BRINGING THE KINGDOM NEAR (HOPE)
Last year Marlaena Cochran spoke at one of our CCC worship gatherings on the topic of hope. She referenced Eugene Peterson who describes hope with these words:
"Hope is imagination put in the harness of faith. It means a confident, alert expectation that God will do what He said He will do."
I love that description and it fits so well with Jesus announcement in Mark 1:15: "The time has come. The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" A spiritual, economic, and political malaise had settled upon much for first century Palestine. Although in the back of their minds, the Jewish nation had a promise from God that one day His kingdom would be established, quite frankly there was very little expectation and even less confidence that God would actually do what He said he would, at least in their lifetime. When Jesus announced that the in Him the kingdom had come, he was declaring that God was now doing the very thing God said He would do. Jesus came to proclaim HOPE.
Hope is a powerful weapon in this kingdom revolution. Hope has the capacity to counteract, and even neutralize its arch rival, despair - that brooding, oppressive sense that things will never be any different. One of my favorite texts of Scripture comes from Ephesians:
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen." (Ephesians 3:20 -21)
Immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine - that's hope: imagination in the harness of faith!
Bringing the kingdom near means incarnating a message of hope - becoming and living day in and day out, as people of hope. Today let your faith in God run wild. Live with a confident and alert expectation that God will do what God said He will. And as a kingdom revolutionary, bring that message into the circles of despair that are all around us.
Let's keep hope alive!
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Monday, April 04, 2005
BRINGING THE KINGDOM OF GOD NEAR (FAITH)
This week I'll be sharing some thoughts on bringing the kingdom of God near.
Erwin McManus in his latest book, "The Barbarian Way" writes: "The invitation of Jesus is a revolutionary call to fight for the heart of humanity. We are called to an unconventional war using only the weapons of faith, hope and love. Nevertheless, this war is no less dangerous than any war ever fought. And for those of us, who embrace the cause of Christ, the cost to participate in the mission of God is nothing less than everything we are and everything we have."
The first words from the mouth of Jesus as found in the Gospel of Mark are these: "The time has come; the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:14-15). Jesus was declaring that in Him and through Him, God was unveiling His plan for Israel.
A large piece of this kingdom revolution was, to use NT Wright's word, "a call to become a renewed people." And so very quickly Jesus begins to invite others into this kingdom quest. Simon and Andrew, James, and John - they all abandoned their nets to follow Jesus and become the first kingdom revolutionaries. In some simple yet profound way, Simon, Andrew, James and John exhibited faith in Jesus. It is unclear as to what they truly believed about who Jesus was - but one thing was certain: they each possessed a level of confidence (faith) that indeed God was doing something unique and powerful in and through Jesus and they were compelled to be a part of it.
It is interesting to note that the first public expression of Jesus' ministry occurred in the synagogue of Capernaum. There Jesus confronted a man with an evil spirit who cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!" (Mark 1:24). Immediately Jesus silenced the demons and the man was delivered and liberated from their oppression. It's interesting that the first one to public declare who Jesus was, happened to be a demon. What's up with that? And why did Jesus silence them?
Jesus invites you and me to be a part of the kingdom revolution. As Erwin McManus says, it is an unconventional war fought only with the weapons of faith, hope, and love. One of the church fathers, Augustine, wrote this about the distinction between a devil's faith and the faith of a Christ follower:
"Faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing. The devils confessed Christ, but lacking charity it availed nothing. They said, 'What do we have to do with you?' They confessed a sort of faith but without love. Hence they were devils. Do not boast of that faith that puts you on the same level with the devils."
As we ready ourselves for battle - let's check our faith and let's make sure it is a faith that is ready to work itself out in love.
This week I'll be sharing some thoughts on bringing the kingdom of God near.
Erwin McManus in his latest book, "The Barbarian Way" writes: "The invitation of Jesus is a revolutionary call to fight for the heart of humanity. We are called to an unconventional war using only the weapons of faith, hope and love. Nevertheless, this war is no less dangerous than any war ever fought. And for those of us, who embrace the cause of Christ, the cost to participate in the mission of God is nothing less than everything we are and everything we have."
The first words from the mouth of Jesus as found in the Gospel of Mark are these: "The time has come; the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:14-15). Jesus was declaring that in Him and through Him, God was unveiling His plan for Israel.
A large piece of this kingdom revolution was, to use NT Wright's word, "a call to become a renewed people." And so very quickly Jesus begins to invite others into this kingdom quest. Simon and Andrew, James, and John - they all abandoned their nets to follow Jesus and become the first kingdom revolutionaries. In some simple yet profound way, Simon, Andrew, James and John exhibited faith in Jesus. It is unclear as to what they truly believed about who Jesus was - but one thing was certain: they each possessed a level of confidence (faith) that indeed God was doing something unique and powerful in and through Jesus and they were compelled to be a part of it.
It is interesting to note that the first public expression of Jesus' ministry occurred in the synagogue of Capernaum. There Jesus confronted a man with an evil spirit who cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!" (Mark 1:24). Immediately Jesus silenced the demons and the man was delivered and liberated from their oppression. It's interesting that the first one to public declare who Jesus was, happened to be a demon. What's up with that? And why did Jesus silence them?
Jesus invites you and me to be a part of the kingdom revolution. As Erwin McManus says, it is an unconventional war fought only with the weapons of faith, hope, and love. One of the church fathers, Augustine, wrote this about the distinction between a devil's faith and the faith of a Christ follower:
"Faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing. The devils confessed Christ, but lacking charity it availed nothing. They said, 'What do we have to do with you?' They confessed a sort of faith but without love. Hence they were devils. Do not boast of that faith that puts you on the same level with the devils."
As we ready ourselves for battle - let's check our faith and let's make sure it is a faith that is ready to work itself out in love.
Sunday, April 03, 2005
THE POWER OF STORY (ENACTING THE KINGDOM OF GOD)
Stories are powerful. They serve as a window through which we gain a clearer view of the world. They can move us from indifference to compassion, from hatred to love, and from darkness into light. Stories shape our imaginations, and provide a sense of meaning, purpose, direction, and intention to life. They have the power to invite us into something larger than ourselves (in the words of Jim Collins a "BHAG," Big, Audacious, Hairy, Goal)
Here's a powerful story from Steve Chalke's book, "The Forgotten Message of Jesus;" it reminds me about the invitation we have from Jesus to "bring the kingdom of God near."
