What is it that keeps us from entering into more joy, more peace, more abundance? Some would answer, “I need more faith, more dedication, more sacrifice, more obedience.”
Let’s stop at “more obedience” and take that idea back into the Garden of Eden. What was the command that was given to Adam regarding the tree of the knowledge of good and evil? Do not eat. In other words, DO NOTHING!!!!
How is our salvation earned? DO NOTHING!!!
How is our salvation kept? DO NOTHING!!!
Why do we hate those words so much? We identify all too easily with Adam.
Why does the journey seem so difficult? We hate these words, DO NOTHING.
Let’s unpackage this thought with a simple illustration using money. You have a friend that has the same financial situation as yourelf. You go out for lunches with him and you take turns buying lunch. This makes you feel equal to him. Your friendship is secure based on being able to do for him what he does for you. You don’t feel shame or inadequacy or that you are abusing your friendship.
But something changes. He receives an inheritance of 100 million dollars and gives you 10 million dollars just because he wants to. How do you keep up with that? Do you buy him a thank you gift? The reality is that you can DO NOTHING for him except to continue to be his friend.
This is what God has done in our lives. Let us DO NOTHING and be His friend.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Jesus is our Friend
How did Jesus reveal Himself to mankind? In the most non-descript, non-threatening, not worth knowing kind of way. He didn’t come with all the bells and whistles. The day he showed up He would have been mocked as a bastard and the taunts would have been His to bear growing up in small town Nazareth.
He had no land, no money, no houses. He wasn’t part of any special group. He essentially said by the way He came that He wanted to know us as a friend not for what He could do for us. He didn’t want the celebrity status or the rich man status that does not allow a person to know if they are real friends or simply somebody that gives people status or things through association with them.
How could God become our friend if He was busy showing off His Godness? Even when He performed miracles He often told people not to tell anyone. Why? Because people are self serving and we only seek after the next loaf of bread or healing instead of a beautiful friendship that is being offered.
It is no small idea that throughout history people have used the Bible to define doctrinal statements of belief in order to know who is in and who is out. I was staggered that when I looked into the creeds and statements of faith by many denominations that the idea of being God’s friend and His being our friend is not there. The word love is not used in the Apostle’s creed or the Nicene creed. The word friend can't be found anywhere.
Friendships only count when we don’t force them to do anything for us. When they do something that is not forced it is icing on the cake but it is not the basis of a friendship.
The other side of the coin is that when we are friends with Jesus we are friends with those who are His friends as well. Again very few church models define themselves through friendships and yet Jesus literally says that this is the only way to define our relationship with Him and others. He uses the strongest language possible to show how important this is. He literally made it a commandment that we love each other.
The message of the cross is that Jesus died for His friends.
Why did Jesus die? This is the most revolutionary thought ever. Because He is our friend.
John 15:13 (NIV) Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
He had no land, no money, no houses. He wasn’t part of any special group. He essentially said by the way He came that He wanted to know us as a friend not for what He could do for us. He didn’t want the celebrity status or the rich man status that does not allow a person to know if they are real friends or simply somebody that gives people status or things through association with them.
How could God become our friend if He was busy showing off His Godness? Even when He performed miracles He often told people not to tell anyone. Why? Because people are self serving and we only seek after the next loaf of bread or healing instead of a beautiful friendship that is being offered.
It is no small idea that throughout history people have used the Bible to define doctrinal statements of belief in order to know who is in and who is out. I was staggered that when I looked into the creeds and statements of faith by many denominations that the idea of being God’s friend and His being our friend is not there. The word love is not used in the Apostle’s creed or the Nicene creed. The word friend can't be found anywhere.
Friendships only count when we don’t force them to do anything for us. When they do something that is not forced it is icing on the cake but it is not the basis of a friendship.
The other side of the coin is that when we are friends with Jesus we are friends with those who are His friends as well. Again very few church models define themselves through friendships and yet Jesus literally says that this is the only way to define our relationship with Him and others. He uses the strongest language possible to show how important this is. He literally made it a commandment that we love each other.
The message of the cross is that Jesus died for His friends.
Why did Jesus die? This is the most revolutionary thought ever. Because He is our friend.
John 15:13 (NIV) Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command. 15 I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit--fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.
Monday, May 28, 2007
In Search of the Christian Lifestyle
This was in Christianity Today about 20 years ago.
An excerpt from a young father’s diary.
Saturday
I slept in today and read the paper, wasted most of the day lying around watching tv.
Listened to Christian radio at night and was challenged by the message.
The speaker was saying that the problem with the world today is too many lazy Christians
Sunday
After church I went around collecting canned goods for the soup kitchen and got back just in time to get the family to church on Sunday night.
The pastor spoke on the decline of the family and that father’s don’t spend enough time with their children anymore
Monday
I took the kids out for dinner and a movie. We had a great time.
