Why is the story of the birth of Jesus Christ so powerful? Babies are born every day. Some are even born into very prominent positions. Just this past year we saw the birth of a new prince of England, and the world watched and waited for him to be born. We all like to celebrate a birth, so the birth of Jesus certainly resonates on that level.
Yet there is something much deeper about the narratives of Jesus' birth that move us. Even many non-believers find the story to be inspirational, and try to find some meaning in the story. A poor traveling couple, forced on their journey by an indifferent government, sheltering in a stable, visited by both the rugged shepherds and the refined magi- all these pieces are used by various people and groups to try to fit this story into their agenda for "peace on earth."
If this story was just the story of a baby being born, even one who was the Son of God, perhaps it could be used in this way. So many of the attempts to wrest meaning from this story fail, however, because they overlook the main message these narratives convey. There is much more to the birth of Jesus than the events that surrounded His birth.
Let's look at just a few of the elements the Biblical authors give us. Joseph was told to name the baby "Jesus," which means "Yahweh saves." Mary in her Magnificat speaks of the baby to be born as her "Savior." The angel tells the shepherds that a Savior has been born for them. The Magi come to the baby's house and worship Him as King, even though they have called Him "the King of the Jews."
The impact of Jesus' birth lies in the fact that a Savior came to earth on that day. The story is one of salvation. If all we ever do is look at a baby in a manger, we miss the significance of the story. Jesus came to save us from sin and death. He came not to live an exemplary life (though He did), nor to expound great teaching (which He also did), but to die a sacrificial death for you and me.
Jesus came to earth to save us, even though we didn't deserve His grace and love. He came to give Himself for us, the selfish and self-centered. He came to bridge the gap between God and us, even when we didn't care about that gap. His birth was just the first step in a life that would lead Him to a brutal cross on behalf of a humanity that needed to be reconciled to God and couldn't do it on our own.
As you celebrate the Christmas season, don't lose sight of the fact that the story of Jesus' time on earth only begins with His birth. It's not the whole story, and you can't somehow make it mean something it isn't intended to be. Jesus was born to make a way for you and me to be made children of God, and through faith in Him we can be assured of a place with Him for all eternity. Let that message be the one that comforts you in this Christmas season.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Busy being distracted
As a leader in my church, I am always warning people about the danger of getting distracted by the busyness that surrounds Christmas. There is so much to do, and such a compressed time frame (especially this year!) that it's easy to get pulled away from what's important by what is urgently in front of us.
Alas, I find that I am guilty of this myself. Between activities at church and my "concert season" at school, I find I am always trying just to keep up with what's coming next, and trying not to get overwhelmed by looking at what's still ahead. I thought I left this behind when I left the retail world, but, if anything, my life is actually busier during the Advent season than it was then.
What I have scheduled to do are all good things. We have a number of community outreaches at Christmastime, my students at school really love their chance to perform at the concerts, and preparation for performances is in itself something good and important. But when looking forward to Christmas as a day of rest from all that is hectic becomes a real temptation, I know I've lost some perspective.
I don't need to completely clear my calendar. What I do need is to remember why I'm doing all of this. If I lose sight of the fact that Christmas is about Christ (no matter what the atheist billboard in NYC says), then I've lost the reason for doing pretty much everything on my list that's not required by my job. Why worry about singing about the glory of Jesus Christ if I forget that He's the reason I sing? Why help plan a church outreach if the Gospel story isn't impacting my own life so I want to share it with others? My activity becomes meaningless to me personally if I don't connect it to my Lord and Savior.
Now, I can certainly go through the motions, lose sight of the Lord, and still have my efforts make an impact by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. My own attitude doesn't thwart God's plans. But it means so much more if I am drawing closer in my own connection to Christ while I encourage others to do the same. God wants me to help share the good news with others, but He also wants me to let that good news change me.
So here's my usual warning: don't let the busyness of the season pull you away from time to meditate on the One who is the reason we celebrate. I promise you I'll take my own advice, too. Let's commit to honoring Christ first in all we do this Advent and Christmas season.
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Happy Chanukah!
I know it falls outside of the Biblical record (at least as far as Jews and most Protestants are concerned), but I want to wish you all a Happy Chanukah. I work with several Orthodox Jewish women at my schools, and I have no problem wishing them this. "Happy holidays" may be a safe, politically correct way of trying not to offend people, but frankly I'm offended when people who should know better don't recognize which "holiday" makes me happy. If I feel that way, I should extend the same courtesy to others.
Having some Jewish ancestry myself, I find the story of the Maccabees to be fascinating. While in my tradition we don't recognize the books of the Maccabees as canonical Scripture, the story itself is inspiring, and it also helps to fill in the gap between Malachi and Matthew. The struggle of the pious Jews to resist the Hellenizing influences pushed my Antiochus Epiphanes reflects similar struggles we see in the Old Testament narratives. That same struggle continued to follow the Jews even up to our own times. Certainly there is a fine example of human spirit and courage against the odds in this story.
However, it's not just about what the Maccabees and their followers did, as inspirational as that was. In the story of Chanukah we see the power of God in action, enabling outnumbered and outequipped fighters to throw off the oppression of a conqueror set on wiping out the knowledge and worship of God. Many Jews had acquiesced to Antiochus, so the numbers of the rebels were further reduced. Yet they were able to win their freedom back, thanks to their faithfulness to God and refusal to accept the pagan ways of their oppressors.
I also have no problem with believing the miracle of the oil. I know this is disputed among many scholars, even some who don't dismiss the miraculous outright, but I believe that God has the power to accomplish miracles, and such a sign would have been very appropriate at the time.
In John 10:22 we are told that Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication, which is our modern Chanukah. Perhaps the story was fresh in people's minds, since in the dialogue that follows they ask Jesus to state plainly whether or not He was the Messiah. They may have been looking for a hero like the Maccabees to lead them against their oppressors. Jesus didn't fall into the trap of their assumptions, since He was going to be a different kind of Messiah, but Chanukah and its history certainly are a precursor to the coming King, who unlike the Hasmoneans will be a legitimate descendant of David.
So, whether you are Jewish, Christian, or follow some other faith, enjoy the story of Chanukah, and don't be afraid to wish someone you know a "Happy Chanukah" this year.
Having some Jewish ancestry myself, I find the story of the Maccabees to be fascinating. While in my tradition we don't recognize the books of the Maccabees as canonical Scripture, the story itself is inspiring, and it also helps to fill in the gap between Malachi and Matthew. The struggle of the pious Jews to resist the Hellenizing influences pushed my Antiochus Epiphanes reflects similar struggles we see in the Old Testament narratives. That same struggle continued to follow the Jews even up to our own times. Certainly there is a fine example of human spirit and courage against the odds in this story.
However, it's not just about what the Maccabees and their followers did, as inspirational as that was. In the story of Chanukah we see the power of God in action, enabling outnumbered and outequipped fighters to throw off the oppression of a conqueror set on wiping out the knowledge and worship of God. Many Jews had acquiesced to Antiochus, so the numbers of the rebels were further reduced. Yet they were able to win their freedom back, thanks to their faithfulness to God and refusal to accept the pagan ways of their oppressors.
I also have no problem with believing the miracle of the oil. I know this is disputed among many scholars, even some who don't dismiss the miraculous outright, but I believe that God has the power to accomplish miracles, and such a sign would have been very appropriate at the time.
In John 10:22 we are told that Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Feast of Dedication, which is our modern Chanukah. Perhaps the story was fresh in people's minds, since in the dialogue that follows they ask Jesus to state plainly whether or not He was the Messiah. They may have been looking for a hero like the Maccabees to lead them against their oppressors. Jesus didn't fall into the trap of their assumptions, since He was going to be a different kind of Messiah, but Chanukah and its history certainly are a precursor to the coming King, who unlike the Hasmoneans will be a legitimate descendant of David.
So, whether you are Jewish, Christian, or follow some other faith, enjoy the story of Chanukah, and don't be afraid to wish someone you know a "Happy Chanukah" this year.
Sunday, November 24, 2013
The focus of Bible study
During Sunday school this morning, an interesting discussion broke out that wasn't related to the passage we are currently studying. We started to discuss Biblical inerrancy, authority, translation, and hermeneutics. At stake, and at question, was how we know that we can rely on the Bible we have to truly tell us what God says to us today.
Obviously, this is too big a discussion for one blog post, but I really think there are two big answers to the questions raised during our class. The first is that the Bible we have today is reliably the Word of God. I think in all the discussions raised in critical circles about various passages and discrepancies in modern texts and translations, we lose sight of the fact that the vast majority of the Biblical text is essentially undisputed, and that even if we cut out every passage with textual uncertainty we would have the message of God's redemptive plan clearly stated for us. I'm neither advocating cutting anything out without a solid textual basis nor stating that close textual study is not needed; I only want to emphasize that we can have confidence that we have God's Word to read and teach us in the Bible.
The second answer is that no matter what text or translation you use, you have to study the Bible as it is written to understand what it says and means. Reading a gospel, a psalm, an epistle, and a prophetic book all the same way will lead to distortions of sense and meaning. One of the chief errors I find in the teaching of many contemporary preachers and teachers is the ignoring of literary and historical context in their study. (My students and members of my church may get tired of how often I bring up "context" when we're studying. I'll keep doing so until they get it!) If you rip a verse out of its context and apply it as you wish, you may very well find yourself teaching heresy, despite an alleged "Biblical" proof.
