Seen and Testify...

I John 4:14 "And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world."
WOW what a vantage point John the Apostle has... And all of the other apostles. He is able to say that he has SEEN and TESTIFY to the life of Jesus Christ. It is not just some trumped up vision. The testimony to the presence of Christ can be verified by a number of men all within the same generation. And their writings were well broadcast so that the credibility of the message or the writer would have been denied before the 1st century Gnostics got at them.

Not only has he seen Jesus Christ, but he knows the spiritual ramifications that the presence of Christ began. He was sent by the father to the savior of the world. So it is both the physical presence of the living Christ and the spiritual salvation of his ultimate purpose.

Just for a thought: Wouldn't it have been incredible if we were able to be in the physical presence of Christ? To see Him walk with his disciples or heal the broken that came to Him, or do battle with the religious leaders would give us a completely different take on who He is.

Now, we can see, feel & experience the presence of Christ through the on-going presence of the Holy Spirit (and that is enough for me). I have no doubt as to the authencity of what He did & came to do and the fact that He did it. But just to dispel the scoffers- if there had just been a DVD of that day or some other physical record. I guess that is why there was such an emphasis by the early church fathers to find and preserve the relics. But a public identifiable record of his work! There would still be scoffers of course - but for many more of us His presence would be authenticated and His name would be glorified!!

Hmm! relationships...

There is perhaps too much talk anyway on this subject. Toby Keith says: "Too much talk, not enough action." OK, forget I wrote that. But in a conversation yesterday with a dad of 2 in college & one grad. He asked the question, "None of my kids are in significant relationships now, even the 23 year old, should I be worried?" I tried to not let my laugh be noticed.

That he should be worried about this situation is funny enough. I know parents are directly connected to the health and well-being of their offspring for the rest of their lives. I mean my mom was, up until her last day on earth. But worry is not going to help, either is a personal lecture (as parents are want to do). There are many reasons for his concern: his personal satisfaction of having a "full quiver" for several generations (grandkids), his concern that his kids are happy through marriage, perhaps, it seems normal to be married, and his concern that he wants his kids to get on with their life.

Well he asked for my advice, so I complied. I said: first, I believe the philosophy delivered by I Kissed Dating Goodbye has done more to hurt development of relationships than any thing else I know of. The reason is not that anything the book or philosophy talks about is harmful. It is actually Biblical. Maybe it some small communities the philosophy works. It's just that, IMHO, some of the stated expectations are unrealistic. In the current college situation it is too hard to think in terms of building family relationships when the guy's home might be in Florida and the girl's might be New Mexico. And the implied situation is that all parents and kids are from Godly backgrounds. I find that rare at a secular school. So within a reasonable time frame I believe it is completely legit to get to know someone and gradually move into their world as God continues to affirm the time together.

Second, I believe that non-Christian guys just know how to "date" better than we Christians do. Eventhough their motives might not be pure, you can at least say they know what they are doing. They, non-christian guys I'm talking about, know how to "court" better than we do. They flirt, tease, pursue. While so many times we stand back because we want to "guard their hearts" or maybe it is out of fear. I would propose that we begin to treat women like women and men like men. Understanding that knowing the differences between us (gender-wise)will help in oh s omany issues, not the least of which is marriage.

Third, I believe that Christians tend to be afraid of pursuing a relationship for fear that it "might not be the one". The proverbial Guidance of God issue. Now don't let me diminish the role of God's WIll. I definitely believe in it! And it has definitely worked for me - after all Carolyn is the one (all 28 years of it)! And I knew it was true at the right time, but not at the beginning of the relationship. Of course there is "The One" but we aren't going to know who that is until we invest in some healthy relationships.

2 days worth...

