Canada, Aye?

Yonge (pronounced "Young") St. North York Center a couple of blocks from Lake Ontario

Arrived in Muskoka at 9:10 p.m. yesterday. We took an hour and a half detour through the heart of Toronto, Yonge St. The ride would have been a record 14.5 hour drive but instead lasted 16 hours, but the trip up Yonge St., so cosmo, so multi-ethnic, so many bikes was worth it. I’ll have pictures we took from the car as we passed by large plate glass windows where our reflection stood out from the cosmo look. The mini van with an 18.5′ canoe on top was hilarious in the window. And yes, we got lost twice on the way up. We took a little detour onto the PA Turnpike looking for a bathroom for Jim. Ask him who Chi Chi is. My fault on the bad directions. And then in Buffalo, we went through Lackawanna to hook up with the Fort Erie bridge and got a little turned around but saw downtown Buffalo for the first time. Tim says Lackawanna is a great name for Presbyterians.

Rain pelted us as we emptied the car. The pump worked after sitting idle for two months. We have one working heater, but the wood stove cranked out maximum heat when we got it going. It’s not that cold. I think it was about 48 degrees last night. Sleeping was great. Beds have been fitted with new egg shell mattresses so they aren’t rock hard. Tim slept on the porch to get maximum exposure. Tim and Jim snored like elephants but they were two rooms away!

View from the Cottage

Danny shared his journey of faith this morning. Awesome! I wish he could tell it like that in front of a bunch of people. He’s become a Warrior for Christ, a rock of faith, in the five years I’ve known him. Jim and I went for a two mile walk up the road. We saw five deer who peered at us through the bushes, less than fifty feet away, as we walked by. I talked to them the whole way, but they didn’t want to go get coffee and talk.

I took a quickie swim this morning. Air temp was about 50. Water temp felt warmer, but chilly. Jim got it on film. All I can say is, “Refreshing!”

The guys played along with me and went to Knox Presbyterian Church in Port Carling to the prayer service and soup lunch. We had a liturgical prayer and worship then prayed for people’s needs. I prayed for Rhonda’s tests back home as she is totally stressed with history right now. The folks are Knox are wonderful and totally accommodated our usurping of their

Summer worship at Knox Pres., Port Carling, Ontario

prayer group. Soups were fantastic as usual. I had the corn chowder and the pureed squash, red pepper and some other zingy spices. Steven, the pastor, doesn’t know the recipe because he made it up as he found ingredients in the fridge. I sat at the end table with Toni, Steven’s wife, who was still excited from the excellent sermon (in Canadian “reading”) she gave at Knox on Sunday. Steven was preaching in Bracebridge as their moderator. He says stated supply is hard to get in the winter in these churches. I think we should give them some of our Commissioned Lay Pastors to help out!

The only doctor in town came to lunch and sat next to me. She immediately took up with the conversation about health care started by Jim when he asked what everyone thought of the Ontario health system. The response people had give was, “satisfied.” The doc asked how such a generous country could allow so many people to remain unvaccinated and under-served, and why our infant mortality rate is almost to third world proportions? she believes that the middle man and the lawyers are creating a selfish system. She mentioned that dentists make much more than doctors in Ontario because it is privatized. Toni concurred since she writes the paychecks for the doc and used to work for a dentist. But the payments and the services are working great according to the doc. She would like an appointment with Obama to help him understand the system. Canadian Health is all about cutting costs by keeping people healthy.

So, I’m at the Library while the guys do a little souvenier shopping and get a fishing license. Jim has to bring some moose antlers home for his granddaughter. I think Danny is going to bring something home with “Aye” on it since that has become his favorite word. Tim hopes to catch some fish. So out we go on the clear glassy piece of heaven, Lake Rosseau, before the rain starts in a few hours.

Why So Much Spiritual Deadness in Our Church

Tim Keller at Willow Creek Leadership Conference 09

I have the key to Spiritual renewal…I’m a sucker for people who say that.

