I heard a great story tonight!
A senior was telling her God-story. This was a woman who had been to church all of her young life. It was just what her family did. Then after coming to college she just began to hang out with people who were a bad influence in her life and she began to do things that took her in a direction away from the faith that she grew up with.
It was in her senior year, over Christmas break, that 2 things happened. First she began to read a book called _Lord, Teach me to Pray_. From this book she discovered that faith was not religious activity but it was a relationship. She realized her life had been going away from God, she wanted that to change. Second, she remembered a friend from class who told her about Greek Impact, a Christian Fellowship on campus that helped fraternity & sorority students grow in their faith and learn about God. When she returned after Christmas she talked to her friend and began going to Greek Impact. She has discovered a community and a fellowship that helps her deepen her relationship with God. She has stopped the activities that distracted her from Jesus Christ and has placed Him at the center of her life.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
ah yes! the International Service Project!
So many students from W&M(& other schools) took the opportunity of Spring Break to do an International Service Project (or some may call it Alternative Spring Break). A chance to see the world and serve the less fortunate. Students went to Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Haiti among others. They either did work with orphans, building houses or building camping facilities. They had a true cross-cultural experience, both in nationality & socio-economics.
Let's think about the progression of this. When I first came to W&M as a Campus Minister. It seemed like the whole campus went on the typical "Spring Break Blowout" event. College students flooded Daytona, Ft. Lauderdale, Destin, South Padre Island, and on and on. It was seen as an opportunity to go crazy for 1 week for 4 years that you would never have back. MTV in the early nineties would literally move to So. Florida to capture the antics of millions of students. It was legend!
Sometime in the late 90's the trends changed, the Wild & Crazy Beach Scene was not as popular. Part of this was because local law enforcement increased its activity. But part was because the desire to serve and help others began to increase.
InterVarsity@W&M began to do service projects in the early 90's. At first we went to do hurricane relief with Habitat for Humanity in South Carolina, then eventually we went to Urban Promise in Camden, NJ to work with inner city children & adolescents. When we started in Camden we were the only organization to work with Urban Promise, now each week we are joined by dozens of students from UVA, JMU, U. Maryland, etc. During this time (10 or so years ago) there seemed to be a larger effort to do domestic service. Appalachia, Hurricane Relief (Fla, SC, LA, Miss.), Urban work (Greensboro, Richmond, Philadelphia, Camden, NY, etc).
But lately it seems like the effort has been placed on international work. Of course mostly Caribbean, Latin, central & south American countries.
What are the gains:
1) Cross-cultural experience, new language, new country & a broader global experience.
2) Bigger understanding of USA in the world environment
3) Going South is still popular
4) Seeing poverty at an even more dire circumstance.
What are the losses:
1) Do we really make a difference?
2) Is it good economics? Would it make a bigger impact to just send money?
3) Can we really have political influence?
4) What influence can we have?
Finally: I have 2 thoughts, As we experience more of the world, through travels, reading and relationships I hope that we are beginning to create ways to speak the truth of the Gospel into our localities as well as into the world. All of this service must be translated to Christ's work in our community as well as in the world.
also, as we 'wash the feet' of our brothers & sisters we have got to begin to see it as a broader understanding of what God is about. Tony Campolo once said: "Is my heart broken for the things that break God's heart?" We can't leave Nicaragua saying, "We went down there to serve them, and they served us." unless we are preparing ourselves to serve those in our community today.
Let's think about the progression of this. When I first came to W&M as a Campus Minister. It seemed like the whole campus went on the typical "Spring Break Blowout" event. College students flooded Daytona, Ft. Lauderdale, Destin, South Padre Island, and on and on. It was seen as an opportunity to go crazy for 1 week for 4 years that you would never have back. MTV in the early nineties would literally move to So. Florida to capture the antics of millions of students. It was legend!
Sometime in the late 90's the trends changed, the Wild & Crazy Beach Scene was not as popular. Part of this was because local law enforcement increased its activity. But part was because the desire to serve and help others began to increase.
InterVarsity@W&M began to do service projects in the early 90's. At first we went to do hurricane relief with Habitat for Humanity in South Carolina, then eventually we went to Urban Promise in Camden, NJ to work with inner city children & adolescents. When we started in Camden we were the only organization to work with Urban Promise, now each week we are joined by dozens of students from UVA, JMU, U. Maryland, etc. During this time (10 or so years ago) there seemed to be a larger effort to do domestic service. Appalachia, Hurricane Relief (Fla, SC, LA, Miss.), Urban work (Greensboro, Richmond, Philadelphia, Camden, NY, etc).
But lately it seems like the effort has been placed on international work. Of course mostly Caribbean, Latin, central & south American countries.
What are the gains:
1) Cross-cultural experience, new language, new country & a broader global experience.
2) Bigger understanding of USA in the world environment
3) Going South is still popular
4) Seeing poverty at an even more dire circumstance.
What are the losses:
1) Do we really make a difference?
2) Is it good economics? Would it make a bigger impact to just send money?
3) Can we really have political influence?
4) What influence can we have?
Finally: I have 2 thoughts, As we experience more of the world, through travels, reading and relationships I hope that we are beginning to create ways to speak the truth of the Gospel into our localities as well as into the world. All of this service must be translated to Christ's work in our community as well as in the world.
also, as we 'wash the feet' of our brothers & sisters we have got to begin to see it as a broader understanding of what God is about. Tony Campolo once said: "Is my heart broken for the things that break God's heart?" We can't leave Nicaragua saying, "We went down there to serve them, and they served us." unless we are preparing ourselves to serve those in our community today.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Leadership Part 3
Timeless Leadership: A Conversation with David McCullough, an article in the Harvard Business Review.
The author of books including _John Adams_, _1776_, _Truman_, among many others conducted an interview with the editors of HBR (march 2008). It was a fascinating analysis of leadership from an historical basis. McCullough began with a plea: "We need leaders and not just political leaders. We need leaders in every field, in every institution, in all kinds of situations. We need to be educating
our young people to be leaders and unfortunately that's fallen out of fashion."
