Family Quandaries and Other Dirty Laundry

Imagine. You’re hungry and it’s five o’clock. Time to cook dinner for your family.

Best laid plans ... shattered!

All day you have been dreaming about cooking up something extra special for your family. The fresh spinach is calling out to you to blend it with curried lentils and that wonderfully aromatic basmati rice. The ingredients have somehow come together, and tonight, yes this very night, is the night for their flavors to meld into what can only be described as a harmonious combination of taste-bud-pleasing, dare I say divine - ambrosia.

The pantry is well stocked and ready for dusty culinary skills to prove themselves not-unforgotten. The door is opened in anticipation and the lentils lay hidden among the extra bounty. Oh, what joy there will be tonight at the dinner table. What dreams to be fulfilled.

Ratatouille - He's not

The rice is within your out stretched hand. Oh, the horror and angst. Grains stream from a hole. The pantry shelf is littered with mouse droppings. Not only is the rice contaminated, but so are the lentils, the egg noodles, the brown rice, the brown sugar, the kidney beans and the list goes on and on. What loss. Such sorrow. How can this be?

A frazzled house wife hurries to remove all her bargains and  the “deals - to good to pass up.” She hurls them with disgust into the trash can. Such waste - such a mess. As she scrubs the shelves and inspects each bag of apparently untainted food, she notices that the white rice is moving. She leans in and peers carefully at the individual grains. They live. The rice and other saved food appears to be infested with moth larvae. Oh, the disgust! Oh, the mess!

She trashes what remains of her bulk supplies. Into the land fill with you. Be gone - Oh, vile pestilence - Be gone - Oh, savings of a thriftier day. Such loss! Such folly!

From Matthew 6:19 - 21

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

So much for lentils and rice tonight!

If you haven’t guessed by now - I am that desperate housewife.

Whoa! I never realized - not fully at least - that buying these sale items and storing them up for another day was so foolish. I mean - I was buying things I would use in the future. I was being frugal and “getting the most” for a buck. Right? But, now I see through the eyes of one who has had an infestation of moths and their larvae. Ick - Such waste!

I probably threw away one hundred dollars when all was tossed into the rubbish pile - not to mention the hours of cleaning involved and that I had to order out dinner so that I could evict our little guests.

In light of these events, I have decided to use up what I still have that was spared from ruin. I am going to be using now what I actually have stored up for another day. So, no more bulk and sale buying when I have a storehouse that needs to be emptied.

I thought I was so clever and wise - when in fact I was a fool. I purchased items - not because I needed them now - but because it made me feel good. I was looking after my family - using our money wisely. That felt so good.

The reality of the matter is all that savings became waste - useless - poor stewardship. The filth and destruction is a visual I will not soon forget. Visuals impact me - they help me to remember what has been. Visuals give a clear image of what not to do in the future. That image of rice crawling with larvae made me feel so bad - so stupid. Did I mention nauseous?

So next time, you are shopping, and there is this awesome deal of something that you already have - too good of a deal to pass on - whatever that thing is. Pause and think - what sort of company to I wish to attract - the uninvited pests that made my basmati rice their home, or what about the vermin - that gnawed holes in my lentils. Ponder these things - the next time you unwittingly store up grain for “moths and rust to destroy” or beans for small four-footed thieves “to break in and steal.” Get a good visual.

Jim Leffel spoke at the July 2008 XSI in one of the break-out sessions. He entitled his presentation, “Let the Bible Speak for Itself.” This title caught my eye immediately, as I had been focusing on church history and reacquainting myself with different doctrines and the various implications of those doctrines. Jim did not disappoint my anticipation. In fact, he totally “kicked up the dust.”

Leffel started the session posing these questions. “Do we have the conviction that the scripture rightly interpreted can change lives today? If so, is this truth relevant for today?”

He further expounded with an assessment of today’s culture, “that the optimism of America has presently lost its vision partially due to the disparity among us, whether racial or cultural.”  He clarified “that we are never far removed from people who are different from us due to the blending of both cultures and ideas.”

The challenge before modern (post-modern) Christians is this: How do we speak to our culture? What does this change in “optimism” mean for those who chose to be a “New Kind of Christian?”

Three imbalances exist:

• Doctrine as a template for interpretation:

Most people view Christianity through the lens or filter of a dogma or creed resulting in almost no serious interaction with the textual Bible.

The Reformation introduced literary tools, meaning that due to the writing of massive systems of theology, we now engage the text of the Bible through the lens of a particular doctrine.

The result is that instead of holding fast to the concept of “sola scriptura” (by scripture alone), we take our ideas to scripture. One such example is the Calvinist system of doctrine that holds to “TULIP” (total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints).

• Historical-social location of the text:

In the last century, vast amounts of literature have been recovered. This recovery has made a huge contribution to our understanding of the gospel. As a result, there has been a huge reconstruction of the historical Jesus. Jesus now become just like us. We learn things by looking at our culture.

• Reader-response theory:

The key to this theory is the location of the reader. A person can never get beyond the confine of his location. Therefore, the text can only teach that which begins and ends with the reader. What is relevant is how the text strikes, excites or impacts a particular reader.

So, does the Bible tell the reader how it is to be read?

Jim postulates, “Yes, we can.”

This is important if we are to maintain fidelity to the scripture. To understand the complexity of this posed question in light of postmodern views, Jim discussed narratives in light of the culturally favored meta-narrative.

Narratives are what?

Stories. Or what is better described as a construct of oral or written words, also  includes visual images, that describe a sequence of fictional or non-fictional events. A story or narrative recounts something to its audience.