What shocks us as ministers is the spiritual deadness in our congregations. A tiny number do all the work. Much spiritual indifference, backbiting, the critical spirit, pride, etc. we are so desperate to get a good idea. Lack of spiritual vitality is still the main problem. We don’t have the problem who can’t or won’t do it. I’m going to give you at my best shot of my diagnosis of what that deadness exists of that is not too vague. It’s too programmatic or organizational development.

Parable of prodigal son: prodigal = recklessly extravagant, prodigious. Spurgeon called it Prodigal love for the Prodigal Son. The parable is not for younger brother types. In Luke 15 at the beginning, the religious people and the sinners surround Jesus. The Pharisees notice that Jesus is hanging out with sinners. Then, Jesus told three parables to them, the Pharisees and religious people. Inside you have two figures, the sinner and the religious people. The last part of the parable is about the older brother to address us in the church, moral people, not the irreligious or immoral.

2. Main point in the parable is shocking in that both are alienated from the father, who represents God. Both are alienated from the father’s heart, lost and need an invitation in. they younger brother just wants the fathers money. He lives any way he wants, but by the end of the parable, the elder brother doesn’t love the father, even on the greatest day of the father’s life, because he is upset over how the money is spent! Both love the Father’s things but not the Father. Younger gets money by being bad. Elder tries to get money by staying home and being compliant and good. He says, “I’ve never disobeyed you!” Two ways of trying to control you own life: bad or moralistic. God has to answer my prayers, respect me and take me to heaven. Jesus might be his inspiration or example, or helper, but not his savior. He is his own savior. Two ways of being your own savior and reject God. The other brother claims he is with God. I stayed home and am doing everything you want. Underneath is no difference. The shocking ending is that the good brother does not come into the feast. The bad boy is saved and the good boy is lost, not in spite of his goodness but because of his goodness. The reason he rejects the father is because he has never disobeyed the father. I am so mad and licentiate because he has been so good and you are not doing what I want you to do.

The gospel is not morality or immorality.

Religion operates on the principle of obey and get acceptance. Gospel operates on accepting what Jesus has done for me therefore I obey. Motive. Spirit. Different results. Obey to get things. God is a means to an end. OR God gives us a righteous record and then I live for him. Everything a rational being could ever want is yours at the moment you believe. Granted eternal life and the knowledge of his delight in you, the only one in the whole universe that matters. Gospel people obey to get more of God, not his thins. Want to resemble God and delight in God to get more of him.

The source of spiritual deadness. Elder brothers through their efforts to obey and do good, want leverage over god and have self-righteousness over others and insecure inside of themselves, and functionally with God they are basing their relationship on performance. Self-centeredness, pride, backbiting. No growth in the fruit of the spirit. The fault of our heart is religion and we don’t really believe the gospel. The marks of spiritual deadness are that they get incredibly angry when their life doesn’t go well. Discouragement, yes. Sadness, yes, but they believe god owes them so anger at God. My leverage over him did not work. You don’t really believe the gospel so there is a spiritual deadness in your life.

How do you respond to criticism? Either counters attack because reputation is being a good person so very foundation of your life is at stake so we melt down or melt someone else down. You don’t believe you are sinner saved by grace.

Prayer: elder brothers pray, a lot. But are petitionary prayers. When things are going bad we do a lot, but one thing almost never do is just enjoy God, not much contemplation, adoration, meditation. It is impossible for elder brothers to not loathe other people. You have to despise other people who are lazy. If your self-image is based on the right doctrine, not on right doctrine is about, hard working, you will loathe people who disagree with you. Elder brothers are filled with loathing

Elder brothers can’t forgive. Anger is right normal and natural. But you can’t stay angry with someone unless you feel superior. Bitterness is a sign of power looking down on others who can’t see your goodness so you condemn others.

So many people!!

