Defibrillating the Healthy?

I was singing a song the other day at Church that was talking about how as a Christian that we are asking God to revive us again. I got to thinking is this a Biblical desire for Christians to sing about? Just stop and consider what revive means. It means to bring back to life or to make alive again. But isn't this what happens at regeneration? When God through Jesus's work on the cross by the Holy Spirit takes a dead man and makes him a new creation by giving him a heart of flesh instead of a heart of stone, doesn't that sound like revival of a human? Wouldn't this be like attaching a defibrillator to someone with a healthy sinus heart rhythm?

I know the Old Testament talks about people being revived again. Psalm 85 is titled "Revive Us Again" and talks about restoring the relationship God has with man to allow the people of God to rejoice after a time of rebellion or spiritual non-activity (or deadness).  Same with Lamentations 1 and Isaiah 57. Other than that, Nehemiah 4 quotes Sanballat and Tobiah mocking Nehemiah about "reviving" the walls of Jerusalem.

Hosea 6 is the most interesting because it seems to foreshadow Jesus. It says:

6:1 “Come, let us return to the Lord;
    for he has torn us, that he may heal us;
    he has struck us down, and he will bind us up.
2 After two days he will revive us;
    on the third day he will raise us up,
    that we may live before him.
3 Let us know; let us press on to know the Lord;
    his going out is sure as the dawn;
he will come to us as the showers,
    as the spring rains that water the earth.”
4 What shall I do with you, O Ephraim?
    What shall I do with you, O Judah?
Your love is like a morning cloud,
    like the dew that goes early away.
5 Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets;
    I have slain them by the words of my mouth,
    and my judgment goes forth as the light.
6 For I desire steadfast love[a] and not sacrifice,
    the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.
7 But like Adam they transgressed the covenant;
    there they dealt faithlessly with me.
8 Gilead is a city of evildoers,
    tracked with blood.
9 As robbers lie in wait for a man,
    so the priests band together;
they murder on the way to Shechem;
    they commit villainy.
10 In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing;
    Ephraim's whoredom is there; Israel is defiled.
11 For you also, O Judah, a harvest is appointed,
    when I restore the fortunes of my people.
(Hosea 6:1-11 ESV emphasis added)

Jesus quotes from this chapter but notice verse 2. That sounds an awful like the resurrection.It sounds like revival has happened already. It sounds like resurrection, the act of receiving new life after death, is the revival of which the Old Testament speaks. In Christ, we have a revival already so do we really have to ask for it to happen again? Does it matter that we don't feel it?

It is no wonder that the New Testament does not say "please revive us again." They talk about being made alive (1 Cor 15:22, Eph 2:5, Col 2:8, 1 Peter 3:18). Often it is a past tense manor like this has happened. Paul mentions a revival of the Philippians' concern for him but nothing about asking for revival in the church like we often discuss it. Nothing about a renewed vigor or feeling of life because it is implied that it has already happened.

What we need more is the reality that we have been given new life in Jesus. Trust in our baptism, the Lord's supper and the preaching word as means of grace, showing us what is real and what is living. Allow the gospel to be preached to us and instead of trying to recapture something, why don't we enjoy what we already have received? Why do we feel need to ask God for something that he has already given to us and ways to actually know that this as happened?

Editing the Bible the Biblical Way

The History Channel has be airing a 10 hour miniseries on the Bible. The goal, as described by the creators, was to help cure some of the Biblical illiteracy in the world today (see here). Since it is a 10 hour series, some things can’t be covered. The Bible’s story line had to be edited. If it was read from start to finish, it would take 69 hours. That time would include the telling the story of Jesus four time, the story of David at least twice, multiple visions about the same time frame in the prophets and repeating of moral imperatives (like Deuteronomy does to Leviticus or James might do with Proverbs).

Plus, some context would have to be given since a written media is being transferred to a visual media. The Bible is more a library of 66 books that do tell one story, but if read straight through, it is more like a Quentin Tarantino movie then say a Cecile B. Demille movie. Regardless, some details would need to be added since The Bible is not a screenplay. There is no blocking, set design and much ink spilled over minor details like costumes. So unless some creative licence is used, the Bible won't translate directly to TV.

