Created for Relationship

We all know independent people. Shae is one of those people. When it comes to changing the oil in the truck, she can do it. When something needs to be done, give her enough time and its accomplished. You've been warned not to challenge her with, "That can't be done!" She will prove you wrong. She will either do it or find someone who will. I have to admit, when I try to do some of those things, I screw it up worse than it was. Eventually, it's time to find someone else to fix the problem.

For the most part, independence is a good thing. But more importantly, we need those we can count on to encourage us to live to our highest potential. We get to the point where we can't accomplish tasks on our own. Even the most independent people eventually need other resources. I need you and you need me.

Fact is: Mankind was created for community. Consider the examples of the Trinity, Adam and Eve, God and the Israelites, Jesus and the Church, marriage, the nuclear family, and _____________(add your own example here).

Americana has led us to believe "To accept, or worse yet, to request help signifies a weakness." How wrong we are when we buy into this idea. Christian pollster George Barna found 1 out of 6 believers has no accountability relationship with another believer.

It's just another way we've allowed society to infiltrate the Church.

Expelled!

The wife and I took our annual trip to the "cinema house" this afternoon. After seeing the trailer and reading the reviews of Ben Stein's "Expelled," I had to see for myself.

The Mrs. is not a Ben Stein fan. Needless to say, I was happy the film wasn't as dry as it could have been. Stein does a great job with a serious topic, while making me chuckle from time to time.

This is a movie everyone should see! I'll make you a deal. You buy the popcorn and I'll buy your ticket. Nah, I really don't need the popcorn. But I'll STILL buy your ticket. Go see it!

Respond?

Being reconciled to God is an amazing thing. I've been saved through faith, and this is not my own doing; it is the the gift of God (Eph 2:8).

What will I do with the gift?

The Sovereignty of God

Some of you know I meet with some "Senior Saints" on Wednesday afternoons. Our conversations tend to be passionate about what they've been taught for many years, biases (theirs and mine) and how might those things be or not be a reflection of Christ. Yesterday was no exception.

We were discussing tragedy and the conversation turned to the Sovereignty of God. The discussion seemed to center on one important question. "Does God cause tragedies or does He allow them to happen?" Among those that were most vocal, there seemed to be an even split as to how many held each belief.

On the one hand, God's Sovereignty was defined as God being the creator and originator of all things. In other words, God is responsible for all we see so that He will be glorified. On the other hand, the argument was "God allows man free choice." In other words, God's creation was perfect, but because of man's free choice, God allowed man to "mess it up."

I take the latter view. I believe wholeheartedly that God gives man free choice to accept or reject His grace and love. I believe Adam and Eve came to a "fork in the road", when tempted by the serpent. Life was found on one path (obedience to God); death waited for them on the other (disobedience). After choosing the wrong path and experiencing the consequences, mankind has been incapable of life as it was intended. It's for that reason that man needs a Savior.

I understand my "Sovereigntists" friends would disagree. I hear them saying, "Allowing man a choice is existential or humanistic." I respectfully respond, "In allowing man to choose, God doesn't forfeit His sovereignty. He's still God and God alone. It's when man is given a choice and makes the right decision (obedience to God) that God is glorified all the more.

Take your blood pressure medication and let me hear your "beef".

Amazing Love

A small group I'm involved in has been studying the book of Hosea. Today, we look at the restoration of Israel. The restoration is based on nothing but God's grace and love. Considering that Israel continued to turn their "back" on God, it's amazing that He continues to love them.

You've probably noticed I've been reading through Ezekiel during my time alone with God. The similarities with Hosea are numerous. God points to life. Israel rebels and does her own thing. The consequences are harsh but deserving. Israel is restored in chapter 36.

I'm currently preaching through some of the Psalms. I was led to Psalm 90 for this week. The Psalmist declares God and His prominence, power, and providence. The people of God have been unfaithful and see God as the faithful One. The Psalm is concluded by praying for God's deliverance.

I mention these as a group for a reason. Regarding the similarities, I don't believe it's a coincidence. God's grace is made new to me everyday. Even though I continue to choose my ways over God's ways, God restores that which is lost. Even though I'm undeserving, God continues to provide life. Wow! It seems so simple to say, "What an amazing love."

More New Christians

One of the critiques of the Emergent Movement is "Because they're for everything, they don't stand for anything." Chapter 4 of The New Christians is about theology and specifically how theology should play a part in the world.

Jones attempts to argue Emergents believe theology is constantly changing. In other words, the failure to constantly filter theology through the context one finds himself in is harmful to he and the church as a whole. An example Jones gives is the Left Behind novels. How many people developed at least a part of their theology based upon what they read?

I know of people in churches that read the latest and greatest on the best seller list at the local Christian bookstore. Sadly, they're not sure how to filter what they read. Does it really add up to what Scripture teaches? And for that reason, their theology (as fragile as it is) is affected.

I'm with Jones in this chapter: "Good theology begets beautiful Christianity. Bad theology begets ugly Christianity."

Check'em Out!

A couple of people have enjoyed the blog (or so they say). I'm glad you check it out and try to understand what's bouncing around in my head.

Let me also attempt to get you to check out a couple of my favorite blogs.

Brent Bullock has several blogs. I follow www.knowtheblessing.blogspot.com

Brandon Groome (a good friend who pastors Town West Church in Taylor) is now blogging. It looks like the intent is to give the church a "heads up" on what they'll be discussing. But he also has posts that make you think. Check it out at www.crossexamined.wordpress.com

Jesus Creed is a blog that deals with theology, life, and the church in general. The author is Scot McKnight, a professor in the Chicago area. Needless to say, I spend alot of time here. www.jesuscreed.com

For your convenience, all three are listed on the "Blogroll" on the upper left hand corner of As The Crow Flies. Enjoy!