"In the frenzy of battle during World War II it obviously wasn’t always possible to return fallen soldiers to their homeland for burial. Many lay where they fell and are only remembered today by anonymous graves. Fearing this fate for one of their own, a US Company fight in the heart of the French countryside approached a Catholic priest to ask if they could bury their fallen colleague in the small, countryside graveyard attached to the church. To their astonishment, the priest turned them down on two grounds – the dead soldier was not a Catholic and there was no room in the already crowded graveyard. With heavy hearts the soldiers were left with no other option than to bury their friend just beyond the small wooden fence that marked the boundary of the cemetery and indicating its presence with a simple cross.
Within a couple of months the war was over and the company prepared for their journey home. But longing to say goodbye to their dead friend, they decided to return once more to the graveyard alongside where they had buried him. On arriving at the church, the cemetery looked much the same but, try as they might, as they walked around the perimeter fence they could not see any sign of the wooden cross they had left to mark the grave. Angered by they belief that the priest had removed even this simple memorial to they fallen buddy, they ran towards the church to challenge the priest. But as they approached, the priest came out to meet them. “I am so glad you have returned,” he said in a welcoming voice. “After you left I was troubled by my actions. I saw the dignity with which you buried your friend and realized the anguish my decision had caused you. I couldn’t change the fact that the cemetery was full so I decided to solve the problem in a different way. I’ve moved the boundary fence a meter or two so that your friend’s grave is now within the graveyard itself. I hope you can forgive me.”
Like the priest, sometimes bringing the kingdom of God near is not my first thought. But I pray that like the priest it might be my last one.
Stories are powerful. They serve as a window through which we gain a clearer view of the world. They can move us from indifference to compassion, from hatred to love, and from darkness into light. Stories shape our imaginations, and provide a sense of meaning, purpose, direction, and intention to life. They have the power to invite us into something larger than ourselves (in the words of Jim Collins a "BHAG," Big, Audacious, Hairy, Goal)
Here's a powerful story from Steve Chalke's book, "The Forgotten Message of Jesus;" it reminds me about the invitation we have from Jesus to "bring the kingdom of God near."
"In the frenzy of battle during World War II it obviously wasn’t always possible to return fallen soldiers to their homeland for burial. Many lay where they fell and are only remembered today by anonymous graves. Fearing this fate for one of their own, a US Company fight in the heart of the French countryside approached a Catholic priest to ask if they could bury their fallen colleague in the small, countryside graveyard attached to the church. To their astonishment, the priest turned them down on two grounds – the dead soldier was not a Catholic and there was no room in the already crowded graveyard. With heavy hearts the soldiers were left with no other option than to bury their friend just beyond the small wooden fence that marked the boundary of the cemetery and indicating its presence with a simple cross.
Within a couple of months the war was over and the company prepared for their journey home. But longing to say goodbye to their dead friend, they decided to return once more to the graveyard alongside where they had buried him. On arriving at the church, the cemetery looked much the same but, try as they might, as they walked around the perimeter fence they could not see any sign of the wooden cross they had left to mark the grave. Angered by they belief that the priest had removed even this simple memorial to they fallen buddy, they ran towards the church to challenge the priest. But as they approached, the priest came out to meet them. “I am so glad you have returned,” he said in a welcoming voice. “After you left I was troubled by my actions. I saw the dignity with which you buried your friend and realized the anguish my decision had caused you. I couldn’t change the fact that the cemetery was full so I decided to solve the problem in a different way. I’ve moved the boundary fence a meter or two so that your friend’s grave is now within the graveyard itself. I hope you can forgive me.”
Like the priest, sometimes bringing the kingdom of God near is not my first thought. But I pray that like the priest it might be my last one.
Friday, April 01, 2005
APRIL FOOLS' DAY
According to USA TODAY Snapshots, these are the top three April Fools' Day jokes:
1) Swiss spaghetti harvest: In 1957, the BBC said Swiss farmers were harvesting a huge spaghetti crop due to the near elimination of the spaghetti weevil. Coverage showed peasants picking spaghetti from trees.
2) Sidd Finch: In April 1985, Sports Illustrated writer George Plimpton wrote an article about a new Mets pitcher, side Finch, a Buddhist monk who could throw a 168 MPH fastball.
3) Instant color: In 1962, Sweden’s only TV channel broadcast in black and white. The station's technical expert shows how viewers could convert their sets to color by pulling a nylon stocking over the screen.
April Fools’ Day or All Fools' Day, is celebrated around the world on the first day of April. On this day it is customary to play practical jokes on people, causing them to believe something that isn’t true or to go on a fruitless errand. Although the origin of the custom is unknown, a common theory is that it developed as part of ancient spring festivals.
I find it interesting that this year, we remember April Fools Day during the first week of the Easter season. What some might consider to be the biggest joke of all - God coming to earth, taking on human form, dying, and rising again to new life - is in fact the power and wisdom of God to save.
It's no joke - Christ has died, Christ has risen and Christ will come again!
"Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become "fools" so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. "
According to USA TODAY Snapshots, these are the top three April Fools' Day jokes:
1) Swiss spaghetti harvest: In 1957, the BBC said Swiss farmers were harvesting a huge spaghetti crop due to the near elimination of the spaghetti weevil. Coverage showed peasants picking spaghetti from trees.
2) Sidd Finch: In April 1985, Sports Illustrated writer George Plimpton wrote an article about a new Mets pitcher, side Finch, a Buddhist monk who could throw a 168 MPH fastball.
3) Instant color: In 1962, Sweden’s only TV channel broadcast in black and white. The station's technical expert shows how viewers could convert their sets to color by pulling a nylon stocking over the screen.
April Fools’ Day or All Fools' Day, is celebrated around the world on the first day of April. On this day it is customary to play practical jokes on people, causing them to believe something that isn’t true or to go on a fruitless errand. Although the origin of the custom is unknown, a common theory is that it developed as part of ancient spring festivals.
I find it interesting that this year, we remember April Fools Day during the first week of the Easter season. What some might consider to be the biggest joke of all - God coming to earth, taking on human form, dying, and rising again to new life - is in fact the power and wisdom of God to save.