I can't even begin to complete the thoughts I've had in the last couple days. Let me just lay them out and maybe I can come back to them and write them out later. A great conversation last night about philosophy of ministry with a professor, who is a former student of mine and simplistic faith and how to bring true faith into the marketplace of ideas. Also, at the same gathering, a conversation with a retired businessman about how he has seen God lead him through success & failure to faith and dependence

Then today manning the Father's Day tables (book give away) at Chapel - all 3 services. I had a conversation from a new believer about divorce and how to agape/forgive/tolerate an unloving ex-spouse. Another conversation about a sexually abusive step-father and Godly healing. And another one on how to love an ungodly spouse. Several conversations about an "empty nest"

Largest Church in America

Last night on Nightline - a show that I do not watch very much, they were featuring Lakewood Church & Joel Osteen. Lakewood is reportedly the largest church in America. 40,000 people in Sunday attendance (is that at one service?) and Mr Osteen said they would probably outgrow their current facility, which is the former arena for the Houston Rockets.

I do not know very much about him or the church, except that his book is front & center in every Borders or Books-A-Million I go in. But last night he was saying that he wants to present a message of hope & encouragement. All is positive, He said that not everyone has to be rich, but all of us need to receive goodness from God.

When asked why there was not a cross visible in the church, although he dodged the question a bit, he seemed to imply that it is more important to think about the person of Christ and how the Holy Spirit works in the world (thus a globe is at the center of the staging area).

Evil & Suffering

Is this really the #1 question people have about faith in God? (Why would a just God allow so much Evil & Suffering in the world?) Well so I am told.

I believe the world does not see a distinction between evil & suffering. Evil, could it be simplified to mean an intent to harm another? And suffering, is pain and brokenness caused by something not being right (an illness, a natural disaster, a circumstance gone wrong, etc.). But today many would say suffering is what is evil. Is that right? We try to do everything possible to avoid suffering. We try to avoid risk. Don't you love the screwdrivers at Lowe's or Home Depot, that say "FAILURE TO USE GOGGLES WHILE USING THIS TOOL COULD CAUSE DAMAGE TO LIFE AND LIMB." I mean perhaps, but it almost becomes a psychological disadvantage to read the warning. I end up thinking the whole time I'm using it to tighten the bolts in the Kitchen: 'Oh, I wish I had bought some goggles.'; then the screwdriver slips off, gouging a bit of skin off my knee - and I start to wonder if I'm gonna lose a limb.

One of my mentors, Dick Woodward, suffers more than I (we) can imagine. Pain comes to him - daily, hourly, moment by moment. Yet, he is stronger in Christ as a result of his disability than if he had not had it, because as he is weakened he has had to learn to be more dependent on God. He feels like the disease (a degenerative spine condition) has allowed him to concentrate and focus more on ministry and Bible Study and translation than if he had remained in the pulpit these last 15 years. For Dick the suffering is not evil, it is mobilizing. Instead of reaching a congregation of less than 1,000. He reaches nations, coming close to a billion listeners all from a paralyzed man in Williamsburg Virginia. And he still is able to meet and preach to many who come to his door.

Don't get me wrong, I am not looking forward to suffering of any kind. I get scared when I'm stung by a bee, or if my airplane hits some turbulence, or if my skin is gouged by an erratic screwdriver. But I think we better be careful equating Evil and Suffering as one and the same.

Evil can cause suffering. There are forces of evil in the world seeking to do harm. The evil one is prowling like a lion looking for someone to devour. Evil forces unchecked can bring all sorts of trouble.

Can evil come from natural causes? We know that terrorism is evil and we can even define some of the sources. We can name them.

But what about systemic evil - poverty, racism, injustice. We can argue that this evil has a name too. It causes suffering.

But what about natural events: decay of a mind & body due to Alzheimer's or a rare respitorary disease that takes a person's life in days of being healthy or earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, etc. What is the cause of this evil? Is the spiritual battle that rages inclusive of personal, nature & other humans?

Let's wrestle!