Two things must be done: a new level of repentance and a new level of rejoicing.

Pharisees were sorry and repented, but they were still Pharisees. They were even more pharisaical because they would say, “look how much I’ve repented!” it’s not repenting for your wrong doing but repenting for your right doing. You are trying to get control over other, your own life, leverage over god, feeling superior over others. Unless you can’t repent for your right doing there will not be renewal. You cannot get right with God because of your damnable good works. You think you are doing God a favor by following him. You must get down to that deeper level of repentance to break through to a new level of rejoicing and renewal.

Prodigal son typical moral is to repent and god receives you back. But you know that is just one more thing for us to do! We need to be moved by what it cost to bring the young man home! The cost to the father was huge. His estate was half gone. Every robe and ring, fatted calf and party belonged to the elder brother. So he brought him back at the expense of the elder brother. Elder brother didn’t want to do it. Oldest son’s job was to keep the family together. If he were a true older brother he would have gone out to get the younger brother like the good shepherd. The young man didn’t have an older brother but a Pharisee. But you do!

The father can only bring us back at the expense of the older brother. Who is that? The elder brother must save us not just by money but also with his life. He can clothe us with his robe because he gave it up on the cross. He can give us the cup of joy because Jesus drank the cup of wrath. When you are moved to the depths to see what it cost to bring you home you are cleansed of your self righteousness, and gives you a security that you do not need to do anything for God’s favor.

Practical: 50% of your elder brother needs to be squeezed out right now. Deeper repenting and deeper rejoicing to destroy the spiritual deadness. Showing people that gospel is not religion or irreligion, morality or immorality but a third way.

Young people are so demoralized by the gospel because it is not just living the way they want nor is it legalism but a third way. When you ask people to ask Jesus into your heart they think you are asking them to live like Jesus. Unless you thread the needle like I’ve described you cannot get spiritual renewal.

1. The leader must get this in my heart myself. Why am I trying so hard to help people? For me. We need to show that through faith alone! Don’t go into the ministry to save your soul. Now, I know. That’s what I do because I live and die by my attendance. My self-regard is bound up in numbers and overwork. Why criticism kills you. It’s not going after your ministry but your salvation. Experience personal yourself.

2. If you are a preacher or a teacher, when you communicate move beyond biblical principles to the gospel. We don’t give our money, as we should because we don’t see we have spiritual riches so money will stop becoming our salvation or our sign of righteousness. We need to give to take people to the gospel. We believe the gospel more deeply today so we can give our money away. God leads me beside still waters and green pastures. Go and trust him like that???? I have trouble trusting him like that. So, never end the teaching without talking about the one who thirsted or wasn’t allowed to lie down in green pastures but was killed on a cross. He was forsaken! He was tortured so you can see that your sins are always covered, and we bring the gospel to the heart rather than pounding the will.

3. Leaders together and take them through the Prodigal God and DVD. Do not treat it like a class.

4. Work it in your congregation the slow way, with your leaders taking it to the people in your congregation or you can do the whole church at once. If you do all that you will see these differences. You will have gracious disagreements. Most people would leave. We have gracious differences, and we are still happy on our own. Religious people come and say that they weren’t really Christians. Pray for this. John Newton: Thou art coming as a king…Thou art coming to a King,
Large petitions with thee bring;
For His grace and power are such,
None can ever ask too much.

–Come, My Soul, Thy Suit Prepare: by John Newton

The List God vs The Relational God

Anyone who worships the List God will vehemently deny it. Their List God is absolute, unquestionable and provable by a plethora of verses. I’ve been working my whole life to destroy my belief in the List God. I used to have a stronger belief in List God, but today, thanks to some severe encounters with the Loving God, my false assurances are waning.