It's no joke - Christ has died, Christ has risen and Christ will come again!
"Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become "fools" so that you may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God's sight. "
1 Corinthians 3:18-19
Monday, March 28, 2005
MATTERS OF LIFE AND DEATH
Patty's Aunt Mary died earlier this month. She was an interesting, eighty-something woman who lived a rich, full life. Until the end that is: the last six weeks of her life were in a sense, a nightmare. Throw in a unclear diagnosis, medical and nursing home staff, power of attorney, family tension and strife, and no clear communication and documentation from the patient and what do you have: a living (and dying) nightmare.
I'm pro-life and believe that a true pro-life position is like a seamless garment of life, valuing life from conception to death. This is a complex issue with no simplistic answers and Christ followers must grapple with matters of life and death in and with faith.
I'd encourage you to take a look at Julie Polter's article on "End of Life Ethics"
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj0408&article=040841c
Take some time this week to speak with loved ones about matters of life and death. And do so prayerfully with sensitivity, to both the Spirit of God and to another as sisters and brothers in Christ.
Patty's Aunt Mary died earlier this month. She was an interesting, eighty-something woman who lived a rich, full life. Until the end that is: the last six weeks of her life were in a sense, a nightmare. Throw in a unclear diagnosis, medical and nursing home staff, power of attorney, family tension and strife, and no clear communication and documentation from the patient and what do you have: a living (and dying) nightmare.
I'm pro-life and believe that a true pro-life position is like a seamless garment of life, valuing life from conception to death. This is a complex issue with no simplistic answers and Christ followers must grapple with matters of life and death in and with faith.
I'd encourage you to take a look at Julie Polter's article on "End of Life Ethics"
http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=magazine.article&issue=soj0408&article=040841c
Take some time this week to speak with loved ones about matters of life and death. And do so prayerfully with sensitivity, to both the Spirit of God and to another as sisters and brothers in Christ.
Sunday, March 27, 2005
TWIST OF FAITH: EMERGENT CHURCHES ATTRACT WORSHIPPERS WITH ALTERNATIVE RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCES
Check out the article in Sunday's Pittsburgh Post Gazette on the emerging church movement in Pittsburgh. I know all of the pastors referenced in the story (including BJ Woodworth who has been a guest speaker at Christ Community Church) and I think you will find it informative and inspiring. Leave a comment - I'd love to hear your thoughts and reactions.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05086/477120.stm
Check out the article in Sunday's Pittsburgh Post Gazette on the emerging church movement in Pittsburgh. I know all of the pastors referenced in the story (including BJ Woodworth who has been a guest speaker at Christ Community Church) and I think you will find it informative and inspiring. Leave a comment - I'd love to hear your thoughts and reactions.
http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/05086/477120.stm
Friday, March 25, 2005
STATIONS OF THE CROSS
One of the treasures from the ancient practices of the church that has caught the attention of the people in the emerging church movement is the Stations of the Cross. This most likely is new to those of us from the protestant tradition, but the stations of the cross have helped men and women of faith throughout the generations draw closer to the amazing events that transpired in Jerusalem some two thousand years ago that fully revealed the Father's love for sinners. In a sense, Mel Gibson's, "The Passion of the Christ" is a two hour film on the stations.
Last evening at our Holy Thursday worship gathering we viewed a short piece created by Sally Morganthaler entitled "Stations." You can view it here:
http://sermonspice.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=50
On this day we call Good Friday, I'll be spending time reflecting on the passion of the Christ. A compelling website that features the Stations of the Cross is
http://communiquejournal.org/081203_stationsgallery/index.html
At this site you will discover creative renderings of the final hours of Christ's life, along with commentary that will draw your heart deeper into the amazing love of God displayed in Christ's sacrifice.
For those of you who prefer music, take a listen to Jars of Clay's powerful version of "What Wondrous Love." You can download from a number of sites including iTunes and
http://musicdownloads.walmart.com/catalog/servlet/AlbumServlet?id=76944.
May you encounter Christ's passion and love for you afresh this day.
One of the treasures from the ancient practices of the church that has caught the attention of the people in the emerging church movement is the Stations of the Cross. This most likely is new to those of us from the protestant tradition, but the stations of the cross have helped men and women of faith throughout the generations draw closer to the amazing events that transpired in Jerusalem some two thousand years ago that fully revealed the Father's love for sinners. In a sense, Mel Gibson's, "The Passion of the Christ" is a two hour film on the stations.
Last evening at our Holy Thursday worship gathering we viewed a short piece created by Sally Morganthaler entitled "Stations." You can view it here:
http://sermonspice.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=50
On this day we call Good Friday, I'll be spending time reflecting on the passion of the Christ. A compelling website that features the Stations of the Cross is
http://communiquejournal.org/081203_stationsgallery/index.html
At this site you will discover creative renderings of the final hours of Christ's life, along with commentary that will draw your heart deeper into the amazing love of God displayed in Christ's sacrifice.
For those of you who prefer music, take a listen to Jars of Clay's powerful version of "What Wondrous Love." You can download from a number of sites including iTunes and
http://musicdownloads.walmart.com/catalog/servlet/AlbumServlet?id=76944.
May you encounter Christ's passion and love for you afresh this day.
Wednesday, March 23, 2005
A DAY WITH TIM SANDERS
Yesterday I had the unique opportunity of spending a day with Tim Sanders. For those of you not familiar with Tim, he is the Chief Solutions Officer and Leadership Coach at Yahoo! and the author of a pretty amazing book,” Love is the Killer App" (here's a link to a great summary of the book, http://www.fastcompany.com/online/55/love.html)
Tim was in Pittsburgh yesterday to film a 90 minute program for PBS (it will air here in Pittsburgh on April 21 - look for me, I am the guy in the red sweater) based upon his new book "The Likeability Factor." His thesis is not rocket science that's for sure: people who are well liked are more apt to get what they want out of life than those who are disliked. Duh!
Sanders described the four building blocks of likeability:
•Friendliness: your ability to communicate openness to others
•Relevance: your capacity to connect with others' interests, wants, and needs
•Empathy: your ability to recognize, acknowledge, and experience other people's feelings
•Realness: the integrity that stands behind your likeability and guarantees its authenticity
Just imagine for a moment what a community of faith might look like if we took these four foundational relationship skills seriously.