A meta-narrative is an abstract idea that is supposed to be a comprehensive explanation of historical experience or knowledge. Well, that is at least what the Wikipedia says. The prefix meta means “beyond” and is here used to mean “about”, and a narrative is a story. Therefore, a meta-narrative is a story about a story, encompassing and explaining other ‘little stories’ within totalizing schemes.

A problem with the mainstream evangelical church is that not enough attention is given to the stories found within the gospels. Much time and exposition is spent on the epistles which are grounded by the gospels and in an understanding of the Old Testament. Much of the impact of the gospel can be diminished by not thoroughly teaching the narratives found within the gospel.

The Emergent church has done a good job recognizing this lapse and uses the stories to reach its masses. Many of the narratives taught within the post-modern church are “free-falling” and not grounded in context like the New Testament epistles are.

Narratives have reciprocal relationships. There are common terms, themes, ideas, and thoughts throughout the entirety of scripture. There is a woven thread of continuity throughout scripture. Therefore, the Old Testament and the New Testament are a vast commentary on itself.

So, the question posed is this:

Can we discover a consistent framework for interpreting the Bible by studying the texts of scripture that comment or apply to other texts of scripture?

Scripture must be consulted to determine this.

Elements of a narrative:

• Author’s intent

This means that the text was not written to mean what the reader wants it to mean, whether a particular dogma or creed is being imposed, or whether a a personal preference is being imposed. The author actually had intent that could be understood.

There are different biblical narratives. The gospels and Old Testament are filled with them.

Old Testament narrative has a particular technique. For instance, there is the “God who speaks.” He spoke to Abraham and promised to bless the nations though Abe. There is also, “the God who acts.” Throughout the Old Testament narratives, sequential acts and events tell of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness.

Jim presented a passage and used the following elements to interpret the Exodus motif.

• Theological location of the text:

Exodus 2:24

God heard their groaning and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac and with Jacob.

• Explicit purpose of the text:

Exodus 3:8

So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey—the home of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites.

• Theme of redemption - God nutures those he loves.

The Song of Moses - Exodus 15

• Theme of political bondage

The Passover - Exodus 12

• Theme of spiritual bondage

So is this the end of the story? No

This theme repeats in Joshua and again in the prophets:

• The second exodus: Isaiah 11, Hosea 11, Jeremiah 16

Jim expounded:

In the exodus motif, the pattern of salvation emphasizes a paradigm in whose image all future restorations of the nation are to be manifested and agreement between the first and succeeding redemptions is the issue for each generation for Israel. They looked to the first exodus as the archetypical expression of their own future hope. Michael Fishbane, Text and Texture

• eschatological exodus

A prophecy about Egypt - Isaiah 19

Such a transfer of designation used poignantly of Israel in the exodus weighed heavily on Jewish translators. Unable to tolerate such theological paradox, the Septuagint and Targum traditions renationalized the texts and substituted Israel for Egypt and Assyria. Michael Fishbane, Text and Texture

Exodus in the Gospels:

Matthew 2 - 7

• Jesus, the true Son of God, represents the nation and its purpose - pleroo.

Exodus in the epistles:

Ephesians 1:3 - 14

• Redemption in Christ

1 Peter 2:4-10

• The on going purpose for God’s people

Application of Exodus:

• The way of biblical faith:
  • This means to remember the past in light of the future. It is the idea of living between two certainties. Ask, “What has God done?” and “What will God do?”
• Allegory, inspiring story, or one continuous program?

How, or in what sense, were they written for us?

• What did Moses mean, “What feeds my hunger is what God says.”

Exodus 16:18

And when they measured it by the omer, he who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little. Each one gathered as much as he needed.

Deuteronomy 3:8

He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.

• Where is Jesus in this text?

Deuteronomy 32:37

He will say: “Now where are their gods,
       the rock they took refuge in,

Psalms 78

Exodus 13 - 14

Exodus 23:20

“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.

1 Corinthians 10:1-4

For I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud and that they all passed through the sea. They were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. They all ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ.

Conclusions:

• An intentional and repeated framework exists for narrative interpretation.
• Narratives are deeply theological, informing didactic parts of the Bible.
• We are all constrained by scripture for how we read scripture.
• Thus, texts do indeed comment upon other scriptural texts!

Therefore, in contending with the postmodern meta-narratives, we must be able to accurately interpret biblical narratives in light of the scriptural text and not from our creeds or dogmas or even personal preference. There is a framework, an author’s intent, and thematic continuity which must be followed if we are to understand and communicate the complete counsel of God.

Well, that about covers what I was able to quickly glean from Leffel’s amazingly, to coin a Kalie-ism, “hermeneutically rigorous” session. I must confess that I did have trouble completely attending to every word as I was “brain tired” and under rested. I think I even dozed off for a moment.

I can’t wait to get his session either by mp3 or CD. I just know I missed some important facts. If anyone took more comprehensive notes, please comment. I’d love to hear what you learned.

While vacationing with the family in the tourist town of Ludington, Michigan, we left the comfort of our hotel and the warm sands of Lake Michigan and went to see one of the most talked about animation pictures of the season, Wall-E.

WARNING: If you plan on seeing this movie don’t read any further, as I am going to discuss some of the major themes found in this film.

The first 40 minutes of the movie was nearly void of dialogue. The story is told through the optic lens of the robotic trash compactor Wall - E. A world in ruin and devoid of life is what this little bot knows as home. Humanity is absent from a world buried in its own waste - the bane of pro-sumerism - a once green and blue gem now the victim of an environmental apocalypse.

WALL-E seeks a connection to humanity

Wall-E collects tokens of humanity in an attempt to comfort himself - his isolation is nearly complete - except for the companionship of a lone cockroach. He learns about love through a clip of Hello Dolly and longs to grasp another’s hand with his cold metal claws.