The List God wants us to check off  a variety of ways to worship him:

Using correct language: Bishop vs pastor, spirit filled vs just born again, wine vs grape juice

Correct Church: women in leadership vs not, elders vs deacons, traditional vs everything else, women wear headcoverings or not

Correct doctrine: predestination vs free will, pre or post tribulation, 144,000 Jewish evangelists vs symbolism

Correct Lifestyle: alchohol, abortion, swearing, the death sentence

The List God won’t let the Love God operate freely. Too much is at stake. People might not have the right thoughts or actions. Satan is so deceptive. The List God loves to make people feel better about themselves: check, check, check. I did that and that and that. Whew! I’m OK! Thank you List God for your blessings!

But that’s not the Loving God Jesus showed us. He died at the hands of those who worshipped the List God. He seemed too liberal, too easy on sin, too wishy washy. Paul, too, said only one thing matter: you are a new creation. Circumcision (the leading indicator of those of worship Mr. List God) didn’t matter one bit! Just be a believer in what Jesus did. Bingo! The Loving God steps out of the darkness. No list in hand or red lettered in his Bible. He says, “Follow Me!” Not much of a list!

The good news is that lists don’t count! Woo Hoo! His holiness is my holiness! The blind who follow the List God seem so sure and confident that perfection is possible while following the List God. Truth is stranger than fiction. Lists don’t count! Jesus, the anti-List God, revealed a greater power to change people, the power of the grace and love of the Loving God. Follow Him!

2Tim. 1:8   So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,  9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,  10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

God Does Not Judge External Appearance

God does not judge by external appearance. Gal. 2:6

The marks of an apostle were obvious.

2 Corinthians12:12 The things that mark an apostle—signs, wonders and miracles—were done among you with great perseverance.

But Satan, also can masquerade as an angel of light and do counterfeit miracles.

2 Thessalonians 2:9 The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders.

When we who believe in God’s grace through the gospel (i.e. the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus and all that historic event means!) the question of “Who are you?” or implied “Are you legitimate?” rises in people. Why should someone listen? What makes us legitimate?

Jesus used the analogy of a shepherd in John 10. The hired hand runs away when trouble comes. The good shepherd lies down in front of the gate and gives up his life. To Jesus, legitimacy was serving, sacrifice and perseverance. (See the parable of the four soils in Luke 8:15)

The Corinthian church was dismissing Paul’s legitimacy. Paul uses evidence that puts many of us Christians to shame to show his legitimacy.

1 Cor. 1:17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel — not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power….23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles…

He told them the fact of gospel history over and over again.

1Cor. 2:1   When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God.  2 For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.  3 I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling.  4 My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power,  5 so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.

He knows there is only one foundation to build on to promote legitimacy.

1 Cor. 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Paul knew that the Corinthian church people were distancing themselves from him because he seemed so simple. He said that they were saying he was a fool (i.e. simpleton) and that his words were not wise (Gk: sophia from which we get the word sophisticated)

1 Cor. 4:10 We are fools for Christ, but you are so wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honored, we are dishonored!

1 Cor. 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.

External appearances can be deceiving. What we consider successful or sophisticated includes large monuments, big buildings, beautiful steeples, respectful peers, large crowds and the spectacular “excellence” in worship. The external signs of a successful ministry can masquerade around for years and dupe people as Satan does. It can make people think they are making a difference in the world, but are really just “hired hands.”

Throughout his ministry, Paul was perplexed by what is a legitimate church. His final comments from his final letter in prison at the end of his life goes like this:

Phil. 1:15 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.  16 The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel.  17 The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains.  18 But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.

The goal wasn’t external success. If that was the case, he failed. Success is Christ and the gospel, plain and simple. Preach Christ. Tell the gospel (his death, burial and resurrection). Preach Jesus. Unpack the way, the truth and the life. Knowing the truth sets us free. His death proves his love and grace can be unharnessed in our lives. Knowing the truth, that is, a belief in the historical facts of Christ’s death and resurrection is the greatest mark of the church. Separate this from The Journey or any church and we are duped and de-legit!