Summer Study Plan

Well I finally decided... What area of study I was going to work at this summer. I always like to focus on developing in a particular area to help "sharpen the cutters (or saw)" as it were. So much of my Fall and Spring is spent expending information and energy, that I need to re-group or re-coop in the Summer. I always think of the Henry Kissinger quote: 'When I got to the White House, I realized that I had to rely on the intellectual capital that I had already built up. I had no time to keep building, things were coming at me so fast all I could do was maintain.' (recited loosely here).

Several years ago, I chose "Women in Ministry" and read most of the (then) contemporary books related to this topic, studied the passages, talked to senior staff and several pastors, read current periodicals, learned the InterVarsity policy & position, etc. trying to get a solid understanding on this issue. It really helped me since I talk to so many young women during the year to know what the issues are. Plus I work with female colleagues and I want to understand what they have to deal with, and this can be such a contenscious issue in the Church today.

Then I chose "Public Speaking or Preaching". I took a homiletics class. I read some classic texts as well as some contemporary books. I listened to about 100 sermons from a plethora of preachers. I may even have learned to speak better, but I mostly learned that I am glad God gifted me more in the discipling area (personal preaching) rather than pulpit preaching.

On another occasion, I took the ML 530 class from Fuller Theological Seminary, Lifelong Leadership Development, It was based on Bobby Clinton's model of discipleship and figuring out how to use what God has given us. I studied: Joseph (of technicolor dreamcoat fame), Barnabas, Billy Graham and myself, among others. It's where the philosophy of ministry -I wanna be like Barnabas- came from.


Also I've studied "Leadership" from a management as well as a ministry perspective. I was able to read only some of the texts on this subject as they seem to be published mulplicitively. I learned that the greatest model of leadership from both paths is Servant Leadership. Also, some of the most provacative teaching on Leadership is coming out of the Christian community.

One year I studied Counseling, in order to help know how to deal with difficult circumstances with students. I took a class from the Christian Counselors Training Center, met weekly with the director. I wrote a paper on Guilt. I learned how to do basic Biblical problem solving and how to know when to refer.

On another summer I took a Sabbatical and talked to Christians around Europe: missionaries & business people, pastors & laymen. I learned about Catholicism, C.S. Lewis, Muslims, Hindus, Sikhs, post-Christian westerners. I read C.S. Lewis, George MacDonald, Susan Howatch among others. I spent countless hours with Doug Gresham (C.S. Lewis' stepson). But most of all that was the Summer I learned about a theology of GRACE. I would say the sabbatical brought a major paradigm shift to my work.

Last Summer, I studied "The Prophets". I read classic texts from Jewish & Christian backgrounds. I read all of the Prophets in the Bible. I took a class on the Minor Prophets. I saw men who were sold out for God in the midst of crazy life circumstances.

So what about the Summer of 2006? I am moving deeper into the subject of Spiritual Direction and Spiritual Formation. I believe I will read a number of current books, meet with several local Spiritual Directors and/or Pastors of Spirituality. I may even do some study on Soul-Types (using the personality types to help train & disciple). I will probably take a class on further Spiritual Direction.

Love & Anger part 2

Now this topic is related to how we pass on a "bad report." OK let me define "bad report" - a bad report is a message that may or may not need to be passed on, but is frequently passed on so it looks like either appropriate information or gossip. It might sound like this: "We need to pray for 'SUZY' because she's falling away," and then this maybe followed by some description of how she's falling away.

When passing on a "bad report" in light of a church community or a fellowship group -it is frequently given some sort of sugar-coating - I guess the media or politicos might call this "SPIN". It's given a SPIN that makes everything look good up-front, but there is another story that is behind the scenes that only a few know about. Part of the 'game' becomes trying to find out the "real" story. This brings a kind of sickness & brokenness that stinks to the listener as well as the speaker.

I know these issues are difficult and we want to protect individual's feelings and help all understand that there is some information that does not / should not be disclosed. I think one thing that bugs me is - well the information really is being disclosed but just in a small elite circle.

So what can be done to give an appropriate spin (and honest and with integrity) to passing on a bad report?