What is astonishing about this film is that without speaking  - Wall-E says more than most people do who use a plethora words. He is more “human” than the gelatinous blobs he encounters aboard a space cruiser. He is continually seeking to relate while the humans are interacting through view screens as they float about in their hovering space recliners. Wall-E desires physical interaction.

I couldn’t help but make the connection with our society - living on-line, e-mailing, I-Ming, and text messaging - a brave new world where people create identities on line and live a virtual life through their created personality or Mii.

The message of Wall-E was so clear. Society - people are losing the ability to relate and to maintain relationships. The end result is that we all turn into creatures that resemble Jabba the Hutt and slurp all of our meals through a polar pop styro foam cup and have automatons wait on our every perceived need.

Well, I doubt if this film will change how we use our technology. I for one am becoming quite hooked. One thing I do know is that relationships cannot be maintained through i-phones and on line messaging. What makes a relationship work is personal, meaningful interactions - physical warmth and contact.

I am also motivated now more than ever to get off the couch and get active - seeing those blobs attempt to stand was terrifying and disturbing for me - especially as I enter middle age.

This movie was a sheer delight once I saw beyond the obvious and over-used green theme. Relationships matter - even to robots.

If you build plan, prepare, and host it, they will come … or at least that was the dream of the Hughes Home Church. The desire to have substantial discussions in a friendly, open forum with non-Christian family and friends prompted the plan to host a Conversation and Cuisine.

As this home church transitioned from a college-aged to a post-college, professional ministry, a drop in first time guests became noticeable. Jake Lagotte commented:

We have always been a super-fun and happening church. No one can throw a party like our church. We just weren’t getting the same results as we did earlier. Parties didn’t lend an opportunity for conversations of substance. We realized we needed to change.

Though this undertaking was a first for this home group of young couples and professionals, they met the challenge with spirit-led vision and energized resolve, guided by the previous C & C experience of leader Kathryn Hughes. Pressing onward, they were undeterred by several “bumps-in-the-road.” Amy Lagotte recalled:

We understood that a lot of planning was involved - like the logistics of planning a dinner party. We knew that it would be a lot of work. What was surprising was that, as a group, we weren’t as eager to get out there and actively invite our friends and family.  This is wartime - people - get out there and reach the dying.

A week prior to the event no one was coming. Invitations didn’t get to most guests until just days before the C & C. The morale was a bit low for a while. Amy took action, called everyone in the church and set a deadline for the final guest list.

It was amazing. God really honored our meager efforts. One day we had no one coming. A day or two later we had 16 to 20 possible attendees. Things were getting exciting.

So, What is Conversation and Cuisine?

Scrumptious fare, and engaging, thoughtful discussions - this describes the night in a nutshell. The goal of the C & C is to provide a hospitable and an other’s centered environment, where all views are openly welcomed. The views are respectfully heard and then discussed. More questions are asked rather than answers given. The goal is to engage in meaningful conversation and to establish a platform for deepening relationships. Remember people matter.

Discussion moderator Jake added:

The idea is to get people to a place where they are comfortable and can talk about what they believe. Our goal was to get to know where people are spiritually. The measure of a successful C & C is whether opportunities for follow-up develop and if relationships deepen.

Ideally, the entire home group participates in the planning, preparation and execution. A topic and menu are selected and various duties are divvied up among the workers. An equipped moderator is chosen, stylish invitations are delivered “mano-a-mano,” theme-based menu items are prepared and brought to the venue, and appropriate decorations are displayed. Those bringing a guest attend while the rest of the the home group gathers at a different location and simultaneously prays for specific needs. Prayer and group participation are vital to make this a successful outreach event.

What Was The Draw?

Prospective guests were personally invited - recall, friendship and deepening relationships are the goal. The topic was one everyone can relate to - suffering. “Why do bad things happen to good people?” the invitations queried. Further questions posed were, “Is there any meaning to suffering? Or is it just something in life that we must cope with?” Such a universal, troubling problem drew a diverse crowd to the dinner party.

Who could resist?

The food was Southern - of course - the perfect fit to comfort those longing for answers - those who were about to delve into the deep hurt of their souls. Amy put together a tantalizing menu to satisfy even the most timid palates.

I wanted people to be at ease with what they were eating. The food was not strange or exotic - people felt safe to dig in. And boy did they ever.

Appetites were fired up with hot crab dip, followed by an entree of BBQ pulled pork sandwiches, blackened chicken, and gumbo - Cajun style. Sides of southern green beans and mashed turnips rounded out the meal while a “carbo-licious” euphoria was reached by those indulging in the pecan pie and praline topped ice cream. Dry whistles were wetted with sweet tea, lemonade and a variety of fine spirits. This body can pull off an excellent spread. Need more be said?

What Went Down?

The atmosphere was warm and welcoming - Southern hospitality filled the air. Conversations flowed freely during the meal. After dinner, a short clip from a episode of Frontline, covering people’s reactions to the events of 911, was shown.

The in surmountable loss - a nation mourned

As the dust settled - we tried to make sense of it all.

The clip  presented two different reactions: one person lost family in the tragedy and questioned where was God in all of this suffering. The other showed an Episcopalian minister who explained the reactions of his parishioners. Many viewed it from a theological perspective. While some focused on the importance of family and of relationships. Still others became more cynical about life.

This was a difficult topic. It is hard to talk about both the emotional and the philosophical implications of suffering. One guest commented, “You can’t consider such pain and discuss this issue without God coming into the mix.”

The group really owned the conversation. Different views were heard and considered. People were willing to listen to others opinions. Some had strong opinions. The objective of the conversation was not to “get stuck in the detail.”

People need to know that they are being heard. When they are heard, they are more open to hear what someone else has to say. So many people think that Christians are just people who judge them, and then tell them what they should do. This format clearly stands against that misconception.

