Its a rather sad state of affairs that so many fail to really dig into scripture to see what it says when looking at the Bible as a whole. Its even worse, when we read into things, as to what we want it to read to appease our own (or the views of tribes at large) selfish desires, rather than letting scripture be scripture. There is a ton of ambiguity… and using too much of man’s logic and deduction can lead to some pretty crazy stuff. Like, is Sarah Pahlin the 21’st century Esther…. go figure, and yes, some folks actually believe that. Being its adiaphora for the most part, its not a huge deal theologically, albeit in some folks minds, doing so devalues the Bible.

The worst part, is when folks intertwine faith and politics based upon the assignment of absolutes without looking at the big picture to try and see if an absolute really can be called out, as #1, it opens the door to really out there teachings, some which could be pretty dangerous theologically, #2, it opens the door to bogus righteousness based upon potential falsehoods, and that sends out a terrible witness, and can cause untold damage to the kingdom. Folks wise in their own eyes can get themselves in a jam pretty fast these days it seems. (thank goodness for a couple thousand of years of history and tradition to look at, plus logic and reason) Its not that the old theologians were always right, but more so that history has a cyclical way of repeating itself, especially in the errant theology/political domain it seems.

I really like how Luther approached mans desire to make absolutes, when scripture as a whole leaves things as mystery.

“What is not spoken of in God’s Word must be left to the heavenly academy for resolution. We do not have all the answers to all mysteries in God’s Word!”

And Moses was right on as well. “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our sons forever.” (Deut. 29:29)

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Difficulties, dangers, disease, death, or divisions don’t deter any but Chocolate Soldiers from executing God’s Will. When someone says there is a lion in the way, the real Christian promptly replies, “That’s hardly enough inducement for me; I want a bear or two besides to make it worth my while to go.”

Sayings of C.T. Studd.

CT Studd was a pedal to the metal, full bore dude, sort of like a gung ho marine guy. No messing around, just blast forward and go. Somehow or another we’ve tended to wimp out on the deal…. not sure quite why that is. Some might argue the feminization of Christianity, and perhaps that plays somewhat of a role, but I think using such a description is more likely self-justification, than reality.

Perhaps it is separation from the world, I about fell on the floor over the exit strategy being presented in Albert Mohlers book. Granted, he tends to lean towards peitism and a theology of glory, as contrasted with a theology of the cross, but still the world needs to be engaged. If our faith and those of our children is so fragile that it cant take daily onslaughts from US society, contemporary Christianity, discipleship, and education have much bigger problems, than the most screwball teachings of the public school systems.(and imho… I dont really see much of an issue in the public schools, other than funding, discipline, and bullying). Even a 14 year old should be able to give account of their faith… maybe not with great theological depth, nor the ability to counter atheistic apologetics, but most certainly Christian education oppurtunities abound, both in Sunday school and in the home for preparation to do so. Engaging the world is where its at… not retreating to a place of safety. If Christianity is to be safe and family friendly all the time, it looses a tremendous amount of power. Granted, there are times where retreating and shelter are ok, and actually a good idea… but those times best be in the minority… not something to be striven for on a continuous basis.

Scripture is filled with NSFW texts and stories… things which likely make many a modest person blush if read in mixed company. Yet, Jesus warned us not to cause those young in the faith to stumble, but He also warned us not to keep them from Him. Some churches thus break things apart into childrens and adult services…. I dont think that really was what Jesus had in mind. If anything…. children, Rabbis, prostitutes, fishermen, criminals, as well as John and Jane Doe all came, talked, and shared…. children were not kept from Jesus, but likely they were not kept from pretty intense discussions either.

The discipleship path of a Christian should give them the tools and the power of the word of God, such that a couple bears and a lion, become a a minor annoyance, rather than something to be fearful of. I think we are pretty close to that… but it need to become real, and perhaps that is where the rubber hits the road. Folks dont like to have their faith tested, much less by a lion and 2 bears, but indeed with testing comes growth and perhaps we need to look at that a little more, not sure. God most certainly tests us, but I’m wondering in the domain of discipleship, if we need a little more emphasis somehow on things getting real, perhaps too real.

Filed under : Giants of the Faith, Growth and Discipleship

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Mr. Locke’s Classroom » Giving Jesus the Bird

Mr Locke blogs about a missed opportunity, when a fellow drove up and asked where a prayer meeting was, and then finding non, asked Mr Locke to pray, where upon he didnt really have time, but he did sort of, and ending up nicely walking away. Such a situation no doubt has happed to all of us, multiple times in my case (see blog subtitle). There are a couple things to look at, first, the other guy, and then the me part.

Looking at the other guy….

Wow, to probably make a special trip to pray, finding no prayer meeting, and then finding Mr Locke didnt have time, no doubt hurt… perhaps quite a lot. The fellow likely drove off, and prayed as he drove, or maybe went to a special place and prayed. God heard him. Since Mr Locked blogged about it, chances are a ton of other folks prayed online for this other guy too, much more so than he would likely have met in a prayer meeting. It likely doesnt help calm Mr Lockes heartache, but it does seem that God has these amazing ways of dealing with our failures and working them for good.