I think it takes a while for us to learn this as we study the Bible. We're so used to trying to find a verse that says what we're looking for that we'll take anything, no matter what it meant in its context. Perhaps the classic example is those who say that we're supposed to always be in good health and have success as long as we are focused on God, because in 3 John it says, "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper in be in good health, even as thy soul prospereth." (v. 2, KJV) Apart from some issues of language that has changed over the past 400 years, this verse means nothing like that for contemporary believers. It's part of a greeting in a letter, a polite wish that the recipient might be experiencing good things in his life. It isn't a promise, and it isn't meant for anyone other than Gaius. (And don't tell me this is ridiculous; I've heard more than one preacher use this verse for the exact purpose I mention.)
I think one of the motivating factors to study the issues of obscurity and textual discrepancies in the Bible for some people is that it allows them to avoid studying the plain and simple truths presented in Scripture. There is much that can be learned just from reading and studying the most plain passages of the Bible, enough to keep a Christian busy for years trying to master the material in his or her life. We can't let the small questions and minor issues of text, transmission, and translation turn us away from applying what is clear to us in our daily lives.
Now, I'm not arguing that you shouldn't study textual transmission, translation, and hermeneutics. Anyone who's read this blog for any length of time knows I"m in favor of that! But we can't let our study of details derail our study of the obvious. So study the Bible. Study hard. Then let the Word do its work in you, and put it into practice in your life.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
What we really are
In my annual reading through the Bible, I've reached the book of Hosea. This is one of my favorite books of the Bible. I know, most people don't even know how to find the Minor Prophets, much less read them. And for those who do, it's probably more of a slog than a pleasure. I have found the Minor Prophets to be a truly fascinating section of the Bible, and Hosea in particular moves me every time I read it.
You may know the story of Hosea. He was the prophet commanded by God to marry a "wife of harlotries," whether she was one at the beginning of the marriage or became one later. (The translation I am currently reading, the NET, makes an interpretive translation which leaves out the fuzziness and calls her a prostitute, but there is some dispute as to her character at the time of marriage.) She bears Hosea one son, then gives birth to two other children who are apparently not his. Eventually she abandons Hosea (and presumably her children) for other lovers.
The Lord then interprets Hosea's home life for Israel. Through Hosea, he says, "This is what you are to me-people who are pledged to me in covenant, but who have rejected me and pursued other gods. You aren't the faithful bride I rescued from distress, and you are giving what belongs to me to others." If the story ended there, you would expect the "divorce papers" to follow quickly.
But Hosea is told to go and buy his wife back. He pays a paltry sum for her, and, after a time of waiting, their relationship was restored. (Interestingly, the Bible doesn't tell us about their future together. Some scholars think this means the "restoration" was actually another object lesson with another woman, but I think that undercuts the message of the book.)
This is what God does with us. We are estranged from God, people who should be His but who follow after other gods, whether money, sex, career, power, or whatever takes His place. The Lord has every right to send us away, to condemn us to an eternity of judgment for our unfaithfulness. Yet Jesus Christ bought us back from our slavery to sin through His own blood, and makes it possible for us to have a new relationship with God.
There is a heart-rending passage in Hosea 11 that speaks about God's love for His people Israel:
“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel?
How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim?
My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.
9 I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I devastate Ephraim again.
For I am God, and not a man— the Holy One among you. I will not come against their cities.
10 They will follow the Lord; he will roar like a lion.
When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west.
11 They will come from Egypt, trembling like sparrows, from Assyria, fluttering like doves.
I will settle them in their homes,” declares the Lord. (Hosea 10:8-11, NIV)
This is the love God has for us. Who are we? Not the good, godly folk we sometimes pretend to be, assuming we're good enough that God has to accept us as we are. We are the rebellious, the unfaithful, the ones who scorn and reject God's love. Who is He? The one who loves us and who paid the price to redeem and restore us.
I encourage you to go read Hosea. It will break your heart, but it will also give you a glimpse into God's heart.
You may know the story of Hosea. He was the prophet commanded by God to marry a "wife of harlotries," whether she was one at the beginning of the marriage or became one later. (The translation I am currently reading, the NET, makes an interpretive translation which leaves out the fuzziness and calls her a prostitute, but there is some dispute as to her character at the time of marriage.) She bears Hosea one son, then gives birth to two other children who are apparently not his. Eventually she abandons Hosea (and presumably her children) for other lovers.
The Lord then interprets Hosea's home life for Israel. Through Hosea, he says, "This is what you are to me-people who are pledged to me in covenant, but who have rejected me and pursued other gods. You aren't the faithful bride I rescued from distress, and you are giving what belongs to me to others." If the story ended there, you would expect the "divorce papers" to follow quickly.
But Hosea is told to go and buy his wife back. He pays a paltry sum for her, and, after a time of waiting, their relationship was restored. (Interestingly, the Bible doesn't tell us about their future together. Some scholars think this means the "restoration" was actually another object lesson with another woman, but I think that undercuts the message of the book.)
This is what God does with us. We are estranged from God, people who should be His but who follow after other gods, whether money, sex, career, power, or whatever takes His place. The Lord has every right to send us away, to condemn us to an eternity of judgment for our unfaithfulness. Yet Jesus Christ bought us back from our slavery to sin through His own blood, and makes it possible for us to have a new relationship with God.
There is a heart-rending passage in Hosea 11 that speaks about God's love for His people Israel:
“How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel?
How can I treat you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim?
My heart is changed within me; all my compassion is aroused.
9 I will not carry out my fierce anger, nor will I devastate Ephraim again.
For I am God, and not a man— the Holy One among you. I will not come against their cities.
10 They will follow the Lord; he will roar like a lion.
When he roars, his children will come trembling from the west.
11 They will come from Egypt, trembling like sparrows, from Assyria, fluttering like doves.
I will settle them in their homes,” declares the Lord. (Hosea 10:8-11, NIV)
This is the love God has for us. Who are we? Not the good, godly folk we sometimes pretend to be, assuming we're good enough that God has to accept us as we are. We are the rebellious, the unfaithful, the ones who scorn and reject God's love. Who is He? The one who loves us and who paid the price to redeem and restore us.
I encourage you to go read Hosea. It will break your heart, but it will also give you a glimpse into God's heart.
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Starting a spiritual workout
I joined a fitness club recently. My doctor has been urging me to lose some weight and get myself in better shape. So, thanks to help from our insurance, I was able to find an affordable place to work out. While I can't say it's made a big difference in my health and fitness yet, it has given me some insights into spiritual development.
When I first started, I had an evaluation done by the staff nurse. This gave me my baseline for starting my exercise program. As I anticipated, I'm not in great shape (although it could be worse). I got a medical clearance from my doctor, and setup an appointment with a trainer to develop an exercise program.
That's when I learned the most important part of working out. It's not going to the gym. I could drive there and just visit the fitness bar and slurp down a protein shake without much of an effect. It's not all the wonderful equipment the center has. I can come look at it all day and never get one iota fitter. IT's not getting dressed in the locker room. Even if my clothes were stylish, they wouldn't get me any closer to looking better in them.
No, the most important part of an exercise program is getting onto the equipment and doing the exercise. Until I commit myself to actually engaging in physical fitness, I won't get any fitter. I can read about fitness, search the Internet for exercises, and even make the best-intentioned promise to exercise, but until I do it, it doesn't mean anything as far as physical improvement goes.
The same principle applies to our spiritual development. You can have a shelf full of the best study Bible printed. You can have high-speed access to great computer and Internet study software. You can know all the best places to watch and listen to the most respected Bible teachers and theologians teach. You can have a wonderful church with a strong, Bible-preaching pastor and experienced Bible teachers. It won't matter, if you never bother to use them.
The Bible is a life-changing book that tells us the truth about our awesome God and Creator. The Holy Spirit gifts men and women with wisdom in teaching and proclaiming this truth in ways that communicate timeless truth to a contemporary world. But if you never open the Bible, or go to church, or join a small group Bible study, or actually watch or listen to those great teachers available, you won't grow. It's as simple as that.
As a Christian education director, one of my greatest frustrations occurs when people tell me, "I don't seem to be growing much as a Christian," yet these same people are nowhere to be found on Sunday morning, Wednesday night, or any other time the church has teaching. They also are scarce when ministry opportunities arise, and others in the church develop gifts by using them while they sit at home. Of course they aren't growing, but they don't seem to see why.
So my challenge today is to get started. If you want to grow as a Christian, and to develop spiritually, you need to start exercising now. Read your Bible. Study. Go find a good teacher and let them help you learn. Pray to draw closer to Christ, and to grow not only in knowledge, but in service. Go use what you know to help others. Do that, and I think you'll start seeing some "healthy" results.
When I first started, I had an evaluation done by the staff nurse. This gave me my baseline for starting my exercise program. As I anticipated, I'm not in great shape (although it could be worse). I got a medical clearance from my doctor, and setup an appointment with a trainer to develop an exercise program.
That's when I learned the most important part of working out. It's not going to the gym. I could drive there and just visit the fitness bar and slurp down a protein shake without much of an effect. It's not all the wonderful equipment the center has. I can come look at it all day and never get one iota fitter. IT's not getting dressed in the locker room. Even if my clothes were stylish, they wouldn't get me any closer to looking better in them.
No, the most important part of an exercise program is getting onto the equipment and doing the exercise. Until I commit myself to actually engaging in physical fitness, I won't get any fitter. I can read about fitness, search the Internet for exercises, and even make the best-intentioned promise to exercise, but until I do it, it doesn't mean anything as far as physical improvement goes.
The same principle applies to our spiritual development. You can have a shelf full of the best study Bible printed. You can have high-speed access to great computer and Internet study software. You can know all the best places to watch and listen to the most respected Bible teachers and theologians teach. You can have a wonderful church with a strong, Bible-preaching pastor and experienced Bible teachers. It won't matter, if you never bother to use them.
