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.