The personal stories of suffering really added to the intimacy of the evening. Dar McCallum and Melanie Avdeyev shared profound examples of suffering. This really brought the issue to an emotional and personal level. People seemed genuinely affected and interacted best during this type of sharing.

The conversation went on for an hour. “People should be engaged without being burned out.” Jake reflected. “The discussion should leave everyone wanting more.” Apparently, they did as small groups broke out and the conversations continued. Guests stayed late, further testifying to the success of the night.

Don’t Forget The Prayer Warriors

Meanwhile at a different location in the Falls, some strategic prayer was going down. The reminder of the body that was not at the Avdeyev’s home migrated to the Beech House. They had a job to do.

Their hearts were heavy with a burden for their fellow comrades-in-arms and the last minute glitches that appeared suddenly, but not so unexpectedly. This was after all a forward attack in the spiritual realm.

Kathyrn, with cell phone in hand, received updates of the pre-event needs and the current status of the guests. The number of guests kept fluctuating. Some guests were detained by childcare issues. Others by work and errands. Would there be enough food? Sufficient seating? Who would actually attend? Oh, the uncertainty of it all!

Not to mention that the topic was edgy. How would people respond and would they be receptive? So many unknowns - so much at stake. God had a lot of work to do through His willing servants. Hearts and mind unified with a common goal, prayer continued for over an hour.

Will They Do This Again?

In a word, “Absolutely!” The success of this event is measured by the opportunity for future, substantial conversations. Several attendees plan on checking out a Central Teaching. Others have already arranged to meet in more personal venues - like catching dinner together later this month.

Angie Bertka’s sister perceived the aroma of Christ. She noted, “I didn’t notice any meanness in any person present. Such a wonderful group of people. I have never met such a group as this. The discussion was just amazing.”

“Next time we host a C & C we will know better what to expect.” said Melanie who, aided by fellow workers Kathryn and Nicole Wondercheck, was instrumental in pounding out last minute details.

“Next time we host an event like this, we need to have a better set-up schedule, and to get our invitations out sooner. Having everyone involved is what makes this such a worthwhile and unifying time.”

Amy added, “We usually can throw a party together in a day - I think everyone thought that this dinner party would just happen because we wanted it too. We learned a lot about rallying the troops.”

So, with one Conversation and Cuisine under their belts, this church is fired up and excited to see God working among them in such a powerful way. Where they were once reluctant, or at least a bit uncertain, they now are eager to step forward and host more of these events. When God moves, the energy is exciting and contagious. There is even talk among the workers to host another one in August.

A great destination!

Every good vacation needs a great book. Ludington, Michigan was my destination. My reading material was Mark Driscoll’s and Gerry Breshears’ book, Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions.

Mark Driscoll is one of the key-note speakers at the equipping-seminar held July 23 - 25th in Columbus, Ohio at Xenos Christian Fellowship. Each year, highly experienced scholars and trainers come together to offer their insights on diverse ministries. This year I am attending and am quite excited to hear Mark speak.

His clever book title caught my eye. Why a Vintage Jesus? What did vintage even mean in this context? I assumed that it had nothing to do with wine and that

Interact with the Mylar cover.

Driscoll must be using “vintage” in the sense of “best” or “classic” - perhaps, “genuine” or “authentic” sums it up best.

The cover of the book is just so cool. I couldn’t help it. I kept playing with the white Mylar dust jacket - peeking through the clear lettering to view various icons and other images of Jesus. The images were quite classic and most religious in appearance. Enough on the most awesome cover. OMT - Sanguines, you will just love the gold face page of the book - so shiny.

So back to my question, what or rather who is a Vintage Jesus?

The dedication reads, “to anyone who takes Jesus seriously but not themselves.”

Not only was I curious, but now Driscoll had grasped my full attention - and believe me that can be a Herculean task at times.

This table of contents was full of questions - questions that challenged the reader on who is this classic or true Jesus of the Bible. Here is a sampling of a few of the questions discussed:

• Is Jesus the Only God?
• How Human Was Jesus?
• Why Did Jesus Come to Earth?
• Did Jesus Rise From the Dead?
• Where is Jesus Today?

Driscoll’s book starts with a real bang and keeps your interest from page one to the final word some 200 pages later. He delves into these questions, his words leave a colorful impression:

Roughly two thousand years ago, Jesus was born in a dumpy, rural, hick town, not unlike those today where guys change their own oil, think pro wrestling is real, find women who chew tobacco sexy, and eat a lot of Hot Pockets with their uncle-daddy. Jesus’ mom was a poor, unwed teenage girl who was often mocked for claiming she conceived via the Holy Spirit. Most people thought she concocted the crazy story to cover the fact she was knocking boots with some guy in the backseat of a car at the prom. Jesus was adopted by a simple carpenter named Joseph and spent the first thirty years of his life in obscurity, swinging a hammer with his dad.

His down to earth - culturally relevant descriptions are refreshing and paint a gripping, visual picture of who the person Jesus Christ is both as man and as God. He doesn’t mince words or dance around the facts - Driscoll uses scripture to let Jesus tell the audience who he is and who he isn’t.

The chapter dealing with how human Jesus was stands out. Driscoll has it right, I’d say. People either ignore the divinity of Christ in favor of his humanity, or they ignore the humanity in favor of his divinity.

I grew up in a church that favored the latter - much like the author. In fact, I could so relate to his description of the conservative Sunday School Jesus that I laughed out loud.

