to this all. This is in response to his love for us in Christ, truly both this act and our reception of it, only through and because of his grace to us in Christ Jesus (reminds me of Paul, always saying and echoing the words, it seems, "in Christ Jesus"). This helps us see life as what it's meant to be: a life of worship in the giving of ourselves as a living sacrifice, through the mercies of God.

How this recently worked for me. Someone recently spoke sharply and irritatingly to me over a simple work question I asked them. I was jolted, and not happy, but said nothing. I was reminded as I thought on this, of one of the scriptures calling us to forgive whatever grievances we may have toward another (Paul). And I was reminded to pray for this person. So I did. And I forgave. And the next day we had good fellowship as if nothing had happened the previous day. But what got me on this track, rather than an old track of perhaps reacting by confronting, and not necessarily in a gracious way, was remembering "the Jesus Creed."

Recite it during the day. It can help us hold our tongues or nonverbal reactions (hopefully to at least a minimum) to an offense, and enable us to do good to the one offending us. Even if it does include a word spoken to them in love.

God, let your love inform and form all we do, more and more, each day. May "the Jesus Creed" truly be our creed more and more. To your glory. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

confidence in politics

Tonight a good number of us were tuned in to a political debate between Governor Granholm and challenger DeVos. It is for me an interesting campaign. And I have to admit, I get a bit more interested in politics when election season rolls around.

But I believe that we, as those of the Jesus community, and I'm speaking for those of us who live in the United States- we tend to put too much stock in politics. I don't want to be misunderstood. I'm not saying that politics doesn't have its place, and that, in fact, it is an insignificant place. No. But I do believe our confidence in this political process and in political parties all but borders on being idolatrous. Bear with me a little.

I remember in Ohio, almost everyone I knew was a staunch Republican. And this included Mennonites (of which I was a part) who voted. I remember one particular uncle, a good man and Christian, yes- a Mennonite, who was a strong supporter of President Richard Nixon. I still remember the day, even though vaguely, when Richard Nixon resigned from the presidency, really, in disgrace over Watergate. This should have been a wakeup call for Christians, particularly for evangelicals, of which I am a part.

Instead evangelicals began to band together to form a political influence that could carry clout right up to the White House. Of course President Jimmy Carter was the first evangelical president. And President Ronald Reagan came in, not without significant support from evangelicals, many who then left the Democratic party to register as Republicans. And Moral Majority with Jerry Falwell was in full force. Seemed like the tide was turning in our nation. Surely we would get rid of Roe v Wade and see the good, right policies of the Republican party prevail.

Well, here we are. It's now 2006. What can we say about the state of our nation? I know I'm jumping ahead, and not even mentioning President Clinton and his eight years in the White House. Much can be said politically about that time, as well as any other time. But back to our question. What good has all our political maneuvering, campaigning, fighting, voting and devotion done? I say, very little. And I'm not advocating that we should not vote. I believe every American ought to vote, or at least study or know something about the candidates and issues.

All I'm saying in this post is that we in the Jesus community no less- here in America, tend to put too much confidence in politicians and the political process.

What is needed is nothing less than a revolution. But not from either the Democrats or Republicans or some other political party or entity. Oh, we'd do well to want to see them all turned on their heads, for that matter.

No. What we need is a major revolution in seeing the kingdom of God in Jesus have an impact through us, as the Jesus community, first in our homes, then in our neighborhoods, workplaces, schools, and in all spheres of life to which God calls us.

To get an idea of what this revolution would look like we should read and meditate on Matthew 5-7, for a start. If we concentrated on living this out, we would not put so much stock in the political process. We would not be sweating over who is going to win what race. We would know that these things can have their place. That God can truly be at work in them (look at William Wilberforce). But that the way of Jesus and the kingdom of God is a way that will cross out the ways of the world. It will run counter to it in how we live in Jesus. And we will be calling people to and endeavoring to live in no less than Jesus and his teaching.

If you sense a call into the political process, by all means go for it. It is a good calling, for specific people, and an important one indeed. But let's see through all the confidence that is placed in mere humans. They are but a breath and all their plans can come to nothing. Let's not go there. And in whatever we do, let us ever be seeking to be followers of Jesus. And be involved in this world as salt and light.

Why is it easy for us Christians to put so much emphasis on the political process? Why, or why not are we mistaken in doing so?

the Amish story

We thank God for the evident grace he has given to the Amish community in the recent tragedy in Pennsylvania. For a moving account of this see Ben Witherington's posting here. And Scot McKnight has a helpful post on this, as well.

