A Theology Snack

One of the things I hope God uses this blog to do is encourage readers (as few as they are) to learn something. I hope to start a mini-theopedia to provide a definition for theological terms. The definition I provide is by no means the end all. In fact, I'm going to rely on Van Harvey's The Handbook of Theological Terms among others. I won't post paragraph after paragraph. However, I do hope the discussion starters will lead to some healthy dialogue. Hopefully, this weekly post will educate and encourage.

So here goes:

Faith = Faith is seen throughout Christian thought in one of two ways. 1) belief in some truth or something about the past; or 2) an orientation of the total person that may include belief but is best defined as trust, confidence, or loyalty. Theopedia states that a Reformed definition of saving faith must include knowledge and an assent to an aspect of trust.

The writer of Hebrews is clear about faith (11:1, 6). These are definitely verses to be considered.

What would you add, subract, or modify, in regards to your own definition of faith? Any examples of where you used that faith or where your faith has increased?

Peace

Peace is something that seems to be less common than in previous days. Each one of us have trouble from time to time. Pastoring a church will make one humble. I hear problems that many will never know. I pray I will be wise enough to know when to offer advice and when to refer.

I have friends that are having a tough time experiencing peace. The challenges they're facing have caused some tears, late nights, and undue stress. These people are believers. They're faithful. They've specifically inquired of what they are supposed to learn from these latest challenges.

Scripture is clear that challenging times are opportunities for us to be better people because of them (James 1:2-12). When the challenges seem insurmountable, it's imperative to recognize the peace only Christ can give.

Mother Teresa is quoted as saying, "Let us thank God for His gift of peace that reminds us that we have been created to live that peace, and that Jesus became man in all things like us except in sin, and He proclaimed very clearly that He had come to give the good news. The news was peace to all men of goodwill and this is something that we all want - peace of heart."

I say, "Amen!"

Who's Your Friend?

I wanted to share something profound with you this week. So here goes. Enjoy!



Is Jesus your friend? :)

God Used a Whopper!

My wife and kids left recently for a doctor's appointment several hours away. They took the opportunity to use the weekend to visit friends and have a "mini vacation", before returning home. Needless to say, I had some time on my hands.

At one point during the weekend, I went to a fast-food restaurant where I'd planned to eat and read. Upon receiving my meal, I found a seat and opened my book. A gentleman from the next booth caught my attention and politely asked, "Excuse me. Can I ask what book you're reading?" He went on to say he had seen several people reading the same book in the last week and "didn't want to miss out."

The book I was reading was Sex God by Rob Bell. I began to explain to the guy that it probably wasn't about what he thought. I also told him how I didn't agree with everything in the book. But it really made me think. As most conversations with men, our conversation led to what we did for a living. He, a landscaper. Me, a pastor.

My new friend Julian has the opportunity to speak from time to time at a small church. He told me how the church had gone through some financial struggle before finally splitting. As always, the church split was hurtful. I encouraged him as much as I could. I gave him the book and promised to pray for him.

He said he would pray for the church I pastor as well. After his departure, I thought of how grateful I was for God-appointed times with others. This guy needed some encouragement. Because I was alone for the weekend, I could use some as well. There was no burning bush. I didn't hear any angels singing. And we weren't near a well in Sychar. However, God was there. He used a fast-food place to allow two believers to visit, encourage one another, and pass the peace. God is good!

Pray For Unity

This is a day many Americans have hoped for. Forty years after Dr. Martin Luther King inspired people during the Civil Rights revolution, the United States will inaugurate its first African American President. With the message of hope, Barak Obama has inspired young and old to be a part of change. Today's inauguration will be the largest in the history of our great nation.

In recent years, chasms have become more evident. Disputes have risen between races, socio-economic classes, geographic regions, etc. It's days like today that give each of us hope - hope that tomorrow will be better than today, that disputes will be less important than peace, and hope that defining a person by what they wear, where they come from, or how much money they make is not tolerated.

You see, we're all in this together. My success is based on interdependence. I need you. And most likely, you need me as well. We are truly created for community. Today is another chance to redefine our community. It's time for inclusion.

Whether you find yourself in the majority or the minority in the political realm, Barak Obama will be our president. Agreements or disagreements in policy will come. But at the end of the day, will we as Americans rise above and strive for a better place for our children? After the parties are over, the people return home, and go back to work, what then?

I sincerely pray for unity. May we always realize our hope is found in Jesus Christ.

Restoration 101

Is anyone else sick and tired of the health and wealth stuff that has seemed to gain popularity? It seems that if I just have enough faith and send a "love gift" for at least $9.99, I'll then receive a "point of contact." In other words, the ministry will put a prayer hankerchief, a vial of water, or some smelly soap in the mail for me. It seems that when I receive said above, there's something that happens if I'll just pray with whatever it is.

As always, I've got a few questions about this. First of all, can anyone tell me about this point of contact? Why is my "healing" based on a point of contact. I realize Christ Jesus touched those who needed a miracle. But did Christ have to touch to heal? Didn't He have authority to command and know something would be done? Didn't God speak the world into existence (without physical touch)?

When it comes to healing, often times we think something happens in the physical. But is that what Jesus was really about? Throughout His public ministry, Jesus did heal physical ailments. But what was the reason? Could it be that it was a story within a larger story? In other words, from the physical healing might we learn about the sovereignty of God, the restoration/healing He might provide for the infirm on a spiritual level, etc.? Something else to consider is although we have accounts of healings, did Jesus heal everyone He came into contact?