Later that night a special on world hunger caught my eye. The speaker said that you could feed a child in a third world country for the cost of dinner and a movie.
Tuesday
Fasted all day.
Went to the men’s fellowship meeting that night and we had a special speaker who emphasized physical fitness, stating that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and the key to being in shape is good nutrition and exercise.
So I ordered a pizza when I got home.
Wednesday
Got up early and went for a jog. Shot some hoops with the kids and later that night listened to another radio preacher who was talking about burnout.
People are so busy with church, family activities, work, etc., that they never have time for themselves anymore.
Thursday
Slept in today, read the paper, spent most of the day lying around. Did not turn on the radio.
An excerpt from a young father’s diary.
Saturday
I slept in today and read the paper, wasted most of the day lying around watching tv.
Listened to Christian radio at night and was challenged by the message.
The speaker was saying that the problem with the world today is too many lazy Christians
Sunday
After church I went around collecting canned goods for the soup kitchen and got back just in time to get the family to church on Sunday night.
The pastor spoke on the decline of the family and that father’s don’t spend enough time with their children anymore
Monday
I took the kids out for dinner and a movie. We had a great time.
Later that night a special on world hunger caught my eye. The speaker said that you could feed a child in a third world country for the cost of dinner and a movie.
Tuesday
Fasted all day.
Went to the men’s fellowship meeting that night and we had a special speaker who emphasized physical fitness, stating that the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and the key to being in shape is good nutrition and exercise.
So I ordered a pizza when I got home.
Wednesday
Got up early and went for a jog. Shot some hoops with the kids and later that night listened to another radio preacher who was talking about burnout.
People are so busy with church, family activities, work, etc., that they never have time for themselves anymore.
Thursday
Slept in today, read the paper, spent most of the day lying around. Did not turn on the radio.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Politically Correct
Aren’t you glad you’re in a community of believers that accepts
your fears, your zeal,
your doubts, your faith,
your foolishness, your insights,
your discouragement, your passion,
your failure, your achievement,
your carelessness, your love,
your sorrow and your joy?
A place where masks are no longer necessary and you don’t have to be politically correct. Where being real is valued as the foundational step to growing in Christ.
your fears, your zeal,
your doubts, your faith,
your foolishness, your insights,
your discouragement, your passion,
your failure, your achievement,
your carelessness, your love,
your sorrow and your joy?
A place where masks are no longer necessary and you don’t have to be politically correct. Where being real is valued as the foundational step to growing in Christ.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
We Need a Boss
3,000 years ago the demand from the people of Israel was give us a king. Samuel was upset because he thought they were rejecting him (a little self-absorbed) but God said no, they are rejecting me. It seems it is human nature for us to want someone to be over us.
We want a coach, a father, a mother, a captain, a foreman, a boss or a pastor. We want them to be exemplary in their jobs and we’re frustrated when we’re wiser or harder working than they are. Sometimes it feels like we can’t live with them and we can’t live without them.
We demand that our bosses treat us fairly, which of course means that I never get anything less than those I’m associated with. Remember presents at Christmas with siblings. If by chance I do get a little more, well… that’s ok to, just keep it quiet. Even when we say we want someone to watch over us, what we really mean is they can tell us what to do as long as we want to do it.
A simple example from church life is the percentage of people who tithe in a church where a pastor preaches tithing. (not a good teaching by the way but that shouldn’t matter if we are under his authority) Usually comes in at around 17% compliance. If you asked the other 83% if they needed to be under a pastor they would nod in the affirmative and be quite upset if you suggested that they didn't need a pastor.
Why do we struggle with forming a group of equals? It’s uncomfortable. It requires knowing and understanding each other. It says each one is necessary and can contribute to the life of the group. No more whining when things go wrong. We're responsible for each other.
A few years ago I was exploring native thought processes from days gone by. Survival was difficult and depended on everyone contributing to the group. How did they teach this groupthink to their children? When a nine year old boy was given the task of collecting firewood for the night there was an expectation that the task would be done. Little Jimmy thought shooting squirrels for the day was a better pastime than collecting the needed firewood. Come night time, 20 below zero seems really cold without a fire to warm your tootsies. What did the group do to the little rascal? Nothing. They went cold. They knew that if he didn’t recognize his value and responsibility for the group that eventually they would pay an even higher price.
How unlike us. We would rather yell, spank, avoid, cut off, deny allowance, bribe… Anything but let him know his real value and paying the price for him to learn it.
Why do we need a boss?
Why do we want our independence?
Why don’t we want to be part of a relational group?
Two possible answers.