Mark writes reflecting upon his childhood church experience:

Worse still, this weird Jesus really seemed to like sheep. I never saw a picture of him with a baseball glove or with other kids, but I did see him with a lot of sheep. Sometimes they even made us glue cotton balls to construction paper in an effort to make our own sheep so that we could apparently be as weird as Jesus. In short, Jesus seemed downright freakish, definitely not the kind of guy you’d want on your baseball team because he’d never have the guts to slide hard into second to break up a double play or throw inside to a batter to back him off the plate. Rather, he’d prefer to pick flowers in the outfield and daydream about fluffy sheep while praying for his enemies and keeping his emotions under control.

Whether you share a fundamental background like both the author and I, or if you come from a more liberal - humanistic bent, you will benefit from studying who the true person of Christ is.

Without fully understanding who Jesus Christ is and without being able to effectively explain to others who he actually is, then it is impossible to fully walk in the works that the Lord has prepared you to walk in. Knowing Christ is vital for his followers! You cannot convincingly speak of someone you vaguely know. Even if you know Him well - you’d better know your perspective audience or friend well enough to talk their talk.

This book puts the who, what’s, where’s, when’s and the why’s in such a fresh perspective that clears the air of the musty, old ways of the traditional church. He puts that Old, Old Story in some updated clothes (or shiny cover) and uses the language of the people while keeping the authentic, righteous, judging, all-powerful, all-knowing, and merciful Jesus before the reader’s eyes.

Each chapter also includes quotes from both historical and contemporary people, some Christians and some not. These quotes pertain to each chapter’s discussion and inserts other perspectives to each query. I found these quotes to be eye opening and even shocking at times.

So who exactly is the Vintage Jesus? Read Mark Driscoll’s and Gerry Breshears’ book to find out. I promise - you won’t be disappointed and it could change how you think about Jesus.

Read it before attending XSI if you can. I did and I can’t wait to hear him speak!

What is the direction of your life and where is its destination?

This was a challenge posed to me as I listened to a pod cast, entitled Missional Living by Adam Sinnett, from the Mars Hill Church media repository. Even if you believe that you can be objective, ask someone else to evaluate your life. In fact, ask several people, both Christians and non-Christians, so that you can gain a more complete image of the course of your life.

I initially went to this site seeking some information to share at the this Saturday’s mission prayer meeting. I wanted to have some fresh ideas on reaching the lost. I thought to myself, “Self, you need to motivate others to reach out and love the lost. Many are building a missional lifestyle burden. Self, how can you add some kindling to their growing spark? This spark must not smolder, but it must burn brightly.”

What I found was more than some inspiring words and ideas for living. What I found was more than just a nice teaching. What I found touched the core of my deceived heart and brought me to sorrow and a change of mind - I repented.

I found that my life was becoming much like my misaligned van and, if not slightly corrected, I would not reach my intended destination. My life was subtly being driven off course in a direction I had not intended. The life choices I have been making were leading me down a dead end road - to dare I say cul-de-sac living! Was my own spark being smothered?

As Christians, we are all sojourners on a mission. We are all headed in a particular direction and have a finite amount of time and resources to partake of in that mission. Christ had a mission. He was sent here (to the earth) to set things right. Clear back to the Garden of Eden things went terribly wrong. Man ran from God and His provision and His guidance for our lives. Even then, as Adam and Eve cowered in the vegetation, God went looking for them.

The first question that God asked them after their rebellion was this:

“Where are you?”

In John 17, Jesus acknowledges that the Father sent him to the world with a mission, a mission that Christ had accomplished.

For you have given him authority over everyone. He gives eternal life to each one you have given him.  And this is the way to have eternal life—to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth.  I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.  Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.

Later in John 17, Jesus asks for protection for those who are to carrying on the mission - to protect His followers who are in the world from the deception of Satan.

I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one.

Jesus was the first missionary. He was sent to this filth ridden earth in the body of a frail human to preach the good news and to sacrifice His life as payment for our sins so that we could be reconciled to God.

In Matthew 5, Jesus calls his disciples the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Believers are the preservative of the earth which brings new life to that which was formerly dead. Believers are the light of the world which illuminates this present darkness.

Later in Matthew 28:19, Jesus commissions His followers to “GO” and in Acts 1:8 they were told to “GO” into their communities and to also go outside of their comfort zones, even to the ends of the earth.

Paul, the most amazing missionary, says in 2 Corinthians 5:20 that we are to be as ambassadors for our King, Jesus Christ. We are sent into the world and God makes His appeal through us. And Paul adds even more to this position of ambassador in 1 Corinthians 9:22.

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.

So, if it wasn’t clear before, it ought to be now. Jesus was a missionary and we too are called as missionaries. No matter who you are - even if you are a non-Christian - you have a life mission. You need to uncover what your life mission is.

Is your mission a comfortable life with a lovely home? Or is it the good school system with two children (or more) who play forward for the local sports team? Or could it be the fulfilling job - climbing the corporate ladder to financial security and corporate power? Or still yet, is it just to get by without inconvenience - living day by day without chaos and the unknown? Or, is it to just get by without getting the police called to your house on a Saturday night cookout?

What is your life mission?

We all carry a message with us.  What is the message that others pick up from us? This is not a program of going to church and serving in some sort of Christian ghetto.  This is a lifestyle. Your message will exude from how you live your life.

What message is your life conveying to those around you?

When we understand this, the everyday mundane things of life turn into an important, life saving mission.  When you are called to carry out the mission of God, new life is breathed into your life and into the lives of those around you. This should be energizing and encouraging - a life of hope!

Am I wasting my life on a mission that is not God’s?

If you are and you choose to repent, God will use you. All you need to do is be available to His plans and to ask him to use you, your resources, and your life for His mission.

Consider this:

Salvation is not the end goal, rather it is the beginning. We, as believers, have received a new Father, a new spirit, and also a new mission. We have the privilege to offer new life to those around us. This can be so daunting and seem so difficult - but it doesn’t have to be.