The Apostle Paul’s Boasts

As I see what churches and pastors boast about, I wonder if they have a right. Churches let visitors know what they have to offer. Not inherently boasting, this advertising markets the “strengths” of each church. As fellow pastors understand, the church without programs can’t make it. So, a little boasting about programs!

The Apostle Paul did not boast in programs he sponsored. He boasted about people, giving and what God had done.

1Cor. 9:1   Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord?  2 Even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.

I find that after 25 years of ministry, when I need to take inventory of what has happened I look at people. We had some good runs with programs, some success with numbers but I feel the greatest satisfaction when I get word from people who are still running with The Lord. Every “program” that was successful as I get older produced a lifelong change in some folks who have reproduced other lifelong Christians. I can’t say I’ve had the impact of some world leaders, but in so many people, a love for Christ and his work has thoroughly worked through them. I can say that their kids are also going in that same direction. The secret? What’s your boasting in?

Two of Paul’s favorite boasts:

1 Cor. 1:31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”

Gal. 6:14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

Fall 2008
College:				Kirkhof College of Nursing
Major:				Pre-Nursing
Academic Standing:				Good Standing
Subject	Course	Level	Title					Grade	Credit Hours	Quality Points	R
ART	101	U	Introduction to Art					C-	3.000	5.10
CHM	109	U	Introductory Chemistry					C+	5.000	11.50
MTH	097	U	Elementary Algebra					A-	4.000	14.80
WRT	098	U	Writing with a Purpose					C	4.000	8.00
					Attempt Hours	Passed Hours	Earned Hours	GPA Hours	Quality Points	GPA
Current Term:					16.000	16.000	16.000	16.000	39.40	2.463
Cumulative:					16.000	16.000	16.000	16.000	39.40	2.463
Winter 2009
College:				Kirkhof College of Nursing
Major:				Pre-Nursing
Academic Standing:				Good Standing
Last Academic Standing:				Good Standing
Subject	Course	Level	Title					Grade	Credit Hours	Quality Points	R
BIO	120	U	General Biology I					C	4.000	8.00
MTH	110	U	Algebra					C	4.000	8.00
PSY	101	U	SLA Introductory Psychology					C-	3.000	5.10
WRT	150	U	Strategies in Writing					B	4.000	12.00
				Attempt Hours	Passed Hours	Earned Hours	GPA Hours	Quality Points	GPA
Current Term:				15.000	15.000	15.000	15.000	33.10	2.207
Cumulative:				31.000	31.000	31.000	31.000	72.50	2.339
TRANSCRIPT TOTALS (UNDERGRADUATE)      -Top-
				Attempt Hours	Passed Hours	Earned Hours	GPA Hours	Quality Points	GPA
Total Institution:				31.000	31.000	31.000	31.000	72.50	2.339
Total Transfer:				0.000	0.000	0.000	0.000	0.00	0.000
Overall:				31.000	31.000	31.000	31.000	72.50	2.339

Sean’s Hard Verses List

Just thought you might like to see Sean’s list of verses he wants explained. I find these verses cropping up in all kinds of places on the web, in conversation, with doubters and in Bible studies. Why? For most of the past 200 years Jewish background studies of the New Testament were negligible. The gospels are Jewish documents, not Greek or Roman. Everything must be filtered through authors who wrote to Jews. None wrote to a Gentile audience. Luke may come closest since he is a gentile, but never forget that Christianity in it’s infancy was a Jewish cult. Jesus went to the Jews. “He went to that which was his own but his own received him not!” John 1:10.