Some might call into question the witness given here. Though the story speaks for itself. I would like to remind us that we're all in need of God's grace, every moment of every day. We all are works in progress. We have plenty of thinking that needs renewed. We have plenty of "oughts" we fail to do, as well as words/actions we should not have done.

And this includes fellowships as well. One of the remarkable aspects of the church, to me, is just how it keeps on going, in its local assemblies, in spite of all its/her deficiencies and problems. This is not to say that a church may not lose its place as one of Christ's churches (see Revelation 2:5). But that our Lord is exceedingly patient with us all.

The point being, yes, the Spirit and the grace of God in Christ is at work in all kinds of fellowships that name the name of Christ. In spite of us. Not because of us. None of us has it all together. Some churches struggle with a bent towards legalism, as in set rules that may distract its members from the grace and truth that is in Jesus. Other churches struggle with a worldliness that comes again from a lack of understanding the grace and truth that is in Jesus. But in the end, God is at work to make us all one in his Son. And in that, to be the witness to the world, he calls us to be, as we grow together to be more and more like Christ.

So let us thank God for what we can learn from our brothers and sisters in the Amish community. And let us lift them, and the Carl Rogers family up in prayer. And let us be united together in the grace and truth that is in Christ Jesus.

Is there any church on earth that has it all together? Is there a church in which God's work among and through them is finished? What strikes you from this tragedy as formative for your faith in Christ?

embracing grace 5: the epic of the Eikon

To understand the End is to know where everything is headed toward, either in harmony or in dissonance. In this chapter, Scot points to the End, as it arrives in the Revelation to John, as indicating to us where everything is headed, including ourselves. It is all about union with God and communion with people. To be in Christ, in the kingdom of God, and to have eternal life, is to be coming to know God, more and more. And moving closer to God (as on spokes, from the "rim" of the wheel to the hub) means moving closer to each other. It is one big community, one big city in the end, the New Jerusalem. And a big dance and shebang participating in the very perichoresis or interacting, unifying movement and dance of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

If we know how the Story of life ends, THE Story, then we know what end our lives ought to be moving towards. It is certainly in keeping with "the Jesus Creed": to love God with all our being and doing, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.

"Getting there" isn't all together "half the fun" in this. It involves a battle, as we see in Revelation. A battle the Lamb wins over the beast and his cohorts. Human rule and power exacts a heavy toll on humankind and the planet; the dragon makes war on the Lamb and his people. God intervenes in judgment. And finally puts an end to what is contrary to the true End of all things.

This is about destiny. And the epic of the Eikon, humankind, is indeed a destiny of participation in the greatness of all God is. A participation in God, and with each other. Not to be confused with a monastery filled with individual cells or some pole in a desert. But more like a crowded church camp, as Scot says.

As we come more and more into this Light together, we become more and more the true humans God made us to be. Each one unique, but together in Christ.

So this is what life is all about in the Here and Now. It is not about simply awaiting "the sweet by and by". We are in Jesus an eschatological people, now. We live as those who are moving towards this vision, given to us by God.

Dante in his Divine Comedy--the Inferno, along with John Bunyan, in his Pilgrim's Progress, each wrote about this. Again, what we "in Christ" are now, is in continuity with, and moving towards what we shall become. This helps us "see" what we're to become someday, and casts all other visions into the night, where they belong.

How does knowing the End of the Story impact how you think and live? What impact does the book of Revelation have on your life? What more impact could all this have on our lives?

reading

A few years back, I had the impression that I sensed God telling me, "Read. Read. Read."

I love to read. But there are so many other things in life that can come in and crowd it out. Good things. And plenty of them. Great in their place. Not so great out of place.

I venture to say that I get the greatest reward out of reading than most any other activity. First and foremost, of course, Scripture. Regularly. Consistently. Blogger friend Allan Bevere shared this informative, formative article from Christian History, entitled, "The Habits of Highly Effective Bible Readers: What we can learn from the church fathers that will enrich our own Bible study". It is good to read widely. But the more we do so, the more we need to keep at our reading of Scripture. Francis Schaeffer used to tell his students that it was even more critical that they should keep up their Bible reading, while reading philosophy. And to be reading it, then, all the more!

