Friday Fodder - God's Interaction

In the near future, I hope to post (a series) on God's interaction within the world. While having lunch with a good friend yesterday, the conversation evolved to the discussion of how involved is God in our lives. Specifically, the question was raised about the third person of the Trinity. I'll give you a taste here.

1) How involved is the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer? In other words, does the Spirit allow a believer to make a certain choice, knowing the choice is not the most beneficial for the (wo)man? Would the Spirit prevent man's choice in any way (read determinism)?

2) Does God determine everything? What does God's sovereignty entail? Is God a Gator fan or a Sooner fan? :)

3) It seems to me that Satan can use certain individuals (often times they are unaware). Might God (or the Holy Spirit) be involved with unbelievers and they be unaware as well? In other words, I realize God reaches out to man for salvation, but might He be involved in other matters prior to salvation?

Thoughts?

Friday Fodder - Wisdom

That night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, "Ask for whatever you want me to give you."

Solomon answered God, "You have shown great kindness to David my father and have made me king in his place. Now LORD God, let your promise to my father David be confirmed, for you have made me king over a people who are as numerous as the dust of the earth. Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?" 2 Ch 1:7-10 (NIV)

Most of us, okay, none of us are a king over a people as numerous as the dust of the earth. But we do have influence over people in our lives. Many of us are parents or grandparents. Some of us employ individuals and influence how they do their jobs. Some of us are blessed in that we're asked our opinions.

Leaders come and go. But the leaders who are remembered most are those who influenced with wisdom. True wisdom comes from God. And when Solomon is told he may ask for anything he wishes, he displays a certain amount of intelligence in that he asks God for righteous wisdom. Most if not all of us know a leader who has attempted to lead (without wisdom) and ultimately failed.

When is the last time you've asked God for wisdom? It's one of the things we've been promised by God. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 (NIV)

Godly wisdom is something we all need. And it's available if we will simply ask.

Anything to add?

Friday Fodder - Service

I'm attempting to get FCC (the church I pastor) to be more outward focused. For the most part, the people here are mission-minded. In the six months I've been at the church, I've attempted to "push" a little harder in this area. In other words, many churches I know are concerned about caring for themselves, rather than caring for those outside the church. They're good at fellowship dinners. Many of them have beautiful buildings. They've got $$$ in the bank for a rainy day. They have four-part harmony while singing the old hymns. And "service" or "worship" is 1-2 hours on Sunday.

I may be accused of over generalizing. But is it really? Haven't most who define themselves as "church" really become a social club?

I live in what used to be considered part of the Bible Belt. In other words, this place was saturated with the Church and ministry was going strong. And just the other day, I hear about a bussinesswoman (raised in this area) who admitted to not understanding the reason for Christmas until she was seventeen. So much for saturation. What if a church would have served her in some way?

(At the time of writing), I've just returned from a meeting with a non-profit ministry in town. The ministry is a parachurch organization with a clothing store, education classes, drug recovery groups, and a furniture store. Their mission is to help people meet Jesus and allow Him to restore their lives. I went there for the purpose of partnering with them to reach our community. Even though we disagree on some minutia, we agree on Christ. The ministry has been in town for about 3 years. And the sad thing: Only 3 (of about 30) churches in town have made an effort to determine what they could do to help.

...But whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.
Mark 10:44-45 (NRSV)

Lord, teach us to serve!

Friday Fodder- The Problem of Evil

I picked up Evil and the Justice of God last weekend. Honestly, I was looking for N.T. Wright's The Challenge of Jesus. I've looked for a few months now to no avail. The bookstore had only one Wright book. I've learned in times past, when given the chance, don't pass it up. I'm a huge N.T. Wright fan and it seems that many others are as well.

Eventually, I'll post on the book. But here I wanted to introduce those of you who haven't read the work to the particular sections.
1. Evil Is Still A Four-Letter Word
2. What Can God Do About Evil?
3. Evil And The Crucified God
4. Imagine There's No Evil: God's Promise of a World Set Free
5. Deliver Us From Evil: Forgiving Myself, Forgiving Others

It's been my experience that when tragedy strikes, people ask the question of "Why?". Last week, our church experienced a twelve year-old boy from our community and his Father killed in a motorcycle accident. In 2001, thousands of innocent people were killed in a place known now as "Ground Zero". In 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the gulf coast causing destruction, misplacment of individuals, and even death. I could go on an on. But you get the point.