McCullough talked about how leadership requires a unique combination of talents acquired through a set of learned experiences in line with a certain amount of unique talents. For instance, George Washington, had an incredible ability to spot talent even in places where it wasn't obvious. He also was able to let his leaders do their jobs with freedom and he was not afraid to let them fail and it is through the failure that he was able to assess their leadership and strength.
One of the key talents today has to do with the leader having real strength and talent in the arena of listening. Listening beneath the surface. To hear what they aren't saying as well as what they are saying. Knowing how to ask questions. Knowing how to direct the topics to see the deeper and more significant thoughts and actions of the leader or potential leader.
I work with people who have some of the greatest potential for leadership today. I love it! I get to see fledgling efforts. I also see weak initiative, even in the midst of strong potential. (I hate that!)
I overheard a conversation a couple weeks ago between a senior and a Teach For America Representative which gave me great concern. It was obvious this student had great leadership potential. She carried herself well. She had held a number of significant leadership positions on campus. She was well recommended by her professors and peers. It was obvious that she was seriously interested in TFA as a career. When pushed by the recruiter to fill out the application and move onto the next interview, she resisted. When asked by the recruiter, why she wouldn't apply, her answer was (and I'm not joking about this), "I am afraid that I would apply, go for the interview and then be rejected or not placed." I could not believe that someone who seemingly was the right fit in every discernible way would not risk failure by filling out an app!
I have great concern for a certain type of person who fails to risk for the sake of a 'possible' failure. I know many of these folks have never failed at anything. but we know logically that failure will come. In time a level of failure will be apparent. It happens to all of us.
I know for myself that it is only in my weakness that His strength is made obvious. I know this is a paradigm shift, from the lone woman (faith unknown)who chose to not risk. But in all of God's sovereignty His strength is made perfect in weakness.
The author of books including _John Adams_, _1776_, _Truman_, among many others conducted an interview with the editors of HBR (march 2008). It was a fascinating analysis of leadership from an historical basis. McCullough began with a plea: "We need leaders and not just political leaders. We need leaders in every field, in every institution, in all kinds of situations. We need to be educating
our young people to be leaders and unfortunately that's fallen out of fashion."McCullough talked about how leadership requires a unique combination of talents acquired through a set of learned experiences in line with a certain amount of unique talents. For instance, George Washington, had an incredible ability to spot talent even in places where it wasn't obvious. He also was able to let his leaders do their jobs with freedom and he was not afraid to let them fail and it is through the failure that he was able to assess their leadership and strength.
One of the key talents today has to do with the leader having real strength and talent in the arena of listening. Listening beneath the surface. To hear what they aren't saying as well as what they are saying. Knowing how to ask questions. Knowing how to direct the topics to see the deeper and more significant thoughts and actions of the leader or potential leader.
I work with people who have some of the greatest potential for leadership today. I love it! I get to see fledgling efforts. I also see weak initiative, even in the midst of strong potential. (I hate that!)
I overheard a conversation a couple weeks ago between a senior and a Teach For America Representative which gave me great concern. It was obvious this student had great leadership potential. She carried herself well. She had held a number of significant leadership positions on campus. She was well recommended by her professors and peers. It was obvious that she was seriously interested in TFA as a career. When pushed by the recruiter to fill out the application and move onto the next interview, she resisted. When asked by the recruiter, why she wouldn't apply, her answer was (and I'm not joking about this), "I am afraid that I would apply, go for the interview and then be rejected or not placed." I could not believe that someone who seemingly was the right fit in every discernible way would not risk failure by filling out an app!
I have great concern for a certain type of person who fails to risk for the sake of a 'possible' failure. I know many of these folks have never failed at anything. but we know logically that failure will come. In time a level of failure will be apparent. It happens to all of us.
I know for myself that it is only in my weakness that His strength is made obvious. I know this is a paradigm shift, from the lone woman (faith unknown)who chose to not risk. But in all of God's sovereignty His strength is made perfect in weakness.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Leadership 2
I just finished directing a break-out on Leadership for the Greensboro Greek Conference. Forty eight fraternity and sorority students from all over the Eastern Seaboard attended the Leadership class.
So what is the primary lesson to come out of this program: Servant Leadership! In John 13, we studied Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. This had fascinating applications for our group.
Remember when Jesus selected his disciples. The Gospel of Mark says He chose 12 that they might be with Him. It seems like this 'withness' is Jesus' primary value. When we look at His choices - there is no apparent reason for their liklihood of being together. Several fisherman, a tax-collector, a political zealot among others. At best this august group was a random conglomeration of worldviews, occupations, lifestyles etc. Not necessarily a group we would select to lead a ministry or a cause or an organization. But this is who Jesus chose.
So back to John 13, when Jesus is planning on leaving He provides His final training, by washing their feet. The job reserved for the lowliest servant in the household. The act of course symbolizes humility & serving and maybe even brokenness.
In the Leadership Breakout, we discussed Jesus humility and talked about - that the world's emphasis on leadership is getting position and power, butthe Kingdom of God is based on service & humility.
Somehow in God's economy this equals out to true leadership. Putting others ahead of yourself builds camraderie & trust. Humbling yourself before those you ar 'leading' builds trust & relaibility. 'Washing someones feet' allows them to see how far down you are willing to go to lift them up.
So what is the primary lesson to come out of this program: Servant Leadership! In John 13, we studied Jesus washing the feet of the disciples. This had fascinating applications for our group.
Remember when Jesus selected his disciples. The Gospel of Mark says He chose 12 that they might be with Him. It seems like this 'withness' is Jesus' primary value. When we look at His choices - there is no apparent reason for their liklihood of being together. Several fisherman, a tax-collector, a political zealot among others. At best this august group was a random conglomeration of worldviews, occupations, lifestyles etc. Not necessarily a group we would select to lead a ministry or a cause or an organization. But this is who Jesus chose.