The Bible is a life-changing book that tells us the truth about our awesome God and Creator. The Holy Spirit gifts men and women with wisdom in teaching and proclaiming this truth in ways that communicate timeless truth to a contemporary world. But if you never open the Bible, or go to church, or join a small group Bible study, or actually watch or listen to those great teachers available, you won't grow. It's as simple as that.
As a Christian education director, one of my greatest frustrations occurs when people tell me, "I don't seem to be growing much as a Christian," yet these same people are nowhere to be found on Sunday morning, Wednesday night, or any other time the church has teaching. They also are scarce when ministry opportunities arise, and others in the church develop gifts by using them while they sit at home. Of course they aren't growing, but they don't seem to see why.
So my challenge today is to get started. If you want to grow as a Christian, and to develop spiritually, you need to start exercising now. Read your Bible. Study. Go find a good teacher and let them help you learn. Pray to draw closer to Christ, and to grow not only in knowledge, but in service. Go use what you know to help others. Do that, and I think you'll start seeing some "healthy" results.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Who is your God?
Reading through Jeremiah, I can't help but be struck by how much the situation in Israel just before the Captivity reminds me of many aspects of current American culture. Israel placed her trust in her own strength and wealth, and followed whatever gods she felt would enhance those. The king and leaders, as well as many of the people, ignored the Lord unless they needed a favor from Him. As their situation became more precarious, they did start to call out to God, but they did so while presenting themselves as faithful and worthy of God's intervention.
It's not a reflection of a genuine faith ion God to turn to Him when all else has failed. As He reminds us through Jeremiah, when people turn to other gods He will let them continue to get their help from those gods. Israel had reached a point at which they were ripe for a well-deserved judgment, and the Lord wasn't about to accept half-hearted efforts to ask Him for help.
I think that in many ways our culture has pursued other gods-not carved images, but things like money, success, fame, and position. Even good things like family and church can become a false god when put in the place that the Lord deserves. It may well be that when we scramble back to God in times of trouble He could say to us, "Go ask the god you've been serving for its help."
Is judgment in our future? I can't say that. I can say that what our society values and pursues are gods that can't help us, and that God may well let us reap the consequences of pursuing those gods. But I also know that He is merciful, and that if His people turn to Him, and the Holy Spirit works in hearts, we can see a revival in our churches and a great harvest of those who turn to the Lord.
I certainly am concerned about what I see happening in our culture. The stories I see on the news show that there is no value given to serving the Lord, and little even to serving others. People seem to be concerned almost exclusively with their own desires, and that brings about breakdowns in relationships, crimes against others who have what we want or are in the way of us getting it, and an obsession with and greedy hoarding of material possessions. I don;t see the love and mercy of Christ reflected in society as a whole, and, sadly, sometimes not even in the church.
A former pastor of mine had a vision for our church, which he summed up as, "We need to love people until they ask us why." That vision has carried on even though he has moved on, and our church strives to show the love of Jesus in our community to open doors to the gospel. We are still working on it, but I see progress. I think that attitude needs to be lived out in our culture, to show people what it means to turn from gods of self to the God who made us. As we do, we can expect the Spirit to work through us to touch our society for Jesus.
It's not a reflection of a genuine faith ion God to turn to Him when all else has failed. As He reminds us through Jeremiah, when people turn to other gods He will let them continue to get their help from those gods. Israel had reached a point at which they were ripe for a well-deserved judgment, and the Lord wasn't about to accept half-hearted efforts to ask Him for help.
I think that in many ways our culture has pursued other gods-not carved images, but things like money, success, fame, and position. Even good things like family and church can become a false god when put in the place that the Lord deserves. It may well be that when we scramble back to God in times of trouble He could say to us, "Go ask the god you've been serving for its help."
Is judgment in our future? I can't say that. I can say that what our society values and pursues are gods that can't help us, and that God may well let us reap the consequences of pursuing those gods. But I also know that He is merciful, and that if His people turn to Him, and the Holy Spirit works in hearts, we can see a revival in our churches and a great harvest of those who turn to the Lord.
I certainly am concerned about what I see happening in our culture. The stories I see on the news show that there is no value given to serving the Lord, and little even to serving others. People seem to be concerned almost exclusively with their own desires, and that brings about breakdowns in relationships, crimes against others who have what we want or are in the way of us getting it, and an obsession with and greedy hoarding of material possessions. I don;t see the love and mercy of Christ reflected in society as a whole, and, sadly, sometimes not even in the church.
A former pastor of mine had a vision for our church, which he summed up as, "We need to love people until they ask us why." That vision has carried on even though he has moved on, and our church strives to show the love of Jesus in our community to open doors to the gospel. We are still working on it, but I see progress. I think that attitude needs to be lived out in our culture, to show people what it means to turn from gods of self to the God who made us. As we do, we can expect the Spirit to work through us to touch our society for Jesus.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Who's it all about?
I taught a Sunday school class today on 2 Samuel 7-8. This is the passage where David desires to build the Lord a house, but God tells Him no. Instead, God tells David He will build him a house instead, and that it will be his son who builds God's house. In essence, the Lord tells David, "Nice plans, but not Mine."
What is David;s reaction? There are few passages in the Bible that express more awe of God and His work in a life than 2 Samuel 7:18-29. David expresses his awe and gratitude at God for even considering him to be the king of Israel, and for promising a future dynasty for his line. He constantly uses the name "Lord GOD," or as the NIV translates it, "Sovereign LORD." The idea is that while David is a king, he recognizes who the real King is.
Perhaps more astounding to many modern readers i David;s attitude toward God's denial of his desire. Many Christians are discouraged or sulky when they want something and God clearly closes the door on them. (I'll admit it's happened to me a few times.) They aren't ready to praise the Lord or acknowledge His sovereignty. Instead, they pester the Lord with whines and complaints, and sometimes even move forward without Him. Then they are surprised when the Lord doesn't bless the works of their hands.
David fully expected the Lord to bless what he and his descendants would do, but it was not because he had made plans and expected God to honor them. It was because he knew that when the Lord made a promise, and when His people faithfully followed His will, that the blessing would follow. David continually expresses his understanding of who God is, and who he is in relation to God. He understands that in the end, it's all about God.
In our lives, and even in our churches, we sometimes get so concerned with building our reputations that we forget that our goal is to point to God's reputation instead. If we successfully get the credit for everything we do, we can fail the Lord if we don't acknowledge that all of our success is rooted in Him. That doesn't mean we don't do anything, or should never be thanked or even honored for what we do. (After all, we see David being honored in other passages!) But we do need to point people to our mighty God, who makes it all possible.
What is David;s reaction? There are few passages in the Bible that express more awe of God and His work in a life than 2 Samuel 7:18-29. David expresses his awe and gratitude at God for even considering him to be the king of Israel, and for promising a future dynasty for his line. He constantly uses the name "Lord GOD," or as the NIV translates it, "Sovereign LORD." The idea is that while David is a king, he recognizes who the real King is.
Perhaps more astounding to many modern readers i David;s attitude toward God's denial of his desire. Many Christians are discouraged or sulky when they want something and God clearly closes the door on them. (I'll admit it's happened to me a few times.) They aren't ready to praise the Lord or acknowledge His sovereignty. Instead, they pester the Lord with whines and complaints, and sometimes even move forward without Him. Then they are surprised when the Lord doesn't bless the works of their hands.
David fully expected the Lord to bless what he and his descendants would do, but it was not because he had made plans and expected God to honor them. It was because he knew that when the Lord made a promise, and when His people faithfully followed His will, that the blessing would follow. David continually expresses his understanding of who God is, and who he is in relation to God. He understands that in the end, it's all about God.
In our lives, and even in our churches, we sometimes get so concerned with building our reputations that we forget that our goal is to point to God's reputation instead. If we successfully get the credit for everything we do, we can fail the Lord if we don't acknowledge that all of our success is rooted in Him. That doesn't mean we don't do anything, or should never be thanked or even honored for what we do. (After all, we see David being honored in other passages!) But we do need to point people to our mighty God, who makes it all possible.
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
A curious bit of timing
As I was driving my daughter to school today, the radio station I listen to in the morning was having a discussion about the decision by a school in New Jersey to ban any "religious" Christmas music in their "holiday" concert. Amusingly, this was said to be done in the name of "diversity." I haven't yet figured out how you create more diversity by banning an entire cultural expression.
I get a little of that at my own school. I'm asked to keep away from too much religious Christmas music (but it's not completely banned), then told I need to find music for Kwanzaa, which as far as I know only one of my students celebrates. Now I'm inclined to be genuinely culturally diverse in my concert selections. I always include Hanukah songs, and my last concert was a "trip around the world" using music from many countries covering five continents. (Somehow I missed Australia, but I'll make up for it in the future, I promise.) I can work with the guidelines I'm given.
So the object of our holiday celebrations is to avoid anything that even remotely hints at religion, right? Not quite. Tomorrow we, like many other schools are having a big Halloween celebration. At least some students at schools throughout the state will dress up in costumes that reflects the paganism that has become the hallmark of Halloween, albeit most unintentionally. Some costumes will reflect even darker aspects of the day. And, of course, the very name of the holiday refers to a celebration from an entirely different religious perspective.
I'm no Halloween spoilsport. I don't mind if children enjoy the fun aspects of the day. But I do think it's hypocritical to allow certain holidays to utilize religious symbolism while others have their symbolism banned. Of course, I also have heard of school districts that are banning Halloween celebrations under protest from some parents. Maybe this will start to get people wondering about that whole "diversity" thing and how you implement it!