People realize we live in a world that's not right. Even atheists and agnostics will acknowledge some sense of good and bad. The problem is, even when we acknowlege the turmoil, we don't quite understand it. The questions we all ask are valid. But we become frustrated when the answer is not readily available. Here's your chance to help.

1) What are your thoughts of evil in general?
2) What or Who is the origination of evil and does it make a difference as to who originates it?
3) Any thoughts on evil such as natural disasters (that affect many) compared to evil within the life of an individual? Do people seem to notice one over the other?
4) Anything else you want to share?

Friday Fodder

The gospel we preach shapes the kind of churches we create.
The kind of church we have shapes the gospel we preach.

Scot McKnight - A Community Called Atonement


Any thoughts?

Friday Fodder

I read church growth articles in several publications - even publications that are entirely devoted to church growth. There are many things that come across my desk claiming to be the "next best thing" to win people to Christ - oh, if I just had 40 days! Church growth companies call from time to time and offer something that will benefit my local church. (These groups are 500-1000 miles away. How do they know what the people need here?) "Everything is included for the low price of $999.99. It's guarunteed to have people beating the doors down to get into your place of worship."

Need a quick fix? Check out Church Marketing Sucks!

So here's the fodder? Lately, many churches have been accused of "selling out" all in the name of reaching people for Christ. In other words, church leaderships have bought into the secular idea of having the newest, freshest, or shiniest whatever. And when the church has the newest, freshest, or shiniest, it just makes sense to tell everyone about it. Paul said, "I have become all things to all people." But did he really mean selling out on the Gospel?

Isn't the Good News still good news? Doesn't the power of the Holy Spirit still work today? And if this is true (I believe that it is!), surely marketing the vision of a local church should still be acceptable. The question is how so?

What's a healthy balance between trusting the power of the Gospel and marketing? Any thoughts?

Friday Fodder

As you know, today our House of Representatives will debate (and possibly vote) for the second time, regarding a "buyout" costing $700,000,000,000. The first fell short by 13 votes on Monday causing a dip on Wall Street. On Wednesday, the Senate passed a plan including the previous amount + $120,000,000 of tax breaks etc.

Although I'm interested in politics, As The Crow is not the time and place. Just a couple of things today:

1. Pundits have said the legislation passing or failing to pass is a "life or death situation" for our economy. In other words, passing this law will save us or failing to act will cause the economy to go into a tailspin and lead us into similar situations as the Great Depression. Someone needs to cue the Chicken Little music here. The sky is falling! The sky is falling! If one listens to our leaders, it seems that success or failure is based on what we do or don't do. Do you ever get the sense that God is just shaking his head? Isn't it time that we place our faith in God rather than man?

2. Our society has become a place where victims are rampant. In other words, there is no personal responsibility for anything that goes south in my life. "It's the way I was raised, my co-workers, or just bad luck that has caused all of my problems." In the case above, we blame the creditors, the "players" on Wall Street, or the government. When does it become my responsibility to refuse a credit card, a mortgage I can't afford, etc.

Just a few things to chew on. I'll be glad to hear what you have to say.

Friday Fodder

One of the things I really appreciate about our corporate worship time is the time we speak about prayer concerns. If facilitated well, those sharing won't preach or see this opportunity as a time for "open mic". However, we've had our challenges.

For those of you who are unaware, we take 5-10 minutes during worship to mention any new requests and then pray about those things. Prayer is not just talked about. We actually do it. I've had those visiting tell me that was something that really "stood out" for them.

After facilitating the time for several weeks, I was convicted stronger and stronger each day about the time becoming a laundry list of wants, needs, and desires. I've attempted to refocus our attention on how blessed we are. I begin with the question, "How has God blessed you this morning? This week?"

It seems when we focus our attention on how God has blessed, the needs, wants, and desires are not as numerous. God has blessed us in so many ways! So what about it? Are you more concerned with your wants, needs, and desires? Or do you recognize God's gracious hand upon your life?

Friday Fodder

Anyone at the church I pastor will tell you I'm BIG about discipleship. One of the things I've been convinced of the last few years is the church dumbing down the message we have for the world. In other words, why do people who claim to be a follower of Christ look the same as they did as before? Why is there no change? How important is discipleship? What's the difference between discipleship and someone going over the edge into legalsim? Should these things even be a part of conversation? Check out this video and then let me know what you think.

Friday Fodder

"The only people who can hurt you deeply are the ones you allow to get deep inside your soul." - Erwin McManus

Transparency in relationships is something we all struggle with (some, of course, more than others). Many of us carry scars from previous relationships. The scars run deep and sometimes last for years. Because of the past hurts, many choose to be intentional about keeping others at arms length. They miss the love they so desperately need.