So needless to say, there will be some editing choices made, but how to decide? Base it on entertainment value? Coolness?  In this case, the decision as to what to leave in and what to leave out was based the idea that this was one story about the Love of God with little stories that would make a connection emotionally to the show how these stories changed the world (source here and here). So that is why Sodom and Gomorrah is highlighted while Abraham's interchange with the Pharaoh or why Samson was pick rather than say the story of Judah. I guess if that is the rubric the producers are choosing things then I guess they are doing a good job. (I would argue that there is a greater story line taking place).

Have you considered how the Bible would edit a retelling of the Bible? See what Stephen says in Acts 7:

And the high priest said, “Are these things so?” And Stephen said:
“Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran, and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’ Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living. Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot's length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child. And God spoke to this effect—that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years. ‘But I will judge the nation that they serve,’ said God, ‘and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.’ And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.
“And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household. Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food. But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first visit. And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's family became known to Pharaoh. And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all. And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers, and they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
“But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph. He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive. At this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful in God's sight. And he was brought up for three months in his father's house, and when he was exposed, Pharaoh's daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son. And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds.
“When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand. And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?’ But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’ At this retort Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.
“Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he was amazed at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord: ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and did not dare to look. Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.’
“This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’ This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us. Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt, saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands. But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets:
“‘Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices,
during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?
You took up the tent of Moloch
and the star of your god Rephan,
the images that you made to worship;
and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’
“Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen. Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David, who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for him. Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,
“‘Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,
or what is the place of my rest?
Did not my hand make all these things?’
“You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered, you who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.”(Acts 7:1-53 ESV)

Or what about the book of Hebrews retelling of faith in Hebrews 11?

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. For by it the people of old received their commendation. By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.
By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.
By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.
These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back. By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.
By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward. By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.
By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days. By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.
And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets—who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life. Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword. They went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, afflicted, mistreated—of whom the world was not worthy—wandering about in deserts and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.
And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 11-12:2 ESV) 

Simple Question, what was the point of these stories? What things were left in? What things were left out? What creative license was taken? How does The Bible compare? If it is telling the story of the Bible is different than these, why is that so? If the Bible is edited in a way so that the redemptive work of God is hidden, then you have not edited the Bible in a Biblical Way.

Denominations are good things.

Last week, I said I was no longer comfortable with the Evangelical label as understood by the vast majority of American Christians. The main reason is that it isn’t helpful. It doesn’t tell me anything about what the person really believes on matters of faith and doctrine or what they find as important Biblical stances. Is this just me being a church hater? No, it is actually me being a church lover.

I would want to advocate that there should be more of an emphasis on denominational labels. Why? Because they help me know to whom I am accountable, to whom I should submit, to how leaders are selected, to what I hold as a creed and from what stream . The word “Evangelical” doesn’t do that. If everyone from Benny Hinn to John MacArthur can call him or herself an Evangelical, then why use it? If it’s just a synonym for Christian, then just use Christian. At least that word is a label in the Bible for those of “The Way”. So if Evangelical is not a Biblical adjective, then why can't other ones with a better historical track record be used?

The first thing all of these terms (like Roman Catholic, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Baptist, Quaker, Anglican/Episcopal, Reformed, Methodist, Eastern Orthodox, Congregational etc.) have some history so I can look to that to see how they are to be used both in the past and around the world. There is a little more perspective and context. The term Evangelical is less than 100 years old and it has been primarily used in the USA. This is not to say that a Vineyard, a Church of God or a Calvary Chapel couldn't be this is in the future. All of these other labels originated in it's own time and place as well. There is just more data to how these words are used in the everyday language of the church. Either way, whether a lot of history or a little history, I can get some context that Evangelical doesn't give me.

This leads to the second thing. These terms actually speak to something that actually represents beliefs. Presbyterian, Quaker/Friends Church, Congregational and Anglican.Episcopal speaks to the way the church is organized. Baptist speaks to a emphasis on baptism by immersion as acceptance into the church. Reformed and Lutheran speaks to reformation heritage against Roman Catholicism. Same with Eastern Orthodox against the Western Church. Most of these labels were formed around a secondary issue that showed HOW they would dispense grace.Granted, there is more to these labels then Church governance but at least it is a start at understand what makes people differ in Christian understanding.