As a Christian, I'm not really enamored of Halloween. I'm more of a Reformation Day man myself. (For our school Halloween parade, I'm dressing as a monk.) At the same time, I'm open to others celebrating holidays they enjoy without their having to worry about my sensitivities. Maybe if our society were more open to real diversity, these kinds of issues wouldn't arise. But then, there would be a need to confront the claims of Jesus Christ, and the sinful heart never wants to do that.
I get a little of that at my own school. I'm asked to keep away from too much religious Christmas music (but it's not completely banned), then told I need to find music for Kwanzaa, which as far as I know only one of my students celebrates. Now I'm inclined to be genuinely culturally diverse in my concert selections. I always include Hanukah songs, and my last concert was a "trip around the world" using music from many countries covering five continents. (Somehow I missed Australia, but I'll make up for it in the future, I promise.) I can work with the guidelines I'm given.
So the object of our holiday celebrations is to avoid anything that even remotely hints at religion, right? Not quite. Tomorrow we, like many other schools are having a big Halloween celebration. At least some students at schools throughout the state will dress up in costumes that reflects the paganism that has become the hallmark of Halloween, albeit most unintentionally. Some costumes will reflect even darker aspects of the day. And, of course, the very name of the holiday refers to a celebration from an entirely different religious perspective.
I'm no Halloween spoilsport. I don't mind if children enjoy the fun aspects of the day. But I do think it's hypocritical to allow certain holidays to utilize religious symbolism while others have their symbolism banned. Of course, I also have heard of school districts that are banning Halloween celebrations under protest from some parents. Maybe this will start to get people wondering about that whole "diversity" thing and how you implement it!
As a Christian, I'm not really enamored of Halloween. I'm more of a Reformation Day man myself. (For our school Halloween parade, I'm dressing as a monk.) At the same time, I'm open to others celebrating holidays they enjoy without their having to worry about my sensitivities. Maybe if our society were more open to real diversity, these kinds of issues wouldn't arise. But then, there would be a need to confront the claims of Jesus Christ, and the sinful heart never wants to do that.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
What Israel forgot
In reading through the Bible, I have once again arrived at the Psalms. (Some years I use a system that reads an individual psalm each day, but this time I'm reading straight through.) By reading through the entire book over a few days, you can pick up repeated themes and phrases that the psalmists use, which can be very enlightening.
There are a number of psalms that refer to the events of Israel's past. These historical reminisces served as a reminder to Israel of what the Lord had done for them, both in blessing and in judgment. In a corporate setting, they would be a call to the congregation to pause and reflect on the relationship between Israel and God.
One word that struck e as I read through this time was the word "forgot." After recounting many of the awesome acts of God, several psalms note that Israel forgot what god had done and went their own way, chasing after other gods. As a result, they came under the Lord's judgment.
The psalmists don't dwell on why Israel forgot. They had the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, as well as the Law and the other extant scriptures. There were priests, Levites, and prophets to teach and remind the people of the Lord's work. I suspect there were two major reasons. First, that when they didn't need the Lord to do great and awesome things, they grew complacent and ignored the fact that God was active in their lives every day. Second, when they didn't see everything go their way, they were tempted to follow the latest "god" who promised to fulfill their desires.
These same reasons, complacency and selfish desire, are just as tempting today. My family is currently going through some struggles, and I'll admit I started wondering when God was going to do something about it. I forgot all the times that He had been faithful, and even beyond faithful, in bringing us through tough times before. As the situations are beginning to resolve, I freely acknowledge my own shame and embarrassment at my wavering faith.
To cure myself, I started doing what the psalmists did: writing down all that God had done for me and for my family in the past. As I recalled His faithfulness, I gained encouragement through the memory of His love, mercy, and faithfulness (as well as a stinging sense of rebuke at my own "forgetting"). It was an exercise well worth the time and effort, as it brought back my lapsed memory of the goodness of God.
So let me recommend this: if you're going through some hard times right now, stop and write down all the times you can recall that God brought you through the trials and into blessing. Think of how He has provided for you, how He has comforted you, and how He has blessed you even through the tough times. If you're like me, when you do this you will regain a sense of confidence and faith in the Lord, and be encouraged as you continue to go through whatever you are experiencing in your life.
There are a number of psalms that refer to the events of Israel's past. These historical reminisces served as a reminder to Israel of what the Lord had done for them, both in blessing and in judgment. In a corporate setting, they would be a call to the congregation to pause and reflect on the relationship between Israel and God.
One word that struck e as I read through this time was the word "forgot." After recounting many of the awesome acts of God, several psalms note that Israel forgot what god had done and went their own way, chasing after other gods. As a result, they came under the Lord's judgment.
The psalmists don't dwell on why Israel forgot. They had the Tabernacle, and later the Temple, as well as the Law and the other extant scriptures. There were priests, Levites, and prophets to teach and remind the people of the Lord's work. I suspect there were two major reasons. First, that when they didn't need the Lord to do great and awesome things, they grew complacent and ignored the fact that God was active in their lives every day. Second, when they didn't see everything go their way, they were tempted to follow the latest "god" who promised to fulfill their desires.
These same reasons, complacency and selfish desire, are just as tempting today. My family is currently going through some struggles, and I'll admit I started wondering when God was going to do something about it. I forgot all the times that He had been faithful, and even beyond faithful, in bringing us through tough times before. As the situations are beginning to resolve, I freely acknowledge my own shame and embarrassment at my wavering faith.
To cure myself, I started doing what the psalmists did: writing down all that God had done for me and for my family in the past. As I recalled His faithfulness, I gained encouragement through the memory of His love, mercy, and faithfulness (as well as a stinging sense of rebuke at my own "forgetting"). It was an exercise well worth the time and effort, as it brought back my lapsed memory of the goodness of God.
So let me recommend this: if you're going through some hard times right now, stop and write down all the times you can recall that God brought you through the trials and into blessing. Think of how He has provided for you, how He has comforted you, and how He has blessed you even through the tough times. If you're like me, when you do this you will regain a sense of confidence and faith in the Lord, and be encouraged as you continue to go through whatever you are experiencing in your life.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Saying "No" to yourself
I'm something of a news junkie. I watch several news broadcasts before I leave for work in the morning, and visit a number of news and commentary web sites in the evening. The one bad thing about being a news junkie is that you are exposed to a lot of bad news. I could list the events of today, but they would soon be pushed aside by a new set of a discouraging or evil news. If you want a list of negative headlines, just go watch the evening news for whatever day you read this post.
Many people, from a wide variety of viewpoints, want to stem the tide of evil, corruption, and just plain bad news that seems to engulf our world. They propose striking at any number of root causes-poverty, racism, education, immorality, and pretty much anything else you can name. Some of these efforts are incompatible, and the fights between the proponents of those viewpoints creates more bad news.
I think there is a root cause for all of these problems. Yes, I said all of them. OK, I'll make an exception for natural disasters, but even the way we deal with those can exhibit what I'm about to discuss. The root problem is the inability of most people (or more likely all people) to say "no" to themselves.
Jesus drove this point home during His ministry on earth. In Matthew 16:24 He says, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (NIV) People often speak about their "cross" as some ailment, annoyance, or trial that comes into their life. That's not what Jesus means here. The cross was an instrument of torturous death, and Jesus asks us to die to ourselves. Our own wishes and desires become subservient to those of God.
This doesn't only run counter to what the secular culture believes, it runs counter to what many Christian teachers promote. They teach that the Christian should have success in life because God wants to bless us, and that if we want something we should just ask God for it and it will be ours. Jesus never teaches that. He does promise blessing, but on His terms, not ours. It doesn't always mean material success.
When people don't say "no" to themselves, they essentially decide that whatever they want they deserve, and if they deserve it no one has the right to keep them from it. It doesn't matter what other people want, or what they think, or how they might be affected; it's all about getting what I "deserve." There's a theological term for this attitude. It's called "sin."
We were not created to live for ourselves. Sin came into the world through Adam and Eve, and we live with its effects today. What Jesus calls us to do is to break the power of sin, and say "no" to our selfish desires and "yes" to God's desires for us. He created us, and knows what we need to function best. It can be hard to say "no," and it is definitely counter-cultural. But until we can do this, and spread this through our society, we will never be able to overcome the bad news we see.
Many people, from a wide variety of viewpoints, want to stem the tide of evil, corruption, and just plain bad news that seems to engulf our world. They propose striking at any number of root causes-poverty, racism, education, immorality, and pretty much anything else you can name. Some of these efforts are incompatible, and the fights between the proponents of those viewpoints creates more bad news.
I think there is a root cause for all of these problems. Yes, I said all of them. OK, I'll make an exception for natural disasters, but even the way we deal with those can exhibit what I'm about to discuss. The root problem is the inability of most people (or more likely all people) to say "no" to themselves.
Jesus drove this point home during His ministry on earth. In Matthew 16:24 He says, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (NIV) People often speak about their "cross" as some ailment, annoyance, or trial that comes into their life. That's not what Jesus means here. The cross was an instrument of torturous death, and Jesus asks us to die to ourselves. Our own wishes and desires become subservient to those of God.
This doesn't only run counter to what the secular culture believes, it runs counter to what many Christian teachers promote. They teach that the Christian should have success in life because God wants to bless us, and that if we want something we should just ask God for it and it will be ours. Jesus never teaches that. He does promise blessing, but on His terms, not ours. It doesn't always mean material success.
When people don't say "no" to themselves, they essentially decide that whatever they want they deserve, and if they deserve it no one has the right to keep them from it. It doesn't matter what other people want, or what they think, or how they might be affected; it's all about getting what I "deserve." There's a theological term for this attitude. It's called "sin."