Without the possibility of love, there would be no scars. Without love, we could never experience God's greatest attribute. We would never be able to know one another intimately. Isn't the danger of scars worth the love we experience?

What are your thoughts?

Friday Fodder

Today, I'd really like to hear your thoughts on knowledge - particularly different types of knowledge. For example:

1. Is there a difference between head knowledge and heart knowledge?

2. Explain what it means to KNOW GOD, rather than KNOWING ABOUT GOD. Chances are, you've heard those cliches as I have and maybe even used them.

3. Can a historian "know" a person through a book or does one have to "do life" with someone else to gain knowledge?

4. What about pictures? Do they reveal who we are? Can I know someone else or myself through a picture?

5. What can I KNOW about someone or myself, by listening to life experiences of others (stories)?

Friday Fodder

Etymology is the study of words and how they evolve into meanings different than the original. The meaning of words can also remain constant but how we choose to use them in language might change. For example, does the word "commitment" mean something different than it did fifty years ago? 20 years ago? What about the word "loyalty"? Any change in meaning or how we choose to use that word?

Recently, I've thought much about commitment and loyalty. It seems in present day society, we're only commited to what seems to be convenient for us. One might consider the divorce rate and how the number has seen a sharp incline over recent decates.

Loyalty seems to have changed recently as well. While growing up, I was taught to fulfill your obligations, persevere to the end, and support the small business man who is just trying to make a living. Twenty years later, our society has welcomed commercialization. The small business man has closed shop for the mega store(s).

Many times our attitudes have become "I'll be committed as long as its convenient. I'll persevere until it gets to uncomfortable. I'm loyal until someone or something better comes along." What will societies view of commitment and loyalty look like 20years or 50 years from now? In other words, what are our future generations learning from us today?

When I think about the Bride of Christ, sadly I see no difference than the above. The divorce rate among Christians is similar to that of unbelievers. Church hopping seems to be at an all-time high. Too many believers live with an attitude of "que sara sara - what will be will be". We act like we're in first grade by taking our toys and going home, just because things didn't go our way.

So how 'bout it? Am I making too much of this? Or is something we should be concerned about? Thoughts?

Friday Fodder

I've been reading through The Ancient Practice Series. It's been a chance to understand Christian heritage and to ask important questions. Robert Benson writes the second book in the series entitled In Constant Prayer.

Benson suggests Christians should return to praying the divine office. In other words obtaining a prayer book and being liturgical in prayer (Lauds, Prime, Terce, None, Sext, Vespers, Compline). I'm really enjoying the book. However, because of the tradition in which I was raised, I've never prayed as Benson suggests.

Does God bless a certain way of prayer? Does the way we pray need to be changed from time to time? What are your experiences/thoughts?

Friday Fodder

John the Baptist states, "He (Jesus) must increase, but I must decrease"
(John 3:30 NRSV).

John sounds extremely humble. I can't count how many times in my life I've prayed the same. "Lord take me out of the way...God remove me...Not my will, but yours"

I deeply want to be a person of humility. I want to have the same attitude of Christ (consider Phil. 2). But deep down in my flesh, I enjoy recognition. There are times that I like being seen. I can almost rationalize being known by others.

The Apostle Paul said, "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ"
(1 Cor. 11:1 NRSV). It's as if he's asking for the limelight with humility.
Herein lies the "rub".

Believing that we were created to glorify God in every aspect of life, what's the balance between humility and recognition?

Friday Fodder

I'm a big believer in what I would call "restorative theology." There may be another or a better name for it, but let me explain just a bit. I believe that when mankind sinned in the Garden of Eden, causing chaos to reign, God began a plan to restore all of creation to the way it was intended (cf. Genesis 1 and 2). That "plays out" in the Old Testament Law, the incarnation, Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, and the opportunity we have for life. I also believe restoration has to happen between God and mankind, and man to man.

Here's the "fodder." When we speak of restoration between man and man, when does ministry (restorative ministry) end and socialism begin? I know what I believe. It's now your turn.

Friday Fodder

I had breakfast with a good friend today. In fact, we've had breakfast on most Fridays for a little over a year. It's always a good conversation. He challenges me. Hopefully I do the same for him. It's what I picture when I read of encouraging one another (1 Thes 5:11, Heb. 3:13). We eat, pray, and ask one another's advice. There are times we give advice, without being asked. I'm really going to miss our time together. Thanks friend!