With this knowledge, I can know how to relate to a fellow Christian. Are they friends, foes or acquaintances theologically? I can know where the authority structure so if I see a Christian with questions, I can refer them to the right place. If they are in need of discipline, I know to whom they need to answer. I know if they are paedo-baptists or creado-baptist. I know views of communion. I know if they are more pietistic or  confessional. Dispensational or Amill. How gifts of the Spirit are doled out. All of these things help with understanding my fellow Christian and helps me to learn what the Bible says.

This strengthens the Church because then I can hold you (and you me) accountable if you believe something different than what your church professes and it helps me to see to whom I can partner with in advancing the Gospel. People can hold an evangelistic rally together but when a convert comes forward to be baptized and one brings a cup and one brings a tub what happens? If one denomination allows female priest/elder and one does not, would that be a problem? But some will say, why can't we focus on what is common between all of the denominations and the most important which are the morals/how we live. My question is can these things really less important than the ordo salutus or the sovereignty of God?  This is a probably why associations are popping up more and more. It allows people to do things together without the accountability structure and "fake" the common ground enough to get things done.

This is why we have last names as a family. When my son is around other kids, people will know for whom I am responsible. People will know we are together and for what purpose. People will know where we live and what we are about. If he or I would start to act contrary to what it would mean to be Staifer, things could be address. Someone else could adopt me and I could change my last name. Now I'm beholden to a new standard. If evangelicalism has its way, we would be a bunch a first name orphans roam aimlessly waiting for someone to give us more purpose and identity for which we are actually longing.

So when I am asked what I am, I say I am a Christian who is currently worshiping in the Presbyterian tradition (a term I stole from Chaplain Mike Mercer). Is this a perfect model? No. There are liberal Reformed Baptist Churches and Conservative PCUSA churches. There are Wesleyan Churches that act liturgical and LCMS churches acting like a Purpose Driven Church (which should just call itself a Denomination since it acts like one). So while there is a push for nondenominational movements and ecumenical gatherings, let remember not to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Denominations help the church, not hinder them.

Note: This discussion really challenged my thinking on denominations.  

I am no longer an Evangelical and why that's okay.

I have been on the journey of what Church I should attend after having a bit of a crisis of faith (something I will explore at a later time). The only thing I can truly say, I am no longer an Evangelical and want nothing to do with the Evangelical Church. Christian, yes but not an Evangelical Christian in a popular sense. I still believe in justification by faith alone, by grace alone, though Christ alone and for God's Glory alone. The Bible is my inerrant source for faith, final authority for my Christian practice and the only sure place of the revealed Word of God so that the world may know and repent. If this is what someone means in the historic sense of the word, I could probably go along with that.This is after all what the original fundamentals of the Fundamentals believed against the Liberalism of the early 1900's.

However, the word does not mean that anymore. It has "evolved" to add more than what it was meant to signify. The word has changed to become the junk drawer for all Christians that aren't "crazy" fundamentalists or those "wacky" liberals. The middle of the road are the Evangelicals.The label now includes  these great doctrines of the faith but then adds many more items that aren't the Gospel. To be an Evangelical now means be a republican, enjoy contemporary Christian music, celebrate Christian celebrities, engage in "amazing" outreaches, dream big dreams (because God is "mad" at small dreams)  and do everything "short of sin" to reach people for Christ. It means a certain way of speaking and living in order to be the light of the world and salt of the earth.

The problem becomes the focus of the Evangelical institution shifts away from the evangelion (the Greek word where Evangelical comes from means gospel or good news) onto the ways/method/effects of the evangelion’s proclamation. It removes any meaning from word itself and actually moves these important doctrine, you know the ones that actually makes it good news, to the margin to be ignored. The Gospel becomes a footnote to the important things like life. It's something that is present but not looked at unless a person wants to dig a little deeper (you know to make sure someone isn't a heretic). It doesn't have to be looked once it is there but it has no influence on the practice of the institution.

Seriously, what is your favorite evangelical church most know for? Is it really for the message or is it the way it is delivered? Is it about the forgiveness of sin or about feeling free/happy/fulfilled/destined (which are results of forgiveness)? Is it for the ways they to rile up people to feel alive (aka revive them) or what is proclaim that gives new life (see Romans 10:17)? Is it known for emphasizing social issues in the Bible or emphasizing the Christ of the Bible (see Luke 24:27)? Is it for the leader of the Church or the Shepherd of the Flock (John 10)?