Of course read what interests you. What interests you is related to who you are which is related to how God has gifted you. Therefore I will major on what interests me. But also I will want to stretch beyond that, at times, to learn to appreciate other subjects and ways of writing. I tend to like nonfiction and theology, and hang all the rest. Except for good humor. Need some of that. But the blog world has helped me stretch beyond just what I know I like. Ernest Hemmingway's The Old Man and the Sea is a great example of a fiction book that was a great read for me. And I look forward to reading more classics, especially theological, which I could easily neglect, except for good friends in the blog world, who awaken me to some of those books.

When reading I don't worry myself sick over trying to remember all the details (like I used to). I think more in terms of impact and formation, than ideas and information- though without discounting the latter. I think this is especially important in Bible reading. Though true in other, as well (unless you're reading much of politics or the sports page; that's good for practicing your speed reading and scanning- ha). I have to say, I'm not a fan of speed reading. Maybe some high speed intellects can do it. I can't. Even John Wesley, who knew by memory the Greek New Testament better than he knew the English translation of it, was known for reading slowly. Of course he did alot of his reading on horseback. I think it is perfectly fine to read slow. With pauses here and there to gather our thoughts. But to keep moving that pace. Even if you don't think you're really "getting" all of it.

Just some thoughts on one of my favorite individual pastimes. I think I'll go upstairs now and read.

What would you like to share about your own reading?

an impression from Talking Points

There is excellent content from all the talks and sessions of the Talking Points we had, Monday the 25th. One impression stood out to me from my time there.

I am impressed with the need of presenting the gospel in a way that converts the repentant and believing sinner, not only to Christ, but also to the church. I speak here, under the influence of Scot McKnight's talks, but not using Scot's words precisely -as far as I know.

There is rampant among believers, at least in our nation, and among many I've known, the notion that church is good, but not necessary for our life in Christ. I really think something of this deficiency in our gospel has infected most all of us to some extent. So I'm not excluded from this, especially as I look back on my fifty plus years of life. But back to the common problem. It is something like this notion: "We can do quite well without the church, or too much of it. We have our Bibles, good books, television and radio to pick up good ministries, friends we can get together with over coffee, everything and more- minus some of the "religious" trappings. We can carry on and get along quite well, thank you, apart from any formal commitment to a local church.

Scot points out, and I agree: This is a problem of "individualism". We see each us as free, willing persons, unto ourselves. This is the heart of how we see ourselves and each other from our inherited worldly perspective. But it lacks the way Scripture sees us: as Eikons of God, meant to live as individuals in community, through union with God in Christ. When we are converted, we're not only converted to Christ, but we're converted to his Body- the Church. And this conversion is to be lived out. Not only as a follower of Christ, but as a member of his Body in a local setting.

Our gospel focuses on the individual's dilemna before God. We are sinners who cannot cross the chasm between us and God, because of our sins. Christ, through the cross and resurrection, bridges that gap for us, so that we can cross over to God. Thus our sins are taken care of, we're converted, and we go from there. Different than when the Lord confronted Saul with the words after the blinding light on the road to Damascus: "Saul, Saul. Why are you persecuting me?" Immediately put before Saul, was not only a vision of Jesus, but words that identified the followers of the Way with Jesus. It is clear in Paul's writings that to be converted to Christ, means to be members of his Body, with necessary functions in edification and ministry together. There is no other life for us. It's either that, or it's something other than what the Word of Scripture tells us.

Why is it that so much of the New Testament seems so foreign to so many of us? (Now I'm preaching, or meddling?) I'm thinking of the "one anothers" in it. Because the gospel is presented as having to do with me and God. My relationship to God. And the rest is kind of like an add-on. Even if we consider it important- maybe as in good or helpful, it is not at the heart of it.

Yes, we individually must be forgiven of our sins through Christ. But inherent in that forgiveness is a life that is lived in communion with the community of Jesus. If we don't live in communion with our brethren: with our sisters and brothers, than we don't live in communion with Christ. And like Jesus, we're to reach out to bring others into our community of grace and forgiveness in Christ.

So the way of life in Jesus has to do, not only with how we relate as individuals to God. But also how we relate as individuals to each other. This is weakened when we think of the gospel in individualistic terms. Individualism has no place in the gospel (and therefore no place in life). It's about each of us, and all of us together- in our Lord, and in our Triune God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Together living out this salvation and communion, in this world, and forever.

What do you think about this? Does it seem off track? Impractical? Unscriptural? If not, how can this gospel impact our lives now? Would there be any changes in our priorities and practices?

For a good book to help us think through this issue, read Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Life Together. Not long, but challenging. And helpful to see the importance of living in community in following Christ.