1) To have the 2 opposing parties talk to a 3rd party. To get the issues and feelings out. In that discussion, there should be an openness to share what needs to be disclosed to the public and to individuals and everything else should be prayed about and discarded. This meeting can be as a whole group or in 3 or 4 parts.

2) There would not need to be a false sense of 'support', rather there is no need to make it look like this "bad report" is just another level of spirituality. If there is animosity between 2 brothers or sisters; or if there is a moral collapse; or if there is a theological disagreement then say as much as briefly and candidly as possible.

3) After the presentation is given then it becomes an issue of supporting this brother or sister to the highest level possible (the keyword is possible). In reference to Christian community, Bonhoeffer urges us to not ignore the sinning brother when he says "...Is not the sinning brother, still a brother?" As well, a mentor once said to me: "Make sure you always stand with people who stand for God - even in the midst of their brokenness and sin, that's when they will need you most."

4) It seems to me the issue is really related to the difference between "How We look, externally" or how we live, internally." Am I the 'white-washed tombs' that Jesus condemns or am I truly His from the inside-out?

5) Do not pass on a bad report to a 3rd party. Instead go directly to the offended source. In fact try to get the 2 parties together.

6) Working with sinful people is always messy. And as far as I can tell we are all sinful.

Love & Anger part 1.

In a conversation recently, we were talking about - well actually it is 2 different topics but kindof related... One has to do with how Christians and/or the church communicates bad news. The other topic is how does the kingdom of God work when there is anger, resentment, bitterness et al, between at least 2 members.

Well let's jump in. If we believe 1 John, when he talks about Loving One Another as a sign of knowing that we love God. And specifically Chap 3, verse 12 - "Do not be like Cain who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous." Wait a minute! Cain & Abel had the same parents. They got the same theological up-bringing. So what happened to Cain? Why was he the one who sided with the evil one? Without looking too deeply at the nature of Cain's "gift", let's just look at the result. Cain & God had a conflict. Abel, the younger brother offered a sacrifice that pleased God. God gave Cain a reasonable warning and a way to redeem his error. But Cain HATED his brother and took out his anger on Him. Cain's offense was with God. Abel did nothing to displease Cain. Rather than reconciling to God - Cain hated & murdered Abel.

So what is that with us today? Well try this: There is brokenness in relationships between Christians all the time. Some are probably deserved, some are certainly not deserved. But if we believe 1st John - then we should be marked by the love we have for each other. John goes so far as to say that if we do not have Agape Love for our brothers & sisters then we probably do not know God in the first place (Eww! how harsh!). This agape has to supercede the anger and hatred.

How can I control that anger? That is the 'Sin that is crouching at the door'. Many times we use the "doormat" excuse as a way to justify the anger. We'll say: "I'm tired of being treated like a doormat." Many times that is just the rationalization that we offer. First of all I am so glad that Jesus did not have that attitude when the pharisees were building their case or the townspeople were flocking to be healed! Doug Holladay use to tell me: "Being a Christian is like being a deadman on furlough" That is my life is already spent (actually given over to God) anything that happens to me is just part of my furlough. I can't be a doormat, I'm already a sacrifice.

How can I be reconciled to my brother? Many times the 'flaw' is something that can't be talked about. It might be a personality trait or a naive behavior or an incorrect perception. It is easier to talk about the situation to others than it is to talk to the person. And because of anger (that creeps in) we say things that we regret, but repress. I must try to keep short accounts. When 'offended' I need to go to my brother and try to reconcile.

How can I love (agape) through that anger? If I hate someone this could lead to 'murder' (maybe just in character, but murder nonetheless). But if I purpose (with God's help) to Agape someone then this leads to sacrifice. I will sacrifice to love this person who I hate. Is that possible? NO of course not, but that is where God comes in. He wanted to help Cain deal with his anger, to present a worthy sacrifice and to live rightly.