Also, can you remember talking to someone about his or her church and the fact that the real, unashamed Gospel was proclaimed as the real reason they attended? I can’t. When I was a Pastor of in a small town and here in a larger town, the answer to that question usually centers around, “I go here because we are making a difference.” “I go here because the music is great.” “This is where my family has always attended.” “I go here because they take a stand against those Abortion loving Liberals.” Or reasons why do people leave churches? “I wanted to see be around more younger folks.” “I wanted a better youth group.” “The pastor had an issue.” The closest you get to a answer that is based on “the gospel” is “I really feel God is moving  there (or stop moving there if they left)”.

But again, all of these things are not the Gospel. If they do not point to the Gospel so can they really be called Evangelical? If the good news is not the emphasis week in and week out, then what can it be called? All this new meaning of the word does is flatten out all of the distinctive Christian tenants so that only common methods and only actions are left to be proclaimed (more on this in a future post on why I'm anti-parachurch organizations). The Gospel though says I sinned in thought in addition to word and deed. Only an alien righteousness given to me from Jesus' life, death and Resurrection. That's good news. The current approach seems to only focus on external word and deed and not inter thoughts. It focuses on my (pathetic) attempts at righteousness. The Gospel provides a way (the only way) for all these things to change by the power of the Holy Spirit through the preaching of his Word.

All of this would be like going into a restaurant, having the waiter describe how great the food is, how much it will change your view of food, how affordable it is, how it is made with the finest ingredients, how it is prepared, how much the other customers love it but then never actually serving the food being talk about. It is no wonder people are left with doubt and constantly complaining about not being "fed". They aren't being fed with the Gospel but yet we label it Evangelical so people are left believing they are getting the very thing they aren't. If this is evangelicalism, I want nothing to do with it.

Why Can't I find a Church that. . .

Since I'm out of ministry, I'm in search of a church home for me and my
family. Unlike the average church shopper, I know the tricks churches
use to get and keep people. I know evangelism and assimilation
strategies. I know what the Newsprings, Elevations, Willow Creeks,
Lifechurch.tvs, Saddlebacks and so forth have done and said in the past
so I know if a church is really being creative or if they are
"borrowing" an idea. I will not be influenced by the bells and whistles.

In fact, I'm not impressed by these things. I know all of these things
are meant to manipulate, control and distract people from what is
actually going on. They muddy up the water to give signs of life but
without the power to do anything to sustain for long times of life.
These methods do a better job of producing legalistic pharisees that use
God for their own wants and dreams then true disciples.

But these seem to be the only churches I can find. So do I "settle" and
go? At least they confess the right things. They at least seem
passionate and committed. They talk about Jesus so what is the big deal?
Aren't all churches the same?

Would it be too much to ask to see a church talk about what God has done
for us than what we have to do for God?

Would it be too much to ask to see a church serve communion every week
in the place of stupid skits and movie clips that always fail to do the
job they are supposed to do?

Would it be too much to learn more about the Bible than a Pastor's life?

Would it be too much to see the Bible read in context?

Would it be too much to proclaim Jesus as the hero rather than any Bible
character/human?

Would it be too much mourn our sin through song some of time and not
just make every week a pep rally?

Would it be too much transcendent truth and not wishy washy feelings?

Would it be too much to talk about the Gospel as the source of my
sanctification and not my will?

Would it be too much to stop trying to make the most repulsive message
in the world sound cool by stripping away all of the hard truth?

Would it be too much to mix in a hymn or at least songs that have more
depth of lyrics than I love Jesus?

Would it be too much to use one good Bible translation rather than 4
mediocre ones?

Would it be too much to focus on where God promised to work
(proclamation of his Word and Sacraments) rather than trying to "see
where God is at work and joining him there"?

Would it be too much a faith to help us live our ordinary everyday lives
rather than trying to help us live extraordinary dreams?

Would it be too much? What do I do? What will I live with? Lord, give
me wisdom.

I am a Statistic

"50% of the ministers starting out will not last 5 years" Source:http://bit.ly/P0xY2O

After 3.5 years as a Senior Minister and a year as a youth minister, I am out of paid vocational ministry. It isn't because I lost my faith. It isn't because I made a decision to jeopardize my family/church. I still love the Gospel and His church. I still love studying the Bible and talking about the impact of my actions on the Church. I'm still a minister in a sense and still desire to be an overseer (1 Tim 3). At this time however, my vocation has to look a little different.