Focusing on the ‘me’ part.

Um yeh… well gosh, how many times have I have done something similiar. It always ends up coming back to an argh type deal usually after just a few minutes have passed, and its no longer possible, and it hurts.

In some ways, Peter’s denail comes to mind… and the 3 times it occurred. It would be easy to retreat after such bad behavior, yet, I remind myself of Peter, and he went forth with even more vigor. In some ways, such situations serve as hard core wakeup calls.

What I find happening, is I resolve not to do the same thing again, and surprisingly, I find that I dont… its like being whacked upside the head leaving a huge scar, resulting in major behaviorial changes. The problem being… the same situations dont repeat very often, and I end up making the similar stupid mistakes, although when situation does repeat… see the blog subtitle.

On both…

Yep, it really does impact both parties, God’s children, as well as God’s servant, thus I dont think it incorrect to look at the other guy, or the me part exclusively. The difficult ones, are when it really does come down to a timing/resource issue. Something has to give, and that returns back to the 99 vs 1 thing again. How many times can you let down the 99 for the 1, before getting in a jam from a worldly pov. Scripture doesnt address this though, the focus is on the one… Jesus words are so very hard to hear.

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Luke 18:9-14 The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

9To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable: 10“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood up and prayed about^[a] himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’ 13“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

14“I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Interesting parable, this is… and it hit pretty close to home this week, as I was discussing the discipleship website I’m building with a friend of mine.

One of the issues with internet evangelism, is that things can take a real header in a hurry, if brothers and sisters in Christ start arguing with one another over righteousness, when a seeker asks an honest question. Usually the underlying issue is one of judgementalism… so the question was, how can this best be constrained. And then the discussion morphed a bit, and it was, thank goodness we see eye to eye, and we aren’t judgemental like those other folks. (light bulb moment) Yep, as soon as the second part of that sentence was stated it was like egads, we’re not being humble at all here, and are sharing the same sin, as those who would exalt themselves over others.

I think its fine to thank God for wisdom, insight, even righteous living etc. We are blessed to be granted the privilege of studying His word, edification, and Church. These are all good and proper things. Where the line crosses, is when we add in comparison factors and become cocky. Not everyone is at the same place, or has the same understanding, some more so, some less so. However, I do think we should be thankful for what God has granted us, we should not however, elevate ourselves or make comparisons. Certainly, a teacher is under greater judgement than a student, yet, the teacher should feel fine to thank God, for those who have taught him or her, but not condemn a student in the same sentence. It comes down to the last verse.

For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted

Often times, good teachers, will use experience the humbling experience of role reversal. Ie, the student brings things to light, not previously considered by the teacher. This, the roles are reversed. That is another cause for thanksgiving.

The problem is ultimately exhaltation of oneself over another. The proactive solution, humility.

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So do not be surprised or offended when hell breaks loose. Look upon it as a happy indication that all is well with the Gospel of the Cross. God forbid that the offense of the Cross should ever be removed. This would be the case if we were to preach what the prince of this world and his followers would be only too glad to hear, the righteousness of works.

Martin Luther

commentary on Galations 5:11

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When a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one wanders off, he lets it go to the world, such that he can focus on the care and feeding of the remaining 99, lest they feel any discomfort or uneasyness with their shephard being gone for a bit.

Contrast this with what Jesus said:

1 Now the tax collectors and “sinners” were all gathering around to hear him. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” 3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent

And then, lets think about contemporary Christianity and its excuses

1. We can’t go there… last time we were there, the offering only covered half our expenses.

2. We need to watch our resources, we are spread too thin, homeless ministry is too expensive, we need to cut back.

3. We are to be separate from the world, we are to be safe, we are to be pure, we are to strive for righteousness. Can dark and light co-exist. We need to take care of our own and protect them.

4. They don’t repent, they won’t ever be like us, we can’t waste anymore time on them. They only say they will change, but we know its just a game with them.

Many years ago, I heard of a young preacher with a heart for the homeless, the drug users, and the downtrodden. He was making a difference, yet folks were critical. He ministered and gave shelter, food, and money to those in need. No one was left out. Folks were critical, he’s wasting his time they said, he’s waisting our money they said, those folks will never change.

The thing was, is that for the most part, those critical of the young preacher were correct. Folks didn’t change, despite his preaching, and his showing the love of Christ. Yet, a few did, and there was much rejoicing by the preacher, but not from the rest of the flock.

Over time, the young preacher changed, he still head a heart for the lost, but he saw the worlds wisdom in being careful with his limited resources. He started restricting to whom he would minister too, and who he would give shelter too. If folks resisted change, well, they were out of luck. People applauded the change. Donations increased, his success grew. By the worlds standards, he had done great things, and people applauded. Folks were getting saved, folks were getting ministered too, and getting food and shelter. Yet, the 1 lost sheep was left out in the cold, no food, no shelter, and an admonition: change, and I will let you in the door. This is the worlds way, the ministry grew and grew, many people liked the pop psychology of anti-enabling……

What about the 1 lost sheep?