Not only did I glean some good stuff from Tim (and let me say upfront I don't agree with everything Tim presents; although he does come from a Christian faith perspective, there were a couple of moments when I wanted to stop the cameras and do a bit of biblical and theological work with him) - but the beauty of experience was connecting with others in the studio audience. There were about 40 of us from all walks of life (business, the non-profits sector, and even the church), some who traveled as far as Wisconsin and Alabama to be a part of the event - who are seriously interested in making a real difference in their world. The 93 year old man who generously gives of his time and love, marketplace leaders who are shaping and nurturing environments of love and grace in their organizations, people who are investing their lives in others for the sake of Jesus Christ, couples and individuals who simply want to bring some joy and goodness to a world that is hopelessly spiraling downward in a doom loop.
God gave us a special gift: a community that had a limited lifespan of about 8 hours, but it was a true gift indeed. And at various times throughout the day, Tim reminded us that what we were involved in has the potential to change the world. That's a pretty bold statement, but one that has a lot of truth in it. When men and women, boys and girls, who have a high likeability factor, leverage that for the sake of Christ, I believe this world can be turned right side up.
Yesterday I had the unique opportunity of spending a day with Tim Sanders. For those of you not familiar with Tim, he is the Chief Solutions Officer and Leadership Coach at Yahoo! and the author of a pretty amazing book,” Love is the Killer App" (here's a link to a great summary of the book, http://www.fastcompany.com/online/55/love.html)
Tim was in Pittsburgh yesterday to film a 90 minute program for PBS (it will air here in Pittsburgh on April 21 - look for me, I am the guy in the red sweater) based upon his new book "The Likeability Factor." His thesis is not rocket science that's for sure: people who are well liked are more apt to get what they want out of life than those who are disliked. Duh!
Sanders described the four building blocks of likeability:
•Friendliness: your ability to communicate openness to others
•Relevance: your capacity to connect with others' interests, wants, and needs
•Empathy: your ability to recognize, acknowledge, and experience other people's feelings
•Realness: the integrity that stands behind your likeability and guarantees its authenticity
Just imagine for a moment what a community of faith might look like if we took these four foundational relationship skills seriously.
Not only did I glean some good stuff from Tim (and let me say upfront I don't agree with everything Tim presents; although he does come from a Christian faith perspective, there were a couple of moments when I wanted to stop the cameras and do a bit of biblical and theological work with him) - but the beauty of experience was connecting with others in the studio audience. There were about 40 of us from all walks of life (business, the non-profits sector, and even the church), some who traveled as far as Wisconsin and Alabama to be a part of the event - who are seriously interested in making a real difference in their world. The 93 year old man who generously gives of his time and love, marketplace leaders who are shaping and nurturing environments of love and grace in their organizations, people who are investing their lives in others for the sake of Jesus Christ, couples and individuals who simply want to bring some joy and goodness to a world that is hopelessly spiraling downward in a doom loop.
God gave us a special gift: a community that had a limited lifespan of about 8 hours, but it was a true gift indeed. And at various times throughout the day, Tim reminded us that what we were involved in has the potential to change the world. That's a pretty bold statement, but one that has a lot of truth in it. When men and women, boys and girls, who have a high likeability factor, leverage that for the sake of Christ, I believe this world can be turned right side up.
Sunday, March 20, 2005
PALM SUNDAY 2005
One man come in the name of love
One man come and go
One man come he to justify
One man to overthrow
In the name of love
Today was Palm Sunday. Our community of faith is in the early weeks of a series entitled Rediscovering Jesus (Who He Was and Is) and this morning I spoke on Jesus the King. For Christ followers, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of a week long journey with Jesus through a variety of experiences that reflect the full spectrum of emotions: the joy of his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the physical, emotional, and spiritual fatigue of the garden, the betrayal by a friend, the horror of the cross, the sadness and despair of the disciples, and the exhilaration of His resurrection.
It all begins with Palm Sunday when Jesus declares that He is indeed the long awaited King. The crowds immediately embraced Him with shouts of Hosanna (Salvation now!) And yet they quickly turned on him when they realized Jesus was not the kind of King they envisioned.
Jesus was the King of love. Every fiber of His being cried out love. In light of His mission of love listen again to U2's lyric:
One man come in the name of love
One man come and go
One man come he to justify
One man to overthrow
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
One man come in the name of love
One man come and go
One man come he to justify
One man to overthrow
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
Pride (In the Name of Love), U2
Today was Palm Sunday. Our community of faith is in the early weeks of a series entitled Rediscovering Jesus (Who He Was and Is) and this morning I spoke on Jesus the King. For Christ followers, Palm Sunday marks the beginning of a week long journey with Jesus through a variety of experiences that reflect the full spectrum of emotions: the joy of his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, the physical, emotional, and spiritual fatigue of the garden, the betrayal by a friend, the horror of the cross, the sadness and despair of the disciples, and the exhilaration of His resurrection.
It all begins with Palm Sunday when Jesus declares that He is indeed the long awaited King. The crowds immediately embraced Him with shouts of Hosanna (Salvation now!) And yet they quickly turned on him when they realized Jesus was not the kind of King they envisioned.
Jesus was the King of love. Every fiber of His being cried out love. In light of His mission of love listen again to U2's lyric:
One man come in the name of love
One man come and go
One man come he to justify
One man to overthrow
In the name of love
What more in the name of love?
I recently read a sermon by Mike Kinman entitled "An Army of One" by Mike Kinman. He closes with these words and I leave them with you as well:
"This week let us claim our pride in the name of love, let us walk with Christ and see what love has already done. Let us sit in awe and wonder and contemplate what love is doing right now. And as Easter dawns and we breathe in the air of the resurrected life, let us look back at where we've been. Let us look forward, too at the world that is set before us. And let us ask what more Christ calls this army of one, and each of our armies of one, to do and be."
What more in the name of love?
Saturday, March 19, 2005
SCORE!
No, I'm not talking about March Madness (although I just watched Texas Tech upset Gonzaga). This morning I scored tickets to U2's concert in Pittsburgh on October 22.
I have to confess I am pumped. Over the past 30 years I have had the opportunity to see just about every major musical act - from my very first concert in 1972 (Elton John) - to celebrating a birthday with Paul McCartney a few years ago in Cleveland. U2 is the one super band I have never seen live, but in October a musical dream will come true.