True, we live in a post-modern society that is anti-religion and especially anti-Christian. You can discuss almost any topic openly, but bring Jesus into the mix and a disapproving silence fills the air or even more likely a clamor of scorn erupts.

Paul lived in such a time. Roman culture was very sophisticated and many people were very intolerant of the message of Christianity. In Athens Paul was faced with a highly pluralistic, cultured and educated people. This too is true of the universities and college campuses of today.

Paul was not discouraged by this. He held fast to his purpose and loved that community victoriously. There are nine missional observations that can be extracted from Paul’s missionary trip to Athens.

Nine Missional Observations

The mission is first birthed by the gospel rooted within us.

When Paul first enters Athens he is deeply provoked by what he saw.  His spirit was deeply stirred within him. Are you stirred by what you see around you. Paul saw idol worship everywhere he looked. He saw a people enslaved to falsehood and doomed to destruction. He was moved by deep love for them and moved into to tell about the one true God. (BYW - Congrats to our the same sex marriages that are filling the Californication courthouses- NOT!)

When the gospels grips us, we understand God’s perspective. Our motivation is love. We don’t want others to continue running away from God. Remembering our former state, we strive to save others - we recall that we too were once prisoners and we are then moved to rescue others. Right?

Deal with Jesus and the resurrection before dinosaurs.

Paul first told the educated mover and shakers about “Jesus and His resurrection.” He did not tarry with what they thought about secondary issues. He went straight to the core message of his mission and that was to reconcile the lost to Christ.

Paul’s examples show us to not get caught up in discussing who wrote the Bible or if the Great Flood actually happened - bypass the minutiea - his purpose was “to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified,” and Him raised back to life. All questions vanish when you see the risen Lord standing before you.

Our conversations with others must stay hinged on who Jesus is. Even when they raise questions, lead them back to the question of who they think Jesus is. Guide them to who Jesus is and what Jesus says. Secondary issues can wait.

Do not ignore the city – rather engage it.

Paul does not wait to engage the city until he had reinforcements. He went right into Athens and mixed it up with the townies. Scripture says he “reasoned with them.” Cities and centers of learning were strategic launches for Paul. He sought out the regional heads so as to have a beach head for the gospel. The ends of the earth would be reached by those first reached in these centers.

Discover the gospel bridges

Our job as God’s ambassadors is to see the common truth that we share with others. Paul saw that the Athenians were very religious. What common truth do you as a believer share with your neighbor, with your co-workers?

Take the more common belief and redirect to the purer truth. Ask questions and see what people think and believe. Many people today do not even know what they believe, let alone why they believe a certain way.

Remember it is all about community. God is all about communal relationships. He is the perfect example of this - the Trinity is such an example. Be actively engaged with those in your life. Be involved. Make it your goal to grow your community both in numbers and in relational depth.

Build relationships with others – engaging others

When people feel loved by you, they are more open to hearing what you both think and believe. Love people for real and just stop talking about it!

Make goals for your life. Be consistent. Specifically pray for particular people in your life and pursue them in love. Be involved in their lives. (Notice the active initiating, Lisa?)

Be prepared for opportunities

You never know when God will call upon you as His ambassador.  It will usually be at an inconvenient time - you will need to choose to sacrifice to love those God has placed in your life. Live each day expecting that Christ is leading you. Expect to be used.

Paint a big picture of our BIG GOD

The reason that many people do not take God seriously is because they view Him as trivial and impotent. Describe God for who He is. He gave you breathe and He will someday take it away. (Your days have been numbered.) God is both merciful and righteous and will judge by His standard of perfection.

He is huge and He is everything. People need to be aware of this. Love them by letting them know the truth - but do so with gentleness and respect in the context of a love-based relationship.

You will be misunderstood

Paul was misunderstood in Athens. They called his words babbling and nonsense. Expect people to be confused and to not understand. God can still reach their heart. (Remember He is huge.)

Leave the results to God

Paul was mocked. Some wanted to hear more of what he had to say. Others believed and followed Christ. You cannot move someone’s heart - only the Holy Spirit can do that. Leave the conviction to Him.

So, what is your life mission?

Is it a mission that is aligned with the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit’s? If not, you too can repent. It is all so easy to get your eyes off the goal and to slack off from the good fight.

Hey, I know it’s summer. Time to relax and work a few kinks out of our necks. It is time to play ball with the kids and to relax pool-side. Vacations are a wonderful and needed respite (I am going on two) - but they are not the goal of the sojourner.

So consider this once more, what is your life mission? Does your life need realigned? Does anyone know a good “Christ-o-practor?”

Toilet, toilet, and more toilets! I can’t seem to get away from the topic of toilets. My youngest two sons sing the praise of port-a-potties as they head out the door for school. They claim that they are the most amazing invention of all time!

Then I turn on the radio. Ugh….

For the second day in a row toilets have been making the headlines. This time it is the toilet in the International Space Station. How crappy is that? I mean - you are in the vacuum of space in this high tech tin can and there is no place to take a pee.  Don’t even think about number two.

Seriously, where do you go when the toilet is broken? Port-a-potties are out of the question. So where can a guy get some relief? In a space jar? And is it even possible to pee into a jar in space with the whole “weightless” and low gravity thing going down? Who wants human waste floating by while performing some experiment or taking a nap?  Just nasty, I say.

It is not as if you can go outside and take a leak on the bushes.  The whole vacuum of space thing ruins that option. Since the “bush” option is out, NASA has pulled together a team of scientists to repair the malfunctioning “head.” They actually have an entire team of scientists working on this round the clock.

I heard that the shuttle launch maybe postponed so that necessary replacement parts will make it to the space station. I guess NASA does not just have spare toilet innards readily available - after all this is a very special space commode. It is the most expensive toilet in the world.