What happened? First, I became a Dad for starters. While being a pastor allowed me more home time, it wasn't quality time. I was constantly distracted. The same is true with me as a pastor; I was constantly distracted. I had to be bi-vocational so that took up time. I felt I was letting some things slip that I was called to as a pastor. The Church wasn't putting any pressure on me to it but I felt I needed to do these things to care for souls.

Second, I came to enjoy the college process. I've always enjoyed helping people get educated. Being a tutor, long term sub in a vocational school and other such roles reminded me how much I loved process. So if pastoring wasn't my calling, maybe this was it. After sending out some resumes on a whim, I was brought in for an interview to be an academic advivor. As the job was described, I felt like it was a fit. They offered me a job and thus, my new vocation. (See Gene Vieth's book God at Work to see more about this).

Lastly, I'm a city boy. I understand people in the city. But more importantly, the city has more of an intellectual bent. I'm a thinker and love intellectually stimulating conversation. The rural community does not have the same focus. While I was trying not to use big words and trying to "contextualize" my message , I would often slip and probably alienate the people I was trying to reach. I don't know of know of any other way.

So now I'm looking for a new church home. For a pastor, that will be extremely difficult.

Why am I afraid of reminders?

I often get mad at my wife when she shows me how to do something. Not that she is wrong mind you but that I am too "smart" to accept critique from her. Too "enlightened" to listen to her to remind me how to do something. All she could be doing is jogging my memory of something small. In my head however, she is talking down to me like I'm an idiot. She never intentionally does that of course but I hear it that way. After all, why do I need a reminder? I know it, don't I?

This morning as I was driving into Ivy Tech to tutor, I remembered a day late that I had promised to call someone about a getting a free piece of furniture. In the grand scheme of things, not a big deal. But that was coupled with the fact I think I forgot that one of my congregants told me of an upcoming surgery three weeks ago that I forgot to tell my wife and others. Again, I could chalk that up to being a sleep deprived, new Dad juggling a PT tutoring job and a FT minister position but that isn't really the point. I forgot then. I forgot now. Tomorrow, I will forget once again that I forgot in the first place and do it again. What an awful cycle.

It should is obvious that if I don't think I need reminders but yet I forget that I am thinking a little too highly about myself. It should also be obvious that if I am prone to do this with small stuff, what about bigger stuff, like the Gospel? It is no wonder that when I read 2 Peter 1 the other day how I couldn't shake it from my mind. It says starting in verse 3:

3 His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 4 by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire. 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. 8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 For whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind, having forgotten that he was cleansed from his former sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall. 11 For in this way there will be richly provided for you an entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things. (2 Peter 1:3-12 ESV - added emphasis mine)

My forgetting is rooted in a lack of love and a lack of self-control which stems from forgetting the blood of Jesus has earned my right standing before God. After all, my lack of humility is rooted in my boasting about being able remember, my knowledge and my believed omniscience. What I needed is a Peter to remind me of these qualities, like he was doing with this Church as he was facing death. If I believe those things, they will be true of me. If I believe those things, it should result in a deeper love and a more firm footing in my election and calling. Every time I forget, I greet myself with sorrow. Every time I am reminded, I greet myself with self-righteousness. The Gospel tells me that God hasn't forgotten us and that I, though having become a partaker of his nature, am not him. I am not saved by remembering; I am going to be saved by the person and work of Jesus Christ who has rescued me from this corruption from my sinful desire now and richly provide for me at Judgment. So why am I so afraid of people reminding me of small things if Peter is telling me that I need it for the big things?

Lord, help me to allow you to use people to correct/help me remember who I am and what I have in Christ Jesus.

Oh to be Neither Poor or Rich

I don't know why I forget about you oh blog. I have lessons I need to teach myself and you are a good way of teaching me. To remind myself of (with one being learning how to write better). But after reading something in the Book of Proverbs last night, I need to write something down to remember it.

7 “Two things I ask of you, O LORD;
   do not refuse me before I die:
8 Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
   give me neither poverty nor riches,
   but give me only my daily bread.
9 Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
   and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’
Or I may become poor and steal,
   and so dishonor the name of my God. (Proverbs 30:7-9 NIV 1984)

The second half is eye-opening in light of our current political fight. The poor are blessed! The rich are blessed! This text is asking us to prayer for neither. Both poor and rich bring temptation that I may not be able to handle. May that be what I strive for.