1. We don't want to be responsible for ourselves or for others.
2. It is easier to do it ourselves or lead a group than to pay the price for others to mature.
We want a coach, a father, a mother, a captain, a foreman, a boss or a pastor. We want them to be exemplary in their jobs and we’re frustrated when we’re wiser or harder working than they are. Sometimes it feels like we can’t live with them and we can’t live without them.
We demand that our bosses treat us fairly, which of course means that I never get anything less than those I’m associated with. Remember presents at Christmas with siblings. If by chance I do get a little more, well… that’s ok to, just keep it quiet. Even when we say we want someone to watch over us, what we really mean is they can tell us what to do as long as we want to do it.
A simple example from church life is the percentage of people who tithe in a church where a pastor preaches tithing. (not a good teaching by the way but that shouldn’t matter if we are under his authority) Usually comes in at around 17% compliance. If you asked the other 83% if they needed to be under a pastor they would nod in the affirmative and be quite upset if you suggested that they didn't need a pastor.
Why do we struggle with forming a group of equals? It’s uncomfortable. It requires knowing and understanding each other. It says each one is necessary and can contribute to the life of the group. No more whining when things go wrong. We're responsible for each other.
A few years ago I was exploring native thought processes from days gone by. Survival was difficult and depended on everyone contributing to the group. How did they teach this groupthink to their children? When a nine year old boy was given the task of collecting firewood for the night there was an expectation that the task would be done. Little Jimmy thought shooting squirrels for the day was a better pastime than collecting the needed firewood. Come night time, 20 below zero seems really cold without a fire to warm your tootsies. What did the group do to the little rascal? Nothing. They went cold. They knew that if he didn’t recognize his value and responsibility for the group that eventually they would pay an even higher price.
How unlike us. We would rather yell, spank, avoid, cut off, deny allowance, bribe… Anything but let him know his real value and paying the price for him to learn it.
Why do we need a boss?
Why do we want our independence?
Why don’t we want to be part of a relational group?
Two possible answers.
1. We don't want to be responsible for ourselves or for others.
2. It is easier to do it ourselves or lead a group than to pay the price for others to mature.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Would You Love Me If...?
If everything was known about a person, would you want them as your friend. I’m talking the good, the bad and the ugly. What if they ridiculed that which you love? Unconditional love is the catch phrase answer in Christianity and yet …I can’t say that I do so well with the reality.
What about if you met someone who is brilliant, personable, accepting, truthful and gracious at the same time, and has never, ever sinned? Would you have been comfortable around a man like Jesus?
One last thought. How did Jesus feel when he was hanging out with those whose warts he completely knew, even when they didn’t?
Remember, it wasn’t since the garden that God got to hang out with His children in a normal way.
I think He would have been over the moon with joy.
What about if you met someone who is brilliant, personable, accepting, truthful and gracious at the same time, and has never, ever sinned? Would you have been comfortable around a man like Jesus?
One last thought. How did Jesus feel when he was hanging out with those whose warts he completely knew, even when they didn’t?
Remember, it wasn’t since the garden that God got to hang out with His children in a normal way.
I think He would have been over the moon with joy.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
A Poor Substitute
Small groups are definitely “in” these days in most churches. If you want to be politically correct you must at least give lip service to the idea anyway. But is small a guarantee for anything. Here is a list of misplaced priorities that small groups, including house churches sometimes form around. This list is taken from Frank Viola’s book, “So You Want to Start a House Church?”
Some political viewpoint
Calvinism (‘the doctrine of grace’)
Some end-time theology (preterism, post-millenialism, or pre-tribulationism)
Spiritual gifts
‘Holy Ghost laughter’ and being ‘slain in the Spirit’
Personal Prophecy
Faith Healing
Home Schooling
Home Birthing
Social justice and helping the poor
Any man’s doctrine (the group exists to debate various doctrines from the Bible)
House churching
Social fellowship (‘hanging out’)
Doctrine of ultimate reconciliation or universalism
Eternal security
An academic Bible study
Evangelism
Discipleship
Prayer
Personal Holiness
Spiritual Warfare
Health and nutrition
After looking at this list there’s a part of me that wants to say yuck to some of these things but not all of them. After all, we need a reason to get together, don’t we?
Strange how we would prefer to gather around an ‘it’ instead of “Him’. Jesus said He wanted to be the reason for our gatherings.
Matt 18:20 (NKJV) "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them."
I have been in way too many meetings that said they gathered around Him but somehow I found them boring, lifeless, selfish or agenda driven. (This includes way too many prayer meetings that I’ve been in and led.) I almost don’t know what it looks like to gather around Him. I hear its being done in some places in the world.
Quoting scripture in order to fool ourselves into thinking we have the reality is a poor substitute for really having Jesus in our midst. Wouldn't it be cool to be like the early disciples and only gather to be around Jesus?
Would you establish new priorities if you really thought Jesus was going to be there?
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