7 months but who's counting...
No, I'm not talking about March Madness (although I just watched Texas Tech upset Gonzaga). This morning I scored tickets to U2's concert in Pittsburgh on October 22.
I have to confess I am pumped. Over the past 30 years I have had the opportunity to see just about every major musical act - from my very first concert in 1972 (Elton John) - to celebrating a birthday with Paul McCartney a few years ago in Cleveland. U2 is the one super band I have never seen live, but in October a musical dream will come true.
7 months but who's counting...
Saturday, March 12, 2005
SHARE THE WELL
Yesterday, I downloaded from iTunes (I am trying to say goodbye to CDs), Share the Well, the latest release from Caedmon's Call. The heart for the project and the songs that flowed forth were birthed through the band's visit to a number of different countries and cultures (India, Brazil among others). God enlarged their vision and gave them eyes to see His work all around them as well as a deep compassion to share the well and to leverage their music as a means of helping meet people's real needs.
This project is personally challenging. For the past eighteen months I have been focusing my energies (along with many others) on getting a new church off the ground. We express our mission at Christ Community Church through the following words: "helping people connect with God, one another and our world." And God is calling us to enlarge our vision of "our world."
If that vision resonates with you at all I'd encourage you to check out the band website:
http://www.caedmonscall.com/ns/sharethewell/
Share the well
Share with your brother
Share the well, my friend
It takes a deeper well
To love one another
Share the well, my friend...
You know I've heard good people say
There's nothing I can do
That's half a world away
Well maybe you've got money
Maybe you've got time
Maybe you've got the Living Well
That ain't ever running dry.
Share the well...
Yesterday, I downloaded from iTunes (I am trying to say goodbye to CDs), Share the Well, the latest release from Caedmon's Call. The heart for the project and the songs that flowed forth were birthed through the band's visit to a number of different countries and cultures (India, Brazil among others). God enlarged their vision and gave them eyes to see His work all around them as well as a deep compassion to share the well and to leverage their music as a means of helping meet people's real needs.
This project is personally challenging. For the past eighteen months I have been focusing my energies (along with many others) on getting a new church off the ground. We express our mission at Christ Community Church through the following words: "helping people connect with God, one another and our world." And God is calling us to enlarge our vision of "our world."
If that vision resonates with you at all I'd encourage you to check out the band website:
http://www.caedmonscall.com/ns/sharethewell/
Share the well
Share with your brother
Share the well, my friend
It takes a deeper well
To love one another
Share the well, my friend...
You know I've heard good people say
There's nothing I can do
That's half a world away
Well maybe you've got money
Maybe you've got time
Maybe you've got the Living Well
That ain't ever running dry.
Share the well...
Monday, March 07, 2005
BLINK
I'm delving into the latest book by Malcolm Gladwell entitled Blink: The Power of Thinking without Thinking. Now there's a book title you have to love. Who wouldn't want more thinking power without having to think about it?
Gladwell is one of my favorite authors. A couple of years ago he wrote the best-selling The Tipping Point, a study in idea, thought, and social epidemics (that book has huge implications for a social movement like the Christian faith - I highly recommend it. BTW: Blink came into my hands through the kindness of my friend Laurel. She happened to be in Boston a few weeks ago and noticed in the local paper that Gladwell was giving a talk at Harvard. Knowing that I loved his previous work, Laurel found a way to obtain a personally inscribed copy of the book for me. What a great gift. Thanks Laurel!)
Here's a summary of the book:
"Don’t think - blink. Blink is a book about how we think without thinking, about choices that seem to be made in an instant - in the blink of an eye - that actually aren't as simple as they seem. Why are some people brilliant decision makers, while others are consistently inept? Why do some people follow their instincts and win, while others end up stumbling into error? How do our brains really work -in the office, in the classroom, in the kitchen, in the bedroom? And why are the best decisions often those that are impossible to explain to others?"
I'm pretty pumped to discover the power of thinking without thinking. I love practical stuff that will add value to my life (especially if I don't have to think much about it). And I've certainly want to grow in my ability to make good sound decisions (sometimes I make decisions by listening to my gut and then doing the opposite - I'm pretty sure that's not what Gladwell has in mind).
I'll keep you posted on my discoveries. If you want to explore for yourself, follow the link in my Stuff I’m Reading, Watching, and Listening To section.
Friday, March 04, 2005
FREEDOM
Last night I watched a woman walk (actually fly) into freedom. It was a big night outside the prison gates in Alderson, WV and at the Greenbrier Community Airport. Martha Stewart was released from prison after serving the first phase of her sentence for her conviction on charges connected to the sale of her shares in ImClone Systems.
My wife Patty has been a fan of Martha for quite some time. Over the years, I have to admit I have grown to respect Martha and have actually watched a few episodes of her TV show with Patty.
I was interested to see what Martha looked like last night upon her release from prison. I realize it was a highly choreographed event, but Martha looked really good. There was lightness in her step, warmth in her smile, and a sense of genuine joy on her face. Being released from prison can do that to a person. Although Martha did not speak to the reporters and well-wishers gathered, she did release a statement on her website that read:
"The experience of the last five months in Alderson, West Virginia has been life altering and life affirming. Someday, I hope to have the chance to talk more about all that has happened, the extraordinary people I have met here and all that I have learned. I can tell you now that I feel very fortunate to have had a family that nurtured me, the advantage of an excellent education, and the opportunity to pursue the American dream. You can be sure that I will never forget the friends that I met here, all that they have done to help me over these five months, their children, and the stories they have told me. Right now, as you can imagine, I am thrilled to be returning to my more familiar life. My heart is filled with joy at the prospect of the warm embraces of my family, friends and colleagues. Certainly, there is no place like home."
I pray that these words are true and that Martha's experience in prison has been and will continue to be, a life altering and life affirming one.
Although most of us have not had the kind of prison experience Martha Stewart had, we do know what it's like to be held captive. A number of years ago the band Creed burst onto the musical scene with the song, "My Own Prison."
"A court is in session, a verdict is in,
no appeal on the docket today, just my own sin.
The walls are cold and pale, the cage made of steel
Screams fill the room alone I drop and kneel.