Today, several people came over and shook hands or gave hugs saying, "I heard you were leaving. We're going to miss you. etc." After thinking about those relationships, I'm grateful for each. I'm thankful that many people have nice things to say. I'm thankful that God brought each one into my life.

Here's the dilemma life throws at us. When relationships change, there is some sadness. Anticipation of new challenges leads to anxiety and excitement. I could end with a cheesy cliche. But I won't put you through that. Life is ups and downs. God calls us to new places knowing the relationships built will change. And this is the way life is supposed to be.

Thoughts?

Friday Fodder

I was home Monday afternoon flipping through the channels and ran across Oprah. Because the last couple of years has been geared to what she calls "spirituality", I was interested in what the latest fad was. After all, yesterday she was deemed the most powerful celebrity.

It seems a female (born Tracy) had lost her mother at 12 and then began taking testosterone and living as a man (Chris). After marrying another female, Tracy/Chris and the "wife" decided to have a child. The "wife" couldn't carry the baby; therefore, Tracy/Chris decided to do so. Tracy/Chris said, "I don't believe pregnancy is a female thing or a male thing. It's a human thing." The couple had been through 10 other doctors, before finding one that was comfortable enough to provide her services. The two women had approached People Magazine, who then contacted the Oprah show. They just "had to tell (their) story."

I was discouraged about society in general, throughout the show. But what really set me off was Oprah saying, "The world may not be ready for this now. But this is exactly what we've been studying in Eckhart Tolle's The New Earth." According to the most powerful celebrity of our day, in 10 or 20 years, this will be commonplace.

Of course, Oprah doesn't know everything. But think of the influence she has on those who tune into the program. If even half of her viewership believes what she says, society is in a sad state of disarray. I'm with John, "Come quickly Lord Jesus!"

Friday Fodder

This is a BIG weekend. Family will be in. A birthday party for Christian is followed by a full day of graduation (and parties) tomorrow.

Ashley is graduating from Hutto High School. As I was at 18, she's not sure about what the future holds. But she's excited to get across the stage with the diploma in hand. I'm excited for her as well. I'm not so excited about the ceremony (300+ graduates).

Graduation is a milestone. It's an accomplishment while at the same time being a new beginning. Thinking about my own graduation (that was not so long ago, thank you), I've realized real life (and real learning) takes place after the ceremony. Because I have such an analytical mind, I'll be led to think, "What will he be? What will she do with her life?" etc. Did they just go to school because they had to?

And then I think about spiritual things. Progress through the spiritual life leads one on an incline. There are times when we seem to plateau. But staying satisfied with a level plane leads to stagnation. In other words, a spiritual graduation (ie. baptism, discipleship, etc.) is part of the incline.

What about your graduation/incline? Is it time to remember the importance of the spiritual diploma?

Friday Fodder

Paul warns Timothy, "Wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived" (2 Tim. 3:13 NRSV).

He gives the following gory details to the Ephesian leaders, "I know that after I have gone, savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Some even from your own group will come distorting the truth in order to entice the disciples to follow them" (Acts 20:29-30 NRSV).

I know a lady that is extremely intellegent. Even though she didn't graduate from high school, I believe this gentle soul could pass any college Bible exam. She has gained her knowledge from corporate Bible studies, sermons, and personal study. During my time with her, she was constantly encouraging me to "go deeper" with Christ.

She was also known to frequent the Christian bookstore. You might find her reading no less than two best sellers simultaneously. Herein lies the problem: Whatever she read she believed. Whatever she heard, she believed. Each and every time a new "fad" in Christianity would arrive, she would jump on board. Stability in her life was somewhat suspect. After all, she had read...she had heard...

Do you have an ability to filter what you read or hear? Do you investigate the claims of Christ for yourself? Or is it simply someone else's faith? Are you aware of the impostors or savage wolves Paul speaks of? Only this time, they're attempting to deceive through many media outlets.

Thoughts?

Friday Fodder

Christian graduates from preschool today. Oh to be 4 again with your entire life ahead of you. When asked what he was going to do after graduation, Christian had a perplexed look and said, "I'm going to real school," as if the one asking the question should know the answer.

He's "grown up" alot in the last few months. But to describe him as being a "blank slate" would be a huge understatement. I've thought recently about mistakes I've made. I would describe myself as a flawed slate instead of a blank slate. God has only so much to work with here. There were times that I thought of taking a "do over" in life. Now, I'm not so sure.

What about you? Any regrets?

Praise God for grace!