I know of situations in the Christian community where Godly people have taken to bitter words to justify their positions at the expense of innocent people. And to be honest, sometimes those bitter words & thoughts are from me. Let this new Agape begin today!

A Real Christian?

In a recent conversation with an acquaintance, we were talking about 'Acts of Service'. She mentioned that a friend of hers who was always available, and actually looking for ways to serve was a 'Real Christian'....

Hmm! I kindof resented this classification - because it subtly seemed to exclude me. Rather, I'm not sure she would characterize me as a 'Real Christian'. Oh maybe, she might consider me to be a 'professional Christian', because it is my job (or something). But whatever category she puts me in, we all know this designation of a 'Real Christian'. We've probably been known to use it on occasion.

Now it can have several applications: By some a Real Christian, might be because he/she is "on-fire" for the Lord, or sold-out, or uncompromising - in all of life's matters; such as job/vocation, relationships, time management, etc. For some a Real Christian: might be someone who looks for opportunities to preach the Gospel - uncompromising in evangelism. For some a Real Christian could be linked to his/her theological acuity ("To give every man an answer"). For others, (like my friend) it could be because of their hospitality or ability to serve other people. It just seems to me that while all of these descriptions could be accurate, they also are all based on external factors and could just as easily be performed by people who do not have Christ in their heart.

Dick Woodward has said on many occasions many people are missing Heaven by 18". That is the distance between a person's head and heart. So what does The Bible say about being designated as a Real Christian. Well Acts tells us that "The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch" (acts 11:26) After Barnabas had spent a year there - teaching many. Barnabas was sent to Antioch to help the church and he was characterized as 'a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.'

The Gospel of John says "To all who received Him (Jesus),to those who believed in His Name, He gave the right to become children of God." There aren't any particular refereences to actions, passions or services. It is almost a secret designation. If we 'receive Him', 'believe in His name' - we're in. I guess as my love and understanding grows for Christ then the 'things' I get to do grow as well.

A WEDDING in Lexington

Two days ago London, England; Yesterday Williamsburg, Today Lexington! And I was just in Lexington about 10 days ago - finishing up my time at Rockbridge. But this day is the celebration of the marriage of 2 good friends. What a joy it is to be here and see these 2 commence their life together.

Marriage: seen in so many aspects today. Our culture says: "Why bother?". While in England last week - the Parliment passed a law giving equivilency rights to co-habiters. That is, those who have a pattern (the pattern is yet to be determined) of living together without being married. When these co-habiters decide to end their relationship they can appeal to the courts for "benefits" from each other. So it is like a divorce without ever being married in the first place. WOW! That's confusing. Also, even for those who do get married the potential that each union ends in divorcre is staggering. Are these folks-in-love thinking about commitment or is it just the right thing to do? Is marriage today based on feeling, only?

Opinion #1 - We should have a way to celebrate longevity in marriage. There should be public honor for couples who reach 10yrs, 20yrs, 30yrs etc.

Opinion #2 - It seems like Christians have a higher view of marriage. At least they take the time to meet with a minister, to talk about long term commitment & see what the Bible has to say about marriage. I'm actually not sure about the standards about other religions - perhaps they have just as high a standard of commitment as Christians. BUT: even with this higher view of marriage there is still way too much divorce.

Opinion #3 - As a matter of personal character development we need to work on understanding what marriage is - before we even think about entering into it. Read books on it. Talk to people who have been married a short time (3 months to 4 years); a long time (5-20 years) and an extremely long time (25yrs to 60 yrs). Read what the Bible has to say about marriage. Talk to people who prefprm marriages - ministers & judges, and see how their opinions differ.

Opinion #4 - Before getting married, a couple should read & study the traditional vows. Learn why the vow-creators placed so much emphasis on strength, grace, community support & God's blessing.

So what is my part in this wedding today? I have quite an honor (being a little prideful here). The bride & groom have asked me to assist them in their first act of worship as husband and wife - to share Holy Communion.