Silence now the sound, my breath the only motion around.
Demons cluttering around, my face showing no emotion
Shackled by my sentence, expecting no return.
Here there is no penance, my skin begins to burn.
I cry out to God, seeking only his decision
Gabriel stands and confirms
I've created my own prison."
We all create our own prisons - prisons of anger, denial, addiction, hurt, fear, pain, sin. One of my own personal prisons is the cell of resentment. One conversation this week with a friend reminded me that my anger toward a particular person is still enslaving me. It's imprisoned me and I need to get out.
As well, others seek to enslave us through their own sinfulness words, intentions, and actions. And yet the truth of the Jesus story is that Jesus came to set the captives free. In one of Jesus' first public appearances He said,
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” [Luke 4:19-20]
What enslaves you? What does your prison cell look like? And what have you learned about yourself, others, and God in the midst of that place? And although there won't be any TV cameras or private jets to whisk you off to the next season of life, Jesus is there - He holds the key, and He wants us to walk into His freedom.
Last night I watched a woman walk (actually fly) into freedom. It was a big night outside the prison gates in Alderson, WV and at the Greenbrier Community Airport. Martha Stewart was released from prison after serving the first phase of her sentence for her conviction on charges connected to the sale of her shares in ImClone Systems.
My wife Patty has been a fan of Martha for quite some time. Over the years, I have to admit I have grown to respect Martha and have actually watched a few episodes of her TV show with Patty.
I was interested to see what Martha looked like last night upon her release from prison. I realize it was a highly choreographed event, but Martha looked really good. There was lightness in her step, warmth in her smile, and a sense of genuine joy on her face. Being released from prison can do that to a person. Although Martha did not speak to the reporters and well-wishers gathered, she did release a statement on her website that read:
"The experience of the last five months in Alderson, West Virginia has been life altering and life affirming. Someday, I hope to have the chance to talk more about all that has happened, the extraordinary people I have met here and all that I have learned. I can tell you now that I feel very fortunate to have had a family that nurtured me, the advantage of an excellent education, and the opportunity to pursue the American dream. You can be sure that I will never forget the friends that I met here, all that they have done to help me over these five months, their children, and the stories they have told me. Right now, as you can imagine, I am thrilled to be returning to my more familiar life. My heart is filled with joy at the prospect of the warm embraces of my family, friends and colleagues. Certainly, there is no place like home."
I pray that these words are true and that Martha's experience in prison has been and will continue to be, a life altering and life affirming one.
Although most of us have not had the kind of prison experience Martha Stewart had, we do know what it's like to be held captive. A number of years ago the band Creed burst onto the musical scene with the song, "My Own Prison."
"A court is in session, a verdict is in,
no appeal on the docket today, just my own sin.
The walls are cold and pale, the cage made of steel
Screams fill the room alone I drop and kneel.
Silence now the sound, my breath the only motion around.
Demons cluttering around, my face showing no emotion
Shackled by my sentence, expecting no return.
Here there is no penance, my skin begins to burn.
I cry out to God, seeking only his decision
Gabriel stands and confirms
I've created my own prison."
We all create our own prisons - prisons of anger, denial, addiction, hurt, fear, pain, sin. One of my own personal prisons is the cell of resentment. One conversation this week with a friend reminded me that my anger toward a particular person is still enslaving me. It's imprisoned me and I need to get out.
As well, others seek to enslave us through their own sinfulness words, intentions, and actions. And yet the truth of the Jesus story is that Jesus came to set the captives free. In one of Jesus' first public appearances He said,
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.” [Luke 4:19-20]
What enslaves you? What does your prison cell look like? And what have you learned about yourself, others, and God in the midst of that place? And although there won't be any TV cameras or private jets to whisk you off to the next season of life, Jesus is there - He holds the key, and He wants us to walk into His freedom.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
LEADERSHIP LESSONS FROM SEASBISCUIT
Last night I spent a couple of hours with some guys kicking around leadership lessons from the movie Seabiscuit. Ken Smith, one of the members of our leadership team at Christ Community Church, did a masterful job of facilitating our discussion around three critical elements of servant leadership: caring about people; building community; and enabling others to succeed.
Seabiscuit, a past Academy Award nominee for Picture of the Year, is a heart moving story of triumph and perseverance set during the Great Depression of the 1930's. It is centered around a horse, but it's much more than a horse story (for a great summary of the film check out the review at http://hollywoodjesus.com/seabiscuit.htm).
One of my favorite scenes in the film is Charles Howard's (Jeff Bridges) first encounter with Tom Smith (Chris Cooper). Smith is a loner, an old school kind of guy who much prefers the wide open prairies to social parties. Smith is focusing his attention on an injured horse and Howard poses the question, "Why are you fixing him?" "Because I can," replied Smith. "Every horse is good for something...You don't just throw away a life because he's banged up a little."
I love that line (and it becomes the overarching theme of the film): "You don't throw away a whole life, just because he's banged up a little." Think about the implications. Life bangs us all up; we all carry around wounds from the past. Some are self inflicted. And we all contribute to the woundedness of others. Our culture is quick to throw people away. Signs of weakness and brokenness won't get you far in our "You're Fired" culture.
What would life be like in a community that cared deeply for people, a community that lived with intentionality and purpose - a community that made the decision that it would be the kind of place that doesn't throw people away, but instead cares for, loves, and nurtures the banged up, the wounded and the broken?
This may seem like pie in the sky dreaming (or as one guy said it's "swimming upstream"). Quite frankly, it is; it is counter cultural. But if we can learn anything from a horse story, it's this: sowing the seeds of care and love can change your world, my world, and our world.
Last night I spent a couple of hours with some guys kicking around leadership lessons from the movie Seabiscuit. Ken Smith, one of the members of our leadership team at Christ Community Church, did a masterful job of facilitating our discussion around three critical elements of servant leadership: caring about people; building community; and enabling others to succeed.
Seabiscuit, a past Academy Award nominee for Picture of the Year, is a heart moving story of triumph and perseverance set during the Great Depression of the 1930's. It is centered around a horse, but it's much more than a horse story (for a great summary of the film check out the review at http://hollywoodjesus.com/seabiscuit.htm).