We were not created to live for ourselves. Sin came into the world through Adam and Eve, and we live with its effects today. What Jesus calls us to do is to break the power of sin, and say "no" to our selfish desires and "yes" to God's desires for us. He created us, and knows what we need to function best. It can be hard to say "no," and it is definitely counter-cultural. But until we can do this, and spread this through our society, we will never be able to overcome the bad news we see.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
"Seven Seasonable Question for All Believers"
The great preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon published a monthly magazine for preachers called The Sword and the Trowel. I occasionally read an issue as if it was a magazine I had just received in the mail. (I realize bot "magazine" and "mail" are somewhat outdated concepts these days, but I'm old enough that it makes sense to me. And I actually read them from PDF files.) I came across an article he published in his January 1868 issue, and I think this short article is worth sharing in its entirety, without comment from me:
Seven Seasonable Questions for All Believers- Charles Haddon Spurgeon
I. Cannot I do more for Jesus this year than I have done in the past? Have I no wasted time or rusting talents?
II. What shall I do? What form shall my extra effort take? I must not be long in selecting, for time speeds; but, without neglecting my old work, what new labor shall I enter upon at once?
III. Can I give more to the work of Jesus? Ought I not to practice weekly storing? Am I a faithful steward with my substance? Am I really returning to my Lord in proportion as he has given to me? How much shall I give at orate?
IV. Ought I not, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to become more Christlike this year? I am certainly older in years, should I not grow in grace in proportion? Shall I not seek more grace at once?
V. Shall not my prayers be more constant and fervent during this year? Might not my whole life be more forceful for good if I had more power in secret prayer? Shall I be content to go on as I have done in this matter?
VI. Must I not labor after nearer communion to Jesus? Why should I not walk in the light of his countenance? Why should I cleave so much to worldly things? Shall there not, by God’s grace, be an improvement in this respect? Is there not grievous room for it?
VII. Can I not this very day aim personally at the conversion of at least one soul? Might I not go at once and talk with some unconverted relative or neighbor about his soul? O Lord, go with me! O Lord, use me in thy
service!
Seven Seasonable Questions for All Believers- Charles Haddon Spurgeon
I. Cannot I do more for Jesus this year than I have done in the past? Have I no wasted time or rusting talents?
II. What shall I do? What form shall my extra effort take? I must not be long in selecting, for time speeds; but, without neglecting my old work, what new labor shall I enter upon at once?
III. Can I give more to the work of Jesus? Ought I not to practice weekly storing? Am I a faithful steward with my substance? Am I really returning to my Lord in proportion as he has given to me? How much shall I give at orate?
IV. Ought I not, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to become more Christlike this year? I am certainly older in years, should I not grow in grace in proportion? Shall I not seek more grace at once?
V. Shall not my prayers be more constant and fervent during this year? Might not my whole life be more forceful for good if I had more power in secret prayer? Shall I be content to go on as I have done in this matter?
VI. Must I not labor after nearer communion to Jesus? Why should I not walk in the light of his countenance? Why should I cleave so much to worldly things? Shall there not, by God’s grace, be an improvement in this respect? Is there not grievous room for it?
VII. Can I not this very day aim personally at the conversion of at least one soul? Might I not go at once and talk with some unconverted relative or neighbor about his soul? O Lord, go with me! O Lord, use me in thy
service!
Monday, October 14, 2013
Another new Jesus conspiracy
I just read another article about a supposed "Bible scholar" who has come to the conclusion Jesus never existed. He claims that the story of Jesus was made up by the Romans (yes, the Romans) to pacify the Jews after the campaign of Titus by substituting a meek Messiah who urged submission to authority rather than the national hero many Jews expected. The purpose of his presentation, he says, is to show us how governments manipulate religion for their own purposes, and how Christianity is nothing but a Roman plot to do just that.
I'm not mentioning names because I think even the most skeptical reader of this blog would admit this is a pretty far-fetched construction. (The first article I read said even other "Jesus conspiracy buffs" reject it outright.) The dates don't align, the Romans had no reason or inclination to pacify the Jews (especially after Titus!), and, if this was a Roman plot to pacify the Jews, it failed spectacularly. But the author will get some attention, because people want to believe that Jesus wasn't really who He said He was.
Why is that the case? If Jesus was indeed the Son of God, and God Himself, the Messiah of Israel and the Savior of humanity, that means we are subject to Him and to His commands. It means that human beings are not autonomous creators of our own destinies, but rebellious sinners in need of reconciliation with God. It means, quite frankly, that we are wrong about ourselves, our lives, and reality itself. And ever since the Garden of Eden, we don;t like to be told that there is Someone to whom we are accountable.
What bothers people more, however, may be the very "good news" that sets all of that right. Through the real, historical Jesus, both man and God, and what He did on our behalf on the cross, all of our sin and rebellion can be forgiven and we can be reconciled to God and made right in His sight. All we are required to do is to place our faith in Him as the one and only way to God. It's a simple but life-changing transaction.
Why don't more people do this? I think one reason out of many is that Jesus tells us, "You are separated from God, and there's nothing you can do about it apart from me." People don't like to be told they have no control over their lives. They don't like to be told they can't help themselves out of their troubles. They don't like to be told they can't get to God without help. Accepting Jesus' offer is admitting your own sin and helplessness, and acknowledging that you don't have the power to get right with God yourself.
One way to avoid dealing with this is attempts to prove Jesus never existed, or that He was just some ancient Middle Eastern preacher, or that He was a great man but certainly not God. So we'll continue to have re-creations of Jesus in the image that satisfies the "scholar" and his viewpoint, that avoid confronting who Jesus is directly. Jesus will still be there, ready for them to come to their senses and see their need for Him, and always ready to forgive and reconcile.
I'm not mentioning names because I think even the most skeptical reader of this blog would admit this is a pretty far-fetched construction. (The first article I read said even other "Jesus conspiracy buffs" reject it outright.) The dates don't align, the Romans had no reason or inclination to pacify the Jews (especially after Titus!), and, if this was a Roman plot to pacify the Jews, it failed spectacularly. But the author will get some attention, because people want to believe that Jesus wasn't really who He said He was.
Why is that the case? If Jesus was indeed the Son of God, and God Himself, the Messiah of Israel and the Savior of humanity, that means we are subject to Him and to His commands. It means that human beings are not autonomous creators of our own destinies, but rebellious sinners in need of reconciliation with God. It means, quite frankly, that we are wrong about ourselves, our lives, and reality itself. And ever since the Garden of Eden, we don;t like to be told that there is Someone to whom we are accountable.
What bothers people more, however, may be the very "good news" that sets all of that right. Through the real, historical Jesus, both man and God, and what He did on our behalf on the cross, all of our sin and rebellion can be forgiven and we can be reconciled to God and made right in His sight. All we are required to do is to place our faith in Him as the one and only way to God. It's a simple but life-changing transaction.
Why don't more people do this? I think one reason out of many is that Jesus tells us, "You are separated from God, and there's nothing you can do about it apart from me." People don't like to be told they have no control over their lives. They don't like to be told they can't help themselves out of their troubles. They don't like to be told they can't get to God without help. Accepting Jesus' offer is admitting your own sin and helplessness, and acknowledging that you don't have the power to get right with God yourself.
One way to avoid dealing with this is attempts to prove Jesus never existed, or that He was just some ancient Middle Eastern preacher, or that He was a great man but certainly not God. So we'll continue to have re-creations of Jesus in the image that satisfies the "scholar" and his viewpoint, that avoid confronting who Jesus is directly. Jesus will still be there, ready for them to come to their senses and see their need for Him, and always ready to forgive and reconcile.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
How reading through the Bible helps
As part of my devotions every year, I read through the entire Bible. I generally alternate between the NIV (which I use as my primary teaching Bible, for several reasons) and a translation I haven't read through yet. Given the market for new translations, I shouldn't run out anytime soon! I've probably read through a dozen translations or so. I've read straight through the Bible, used daily Bible reading lists with an OT/NT/Psalm reading, and read through chronologically.
Why do I continue to do this? I believe that reading through the Bible gives you a perspective that can be missed by reading only isolated passages, or even just by reading through a book of the Bible. You start to see the whole panorama of the Biblical story, and to gain an understanding of how all those assorted types of literature fit together. You find themes that are repeated and repeated, and it begins to dawn on you that maybe God thinks those events and concepts are important.
I just finished reading through 2 Chronicles. Reading through Chronicles when you read through the Bible is an eye-opening experience. Sure, it seems more like an eye-closer as you slog through all those genealogical lists at the beginning of 1 Chronicles, but even they provide some insights into the sweep of Biblical history. (Next time you read through them, notice which genealogies are given more attention than others, and watch for the little stories told about some characters.) It is the narrative choices made by the author of the Chronicles and the theological comments that makes these books live.
After you've read through Samuel and Kings, you have a good grasp of the Biblical account of the history of Israel from the time of the last judge until the Babylonian Captivity. So why did the Holy Spirit inspire another historical record in Chronicles? The study of Chronicles after Samuel/Kings lets the reader see a view of Israel and Judah from the perspective of their fidelity to the Lord and His commands. Saul gets short shrift. The northern kingdom of Israel is almost ignored. What we see is the ups and downs of the kings and the people, and how their faithfulness and obedience (or lack thereof) affected their relationship with God.
You don't get this picture reading Chronicles in isolation. It's when you take the larger, longer view that these insights start to come out. This doesn't just happen in these books, however; reading large sections of Scripture, both Old and New Testament, can open up views you may never have seen before. Even after two dozen or so read-throughs, I still find events, ideas, and insights I have missed before or forgotten.