Jesus is a Jewish Rabbi. You can read Geza Vermes brilliant outline of Jesus the Jew to see how this is so true. Vermes is not a Christian, but a Jewish scholar fascinated by Jesus, yet remaining in unbelief. If you cannot see Jesus using Rabbinical teaching methods or teaching through a Jewish lens on the world, many of his teachings are bizarre and contradictory.  For instance. “hate your mother”, he says. This is simple hyperbole or exaggeration to get a point across about your devotion to God. “Carry your cross,” is again a mystical view of the greatness of living for Christ in the face of overwhelming odds against living for Christ. Jesus poses questions and riddles to people who are seeking his identity. He does exactly what Rabbi’s do all through history. In Luke 20:1-5, Jesus doesn’t answer the question about where he gets his authority or who sponsors him. He poses a riddle about John the Baptist. He’s helping the Pharisees to see their ladder of inference, their basis for their assumptions. Of course, they don’t, but that’s his point. Self-delusion blinds people to his identity.

And today is no exception. People are so full of themselves and their ability to discern truth that questioning their assumptions is sacrosanct. NADA! Don’t go there. We are supposed to allow people to make up their beliefs and then coddle them with ooh’s and ahh’s at their high sounding arguments. “I’m not exclusive!” “How can I believe in a God who wipes out thousands of Philistines or kills his own son?” “I’m a Buddhist Christian!” Sounds profound, but of course, Jesus would ask a question in return or prod them with a parable. (Maybe the parable of Lazarus and the rich man might work. The rich man made up his religion, lived for himself and ended up on the short side of the chasm. The beggar understood a need for God, as he was stripped of any sense of self aggrandizement in his poverty.)

So, if you want to probe Sean’s Hard Verses List, go ahead. See how my friend is thinking. If you are interested in more theological discussion check out “FAbricating Jesus: How Modern Scholars Distort the Gospel,” by Mark Evans. He’s not a hyper ventilating apologeticist, but a theo-historian with a pragmatic and comprehensive view of the first Century world Jesus and other Jews inhabited. You may also want to read, “Desire of the Everlasting Hills: The World Before and After Jesus (Hinges of History)”, by Thomas Cahill.

Anyone who reads the New Testament must understand the division between Paul and all the others. Remember, he’s the only apostle who understood the mystery of the gospel.

Romans 16:24-26 (New International Version)

²⁵Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, ²⁶but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him—

No More Money

I read a blog by a man who lives without money. He’s lived without it for nine years. How? Dumpster diving. Living in a cave.

Dumpster diving in London

Eating roadkill. Getting free clothes. Eating insects, grass and leaves. Yum!

He’s a genius, and a philosopher. He’s not mentally crazy. He’s part of a contingency of people who say that money makes us all crazy and lawless. The moneyless man states that people share and love more when money is not involved. Native Americans before the Europeans didn’t worry about who’s bowl or who’s blanket they used, he says. He is unencumbered with cares of this world and can sit all day watching clouds go by. Wow! I want that life! NO WORRY

When I told Rhonda this great idea about living without money and all our money issues would be solved  she made it clear that she didn’t want to do the dumpster diving. She did mention that Ken White, our pastor friend in Ann Arbor, ate someone else’s leftover pizza once in college. She didn’t buy the great concept of freedom held out by our penniless friend.

In Summary: The guy’s crazy. He has no kids. It’s a selfish existence. He takes care of himself. He makes absolutely no case at all about taking care of the sick, the impaired, those who cannot care for themselves, like children. he doesn’t care. He can watch the clouds all day, all by himself, making up his religion and his purpose in life. I find it no surprise that in the fine print he’s an avid evolutionist. He’s as counter cultural as he can be, making a statement against traditions and cultural mores. Screaming loudly on the internet so that others will be jealous of his freedom. Ballyhooing anything of the cross, the Bible and of course, evil Christians!

He’s as right as the Beatles who said, “Can’t buy me love!” He’s right that, we think way too much that money solves our problems. Money does enslave us, but can you see his flawed argument? Freedom doesn’t come from having no worries or no binding contracts with anyone. Isolation is not freedom. Dumpster diving is not freedom.