One of my favorite scenes in the film is Charles Howard's (Jeff Bridges) first encounter with Tom Smith (Chris Cooper). Smith is a loner, an old school kind of guy who much prefers the wide open prairies to social parties. Smith is focusing his attention on an injured horse and Howard poses the question, "Why are you fixing him?" "Because I can," replied Smith. "Every horse is good for something...You don't just throw away a life because he's banged up a little."
I love that line (and it becomes the overarching theme of the film): "You don't throw away a whole life, just because he's banged up a little." Think about the implications. Life bangs us all up; we all carry around wounds from the past. Some are self inflicted. And we all contribute to the woundedness of others. Our culture is quick to throw people away. Signs of weakness and brokenness won't get you far in our "You're Fired" culture.
What would life be like in a community that cared deeply for people, a community that lived with intentionality and purpose - a community that made the decision that it would be the kind of place that doesn't throw people away, but instead cares for, loves, and nurtures the banged up, the wounded and the broken?
This may seem like pie in the sky dreaming (or as one guy said it's "swimming upstream"). Quite frankly, it is; it is counter cultural. But if we can learn anything from a horse story, it's this: sowing the seeds of care and love can change your world, my world, and our world.
Wednesday, February 23, 2005
MY FAMILY IS HOME
Last last night my wife and two of our children came home. They had traveled south for some sun and soccer. Since our oldest son is away at college, it was just me and Abby, our youngest, for five whole days. To be honest I was a bit concerned about how the days would unfold. But we had a great time together and it was amazing how quiet and calm the house was with just the two of us.
Well things changed rather quickly this morning - my wake up call went something like this: "wake up, the toilet is overflowing." And before I could wipe the sleep out of my eyes and the cobwebs from my brain, I found myself plunging, mopping, and disinfecting. A great way to start a brand new day!
Family life isn't always neat and clean, is it? We can spend a whole lot of time plunging, mopping, and disinfecting. It's rather sloppy and messy at times. Community life is like that as well. Put a a few (or ten or a hundred) people together and pretty soon some messy stuff arises. But we roll up our sleeves, start plunging and mopping and we discover it's better together than apart.
The quiet and calm of the past five days is gone - I'm glad the family is home!
Last last night my wife and two of our children came home. They had traveled south for some sun and soccer. Since our oldest son is away at college, it was just me and Abby, our youngest, for five whole days. To be honest I was a bit concerned about how the days would unfold. But we had a great time together and it was amazing how quiet and calm the house was with just the two of us.
Well things changed rather quickly this morning - my wake up call went something like this: "wake up, the toilet is overflowing." And before I could wipe the sleep out of my eyes and the cobwebs from my brain, I found myself plunging, mopping, and disinfecting. A great way to start a brand new day!
Family life isn't always neat and clean, is it? We can spend a whole lot of time plunging, mopping, and disinfecting. It's rather sloppy and messy at times. Community life is like that as well. Put a a few (or ten or a hundred) people together and pretty soon some messy stuff arises. But we roll up our sleeves, start plunging and mopping and we discover it's better together than apart.
The quiet and calm of the past five days is gone - I'm glad the family is home!
Sunday, February 20, 2005
SOMETIMES YOU CAN'T MAKE IT ON YOUR OWN
I mentioned late in December that one of my goals for 2005 was to spend some time listening to and reflecting upon U2's "How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb." It's a great CD that brings the band back to their musical roots and the lyrics provide plenty to chew on.
Did you catch U2 at the Grammy's - no pun intended, but it was the bomb. Set against a simple, unadorned white backdrop, the band performed "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own," a song that has actually been around for a couple of years (Bono first performed it at his father's funeral). The song speaks of a son's frustration with his father's unwillingness or inability to let his son into his world of suffering in order that he might share the burden of a terrible disease and sickness. Bono sings:
"Tough, you think you’ve got the stuff
You’re telling me and anyone you’re hard enough.
You don’t have to put up a fight,
You don’t have to always be right,
Let me take some of the punches for you tonight.
Listen to me now I need to let you know
You don’t have to go it alone.
And it’s you when I look in the mirror
And it’s you when I don’t pick up the phone
Sometimes you can’t make it on your own."
I mentioned late in December that one of my goals for 2005 was to spend some time listening to and reflecting upon U2's "How to Dismantle An Atomic Bomb." It's a great CD that brings the band back to their musical roots and the lyrics provide plenty to chew on.
Did you catch U2 at the Grammy's - no pun intended, but it was the bomb. Set against a simple, unadorned white backdrop, the band performed "Sometimes You Can't Make It on Your Own," a song that has actually been around for a couple of years (Bono first performed it at his father's funeral). The song speaks of a son's frustration with his father's unwillingness or inability to let his son into his world of suffering in order that he might share the burden of a terrible disease and sickness. Bono sings:
"Tough, you think you’ve got the stuff
You’re telling me and anyone you’re hard enough.
You don’t have to put up a fight,
You don’t have to always be right,
Let me take some of the punches for you tonight.
Listen to me now I need to let you know
You don’t have to go it alone.
And it’s you when I look in the mirror
And it’s you when I don’t pick up the phone
Sometimes you can’t make it on your own."
(Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own, U2)
This morning I spoke at our worship gathering from Acts 2:41-47 on the topic of community. One of the things I noticed in the text is that the earliest Christian community was described as a needs-meeting community. The Scriptures make it clear that no one had any needs. Now, that's an amazing statement. How could that possibly be?
Maybe a key was that people in the first century were quicker to acknowledge their needs with one another. It seems to be that there has been an “evolution” in our culture (maybe better said, a de-evolution) that the more mature you are, the less needs you should have. And God forbid, we might actually be needy!
One of the things I learned from Dr. Gilbert Bilizekian is that community is a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served. One of the beautiful aspects of that definition is that community is a two way street: we not only know others, they know us, we not only love others, we are loved in return, we not only serve others, we are served.
I can’t make it make on my own and my guess is that you aren't much different. U2’ s song concludes with these words:
Sometimes you can't make it,
Best you can do is to fake it,
Sometimes you can't make it on your own.
This morning I spoke at our worship gathering from Acts 2:41-47 on the topic of community. One of the things I noticed in the text is that the earliest Christian community was described as a needs-meeting community. The Scriptures make it clear that no one had any needs. Now, that's an amazing statement. How could that possibly be?