So let me encourage you to read through the Bible. You don't have to wait until January 1st and make it some kind of resolution. Start now. Find a "one year Bible" or an online checklist (Biblestudytools.com has several good ones), or just pick up your Bible and start to read. I think you will find it a blessing beyond what you may expect.
Why do I continue to do this? I believe that reading through the Bible gives you a perspective that can be missed by reading only isolated passages, or even just by reading through a book of the Bible. You start to see the whole panorama of the Biblical story, and to gain an understanding of how all those assorted types of literature fit together. You find themes that are repeated and repeated, and it begins to dawn on you that maybe God thinks those events and concepts are important.
I just finished reading through 2 Chronicles. Reading through Chronicles when you read through the Bible is an eye-opening experience. Sure, it seems more like an eye-closer as you slog through all those genealogical lists at the beginning of 1 Chronicles, but even they provide some insights into the sweep of Biblical history. (Next time you read through them, notice which genealogies are given more attention than others, and watch for the little stories told about some characters.) It is the narrative choices made by the author of the Chronicles and the theological comments that makes these books live.
After you've read through Samuel and Kings, you have a good grasp of the Biblical account of the history of Israel from the time of the last judge until the Babylonian Captivity. So why did the Holy Spirit inspire another historical record in Chronicles? The study of Chronicles after Samuel/Kings lets the reader see a view of Israel and Judah from the perspective of their fidelity to the Lord and His commands. Saul gets short shrift. The northern kingdom of Israel is almost ignored. What we see is the ups and downs of the kings and the people, and how their faithfulness and obedience (or lack thereof) affected their relationship with God.
You don't get this picture reading Chronicles in isolation. It's when you take the larger, longer view that these insights start to come out. This doesn't just happen in these books, however; reading large sections of Scripture, both Old and New Testament, can open up views you may never have seen before. Even after two dozen or so read-throughs, I still find events, ideas, and insights I have missed before or forgotten.
So let me encourage you to read through the Bible. You don't have to wait until January 1st and make it some kind of resolution. Start now. Find a "one year Bible" or an online checklist (Biblestudytools.com has several good ones), or just pick up your Bible and start to read. I think you will find it a blessing beyond what you may expect.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
God never shuts down!
In the US today we're experiencing another in a series of occasional "government shutdowns." That hardly leaves us bereft of government, but it makes for fascinating political theater as the parties do everything they can to not solve the problem while blaming the other side for the shutdown. (For the record, I think everybody's at fault on this one.) While the markets get nervous and some government employees are on furlough, history tells us that the long-term effects of this shutdown will be minimal. Still, a government that can't keep itself running is a concern to everyone living under that government.
I'm glad today that, while I am a citizen of the US, I am first and foremost a subject of the kingdom of God. I have a total confidence that He will always be in control, and that His kingdom will never shut down. I may experience many ups and downs in my life, but I know that my ultimate destiny is in the hands of an almighty God who promises me He will always be with me.
This confidence comes from theological beliefs. Many Christians think of theology as a difficult and esoteric field, limited to those who have the time, education, and inclination to spend hours in deep study to learn truths that rise above what the average person can understand. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Theology is, first and foremost, the study of God and His relationship to us. Every Christian is a theologian, even if they haven't been to seminary.
Theology can be a source a great comfort. The belief I state above, that God is always present and in control, relies on an understanding of the nature and power of God. God is everywhere, at all times, He loves us, and He has the ultimate power over everything He has created. That is the truth that brings us comfort today, and many Christians would agree with it.
Yet it is ultimately a theological statement. I could phrase it like this: God is omnipresent, timeless, omnipotent, and has a communicable attribute of love. I think many Christians would be, at best, puzzled by that statement. It's couched in scholarly language, which C.S. Lewis noted has the advantage of brevity at the expense of simple clarity. To me, that statement is meaningful and comforting, because I spend a lot of time studying theology and learning its "shorthand." The goal for a teacher or preacher is to make those concepts understandable to those who haven't learned the "shorthand" yet.
In the end, the comfort we find in our dependence on God is based on our theological understanding of God, however we express it. And it contrasts starkly with any confidence we can have in man-made constructs like human government. (As an aside, if you think theological language is hard to understand, try reading the laws passed by Congress!) My nation's government is shut down today, but my King will never shut down!
I'm glad today that, while I am a citizen of the US, I am first and foremost a subject of the kingdom of God. I have a total confidence that He will always be in control, and that His kingdom will never shut down. I may experience many ups and downs in my life, but I know that my ultimate destiny is in the hands of an almighty God who promises me He will always be with me.
This confidence comes from theological beliefs. Many Christians think of theology as a difficult and esoteric field, limited to those who have the time, education, and inclination to spend hours in deep study to learn truths that rise above what the average person can understand. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Theology is, first and foremost, the study of God and His relationship to us. Every Christian is a theologian, even if they haven't been to seminary.
Theology can be a source a great comfort. The belief I state above, that God is always present and in control, relies on an understanding of the nature and power of God. God is everywhere, at all times, He loves us, and He has the ultimate power over everything He has created. That is the truth that brings us comfort today, and many Christians would agree with it.
Yet it is ultimately a theological statement. I could phrase it like this: God is omnipresent, timeless, omnipotent, and has a communicable attribute of love. I think many Christians would be, at best, puzzled by that statement. It's couched in scholarly language, which C.S. Lewis noted has the advantage of brevity at the expense of simple clarity. To me, that statement is meaningful and comforting, because I spend a lot of time studying theology and learning its "shorthand." The goal for a teacher or preacher is to make those concepts understandable to those who haven't learned the "shorthand" yet.
In the end, the comfort we find in our dependence on God is based on our theological understanding of God, however we express it. And it contrasts starkly with any confidence we can have in man-made constructs like human government. (As an aside, if you think theological language is hard to understand, try reading the laws passed by Congress!) My nation's government is shut down today, but my King will never shut down!
Monday, September 30, 2013
What's left of God's revelation?
I was listening to one of the excellent "Table Talk" podcasts from Theology Network this evening. (Yes, this is one of the things I do for fun, and it helps pass time while I'm cleaning the basement.) The subject was "Christianity and World Religions" with Dr. Dan Strange. In the course of the study, Dr. Strange talked about his view that world religions devolved from the high monotheism of Judaism and its antecedents. I am also a partisan of that viewpoint, so I found his discussion quite intriguing. (Perhaps someday I'll devote a post to some of the arguments for that position. Until then, I recommend going to the Theology Network and listening to "Table Talk 18." There's a link to TN on my list.)
Dr. Strange has coined a term for the elements of truth that remain in a devolved religion: "remnantal revelation." This term states that remnants of God's truth through His revelation remain in those religions. Thus, there are elements of truth in any religion, or any philosophy for that matter, but as time passes the portion of truth will become less and less as other teachings are added to it. This doesn't only affect non-Christian religions; Christians can also watch their beliefs devolve as they move away from God's revelation.
While this may have its main application in theology, I think we also see a devolution in the popular theology or philosophy of Western society. Most people still claim some faith in God, but the God they worship is generally far removed from the God revealed in the Bible, or even the God revealed in nature and conscience (what theologians call "natural revelation"). There is some understanding of God as a loving being who helps us, but an almost total loss of a majestic God to whom our devotion is due. People talk about good and evil, but most in our society (including many in our churches) define good and evil by their own standards. Our culture rejects any notion of an absolute truth that applies to all people.
The positive side of this view is that all people have some knowledge of the truth, no matter how small. This enables us to speak to anyone with at least a little bit of common ground. God does not leave Himself without a witness; everyone has the opportunity to know God in some way. Truth isn't always comfortable. (In fact, I'd argue that if your belief system is comfortable, there's probably something wrong with it!) Even more, in our culture truth isn't popular. If you claim to have truth you'll be called intolerant, narrow-minded, bigoted, and arrogant. The problem isn't with personal belief, but with stating that there is a truth that applies to everyone.
Our goal as Christians should be first of all to ensure that our beliefs haven't become "remnantal." We don't just go to church or recite creeds because it's a habit, but because we believe we are in touch with the God of all truth. Then we should stand for the truth, and help others find the truth of God and His revelation in their own lives, building from what they already have.
Ever since the earliest days of the church, those who oppose Christianity have understood that if they could prevent Christians from reading, studying, and meditating of the Bible they could wipe out the Christian faith. Even today, anti-Christian governments and organizations try to keep the Bible away from their people. The truth is powerful, however, and standing for God's truth and for God's revelation enables us to shine His light into our society.
Dr. Strange has coined a term for the elements of truth that remain in a devolved religion: "remnantal revelation." This term states that remnants of God's truth through His revelation remain in those religions. Thus, there are elements of truth in any religion, or any philosophy for that matter, but as time passes the portion of truth will become less and less as other teachings are added to it. This doesn't only affect non-Christian religions; Christians can also watch their beliefs devolve as they move away from God's revelation.
While this may have its main application in theology, I think we also see a devolution in the popular theology or philosophy of Western society. Most people still claim some faith in God, but the God they worship is generally far removed from the God revealed in the Bible, or even the God revealed in nature and conscience (what theologians call "natural revelation"). There is some understanding of God as a loving being who helps us, but an almost total loss of a majestic God to whom our devotion is due. People talk about good and evil, but most in our society (including many in our churches) define good and evil by their own standards. Our culture rejects any notion of an absolute truth that applies to all people.
The positive side of this view is that all people have some knowledge of the truth, no matter how small. This enables us to speak to anyone with at least a little bit of common ground. God does not leave Himself without a witness; everyone has the opportunity to know God in some way. Truth isn't always comfortable. (In fact, I'd argue that if your belief system is comfortable, there's probably something wrong with it!) Even more, in our culture truth isn't popular. If you claim to have truth you'll be called intolerant, narrow-minded, bigoted, and arrogant. The problem isn't with personal belief, but with stating that there is a truth that applies to everyone.