So back to John 13, when Jesus is planning on leaving He provides His final training, by washing their feet. The job reserved for the lowliest servant in the household. The act of course symbolizes humility & serving and maybe even brokenness.
In the Leadership Breakout, we discussed Jesus humility and talked about - that the world's emphasis on leadership is getting position and power, butthe Kingdom of God is based on service & humility.
Somehow in God's economy this equals out to true leadership. Putting others ahead of yourself builds camraderie & trust. Humbling yourself before those you ar 'leading' builds trust & relaibility. 'Washing someones feet' allows them to see how far down you are willing to go to lift them up.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
even in seminary...
I have a friend, a 3rd year seminary student, who is writing a paper on "why people love the Bible." She is doing this through a Facebook message (and a series of replies). The responses have come from a wide range of people at various levels of academic and missional experience. Yet the answers are so similar.
I know the nature of the question leads us to a more emotional response. But almost everyone talks about how the Bible is a guide, an inspiration, it sets this backward world straight, it reminds us of God's love.
I guess I was prepared for more intellectual parlay - or - more anecdotal references. But the Bible according to my friend's friends is designed to Help me! To get me by, to direct by path. To help me avoid sin.
In truth can it really do that?
If so it must have a higher value than just the words on the page. It must function in the divine as well as the earthly. There has got to be a supernatural component to the Scriptures.
As for me: The Bible functions as the way to see a more clear picture of my Lord. Each day and each time I pick it up I see a deeper glimpse of Jesus. And I can hear His voice in my heart.
I know the nature of the question leads us to a more emotional response. But almost everyone talks about how the Bible is a guide, an inspiration, it sets this backward world straight, it reminds us of God's love.
I guess I was prepared for more intellectual parlay - or - more anecdotal references. But the Bible according to my friend's friends is designed to Help me! To get me by, to direct by path. To help me avoid sin.
In truth can it really do that?
If so it must have a higher value than just the words on the page. It must function in the divine as well as the earthly. There has got to be a supernatural component to the Scriptures.
As for me: The Bible functions as the way to see a more clear picture of my Lord. Each day and each time I pick it up I see a deeper glimpse of Jesus. And I can hear His voice in my heart.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Leadership...
There is a lot about leadership lately. Fidel Castro resigns, leading Cuba into oppression for 50 years. The charisma of Barak Obama who leads by confidence and personality. Hillary Clinton who leads by knowledge and experience. Gene Nichol who attracts thousands of students yet alienates hundreds of alumni and state leaders.
So what is leadership anyway? Who gets it? How do you keep it? Can it be measured? What are the God-given components of leadership?
From the scripture it seems like leadership is founded in 'The last must be first.' Jesus, Himself a leader who led uncompromisingly, led by serving - "I have come to seek and to save the lost." When David, one of God's mighty men, decided to 'count' his greatness, God put his leadership on hold.
Then just to prove where power and leadership come from in Daniel. This one is thrown at us: "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men." Daniel 4:17. God is the one who is sovereign! God is the one who disburses power and authority. He disburses it to WHOMEVER He wishes!
Do we get that? Do we understand that Power either worldly or Godly is not based on my placement, family heritage, wisdom, politics or whatever. It is based completely on what God decides!
So what is leadership anyway? Who gets it? How do you keep it? Can it be measured? What are the God-given components of leadership?
From the scripture it seems like leadership is founded in 'The last must be first.' Jesus, Himself a leader who led uncompromisingly, led by serving - "I have come to seek and to save the lost." When David, one of God's mighty men, decided to 'count' his greatness, God put his leadership on hold.
Then just to prove where power and leadership come from in Daniel. This one is thrown at us: "The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men." Daniel 4:17. God is the one who is sovereign! God is the one who disburses power and authority. He disburses it to WHOMEVER He wishes!
Do we get that? Do we understand that Power either worldly or Godly is not based on my placement, family heritage, wisdom, politics or whatever. It is based completely on what God decides!
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Who's reading the Bible?
Just a couple things:
First in terms of that thing called a quiet time, it seems to me that there are fewer and fewer people who are making this a priority. Why is that? I think that in "our" new focus on Grace over Legalism; a movement that we have seen increase dramatically over the last couple years. Now, it is a focus that I completely agree with. But we have taken our liberty to remove habits that really help develop our relationship with God.
Second, If I am free from the time responsibility of Bible reading, then how can I develop my relationship with God? A relationship doesn't just develop by itself. It takes an effort, a commitment of time.
Third, there is a possibility that eventhough it looks legalistic I believe the most effective way to develop this relationship will take a consistent pattern of reading the source that reveals the most accurate picture and relational dealings of our Lord. In other words if we read the Bible systematically over a long period of time our knowledge of Jesus and our understanding of God will grow.
First in terms of that thing called a quiet time, it seems to me that there are fewer and fewer people who are making this a priority. Why is that? I think that in "our" new focus on Grace over Legalism; a movement that we have seen increase dramatically over the last couple years. Now, it is a focus that I completely agree with. But we have taken our liberty to remove habits that really help develop our relationship with God.
Second, If I am free from the time responsibility of Bible reading, then how can I develop my relationship with God? A relationship doesn't just develop by itself. It takes an effort, a commitment of time.
Third, there is a possibility that eventhough it looks legalistic I believe the most effective way to develop this relationship will take a consistent pattern of reading the source that reveals the most accurate picture and relational dealings of our Lord. In other words if we read the Bible systematically over a long period of time our knowledge of Jesus and our understanding of God will grow.
Monday, February 18, 2008
So What is Discipling anyway?
The Questions come: "I've never been discipled so how can I disciple someone?"