I realize one post is not enough to get this done. Consider this a discussion starter. And please let me know what you think before I put my $9.99 in the mail.

Are You Kidding Me?

A few nights ago, my wife tried a new recipe for potato soup. The result: Let's just say the recipe will be in our family for years to come. There's nothing better than a hot soup on a cold day to warm your bones.

Here's something you might not know. According to The Amazing Book of Useless Information, "When potatoes first appeared in Europe in the seventeenth century, it was thought that they were disgusting, and they were blamed for starting outbreaks of leprosy and syphilis. As late as 1720 in America, eating potatoes was believed to shorten a person's life."

Just in case you're wondering, I have no medical issues to report days after consuming the potato soup. I'm not sure about life expectancy but I really feel fine.

Have a great day. And if you get a chance, eat a potato.

I've Already Broken My Resolution!

After making our goals/resolutions just under a week ago, I think it's appropriate to think about the "what ifs". In other words, I am weak. I struggle with discipline. What is one to do when they fail? What does an "recovering" alcoholic do after binge drinking? What does a spender do after resolving to minimize the budget and then buying something extravagant?

Some of my resolutions are easier to tackle than others. Odds are I will make it halfway through the year before stumbling on some. Other resolutions might be continued through December and perhaps for a lifetime. But sadly, some of the things I've resolved to do have already imploded.

Sometimes the failure is based on circumstances. Other times, I choose to just do away with the decision citing, "It's just too hard. It wasn't realistic when I made it." etc. And based upon past failures, I'm tempted to become cynical and not make goals in the future.

Luke writes of a prodigal son. Despite his resolutions to take his inheritance and live a great life in a foreign country, reality sets in. Eventually, after spending all that he has and living with swine, Scipture tells us he comes to his senses and returns home. Luke 15:20 begins with, "So he got up and went to his father" (NIV).

Often times, when our goals aren't realized, I think we're prone to hang out with the swine more than is necessary. In other words, because of pride, what others might think, how others will act, etc., we continue to wallow in the mud and eat what the pigs eat.

NEWS FLASH: God knows who we are. God knows our failures. God knows that we talk a big "game" ("Give me my inheritance."). We think we know what's best for us. And even after the arrogant speech and "living", God runs to us. He throws His arms around us. And a party is thrown in our honor.

The truth is we're going to fail. It's inevitable. And because of God's grace, love, and mercy, He's there to receive us back with open arms. Does this do away with the need for goal setting? Paul would say, "By no means!" Live with goals. But realize when you fail, God is there to provide grace.

Thanks be to God!

Anything you might add, subtract, or modify?

Because You Say So

He said to Simon, "Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch." Simon answered, "Master, we have worked all night long but have caught nothing. Yet if you say so, I will let down the nets." (Lk 5:4-5 NRSV)

Regardless of our profession, God calls us to make disciples wherever we go. Sometimes ministry opportunities seem to "fall out of the sky." At other times, my experience has taught me the ministry opportunities are more difficult to see.

Let me give you an example: Some people are easy to love. God places these people in our lives and theres some connection. We connect with these people on a deeper level. We might have the same goals in life, similar ambitions, or similar passions. Other people God places in our life are more difficult to love. These would be people we don't have much in common. We're at different points in our spiritual journey. And perhaps we don't understand them. There may be some personality traits that we just don't care for. And yet God calls us to love those people the same.

If this sounds like McKnight's Jesus Creed, that's because it is. In fact, it is original with Jesus. Jesus calls us to things we're not comfortable with. Jesus gives us ways which offer huge growth opportunities. They don't make sense at the time. Many times, we don't really want to follow directions. Often we give excuses as to why we shouldn't.

But because you say so... And that's when success happens. That's when the one loving gets a blessing as well. Ministry happens. That's when we realize it really is all about Christ.

Anything you want to add, modify, delete?

I Resolve To...

As you know, this is the time of year that major decisions are made in people's lives - major in that people don't have to be convinced to dream big.

I resolve to lose 100 pounds ... by Sunday. I made the resolution to quit smoking six packs a day. I'm going cold turkey. I'm not going to go back for thirds this year. I resolve to spend 18 hours with my family each day.

And then there's more realistic goals.

I am going to be conscience about my diet. I resolve to exercise more this year. I want to be a better Father and a better husband.

You get the idea. The problem with the previous list is the goals are SO BIG that they're unrealistic. And because we're a society of "quick fixes", we want things today. We're not willing to wait for something better. And when our goals aren't realized right away, we become discouraged and often times cynical.

In my opinion, the cynicism then leads to mediocrity. How many times do we hear people that don't make goals simply because they can't keep them? What a sorry excuse!

I've encouraged our people at FCC to set some goals this year. And because I'm most concerned with their spiritual well-being, I'm especially concerned about them setting spiritual goals. In other words, the point I want to be next year in my spiritual journey is ahead of where I am now.

The challenge that all mankind faces is a lack of goals - complacency or apathy. And that's exactly where Satan wants us to be. He would like nothing less than for us to be apathetic in regards to our spiritual nourishment. Sadly, my experience has been that often times we appease him.

So how about it, will 2009 be the best year of your life? Will you be intentional about your goals for your spiritual life? Or will you fall in with the rest of the crowd and just survive?

A Cup O' Kindness

Happy New Year 2009! I pray this will be a year full of blessings for you.