Our goal as Christians should be first of all to ensure that our beliefs haven't become "remnantal." We don't just go to church or recite creeds because it's a habit, but because we believe we are in touch with the God of all truth. Then we should stand for the truth, and help others find the truth of God and His revelation in their own lives, building from what they already have.
Ever since the earliest days of the church, those who oppose Christianity have understood that if they could prevent Christians from reading, studying, and meditating of the Bible they could wipe out the Christian faith. Even today, anti-Christian governments and organizations try to keep the Bible away from their people. The truth is powerful, however, and standing for God's truth and for God's revelation enables us to shine His light into our society.
Sunday, September 29, 2013
A foundation for life
My pastor preached on the Bible today at church. Not just from the Bible, but about the Bible. In a society that values "spirituality" over faith and commitment, the Bible is often pushed aside when discussing Christian belief. People like Jesus, and are willing to think about Him on their own terms, but many do not want to confront what the Bible has to say about Him, about God, and about the way God designed us to live.
This may be the result of something far more fundamental to our modern Western culture. If you ask people what they believe, they'll probably rattle off a dozen or so "statements of faith" from whatever religion or philosophy they have learned. (As a side note, it's unfortunate that so few people actually have exposure to philosophy as part of their education!) If you then ask them WHY they believe those things, you'll probably get some hemming and hawing as they try to dig down to their reasons for their faith. In my experience, there aren't a whole lot of people, including those in churches, who know why they believe what they do.
Christians historically have found the foundation for what they believe in the Bible. We believe that it is God's Word, written by human authors under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and teaches us what God wants us to know about Him, about us, and about our world. By studying the Bible, we learn how we relate to God through Jesus Christ and how we should live as children of God. As we come to a greater understanding of God's Word, we are able to develop a greater faith and greater ministry on the basis of that understanding.
The biggest misconception many have about studying the Bible is that the purpose of Bible study is to learn more facts, more dates, more memory verses, and just plain more stuff about what the Bible says. All of that is of course important (I"m a Christian education director, after all), but if that's all we learn we fail at the most basic level to truly understand the Word of God. All of those facts teach us important truths about God, and important truths about the way we were created to live. If we don't see our lives changing as a result of our exposure to the Bible, then we are studying it wrong.
When you have no foundation for your beliefs, you will tend to find your beliefs changing with every new fad that comes along. You can't build a coherent and satisfying life based on a hodgepodge of what everyone else believes or what fits what you want to be true without giving it any further thought. That goes just as much for Christians as for anyone who is outside the church. There are many who are Christians because their parents were Christians, or they just happen to go a certain church, or they think Jesus is cool and loving, but who have never examined why they hold their beliefs.
I find the Bible to be a strong foundation for my life. I'd like to say I understand it fully, but there are many passages I still need to study deeply. Even more, I'd like to say I always consistently follow the teachings of the Bible, but as a sinner saved by grace I have my failings. I firmly stand on the Bible, however, and seek to grow in my understanding and practice of what it teaches. I invite you to join me on this lifelong quest/
This may be the result of something far more fundamental to our modern Western culture. If you ask people what they believe, they'll probably rattle off a dozen or so "statements of faith" from whatever religion or philosophy they have learned. (As a side note, it's unfortunate that so few people actually have exposure to philosophy as part of their education!) If you then ask them WHY they believe those things, you'll probably get some hemming and hawing as they try to dig down to their reasons for their faith. In my experience, there aren't a whole lot of people, including those in churches, who know why they believe what they do.
Christians historically have found the foundation for what they believe in the Bible. We believe that it is God's Word, written by human authors under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and teaches us what God wants us to know about Him, about us, and about our world. By studying the Bible, we learn how we relate to God through Jesus Christ and how we should live as children of God. As we come to a greater understanding of God's Word, we are able to develop a greater faith and greater ministry on the basis of that understanding.
The biggest misconception many have about studying the Bible is that the purpose of Bible study is to learn more facts, more dates, more memory verses, and just plain more stuff about what the Bible says. All of that is of course important (I"m a Christian education director, after all), but if that's all we learn we fail at the most basic level to truly understand the Word of God. All of those facts teach us important truths about God, and important truths about the way we were created to live. If we don't see our lives changing as a result of our exposure to the Bible, then we are studying it wrong.
When you have no foundation for your beliefs, you will tend to find your beliefs changing with every new fad that comes along. You can't build a coherent and satisfying life based on a hodgepodge of what everyone else believes or what fits what you want to be true without giving it any further thought. That goes just as much for Christians as for anyone who is outside the church. There are many who are Christians because their parents were Christians, or they just happen to go a certain church, or they think Jesus is cool and loving, but who have never examined why they hold their beliefs.
I find the Bible to be a strong foundation for my life. I'd like to say I understand it fully, but there are many passages I still need to study deeply. Even more, I'd like to say I always consistently follow the teachings of the Bible, but as a sinner saved by grace I have my failings. I firmly stand on the Bible, however, and seek to grow in my understanding and practice of what it teaches. I invite you to join me on this lifelong quest/
Thursday, September 26, 2013
The Two Ways
In early Christian teaching, one prominent theme of instruction was that of the "Two Ways." This appears in such early Christian writings as the Epistle of Barnabas and the Didache (both written somewhere around AD 100, give or take a few decades). The Two Ways are the way of life and the way of death, and a very strong contrast is made between them. The way of life begins with love for God and for our neighbor, and is often followed by teaching on the commandments of God (especially the Ten Commandments). The way of death is the way of sin, and often involves listing many sins that the Christian should avoid.
What I find intriguing about this is that it differs greatly form the way many of churches teach about the Christian walk. Too many teachers focus on the individual Christian and how he or she benefits from following Jesus. Much is made of our privileges as the children of God (sometimes far too much, as when we're told we can have everything we want if only we have enough faith!), and the focus is generally on the individual. If you don't believe this, go to a Christian bookstore or web site and look at the bestselling books about the Christian life.
The early church was a suffering church. Even when there wasn't persecution, life was hard for most in the Roman world, and particularly for those who refused to acknowledge Caesar as their lord. Becoming a Christian wasn't a step taken lightly. Yet the early church didn't promise a grand release from trials in this world or success measured in earthly terms . Instead, the church taught new believers about their responsibilities toward God.
Those responsibilities included love, faith, and obedience. Love and faith remain popular in our time (as they are in almost every age of Christianity), but obedience is definitely a harder sell in our culture. We like to do things our own way, and often bristle at any restrictions placed on us. Much of our political discourse centers around getting what people want for themselves, without thought for others. And if the law stands in the way of our desires, we seek to change the law, or simply ignore it.
Obedience, however, is a crucial part of our Christian experience. It is through obedience that we learn to be like Jesus, who was Himself obedient to the Father while here on earth. Obedience also teaches us discipline and self-control. Through obedience, we learn to do what God our Father has called us to do and to be the people He created us to be. When we live for self, we become what our stunted vision tells us we ought to be; when we obey God, we become what His omniscient plan says we ought to be. Which do you think will be more fulfilling?
What I find intriguing about this is that it differs greatly form the way many of churches teach about the Christian walk. Too many teachers focus on the individual Christian and how he or she benefits from following Jesus. Much is made of our privileges as the children of God (sometimes far too much, as when we're told we can have everything we want if only we have enough faith!), and the focus is generally on the individual. If you don't believe this, go to a Christian bookstore or web site and look at the bestselling books about the Christian life.
The early church was a suffering church. Even when there wasn't persecution, life was hard for most in the Roman world, and particularly for those who refused to acknowledge Caesar as their lord. Becoming a Christian wasn't a step taken lightly. Yet the early church didn't promise a grand release from trials in this world or success measured in earthly terms . Instead, the church taught new believers about their responsibilities toward God.
Those responsibilities included love, faith, and obedience. Love and faith remain popular in our time (as they are in almost every age of Christianity), but obedience is definitely a harder sell in our culture. We like to do things our own way, and often bristle at any restrictions placed on us. Much of our political discourse centers around getting what people want for themselves, without thought for others. And if the law stands in the way of our desires, we seek to change the law, or simply ignore it.
Obedience, however, is a crucial part of our Christian experience. It is through obedience that we learn to be like Jesus, who was Himself obedient to the Father while here on earth. Obedience also teaches us discipline and self-control. Through obedience, we learn to do what God our Father has called us to do and to be the people He created us to be. When we live for self, we become what our stunted vision tells us we ought to be; when we obey God, we become what His omniscient plan says we ought to be. Which do you think will be more fulfilling?
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
A child shows the way
As a parent, I see the difficulty that so many children of all ages are having growing up in our American society today. There are pressures that I couldn't have imagined when I was in that age group years ago. Media influences, peer pressure, social media. political correctness, and other outside pressures put them under a microscope that didn't exist when I was a child.
So how do we teach our children to respond to all this pressure? I think that a vignette from the gospel of Luke shows us a beginning. Luke tells the story of Jesus' trip to the Temple with His parents. They went for the annual celebration of the Passover, as required by the Law. Since Jesus was 12 years old, this would have been the first year He was required to make the trip as a man, although He probably had done it before. They probably stayed for the week of the Festival of Unleavened Bread, then began to travel back to their home.
His parents had traveled for a day before they realized Jesus wasn't with them. This sounds shocking to us, but Luke tells us they thought Jesus was with some of their relatives and friends, which would have been a fairly common practice of that time. Maybe someone else had offered to look after Jesus, or to have Him travel with other children His own age. We don't know who was supposed to be watching out for Him, but in the end it was His mother and father who made the trip back, frantically looking for their son.