Well I am sorry that no one ever took the time to begin to meet with you, to encourage you to develop your spiritual life. I believe it is a crucial way to get a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, to build unity between brothers and sisters in the faith of Christ-followers, to develop a bolder community to reach the world. But this is becoming a lost art that I believe MUST be reversed starting today! Really, there is no excuse for us who identify ourselves as Christ-followers to not begin to take responsibility for those who are younger than us. Even if it is not an element that we have experienced.
I am gonna give you some homework and then make an offer and let's begin to reverse the trend...
Homework:
Within a reasonable amount of time (1-3 hours) develop a list of topics / concepts / ideas that YOU are convinced are essential for someone who is identifying herself / himself as a Christ-Follower. After a day or so go back over the list and tweak your list. As a guideline think about 10 topics...
The Offer: If you are willing to take on this challenge, I will talk you through the next steps in beginning to be a Barnabas in someone's life just make a comment or send me an email. ( marty_purks@ivstaff.org )
Well I am sorry that no one ever took the time to begin to meet with you, to encourage you to develop your spiritual life. I believe it is a crucial way to get a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, to build unity between brothers and sisters in the faith of Christ-followers, to develop a bolder community to reach the world. But this is becoming a lost art that I believe MUST be reversed starting today! Really, there is no excuse for us who identify ourselves as Christ-followers to not begin to take responsibility for those who are younger than us. Even if it is not an element that we have experienced.
I am gonna give you some homework and then make an offer and let's begin to reverse the trend...
Homework:
Within a reasonable amount of time (1-3 hours) develop a list of topics / concepts / ideas that YOU are convinced are essential for someone who is identifying herself / himself as a Christ-Follower. After a day or so go back over the list and tweak your list. As a guideline think about 10 topics...
The Offer: If you are willing to take on this challenge, I will talk you through the next steps in beginning to be a Barnabas in someone's life just make a comment or send me an email. ( marty_purks@ivstaff.org )
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Time for God?
Could it be that not having enough time to read the Bible and spend time with God because of all of the things we have to do is a good enough reason to not do it?
What do I mean? Am I saying that because of how gracious He is and also because some of us have been "in the Faith" a very long time that there is no longer a need to intentionally read the Bible or spend a concentrated time talking to Him? It seems like that could be a disease that many of us have caught.
We ARE very busy aren't we? It is a sign of our culture. It is a form of greeting that we give each other. "I am so busy!", "I've got so much to do; I am so stressed!" I can't believe the work I have to do. I'm at least a week behind." So when we work up our daily task list we put everything in its place. We prioritize the most important things first. We make sure we put at the top those things we can't ignore. That paper with the deadline; or the contract that must be signed and researched. The potential property that must be built. All these things scream "ME FIRST!" And we believe that is what really matters.
On the other hand... God is not clamoring to be at the top of the list. In fact, because of our experience with Bible Reading and Prayer we feel like he doesn't even need to be near the top. After all we will be able to catch up with that stuff after the important things are done. We know that God will understand. And also, because of that transformation / Holy Spirit thing - I believe God will give me what I need when I need it even if I am not prepared. Thank you Lord for meeting me where I am.
Wait, Wait, Wait!!! No, this is not a relationship! This is some kind of Convenience Store. that's right a spiritual convenience store. When we don't have time to do the real shopping or real preparation, we rely on the WAWA to get the essentials. That is how we are approaching our relationship with God. But it is a relationship. As in any relationship it takes time, effort, time, focus, time, creativity. It would be absurd if I thought that my relationship with Carolyn, in the early days would progress by just spending 7 minutes a week with her. It took hours. And it was hours that I wanted to spend with her. And you know what it still takes hours - 30 years later!
So it is with the Lord, I want to spend time with Him. I get to spend time with Him. And magically as I spend time with God - I know Him better. I can hear His voice better.
It's not about being legalistic, it's about a relationship
What do I mean? Am I saying that because of how gracious He is and also because some of us have been "in the Faith" a very long time that there is no longer a need to intentionally read the Bible or spend a concentrated time talking to Him? It seems like that could be a disease that many of us have caught.
We ARE very busy aren't we? It is a sign of our culture. It is a form of greeting that we give each other. "I am so busy!", "I've got so much to do; I am so stressed!" I can't believe the work I have to do. I'm at least a week behind." So when we work up our daily task list we put everything in its place. We prioritize the most important things first. We make sure we put at the top those things we can't ignore. That paper with the deadline; or the contract that must be signed and researched. The potential property that must be built. All these things scream "ME FIRST!" And we believe that is what really matters.
On the other hand... God is not clamoring to be at the top of the list. In fact, because of our experience with Bible Reading and Prayer we feel like he doesn't even need to be near the top. After all we will be able to catch up with that stuff after the important things are done. We know that God will understand. And also, because of that transformation / Holy Spirit thing - I believe God will give me what I need when I need it even if I am not prepared. Thank you Lord for meeting me where I am.
Wait, Wait, Wait!!! No, this is not a relationship! This is some kind of Convenience Store. that's right a spiritual convenience store. When we don't have time to do the real shopping or real preparation, we rely on the WAWA to get the essentials. That is how we are approaching our relationship with God. But it is a relationship. As in any relationship it takes time, effort, time, focus, time, creativity. It would be absurd if I thought that my relationship with Carolyn, in the early days would progress by just spending 7 minutes a week with her. It took hours. And it was hours that I wanted to spend with her. And you know what it still takes hours - 30 years later!
So it is with the Lord, I want to spend time with Him. I get to spend time with Him. And magically as I spend time with God - I know Him better. I can hear His voice better.
It's not about being legalistic, it's about a relationship
Thursday, January 31, 2008
The S Word, by Mac Richard
Mac Richard, The S-word
It’s really funny, over the course of my ministry, how many times I have had prospective brides sit in my office with their fiancées for pre-marital counseling and say something like this:
Just to need to establish some ground rules and make sure that nowhere in the ceremony does the word submit or obey rear its ugly head, okay? Thank you. Now let’s begin.
