Mr. Locke’s Classroom » Giving Jesus the Bird

Mr Locke blogs about a missed oppurtunity, 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 righteiousness, 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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Of unity in general:…..”The Gospel is so exceedingly rich that no section of Christendom can claim a full and exhaustive grasp of its richness. One church has grasped more of it, another less. One has penetrated to the central things, while another has remained to a greater degree at peripheral points. One has grasped one side the other another side. In this respect the churches can learn from each other and help each other to arrive at a simpler, richer and deeper understanding of the Gospel (N.L.C. New Bureau Release, June 30, 1947) ….

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What a crossroad….

As a administrator of a fairly large ecumenical ministry, who reaches out to all, I’ve often kept the cards held pretty close when it comes to the political issues of abortion and homosexuality. I always felt in picking a specific side, I’d end up polarizing things more than they already were. Thus, other than to state the facts, the disagreements, and background, I kept my opinions to myself. Granted, part of it is due to not really having a solid theological  opinion I guess, but more so, my role is to facilitate and guide, not to direct.

I’ve studied a multitude of studies others have created, including the ELCA’s Journey Together Faithfully. I’ve read almost every Bible translation in English, and although my Biblical Greek course work occured nearly 20 years ago, I dug into the Greek as well. Hebrew, I’m too paranoid to dig into. I’ve read Dr Jenson’s works, I’ve read Bishop Bouman’s responses, I’ve even checked the goodsoil website, as well as others such as the ECP. I’ve prayed a lot. And I come to the conclusion, I really don’t have much more of a theological opinion than when I started. And it would be easy to remain publicly neutral.

Yet, I have to ponder this a bit. I know folks on the ECP candidate list, some who would make a mighty fine pastor. I also know conservative folks who are just itching to leave, yet are staying due to church family, Lutheran tradition, location and super cool things they really like about the ELCA.

I know there were folks fussing over the unauthorized handouts and such at the CWA. In some regards due to them being unauthorized, in others, due to the fact there were not theological, but instead were more personal in nature. I can understand the issue of being unauthorized, but as far as the personal aspect goes…. it make sense. Anyone who has been down this path, knows the wealth of theological arguments on both sides. Thus to restate them for the CWA just doesn’t make a lot of sense. On the other hand, once you put real people in the picture who are deeply affected by the outcome of policy, it very much gives one pause to seriously thing things through, rather than a somewhat isolated academic theological study. Likewise, it also makes me think of whether I should formalize an opinion, and more so, whether to have such opinion public.

Granted, to some of my more literalistic oriented readers of my blog, they probably say, whoa, you have an opinion, as scripture is obvious. In all seriousness, I just don’t see it. And to some of my LGBT readers, my lack of opinion, is probably just as dead to them as a negative opinion.

What I keep returning to, is something I think Dr Jenson said at one point, what if you are wrong, in responding to another with a counter opinion. Egads, I don’t want to go there. Yet, what if we are wrong the other way……

I saw this myself upfront and personal in the very recent past within the  ecumenical ministry I’m involved with as its undergoing huge changes. I remember a dear pastor friends comment. “I believe this is right, I am praying this is right, what if we are wrong…..” I really wonder if Dr Jenson’s writings are that wide spread. I don’t think this statement is in any of his texts…..

Despite all the turmoil, I have never seen God moving as much. It may well be that staff and our members dug into scripture and prayed like they never had before.. on both sides of the issues.

And getting back to the ELCA in closing, one of the super cool things going on is similar to my much smaller, but much more personal experiences. Be sure to check out the photo, as well as the blog entry on Pastor Zips blog. It is pretty powerful.

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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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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 fatiqued 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. Partipants should be sensitive to social, geograpical, political, moral and language differences. What is considered Christian in one sector, may be anethema 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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For years, I listened to Christian Radio. Back in the 80’s, I was a lab tech as well as a lineman at the airport, and I spent a lot of time traveling back and forth from class to work to class to work and so one.

A few years later, I worked at a Bible Camp, there too, I listened to Christian Radio, although I must admit the mix in Northern Wisconsin was a tad bit different than what I was used to.

And then I moved to Iowa, and we had no Christian radio whatsoever. The stations were just too far away, and as time passed, despite having moved, and worked a number of places, just never tuned in.

Well, last night, I was out doing errands, and I flipped on the dial, and sure enough, there was a Christian radio station. I’d listened to them on and off, but never really actively listened.

Sadly, it was if a new and different gospel was being presented. One so shocking, and so far away from the teachings of Christ, I couldn’t believe it. My first inclination was ok…. maybe a preacher was having a really really bad day, but the more I listened, the more convinced I became that what he was saying, was truly what he believed, and it pervaded his message.

Then I had to step back and think on this a bit. Somewhere through all of the wrong theology, and all of the hate, there is a man, who probably at one time was a devout follower of Jesus. Yet, he let the worlds culture wars get in the way of his devotion, and let them win to the loss of the Gospel.

Despite the fact that evil entered in, God’s word was being preached. The words of a man, while being heretical in and of themselves, are no match for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and scripture was indeed being read. The commentary while out in left field is easily dwarfed by the word of Christ. As scripture says, it will not return void.

I take solace in that, and that ears may hear the good words of our Lord, and that the words of the errant preacher man will indeed return void such that Christ is glorified. It is not the messenger, as it is the Word of the Lord.

Glory and Peace and Honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The radio station will be getting a letter

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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!

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