They found Him in the Temple, sitting among the teachers of the Law, listening and asking them questions. He was also providing them with some astonishingly insightful answers. When questioned by Mary, He simply replied, "Didn't you know I had to be in My Father's house?" (Luke 2:49). Jesus as a child wanted to learn more about His Father and about the Word of God.
How does this apply to children today? I don't think any of us think our child is the moral and spiritual equivalent of Jesus. (I don't think any of us think we ourselves are either, for that matter.) Still, the interest Jesus showed in learning from the Word and in understanding how He should live in the presence of HIs Father is something we should seek to instill in our children. The best way to avoid the pressures of the world is to understand the truth of God's Word and to apply that truth to our lives.
I recently sat in on a class with some children who spoke of how they were picked on at school. I could tell from their words and expressions that this was an unpleasant part of their lives. When asked how they dealt with it, they responded with some typical answers like punching the person or insulting them back, only to say then that while that's what they would like to do, they knew that they shouldn't respond that way. I think those children have started to really take in and live out the teaching of the Word.
I'm not saying that this is easy for children, or even for adults. What I am saying is that this is where we have to start. We cannot resist the call of the world if we don't hear the call of Christ louder. We can't hear Christ call if we don't spend time taking in His Word, through reading, meditation, and teaching. Jesus had to spend that time when He was here on earth; why would we think we don't? Let's help our children learn that lesson, and continue to take it in for ourselves.
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Taking the church outside
One of the characteristics of my home church is a stated desire to "take church outside these four walls." Over the years I have been a member, we have done this in a variety of ways. My pastor likes to describe us as "Colts Neck Community Church-where community is our middle name." I have been in a number of churches in my days (which is getting to be an increasingly large number!), and I think I can say without too much prejudice that our church is making a very good effort at taking the message of the love of Christ out to where people are.
This morning we took "taking the church outside" quite literally, and had our service out in the front yard right by the road. This wan't just a gimmick; our goal was to attract people to something a little different when they might not be inclined just to go to a "church service" in a building. Members of the church invited friends to come, and we had a large number of visitors. The most significant moment came when two people were baptized, professing their faith in Jesus Christ. (We set up a small pool outside; an outdoor baptism is a serious thing for Baptists!) After the service, we engaged in the sacred ritual of "lunch" while a worship band played. It was a meaningful and exciting day for the church.
I'm sharing this because I think that what we did today was representative of what we believe the church should be about. I've been part of too many churches that engage in serving those on the inside of the church and building programs to satisfy the needs of the existing congregation. That is certainly something that every church needs to do, but it isn't the sum total of what Jesus wants us to be. The Great Commission tells us to "go into all the world," and the verb go implies that we need to move out. I believe that every church, as a group of people who believe that Jesus is the only way to the Father and who want to show His love to others, needs to be involved in the community in which they have been placed.
When I served as an interim pastor, I often encouraged the members of the churches I served by reminding them that they were not where they were by accident. God has each church in its time and place to accomplish His purpose in their location. Each member of the church is not there by accident, either; we are all placed by the Lord in the place He wants us to be to carry out our mission with that congregation. Our goal should be to understand the purpose and mission which God has for us, and to carry out that purpose and that mission for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Your church may never go outside for a service, but I would encourage you to go outside for mission for Jesus Christ.
This morning we took "taking the church outside" quite literally, and had our service out in the front yard right by the road. This wan't just a gimmick; our goal was to attract people to something a little different when they might not be inclined just to go to a "church service" in a building. Members of the church invited friends to come, and we had a large number of visitors. The most significant moment came when two people were baptized, professing their faith in Jesus Christ. (We set up a small pool outside; an outdoor baptism is a serious thing for Baptists!) After the service, we engaged in the sacred ritual of "lunch" while a worship band played. It was a meaningful and exciting day for the church.
I'm sharing this because I think that what we did today was representative of what we believe the church should be about. I've been part of too many churches that engage in serving those on the inside of the church and building programs to satisfy the needs of the existing congregation. That is certainly something that every church needs to do, but it isn't the sum total of what Jesus wants us to be. The Great Commission tells us to "go into all the world," and the verb go implies that we need to move out. I believe that every church, as a group of people who believe that Jesus is the only way to the Father and who want to show His love to others, needs to be involved in the community in which they have been placed.
When I served as an interim pastor, I often encouraged the members of the churches I served by reminding them that they were not where they were by accident. God has each church in its time and place to accomplish His purpose in their location. Each member of the church is not there by accident, either; we are all placed by the Lord in the place He wants us to be to carry out our mission with that congregation. Our goal should be to understand the purpose and mission which God has for us, and to carry out that purpose and that mission for the glory of Jesus Christ.
Your church may never go outside for a service, but I would encourage you to go outside for mission for Jesus Christ.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Doing what Jesus does
One of the inscriptions you can find on Christian items is the acronym "WWJD?" This, of course, is short for "What would Jesus do?" This question was posed in Charles Sheldon's novel In His Steps many years ago. While it has become a bit of cliche, it really isn't a bad question to ask. The point made in the book is that you aren't asking what Jesus would do if He were here on earth today, but what would He do if He were in your situation.
However, there is one example in the Bible of something we can do that is what Jesus is doing now. We studied 1 Timothy 2:1-5 this past Wednesday at our church, and I was struck by the juxtaposition of Paul's urging that Christians should intercede for others with the description of Jesus in verse 5 as the "one mediator between God and man." In several NT passages, Jesus is said to be interceding for us before His Father. He is a "go-between" on our behalf, as the One who paid the price that gave us access to the Father's throne.
In a more limited sense, we are told in this passage to be a "go-between" for others in prayer. We obviously are not the ones who provide the answers for those prayers (although God may use us as His agents to affect those answers!), but we do have a responsibility to pray for others. Whether it is those in authority, those who need to know Jesus Christ, or those who are suffering, we have the remarkable privilege of sharing in a very small part of the ministry of intercession practiced by Jesus.
Today maybe we need to ask ourselves not "What would Jesus do?" but "What is Jesus doing?" Then we can let that thought spur us on to engaging in prayer for those who need our intercession, and learn to appreciate what our Lord is doing for us.
However, there is one example in the Bible of something we can do that is what Jesus is doing now. We studied 1 Timothy 2:1-5 this past Wednesday at our church, and I was struck by the juxtaposition of Paul's urging that Christians should intercede for others with the description of Jesus in verse 5 as the "one mediator between God and man." In several NT passages, Jesus is said to be interceding for us before His Father. He is a "go-between" on our behalf, as the One who paid the price that gave us access to the Father's throne.
In a more limited sense, we are told in this passage to be a "go-between" for others in prayer. We obviously are not the ones who provide the answers for those prayers (although God may use us as His agents to affect those answers!), but we do have a responsibility to pray for others. Whether it is those in authority, those who need to know Jesus Christ, or those who are suffering, we have the remarkable privilege of sharing in a very small part of the ministry of intercession practiced by Jesus.
Today maybe we need to ask ourselves not "What would Jesus do?" but "What is Jesus doing?" Then we can let that thought spur us on to engaging in prayer for those who need our intercession, and learn to appreciate what our Lord is doing for us.
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Memories...
In cleaning up after myself on my computer, I found the link to this blog. I had forgotten I even HAD a blog! I considered deleting it, but then I saw that there are actually people still reading it. The best option seems to be to pick up and start writing here again.
A few things have changed since I last posted here. I finished my time at Central Hunterdon Baptist, and have returned to Colts Neck Community Church. (Guess I need to fix their order on my links sidebar!) I now serve as the Christian Education Director for CNCC. I still have my "day job" working with special needs students, and my family situation hasn't changed much, except for having another kid in college.
Since I'm not preaching regularly at present, the "Sunday sermon" isn't appropriate anymore. I'll probably start delving into subjects I'm studying on my own, material I'm teaching, and some excursuses (yes, that is the proper plural) on discipleship and Christian education in general. I'll also provide my take on certain current events and issues as they arise.
One of my takeaways from my time at CHBC was learning sign language through the Deaf ministry of the church. I'll be adding some ASL links to my sidebar as well. I can't sign on the blog, and with my limited vocabulary it wouldn't be very interesting anyway, but perhaps it can give some insight into working with a population that has a specific need that we as the church don't often meet.
I'm not promising a steady stream of posts, but I do hope to become more active than I have been over the past year or so (which is hardly setting the bar too high). I hope those of you who have read my posts in the past will continue to join me for the ride.
A few things have changed since I last posted here. I finished my time at Central Hunterdon Baptist, and have returned to Colts Neck Community Church. (Guess I need to fix their order on my links sidebar!) I now serve as the Christian Education Director for CNCC. I still have my "day job" working with special needs students, and my family situation hasn't changed much, except for having another kid in college.
Since I'm not preaching regularly at present, the "Sunday sermon" isn't appropriate anymore. I'll probably start delving into subjects I'm studying on my own, material I'm teaching, and some excursuses (yes, that is the proper plural) on discipleship and Christian education in general. I'll also provide my take on certain current events and issues as they arise.
One of my takeaways from my time at CHBC was learning sign language through the Deaf ministry of the church. I'll be adding some ASL links to my sidebar as well. I can't sign on the blog, and with my limited vocabulary it wouldn't be very interesting anyway, but perhaps it can give some insight into working with a population that has a specific need that we as the church don't often meet.
I'm not promising a steady stream of posts, but I do hope to become more active than I have been over the past year or so (which is hardly setting the bar too high). I hope those of you who have read my posts in the past will continue to join me for the ride.
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