And I understand where that comes from. I understand the pushback to the S-word. When we think the S-word, we usually think doormat, rollover, taken advantage of. But that pushback betrays a gross misunderstanding of biblical submission.
First of all, we need to understand that Biblical submission is not limited to women. It’s not. The bible does say, “Wives, submit to your husbands,” in Ephesians 5:22. But what men have eliminated for centuries is the verse that goes immediately before this. Look at what it says. In Ephesians 5:21, the first part of the verse says, “Submit to one another.”
Isn’t it funny that men who predominantly have been preachers and teachers and priests have said, “Wives submit to your husbands. This is the will of the Lord for thy life.” But many times they have omitted this part that says, “Submit to one another.”
You see, in God’s economy, relationship works because people submit to each other. No matter the relationship, whatever it may be. God says in Philippians 2, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Whatever relationship you’re in, it will work better if both parties submit to each other.
Submission is the ultimate question between God and a person. See, we like to talk about grace, and forgiveness, love, and blessing. And those things are all there. But they’re only found in true submission. Male or female, husband or wife, married or single. Undecided. Submission to God. Your life submitted to Him, and in that, receiving His life submitted for you.
You see, Jesus not only calls us to this, he models this. On the night that He was betrayed, the Bible says that Jesus was praying in such anguish knowing what was to come that drops of blood formed on His forehead. Now this was before the crown of thorns was placed there. So this was how stressed and anguished He was. And he said, “God, if there’s any way for this cup to pass from me, for me to avoid the cross and the physical anguish, the spiritual death and separation from you, please I don’t want to do this. But not my will, but you will be done.”
That’s what Jesus did: submitting himself completely to and through the point of death for you and for me. Now, submission to someone who loves you that deeply, that unconditionally, that perfectly, is submitting to your own best interest. That is the miracle of unconditional love: It works because it is complete. There is no need for keeping score, for demands of more time, attention or affection. Submission works.
Posted by MacRichard on July 11, 2006 at 10:01 AM
It’s really funny, over the course of my ministry, how many times I have had prospective brides sit in my office with their fiancées for pre-marital counseling and say something like this:
Just to need to establish some ground rules and make sure that nowhere in the ceremony does the word submit or obey rear its ugly head, okay? Thank you. Now let’s begin.
And I understand where that comes from. I understand the pushback to the S-word. When we think the S-word, we usually think doormat, rollover, taken advantage of. But that pushback betrays a gross misunderstanding of biblical submission.
First of all, we need to understand that Biblical submission is not limited to women. It’s not. The bible does say, “Wives, submit to your husbands,” in Ephesians 5:22. But what men have eliminated for centuries is the verse that goes immediately before this. Look at what it says. In Ephesians 5:21, the first part of the verse says, “Submit to one another.”
Isn’t it funny that men who predominantly have been preachers and teachers and priests have said, “Wives submit to your husbands. This is the will of the Lord for thy life.” But many times they have omitted this part that says, “Submit to one another.”
You see, in God’s economy, relationship works because people submit to each other. No matter the relationship, whatever it may be. God says in Philippians 2, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Whatever relationship you’re in, it will work better if both parties submit to each other.
Submission is the ultimate question between God and a person. See, we like to talk about grace, and forgiveness, love, and blessing. And those things are all there. But they’re only found in true submission. Male or female, husband or wife, married or single. Undecided. Submission to God. Your life submitted to Him, and in that, receiving His life submitted for you.
You see, Jesus not only calls us to this, he models this. On the night that He was betrayed, the Bible says that Jesus was praying in such anguish knowing what was to come that drops of blood formed on His forehead. Now this was before the crown of thorns was placed there. So this was how stressed and anguished He was. And he said, “God, if there’s any way for this cup to pass from me, for me to avoid the cross and the physical anguish, the spiritual death and separation from you, please I don’t want to do this. But not my will, but you will be done.”
That’s what Jesus did: submitting himself completely to and through the point of death for you and for me. Now, submission to someone who loves you that deeply, that unconditionally, that perfectly, is submitting to your own best interest. That is the miracle of unconditional love: It works because it is complete. There is no need for keeping score, for demands of more time, attention or affection. Submission works.
Posted by MacRichard on July 11, 2006 at 10:01 AM
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Cruciform Preaching, Hugh McCord
The word "cruciform" is new to this octogenarian, but I am glad to learn what it means: "cross-shaped," a word that points to the pain and indignity and shame that Jesus endured because, said Paul, he "loved me and gave himself for me" (Galations 2:20, NIV).
One can say that Paul defined cruciform preaching as he wrote, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galations 6:14). "Christ and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2) was all that Paul preached, and all that he wrote about in 13 books. But included in his cruciform preaching was a fiery threat toward those who "do not obey the gospel" (2 Thessalonians 2:7-9). If cruciform preaching is limited to Calvary, all people will be saved, for, " by the grace of God," Jesus died "for every man" (Hebrews 2:9). Since "many," said Jesus, are on "the road that leads to destruction" (Matthew 7:13), cruciform preaching by itself is not enough.
A well-intended preacher thinks "the core" of the gospel, the four gospels, are more important than the rest of the New Testament. Indeed the four gospels are indispensable, but God did not think they were enough; his New Testament consists of 27 books. It is not complimentary for an uninspired man to minimize 23 inspired books, Acts to Revelation. It is shocking to read that the 23 books, Acts-Revelation, are simply "the shadow of the reflection of a ham sandwich," the ham sandwich being Matthew-John.
The core of a apple is indispensable, but useless without the flesh. Kirk Caselman not only does cruciform preaching, but also he preaches the rest of the New Testament. He knows the importance of the core of an apple and the core of the gospel, and he also knows the importance of the flesh of an apple and the flesh of Christianity, namely, "sound doctrine" (healthful teaching, hugies didaskalia, 2 Timothy 4:3) as found in all 27 books of the New Testament. He writes,
While we are preaching THE CORE GOSPEL, and becoming THE CRUCIFORM CHURCH, we must still identify "false prophets" (Matthew 7:21-23) and straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town (Titus 1:5)!