The way the news agencies are carrying on you’d think that the poor astronauts haven’t relieved themselves for days - that they are all hopping around trying to hold it until the cavalry appears with the supplies to save the day - when in fact a toilet has been rigged and the team is using the Soyuz head until replacement parts for the Zvezda service module toilet arrive on the next shuttle mission.

The Soyuz won’t hold much so look out earth - one wrong or enormous movement and “there she blows,” so to speak.

The earth awaits - holding her breath - and nose. Will the replacement parts arrive in time? Will the shuttle mission save humanity from its own filth? Will there be a reenactment of the “big bang?” Will someone suffer a bladder infection since they had to hold it?

Oh, the possibilities! I guess I will just have to tune in tomorrow for another update on Space Toilets.

“Life is not fair, nor is it easy, nor should it be.” A frail, old man, suffering from liver cancer, told his young granddaughter, who was rather distraught that her watercolor paints had bled into one another, “Lisa, who ever told you that life was fair? Why are you so special that bad things should not ever happen to you?”

At the time I could not and did not understand the wisdom in his words. I was too caught up in my infantile rights and arbitrary rules. “Red paint should never be mixed into yellow,” I whined. “Black ruins all the bright colors and makes them dreary.” It was just too unfair and tragic for a five year old to comprehend. My paints were ruined. My world was dark. I might as well dig myself a grave and lie in it and wait for death.

Thirty-five years have passed since I last saw my grandfather.  He died when I was five. He died quickly - he lived with the cancer just 2 months. “How unfair.” I thought. He did not.

Reflecting back on that day, I realize that my grandfather understood something about life. Something I was too young and self-absorbed to understand. He realized that suffering is part of life and that no one can escape it.

He knew a lot about suffering. He grew up during the Great Depression. He served in World War II. He saw a lot of death and destruction in Japan as he was part of the occupying force. He had left his young “June” bride back in Stow. She was alone and missed him desperately. Her brother Francis had just perished in a mission somewhere over the Himalayans. Death and loss were part of everyday life. No one escaped suffering. Not one will escape death.

I rarely think about my grandfather. I barely knew him. He was the man with the pennies - who brought me the wonderful pink poodle bank. I still remember staring into the azure colored, jeweled eyes of that bank - the smell of old copper on my fingers - the approving gaze of happy, aging eyes. I remember the attack goose that chased me down the driveway and my grandfather swooping me up in his strong arms into safety. (I sort of have a goose phobia to this day.) My nose wriggles at the memory of little yellow puff balls brushing against my cheek and cheeping ever so sweetly in my ear. I recall his approval and the joy that his presence exuded.

Today my son Noah started the morning full of woe and sorrow.  You see, he had to pack his back pack. The thought of writing anything is just so unfair. No one could ever understand just how miserable and “hard” his ten year old life is. He proceeded to create a dark, vitriolic vortex of lamentations that is still hovering somewhere near the kitchen table. It began much like a dripping faucet and grated at my nerves.

Of course I was anything but sympathetic. Why have compassion for someone who has a great and easy life - most of the time? After all he has two parents who love him and an attentive, kind father. He had never had to change school systems and has brothers who genuinely care for him. He has the love of God and the Body of Christ. He has many amazing privileges and opportunities that most kids never have. Noah has a life of little suffering.

I found myself quite annoyed with my son - my woefully ungrateful son. My patience dissipated and I scolded him with a raised voice, “Is your life really so hard? Why do you start the day complaining? Where is the gratitude?” I was anything, but gentle.

That is why I thought about my grandfather today. He was so gentle and kind - to a whining, ungrateful child. He was compassionate towards me though I deserved condemnation or at least stern rebuke. I was so whiny and unthankful. I could care less about his pain or real suffering. I made many “swirling black holes of woe” in my youth. I can still create an occasional atmospheric disturbance of seemingly apocalyptic proportions.

Matthew 7:2

“For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you.”

You see, this is the bane of the melancholic temperament. Criticism and ingratitude is not a gift of the Spirit. It is sin - born from selfishness and pride. I see Noah’s ungrateful heart so easily for I have one myself.

Not that God has not been working on my heart of unbelief, He has. But, it is an active step of faith on my part. I must go before the Lord daily and ask him to change this hurtful way in me:

Psalms 139:23-24

Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me and know my anxious thoughts;
And see if there be any hurtful way in me,
And lead me in the everlasting way.

2 Corinthians10:5

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

This is the great struggle for the melancholy - for both my son and I. Yet, there is certain hope for us in this battle against the flesh:

Philippians 4:8

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

So, what I am to do about my melancholic son? Be more gentle that is certain. Encourage him to focus on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise. I need to get my eyes off of what is false, tarnished, blemished, ugly, unseemly and unworthy of praise. I need to model these things in my life and to seek change from the Spirit. I need to take this to the Lord.

I recently came across an article that postulates that the author of the Book of Hebrews is not Paul, Luke, Barnabas, Apollos or Aquila, but rather the author is Peter.

Before reading this article, I laughed, “Peter, you must be kidding me.” But then I hesitated as I have been studying the Petrine epistles. The Books of 1Peter and 2Peter are quite amazing in detail and are so full of rich theology that I just had to read this article with an open mind.

The Authorship of the Book of Hebrews is an article written by Jeffrey S. Bowman. In this excerpt, Bowman first refutes the authorship of Paul:

Guthrie in his volume “New Testament Introduction” states: “Most modern writers find more difficulty in imagining how this Epistle was ever attributed to Paul than in disposing of the theory.” [1] Guthrie continues and lists five arguments against a Pauline authorship. Summarized they are as follows: 1. The anonymity of the book is not in keeping with Paul’s pattern. 2. Differences in style. 3. The absence or lack of Pauline spiritual experience. 4. Theological differences both theoretical and practical. 5. A different historical position of the writer than Paul. [2] One can also find similar arguments against Paul or a student of Paul’s authorship of Hebrew in the research of many able New Testament scholars. Books by Milligan, Zahn, and Allen & Grensted are of note. [3]

Bowman further demonstrates that Paul was the Apostle to the Uncircumcised while Peter was entrusted as a Pillar of the Church and his Ministry was to shepherd the Jewish flock.