Filed under : Ecclesiology, Growth and Discipleship

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What it is:

1. To recognize All Christians are grounded in Christ

2. The core is Christ, despite congregational, doctrinal, social, geographical, moral, age, and language differences.

3. Differences should not be glossed over, but acknowledged. A means to foster understanding is key. It may be that the differences are irreconcilable, and that is ok.

4. Corrective witness to one another should not be squashed, but should be allowed if expressed through love for one another, never condemnation.

Ways to achieve it:

1. Significant differences should be open for honest discussion and mutual growth.
2. Varying congregational and/or doctrinal points of view must never be compromised for unity.
3. Varying congregational and/or doctrinal points of view should never be silenced.
4. Persecution and pain should be expected, this could create a negative impact on new believers, and possibly fatigued older ones. Therefore a place of relaxation, rest, and recharge of like minded individuals in a safe haven can be a good thing, but it should definitely not be the only thing as it is counter to the mission.
5. Levels of separation nor exclusion should never be made, but the goal should be to find a common language, such that the truth of the Gospel overshines all.
6. Participants should be sensitive to social, geographical, political, moral and language differences. What is considered Christian in one sector, may be anathema in another as well as the revese. Rather than absolute censorship or favor granted to one side over the other, such subjects should dealt with in Christian love and sensitivity on all sides.
7. Recreation and play build relationships, which lead to dialog, which is a stepping stone.

8. It is likely that there will be some disagreements, where in the disagreement is so sharp, that no reconciliation is possible, and much ill will can result. Thus, the path chosen by Paul and Barnabus in Acts may be a good option, ie to separate for a while as long as both paths are leading towards unity, and rejoin at a future date.

9. The Gospel overshines all

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 Some initial research, more to come later, this is my scratch pad.

John 17:12-20 (New International Version)

New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society

12While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. 13“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17Sanctify^[a] them by the truth; your word is truth. 18As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

Ecclesiastes 3

A Time for Everything

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

“What began as a way of reaching a generation for Christ has turned into a private event for a growing number of Christian consumers looking for a safe spot in which to hide from a dangerous world.”

A man decided to wear an overt Christian t-shirt to “witness” to people. Guess what? The shirt failed to provoke any spiritual conversations; in fact, people tended to avoid him. He later observed that when he wore his Fender t-shirt he successfully struck up conversations with strangers about guitar and music, which occasionally led to discussions about God and Christianity. Obvious conclusion: The Fender t-shirt witnesses better that the (supposedly) witnessing t-shirt.

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Matthew 18:15-17
[i]15 If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’

17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
[/i]
I think too many view treating others as tax collectors and pagans equates to shunning them. While, in the days of Paul, that might well have been an option, and could be what he was getting at, as the community gathering was needed for survival, yet today, if someone is shunned, they simple go to the church down the street, or even to the local bar.

Rather, in treating someone as such, we should dialog, and pray for them. We explain how they are wrong in love, and pray that they may return to the fold.

If we look in Acts 17, Paul talks about walking in a city of idols, and what does he do? He spends time with them, gets to know them, and complements them, and then addresses the problem. He has built a connection with them in love first, and then he tells them of the Truth.

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Over the years, God granted me a multitude of choices to follow him, or to do my own thing. Up until a couple years back, I’ve pretty much followed him a bit, and then decided whoa…. I think I’ll do my own thing. Sure, I prayed, and consulted what many consider elders. Yet, ultimately mammon won out.

In the late 80’s a couple mid level Christian bands needed a bass player to go on the road. At the time, I had a ton of CM connections, and I was getting calls to go here and do this, or go there and do that. Sadly though, the life in CCM, at least for a sideman is one of poverty, unless its a huge act, and even then, unless one does a lot of studio work, its a difficult life. Thus, to those who can do, I greatly admire. As such, I turned them down.

Then a few years later, a friend was starting at a new ministry in CA, and wanted me to go out there and help him get rolling. This while tempting was a bit problematic, as I was an ultraconservative at the time, and he was a moderate liberal. Probably he was then where I am now lol. And while we both saw this as a wonderful oppurtunity for service, I wasn’t sure I would be 100% behind him on this. Thus, I ended up turning that one down too. In hindsight, I think it could have been a great oppurtunity, but alas it has long passed.

Over the years I filled in here, or did that there, and nothing really ever came of it. I took pre-seminary course at the U, taught sunday school, did the youth ministry thing as time permitted, but over time, slowly kept walking away from the open doors.

Sometime around 2004, I made a conscious decision that when God presents an oppurtunity, I am not going to say no. If he wants me somewhere, thats where I’ll be. If he doesn’t, it will be made clear. I was open to his leading…..

So now, I write rules and policy as part of a large internet ministry. Call me Moses, I am not a writer, nor even much more than an arm chair theologian, yet amazingly enough, God gives me the word to write, the voice to resolve conflict and to minister. There is nothing scarier than when its 3AM, and no one else is around, and effectively, folks come to you for answers… and in many cases, the answers you can give are not the ones out of your policy manual, the theo text book, nor any text book for that matter. Yet, it seems listening, scripture, and prayer go a long way in helping folks along the path. God’s word does not return void. It is amazingly cool!

Filed under : Growth and Discipleship, Social Ministry

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