Superhero Christology

[I supplied this for a guest post on my friend's Sammy A's blog]

The first half of that sentence is pretty clear.

Super-hero: muscle-bound, spandex-wearing do-gooders that either by some weird accident have super powers on this earth.

The second word just means the study of Christ. Like geology is the study of the earth and biology is the study of life, Christology is the study of who Christ is and what he has done.

Whether you believe it or not, you have some form of Christology.

Because Jesus is so great and powerful, it is natural for us to associate him with someone or something great to give us some reference.

Super heroes are easiest because they are larger than life, approachable and save lives through their sacrifices (kind of like Jesus).

The problem is Jesus isn't LIKE them at all. They may act alike but they aren't alike at all.

Let's take a look at three of the big ones and how they can't measure up to Jesus.

1. Batman –
He doesn't have any supernatural abilities. He just works really hard and has a lot of money.
This loner can get hurt and is only out to avenge the death of his parents.

Many atheists and Mormons see Jesus like this to some degree. The power is yours and everyone has ability to reach these heights. Jesus is really good guy that did some cool stuff but so can you if you work really hard.

The problem with this view is if he is so much like us that why should we listen to him?

2. Spiderman –
This normal dweeb got lucky and got bit by a radioactive spider. He's human but got lucky. Just like us but not like us. He is a created being that got a special blessing.

The Jehovah Witnesses, Muslims, and Coptic Christians all believe a form of this.

The problem with this view is, if Jesus is not God in substance, can his death really be more than just him?

What if his power runs out? How do we know Jesus is anything in relationship to God?

3. Superman –
This alien from Krypton came to earth but he isn't really a human. His alien nature gave him super strength. Ignoring the kryptonite weakness for a second, dude is indestructible and can do things that humans cannot.

Jesus then is only pretending to be like us. He is fooling us with the glasses.
Christian Scientists and many in the New Age movement believe this.

The problem with this view is, how can he know us if he is different from us?

Now although these views have had different names throughout history, it is our tendency to downplay the different nature of Christ, the Divinity of Christ or the humanity of Christ.

If we hold to one, we are robbing ourselves of the fullness of Christ. If we try to overemphasize one, we have a God of our own creation.

The Bible said God BECOME flesh, emptied himself of all but love and was still God (see John 1, Colossians 1, Philippians 2 and the whole Book of Hebrews).

Leo the Great said it best: Jesus is 100% God and 100% Man.

Which do you struggle with: Believing Jesus is different enough to be respected, Being God enough to actually forgive us or being Man enough to relate to us? Why?

Feel free to extend the analogy but know that at some point the analogy will break down.

Blessed BEFORE Obedience

This morning I was knocked on the floor by reading the following story from 1 Kings 3.

1 Solomon made an alliance with Pharaoh king of Egypt and married his daughter. He brought her to the City of David until he finished building his palace and the temple of the LORD, and the wall around Jerusalem. 2 The people, however, were still sacrificing at the high places, because a temple had not yet been built for the Name of the LORD. 3 Solomon showed his love for the LORD by walking according to the statutes of his father David, except that he offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places. 

4 The king went to Gibeon to offer sacrifices, for that was the most important high place, and Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar. 5 At Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon during the night in a dream, and God said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” 

6 Solomon answered, “You have shown great kindness to your servant, my father David, because he was faithful to you and righteous and upright in heart. You have continued this great kindness to him and have given him a son to sit on his throne this very day. 

7 “Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. 8 Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. 9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” 

10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this. 11 So God said to him, “Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice, 12 I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be. 13 Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both riches and honor—so that in your lifetime you will have no equal among kings. 14 And if you walk in my ways and obey my statutes and commands as David your father did, I will give you a long life.” 15 Then Solomon awoke—and he realized it had been a dream. 

He returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the Lord’s covenant and sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings. Then he gave a feast for all his court.

Question: why would God approach Solomon after he married an Egyptian woman and went to Gibeon to offer a sacrifice on a pagan altar? He was not being obedient but yet God blessed him. That isn't how it is suppose to work, is it?

Well, in Christ, it is. It was while we were yet sinner Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). He blessed us before we could/would obey. That blows my mind. That's grace in the Old Testament . That is the God we serve that still blesses us even when we don't deserve it. Doesn't that make you want to obey more?