The language that Paul uses in his letters is geared towards Gentiles, non-Jews, while the language in Hebrews is Hebrew-centric.

Examples from his article:

Bowman calls Peter the “Forgotten Apostle of the Circumcision.” He then proceeds “to observe ‘fingerprint patterns’ consisting of style and vocabulary” and then to look into Hebrews and draw a great connection.

The parallels between the Petrine letters and Hebrews are strong. Although Bowman lists many, here is a sampling of those passages that carry similar imprints:

PETER	HEBREWS
I Peter 1:2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.	12:24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.10:2 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
I Peter 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.	5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant
I Peter 4:14 If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you: on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified.	11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.
I Peter 2:2 As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.	6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come.
I Peter 3:21. The like figure [antitupon] whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.	9:24 For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures [antitupon] of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.*** note *** The greek word [antitupon] only appears in these two passages.

These are just a few of the “finger prints” that Bowman points out to us. I have got to say that this is most intriguing and so encouraging for someone like me who can so easily identify with Peter - brash, head-strong, broken and Spirit-filled Peter.

In Acts 1:20 -22, we see that it was Peter who was quite familiar with the scriptures. It is Peter who quotes from Psalms and convinces everyone that someone needs to take the leadership position that Judas forsook:

“For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms,
   ” ‘May his place be deserted;
      let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and,
   ” ‘May another take his place of leadership.’ Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”

Peter was an amazing man. Earlier in John 21, Jesus reinstates Peter as the one who will shepherd his flock. It is quite evident here in Acts that Peter was no longer one who lacked both restraint and discernment. He immediately gets down to work - work that glorifies Christ. Peter can no longer be identified with the frightened coward. He now speaks with power and authority. He is now both bold and courageous.

Once he was filled with the Spirit, his giftings became even more evident and fruit producing. In chapter Acts 2, Peter takes the lead and speaks, relying heavily upon the scriptures. He persuades 3,000 men (plus women and children) to come to Christ at that time. Later, Peter and John are arrested for speaking with such authority and mighty command of the word. Peter gives an amazing defense and turns the tables on the religious leaders of the day.  Peter, filled with the Spirit, was able to do amazing things. He was able to confound those who would not believe or be moved by the prompting of the Spirit. Peter was a man who knew his word.

From the speeches in Acts and from the Petrine letters, we see that Peter could have indeed written the complex and theology rich letter of Hebrews. Christ understood that the church would be build upon the Rock, Petras. It was not only Peter’s amazing faith that Christ saw, but it could also have been Peter’s deep love and understanding of the Word.

Perhaps no introduction was necessary for the author of Hebrews. Perhaps it was “a given,” as all knew who Peter was and that he spoke with God inspired authority. Peter was the Rock upon which the church was built.

So I thank you Mr. Bowman for writing such a wonderful article. I know that no one can know for certain who wrote this book. From now on though, it delights my soul to consider and titillates my mind to think that it was Peter who composed such a mighty work.

Perhaps Hebrews was to the circumcised as Romans was to the uncircumcised. Perhaps Peter was just as an amazing theologian as Paul was. Who can know just how amazing it is to be filled and empowered through and by the Holy Spirit? Who can fully comprehend?

Peter used his gifting so well. I can only hope that someday the Lord will use and refine the gifts that he has given to me. Please read this article by Bowman. You will not be disappointed. You may even become inspired by both the Holy Spirit and by the Word.

TOILETS…I never realized just how great a role they play in my life. The past several weeks I have had some pretty excellent potty times.

I know, this is totally too much information for you all -

All Hail the Porcelain Throne

especially when you understand that I am an adult and have been one for quite sometime, but please bear with me for just a few moments and I think you’ll begin to see why toilets have such importance.

I guess it first started about ten years ago in a Home Depot. Evan, Seth, Noah and I were shopping for some item for a home improvement project. I was wandering the aisles searching for just the right faucet for my new kitchen sink.  All three of the boys were at my side, or so I thought.  I turned the corner to find one of my sons, who shall remain nameless, sitting upon this porcelain throne. He was taking a “dump.”

I gathered all the children and waddled (I was about seven months pregnant with Henry) as quick as I could out of the store. We fled, not telling a soul what had happened until that fateful night in cell where I spilled the “beans.” 

Ever since that revealing evening, toilets have been making their presence known in my life. Perhaps, it is like some sort of “Ghost of Commode’s Past” haunting me and reminding me of my spineless ways - relentlessly mocking me with reminders of cowardice past. Or it could just be some odd coincidence?

Oh and those automatic flushing toilets - let me tell you - they have minds of their own. Those suckers flush on you at the most inopportune moments - leaving a startling freshness that only a bidet should offer. Anyway, some how the handicap guardians saw to it that I should suffer at their hands for always taking the handicap accessible stall. I was flushed and “that was that.”

The most precious thrones by far were the toilets that I encountered while in Kentucky during a recent retreat. Both the toilets at the hotel and the convention center were pristine as only the mother of four sons could understand. These seats appeared to never have been tainted by the christening of urine or dribbles of “pee-pee.”

I lingered just a moment and gazed into the pristine white paradise, not a stain to be seen.  At that moment, I understood a little something about heaven - right here on earth. I experience pure and simple joy - the pure and simple joy of undefiled porcelain!