The Meaning of Sovereign

I've been in dialogue with some friends in regards to the sovereignty of God. It's been good for me to hear opposing views and to learn how better communicate my beliefs. Most would say they believe in God's power being all encompassing. But the discussion goes much deeper. In other words, what does God cause and what does He allow? Is there a difference? etc.

Yesterday, Scot McKnight had a great post on the sovereignty of God. Let me encourage you to find it here and join the discussion.

Anything you'd like to add here?

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?

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?

Blue Parakeet (Parts 2 and 3)

Part 2 Listening

After discussing reading the Bible as Story, McKnight then encourages his readers to hear God within the Story. In other words, reading the black or red words on the white page is not enough. The things read should be meditated on and the questions "So what?" or "What does God want me to do?" should be asked. Only when one considers what is heard can they love God, through listening and ultimately acting on what they've heard.

McKnight chooses to describe the listening one does to God's Word as "missional listening". The purpose of listening to Story is not just for information. The information must lead one through a process of spiritual growth and following the model of Jesus Christ (serving God and serving others). This is only accomplished through and with the Holy Spirit.

Part 3 Discerning

Following the teachings of Jesus within the context of Scripture is where things get a little muddled. In other words, does one follow every commandment in Scripture or pick and choose what to follow? According to McKnight, the Church has picked and chosen what to follow (and what not to follow) from its inception. He encourages his readers to own up to picking and choosing what commandments they adhere to for their own benefit.

The section includes examples of controversial subjects such as divorce, what role women play in the church, speaking in tongues, etc. According to McKnight, "All genuine biblical faith takes the gospel message and 'incarnates' it in a context...We can be firmer: it is unlikely, since it is clear that each of these persons adapted the Plot and Story for their day, that their message or manner of life will be precisely the same as our message and our manner of life" (143).

Next week: The Role of Women in Today's Church (Part 4 0f Blue Parakeet)

Any thoughts regarding parts 2 and 3?

The Next Challenge

I'm between blogging on books. Hopefully, McKnight's The Blue Parakeet will arrive soon and I can weigh in. For the time being, I've finally (after much prompting) picked up The Shack and will post a few times about the work.

The next challenge is teaching a small group through the book of Romans. I've been told many times, "If you want everyone to know what you believe, teach Romans. There will be no doubt." I've done this a few times and have been encouraged each and every time. My faith has become stronger and I pray others have grown closer to Christ as well.

So what about it? Some of you have actually studied the letter with me. What's your take? For those of you preparing, what's the apprehension? For the teachers/preachers in the blogosphere, what's your advice?