We need, Kirk says, "THE WHOLE WILL OF GOD".
The apostle who wrote that nothing was in his preaching but Christ and him crucified also wrote that all that he wrote in his 13 books "are the commandments of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:37). It is not possible to preach Christ and him crucified without preaching the commands of Christ: "If you love me," he said, "you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). He who "does not keep his commandments is a liar" (1 John 2:4).
If one only uses the four gospels to tell sinners what to do to be saved, he could please everybody by listing five different plans of salvation: (1) faith only (Luke 7:50); (2) faith of associates (Mark 2:5); (3) charity and restitution (Luke 19:1-10); (4) prayer only (Luke 23:43); and (5) faith and baptism (Mark 16:16).
If we do not go beyond the four gospels, we wind up with a do-nothing, powerless group, being told to "tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49).
As important as is cruciform preaching (and may no man minimize that "core"), it is but a prologue to Christianity. Everything in the four gospels was prior to the "beginning" of Christianity (Luke 24:49; Acts 11:15). Some ten or more important principles that God wants me to know he did not put in the four gospels, but only in Acts through Revelation.
1. WHAT NAME IS AUTHORITATIVE. If one only gets instruction from the four gospels he will not do anything "in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17). Instead, he will do everything in the name of Yahweh (Exodus 3:15; Matthew 6:9). Jesus reminded his apostles that during the three years of training his own name was not authoritative: "Until now you have not asked anything in my name" (John 16:24).
Then, in anticipation of the "beginning" (May 28, A.D. 30, Pentecost Day, Acts 2) of his new covenant, he prepared the apostles for the change from Yahweh’s name to his own name: "ask and you will receive" (John 16:24). Accordingly, they did nothing in Jesus’ name until what he called the "beginning" (Luke 24:47). On the day of the beginning, sinners were commanded to "repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 2:38). This was the first time that the name of Jesus was authoritative, and its authority continues to this day (Colossians 3:17), a fact not true if Acts through Revelation are ignored.
2. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH. In the prologue (Matthew through John) we learn that Jesus promised to build his church, but even after he had been raised from the dead he had not done it. If one does not utilize Acts-Revelation he would never know that the Lord did build his church, his beloved bride for whom he died (Acts 2:47; 5:11; 20:28; Ephesians 5:23). Since he will return to save his church, I want to know everything he had said about it in all 27 books of the New Testament.
3. THE COMING OF THE KINGDOM. In the prologue (Matthew-John) one learns that the kingdom was "at hand" (Mark 1:15), that it would come before the apostles died (Mark 9:1). But on crucifixion day (April 7) it was yet in the future (Mark 15:43), and on his ascension day (May 18) Jesus told the apostles "to wait for the promise" of "the power" that would accompany the coming of the kingdom (Acts 1:4-8). Ten days later, May 28, the kingdom came with power, and was spoken of as "the church" (Acts 2:1-4, 47; 5:11). How we do need Acts-Revelation!
4. THE KING. If one only reads the four gospels he will not see Jesus crowned as king. When some tried by force to make him a king, he walked away "into a mountain alone" (John 6:15). He relieved Pilate when he told him that, though he was born to be a king, his kingdom would not be "of this world" (John 18:36). After he had died and had come out of the tomb, still he had not been crowned (Acts 1:4-8).
But ten days after his ascension, as he sat at the Father’s right hand, God the Father anointed him "with the oil of gladness" to be King of kings, and Lord of lords, saying to him, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever (Hebrews 1:8-9; Acts 2:30).
I heard an old preacher use something of human origin (Bible chapter divisions) to bring home what the Bible teaches about the kingdom and the church. He exclaimed, "Daniel 2, Isaiah 2, Acts 2," emphasizing that Daniel 2 tells about the coming kingdom, Isaiah 2 tells about the coming church, and Acts 2 tells about the fulfillment of both predictions.
5. THE HIGH PRIEST. All Christians rejoice that Jesus now is their high priest, who "is able to save forever those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). But on the earth in the time of the four gospels he was not allowed to be a priest (Hebrews 7:14). On ascension day, as he went into heaven, he still was not a priest. But on May 28, ten days later, at the same time he was crowned king he was anointed to be our high priest (Hebrews 5:5-6).
6. CHRISTIANS ARE PRIEST. Never from the four gospels would one learn that all Christians, male and female, are priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9). But since Pentecost they are privileged to draw near with boldness to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
7. THE NAME CHRISTIAN. Jesus’ disciples, destined to be called Christians by "the mouth of the Lord" (Isaiah 62:2), did not receive that meaningful name until the church was integrated at Antioch (Acts 11:26), long after the time of the four gospels. Now they are privileged to "glorify God in this name" (1 Peter 4:16).
8. NO SACRED DAYS. If we do not look beyond the four gospels we will observe the sabbath day, as did Jesus (Luke 4:16). But Christians learn that they are forbidden to keep the sabbath day sacred (Colossians 2:16); Galations 4:10:11).
Moreover, Christians have no sacred day (cf. Romans 14:5-6). The first day of the week in not more sacred than any other, but the Lord wants Christians on that day to break bread and to lay by in store a contribution (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Though all days are the Lord’s, Jesus arose from the dead on the first day of the week, and so apparently John called Sunday "the Lord’s day" by way of special memory (Revelation 1:10).
9. CHURCH ORGANIZATION. Without Acts-Revelation the church might have a universal bishop or district superintendents or majority rule. But since an apostle has left an example of "elders" in "every church" (Acts 14:23), people who respect the Lord do not try to improve on the apostolic practice.
10. THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. As an indwelling guest the Holy Spirit "was not" given while Jesus was on the earth (John 7:39). But after his glorification in heaven as King of kings, he authorized the apostles to promise the gift of the Holy Spirit to all who obeyed the gospel (Acts 2:38; 5:32). Without Acts-Revelation one would not know of this heavenly gift.
One can say that Paul defined cruciform preaching as he wrote, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Galations 6:14). "Christ and him crucified" (1 Corinthians 2:2) was all that Paul preached, and all that he wrote about in 13 books. But included in his cruciform preaching was a fiery threat toward those who "do not obey the gospel" (2 Thessalonians 2:7-9). If cruciform preaching is limited to Calvary, all people will be saved, for, " by the grace of God," Jesus died "for every man" (Hebrews 2:9). Since "many," said Jesus, are on "the road that leads to destruction" (Matthew 7:13), cruciform preaching by itself is not enough.
A well-intended preacher thinks "the core" of the gospel, the four gospels, are more important than the rest of the New Testament. Indeed the four gospels are indispensable, but God did not think they were enough; his New Testament consists of 27 books. It is not complimentary for an uninspired man to minimize 23 inspired books, Acts to Revelation. It is shocking to read that the 23 books, Acts-Revelation, are simply "the shadow of the reflection of a ham sandwich," the ham sandwich being Matthew-John.
The core of a apple is indispensable, but useless without the flesh. Kirk Caselman not only does cruciform preaching, but also he preaches the rest of the New Testament. He knows the importance of the core of an apple and the core of the gospel, and he also knows the importance of the flesh of an apple and the flesh of Christianity, namely, "sound doctrine" (healthful teaching, hugies didaskalia, 2 Timothy 4:3) as found in all 27 books of the New Testament. He writes,
While we are preaching THE CORE GOSPEL, and becoming THE CRUCIFORM CHURCH, we must still identify "false prophets" (Matthew 7:21-23) and straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town (Titus 1:5)!
We need, Kirk says, "THE WHOLE WILL OF GOD".
The apostle who wrote that nothing was in his preaching but Christ and him crucified also wrote that all that he wrote in his 13 books "are the commandments of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 14:37). It is not possible to preach Christ and him crucified without preaching the commands of Christ: "If you love me," he said, "you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). He who "does not keep his commandments is a liar" (1 John 2:4).
If one only uses the four gospels to tell sinners what to do to be saved, he could please everybody by listing five different plans of salvation: (1) faith only (Luke 7:50); (2) faith of associates (Mark 2:5); (3) charity and restitution (Luke 19:1-10); (4) prayer only (Luke 23:43); and (5) faith and baptism (Mark 16:16).
If we do not go beyond the four gospels, we wind up with a do-nothing, powerless group, being told to "tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high" (Luke 24:49).
As important as is cruciform preaching (and may no man minimize that "core"), it is but a prologue to Christianity. Everything in the four gospels was prior to the "beginning" of Christianity (Luke 24:49; Acts 11:15). Some ten or more important principles that God wants me to know he did not put in the four gospels, but only in Acts through Revelation.
1. WHAT NAME IS AUTHORITATIVE. If one only gets instruction from the four gospels he will not do anything "in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Colossians 3:17). Instead, he will do everything in the name of Yahweh (Exodus 3:15; Matthew 6:9). Jesus reminded his apostles that during the three years of training his own name was not authoritative: "Until now you have not asked anything in my name" (John 16:24).
Then, in anticipation of the "beginning" (May 28, A.D. 30, Pentecost Day, Acts 2) of his new covenant, he prepared the apostles for the change from Yahweh’s name to his own name: "ask and you will receive" (John 16:24). Accordingly, they did nothing in Jesus’ name until what he called the "beginning" (Luke 24:47). On the day of the beginning, sinners were commanded to "repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ" (Acts 2:38). This was the first time that the name of Jesus was authoritative, and its authority continues to this day (Colossians 3:17), a fact not true if Acts through Revelation are ignored.
2. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH. In the prologue (Matthew through John) we learn that Jesus promised to build his church, but even after he had been raised from the dead he had not done it. If one does not utilize Acts-Revelation he would never know that the Lord did build his church, his beloved bride for whom he died (Acts 2:47; 5:11; 20:28; Ephesians 5:23). Since he will return to save his church, I want to know everything he had said about it in all 27 books of the New Testament.
3. THE COMING OF THE KINGDOM. In the prologue (Matthew-John) one learns that the kingdom was "at hand" (Mark 1:15), that it would come before the apostles died (Mark 9:1). But on crucifixion day (April 7) it was yet in the future (Mark 15:43), and on his ascension day (May 18) Jesus told the apostles "to wait for the promise" of "the power" that would accompany the coming of the kingdom (Acts 1:4-8). Ten days later, May 28, the kingdom came with power, and was spoken of as "the church" (Acts 2:1-4, 47; 5:11). How we do need Acts-Revelation!
4. THE KING. If one only reads the four gospels he will not see Jesus crowned as king. When some tried by force to make him a king, he walked away "into a mountain alone" (John 6:15). He relieved Pilate when he told him that, though he was born to be a king, his kingdom would not be "of this world" (John 18:36). After he had died and had come out of the tomb, still he had not been crowned (Acts 1:4-8).
But ten days after his ascension, as he sat at the Father’s right hand, God the Father anointed him "with the oil of gladness" to be King of kings, and Lord of lords, saying to him, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever (Hebrews 1:8-9; Acts 2:30).
I heard an old preacher use something of human origin (Bible chapter divisions) to bring home what the Bible teaches about the kingdom and the church. He exclaimed, "Daniel 2, Isaiah 2, Acts 2," emphasizing that Daniel 2 tells about the coming kingdom, Isaiah 2 tells about the coming church, and Acts 2 tells about the fulfillment of both predictions.