Have you ever stayed up all night talking to a friend or a group of friends? That’s freedom! Have you ever stayed up reading a good book until you knew that the next day would be the zombiest day of the week? That’s freedom! Have you ever hiked or ran until you were exhausted, squeezed dry on the inside and your inside was on the outside? Jumping into a cool pond is where the feeling of freedom comes. We are unencumbered by things and money problems in the penniless man’s system, but is that freedom? What would he do in a Utah desert without any of the dumpsters or free clothes or wood to burn from building sites? He wouldn’t feel so free? Unencumbered, yes, but free?

Freedom comes from another source, through a relationship with one who sets us free and reminds us about our own self-delusions that enslave us. When will we ever be totally free here? Jesus said,  “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 The way to freedom he says is “to hold to my teachings.” What are his teachings? The way of the cross. The way of belief in the Father’s gifts. The way of the gospel: his death for our lives and the crazy world and universe we live in. Freedom comes when we “see” him and “visualize” his truth and “meditate on” these glories of God at work in life and thought. Freedom from self-delusion and from the cares of this world happens when we are staying up all night talking to a real God and contemplating his being and glory revealed in history (The Bible) and in His Son.

Most people will settle for dumpster diving.

Religilous: a Threat or a Good Critique?

Dr. Greg Boyd’s blog contains a reasonable analysis of the latest movie, Religilous, and its bipolar attempt to explain away the gospels and Christianity. Religilous, according to Dr. Boyd, correctly critiques some of the insanity of religion. If you have any desire for reasonable analysis and are open to a few hundred words more than a normal blog, you will see a scholar/pastor/teacher/author at work analyzing rationally. Dr. Boyd needs more publicity than the fluffy, a-biblical, sermonizing that usually happens in mega-church Christianity.

http://www.gregboyd.org/blog/religulous-and-the-alleged-horus-christ-parallels/

Sunday Afternoon Reflection, Pastor Style

One pastor friend told me he never thinks twice about his sermons after Sunday morning. I’m not one of those. I liked today’s sermon: “Don’t worry!” Luke 12:22-40. We can’t be ready for action if we are always worrying. However, as much as I pointed out a couple of key commands (6) and insights (“or proverbs”) (7), then wrapped it up with a systems-thinking-graph about why worry keeps us from seeing all of God’s options, I have never liked the unfinished aspect of a sermon.

What always remains unfinished? Today, three folks came up and said it was a good corrective to their thinking. This is not what finishes it for me, as much as I like compliments. I always feel like a sermon is unfinished. There is always more. Always something to leave out. Always an illustration that could have been stronger or tighter. However, redoing the sermon a day later or a month later doesn’t finish it.

For me, finishing the sermon cannot be done. It’s the most frustrating aspect of preaching. I like feedback, immediate and spontaneous. I like to know how a sentence is perceived, not a month from now, but right now. I want to know what someone else might add, or what someone else has read on the subject. As much as I read and study, I always leave something out. And this is true when I listen to other pastors preach. Though I am much less critical of late, there remains a fallacious heresy among the pews and folding chairs of Christendom that their pastor preaches “the whole counsel of God” in a sermon or two or fifty two. After twenty-five years of preaching, I know it can’t be done.

A beautiful, breezy, fall day with the temp at 75.

What do I do? After preaching in Luke for ten and a half months, and only arriving at chapter twelve, I can say that by far, this has been the most enjoyable preaching. After leaving this morning, I know there will be at least five groups of listeners who will complete the sermon in their cell groups. They will be studying along with me, some in Mark and some in John, but the picture of Jesus teaching, lambasting and testing their faith (“You of little faith!) will be fresh, will spark greater connections and some will even do a little study of their own.

Amid all the sounds and chores of this world, the little voice of the teacher behind the pulpit can sure get lost. The power of that little voice is in sticking to the Jesus who died a bloody death at the hands of ignorant people, who suffered the wrath of God in his burial and was proven to be the perfect sacrifice for sin in his resurrection. In these, how could anyone lose their way!