5. THE HIGH PRIEST. All Christians rejoice that Jesus now is their high priest, who "is able to save forever those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them" (Hebrews 7:25). But on the earth in the time of the four gospels he was not allowed to be a priest (Hebrews 7:14). On ascension day, as he went into heaven, he still was not a priest. But on May 28, ten days later, at the same time he was crowned king he was anointed to be our high priest (Hebrews 5:5-6).
6. CHRISTIANS ARE PRIEST. Never from the four gospels would one learn that all Christians, male and female, are priests (1 Peter 2:5, 9). But since Pentecost they are privileged to draw near with boldness to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).
7. THE NAME CHRISTIAN. Jesus’ disciples, destined to be called Christians by "the mouth of the Lord" (Isaiah 62:2), did not receive that meaningful name until the church was integrated at Antioch (Acts 11:26), long after the time of the four gospels. Now they are privileged to "glorify God in this name" (1 Peter 4:16).
8. NO SACRED DAYS. If we do not look beyond the four gospels we will observe the sabbath day, as did Jesus (Luke 4:16). But Christians learn that they are forbidden to keep the sabbath day sacred (Colossians 2:16); Galations 4:10:11).
Moreover, Christians have no sacred day (cf. Romans 14:5-6). The first day of the week in not more sacred than any other, but the Lord wants Christians on that day to break bread and to lay by in store a contribution (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2). Though all days are the Lord’s, Jesus arose from the dead on the first day of the week, and so apparently John called Sunday "the Lord’s day" by way of special memory (Revelation 1:10).
9. CHURCH ORGANIZATION. Without Acts-Revelation the church might have a universal bishop or district superintendents or majority rule. But since an apostle has left an example of "elders" in "every church" (Acts 14:23), people who respect the Lord do not try to improve on the apostolic practice.
10. THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. As an indwelling guest the Holy Spirit "was not" given while Jesus was on the earth (John 7:39). But after his glorification in heaven as King of kings, he authorized the apostles to promise the gift of the Holy Spirit to all who obeyed the gospel (Acts 2:38; 5:32). Without Acts-Revelation one would not know of this heavenly gift.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
45 years and counting!!
Today I attended a funeral of the dad of a good friend of mine. A real good friend. I met Randy in my driveway in 1962. That is about 45 years ago. At that time, we would never have guessed that we would have continued in relationship for this long.
There were 4 of us altogether. All lived on Oak Ridge St in Richmond, VA. We called ourselves the Oak Ridge Boys. We did so much together. Good Stuff, Bad Stuff - we went through jokes together, girls together, sports together and just about anything else together.
In the early days, we did not have a spiritual life together. We were just guys trying to get all we could out of life. Then one by one we began to encounter Jesus Christ. It took along time from 1972 to about 1980. But the Lord drew each of us to himself.
Now so many years later. We all walk with Jesus, and our wives. We are in leadership in 4 different churches and many different ministries. And we seek to stand with Jesus and with each other whatever it takes. Now the next stage: We stand with each other in the dark days of dealing with the losses of our parents and the transitions of our families. Several of us are now grandparents (not me). And we are beginning to think about the next steps.
Thanks Randy & Boys - you encourage me to stand with you as you stand with Jesus.
There were 4 of us altogether. All lived on Oak Ridge St in Richmond, VA. We called ourselves the Oak Ridge Boys. We did so much together. Good Stuff, Bad Stuff - we went through jokes together, girls together, sports together and just about anything else together.
In the early days, we did not have a spiritual life together. We were just guys trying to get all we could out of life. Then one by one we began to encounter Jesus Christ. It took along time from 1972 to about 1980. But the Lord drew each of us to himself.
Now so many years later. We all walk with Jesus, and our wives. We are in leadership in 4 different churches and many different ministries. And we seek to stand with Jesus and with each other whatever it takes. Now the next stage: We stand with each other in the dark days of dealing with the losses of our parents and the transitions of our families. Several of us are now grandparents (not me). And we are beginning to think about the next steps.
Thanks Randy & Boys - you encourage me to stand with you as you stand with Jesus.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
angry
What Can I Pray When I'm Angry?
by Terry Gooding
* Lord God, I pray that I will become wise and learn to hold back my temper. "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control" (Prov. 29:11).
* Help me not go to bed with anger in my heart. "Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" (Eph. 4:26).
* Cause me to put aside anger and wrath from my life. "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage . . . " (Col. 3:8).
* Teach me to be a person who is understanding and slow to anger. "A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly" (Prov. 14:29).
* Give me strength to turn away from anger and seek the righteousness of God. "For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (Jas. 1:20).
* Help me not to be the kind of person who causes conflict. "An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins" (Prov. 29:22).
* Guide me so that my anger will not become sin. "In your anger do not sin" (Eph. 4:26).
* Show me how to be careful of my words so that I do not stir up anger in other people. "A harsh word stirs up anger" (Prov. 15:1).
* Teach me not to hold anger in my heart. "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools" (Eccl. 7:9).
(Reprinted from Pray!'s online archives, Issue #28 January/Februry 2002.)
by Terry Gooding
* Lord God, I pray that I will become wise and learn to hold back my temper. "A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control" (Prov. 29:11).
* Help me not go to bed with anger in my heart. "Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry" (Eph. 4:26).
* Cause me to put aside anger and wrath from my life. "But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage . . . " (Col. 3:8).
* Teach me to be a person who is understanding and slow to anger. "A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man displays folly" (Prov. 14:29).
* Give me strength to turn away from anger and seek the righteousness of God. "For man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires" (Jas. 1:20).
* Help me not to be the kind of person who causes conflict. "An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins" (Prov. 29:22).
* Guide me so that my anger will not become sin. "In your anger do not sin" (Eph. 4:26).
* Show me how to be careful of my words so that I do not stir up anger in other people. "A harsh word stirs up anger" (Prov. 15:1).
* Teach me not to hold anger in my heart. "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools" (Eccl. 7:9).
(Reprinted from Pray!'s online archives, Issue #28 January/Februry 2002.)
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