Maybe a key was that people in the first century were quicker to acknowledge their needs with one another. It seems to be that there has been an “evolution” in our culture (maybe better said, a de-evolution) that the more mature you are, the less needs you should have. And God forbid, we might actually be needy!
One of the things I learned from Dr. Gilbert Bilizekian is that community is a place where we can know and be known, love and be loved, serve and be served. One of the beautiful aspects of that definition is that community is a two way street: we not only know others, they know us, we not only love others, we are loved in return, we not only serve others, we are served.
I can’t make it make on my own and my guess is that you aren't much different. U2’ s song concludes with these words:
Sometimes you can't make it,
Best you can do is to fake it,
Sometimes you can't make it on your own.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
The past three Wednesday mornings I've been hanging out with Matt in the men’s changing room of the Mt. Lebanon Swimming Pool. I’ve been trying something new: golf lessons. Now I really enjoy golf and although I have been at it for about five years now, quite frankly I've had limited success. An additional motivator is the fact that a month from today I'll be on the course in Florida with three good friends and thought it might be interesting to work with someone who actually knows what they are talking.
The word I would use to describe the experience is deconstruction. Now I know that's a loaded term but it fits. Matt, my instructor, is deconstructing my swing. It's been interesting to learn work the fundamentals: address, backswing, hinge, follow-through. I'm discovering that I have been doing quite a few things wrong. Why do I swing the golf club the way I do? Good question. That's the way I've always swung the club. My swing is a combination of my athletic ability, intuition, observing others, reading golf magazines, along with a few comments and pointers from well meaning partners. All of these have contributed to one thing: a technically, flawed swing. Now don't get me wrong, I can get the ball down the fairway and into the hole. But it would be a lot more fun if it could be accomplished with fewer strokes. And so Matt has been deconstructing my swing in order that it might be reconstructed with sound technical fundamentals.
Can I push this deconstruction thing a bit? I wonder what might happen if it was applied to some other areas of life? For instance, this Sunday I will be speaking on the topic of community. My guess is we all have a particular approach and way of doing community. But I wonder if the our perspective and practice is based on sound fundamentals? Or are we simply doing it and living it "they way we always have?"
This is one of the reasons why I am pumped about "The Shaping of Things to Come" (both the book and the experience with Frost and Hirsh on April 16). In a sense they are helping people deconstruct the church and rebuild it upon a sound biblical, missiological foundation.
This deconstruction thing is painful. I am finding it is difficult to leave behind old habits. But I am hopeful that the pain of change right now will lead to a more enjoyable future – both on the golf course and in the life of the community.
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Over the past six months I've had opportunity to dialogue with people, both near and far, about a book written by two Australians, Michael Frost and Alan Hirsh. The Shaping of Things to Come is an important work for any Christ follower to consider, but especially those who are involved in new church developments. Frost and Hirsch have strong convictions that the time is right for the Church to be a force for positive change and transformation in the world today. They write:
"For the first time we in the West are living in what has been called a post-Christian era. Most people throughout the Western world have seen what the Church has to offer, and they found it to be wanting. The current credibility gap has made it hard to communicate the gospel with clarity and authenticity. Paradoxically, this is the case even though it is currently a time of almost unprecedented openness to issues of God, faith, and meaning. This is a time when the need for, and relevance of, the gospel has seldom been greater, but the relevance of the Church has seldom been less. If ever there was a time for innovative missionary effort in the West, it is now."
I have to tell you this book is rocking my world (in a positive way) and I am excited about the conversations it is stimulating among those involved in local church leadership. Through a very cool set of circumstance, both authors will be here in Pittsburgh on Saturday April 16 to discuss their book and to facilitate discussion among churches here in the Pittsburgh region interested in being a positive force in the world today. The event will take place at Bellefield Presbyterian Church in Oakland from 9 AM - 5 PM. Before that date I'd encourage you to do a couple of things:
1) get a copy of the book and begin to read it (http://www.hendrickson.com/html/product/36597.acad.html?category=academic)
2) block off April 16 and plan to attend the event (there is a $50 registration fee which includes breakfast and lunch. If that is an obstacle to your participation please let me know)
3) pray for churches in the Pittsburgh region who are committed to becoming missional communities of faith
Over the next two months I will be posting some thoughts about this book and the ideas it contains; I encourage you to join in the dialogue.
"For the first time we in the West are living in what has been called a post-Christian era. Most people throughout the Western world have seen what the Church has to offer, and they found it to be wanting. The current credibility gap has made it hard to communicate the gospel with clarity and authenticity. Paradoxically, this is the case even though it is currently a time of almost unprecedented openness to issues of God, faith, and meaning. This is a time when the need for, and relevance of, the gospel has seldom been greater, but the relevance of the Church has seldom been less. If ever there was a time for innovative missionary effort in the West, it is now."
I have to tell you this book is rocking my world (in a positive way) and I am excited about the conversations it is stimulating among those involved in local church leadership. Through a very cool set of circumstance, both authors will be here in Pittsburgh on Saturday April 16 to discuss their book and to facilitate discussion among churches here in the Pittsburgh region interested in being a positive force in the world today. The event will take place at Bellefield Presbyterian Church in Oakland from 9 AM - 5 PM. Before that date I'd encourage you to do a couple of things:
1) get a copy of the book and begin to read it (http://www.hendrickson.com/html/product/36597.acad.html?category=academic)
2) block off April 16 and plan to attend the event (there is a $50 registration fee which includes breakfast and lunch. If that is an obstacle to your participation please let me know)
3) pray for churches in the Pittsburgh region who are committed to becoming missional communities of faith
Over the next two months I will be posting some thoughts about this book and the ideas it contains; I encourage you to join in the dialogue.
Saturday, February 05, 2005
I have been feeling pretty crummy this week, struggling with a sinus thing. It's amazing how connected the state of our soul and spirit can be to that of our bodies. Well this afternoon, I finally got to our daily reading (our church is in the midst of an eight week worship series entitled "The Story We Find Ourselves In" and connected to the series are daily readings from scripture. Check out our CCCSH blog at www.cccsh.blogspot.com to discover more). As I read the text and allowed the words to penetrate my soul and spirit and bring warm and light, I was amazing at how connected the state of our bodies can be to that of our soul and spirit.
Come to Jesus Christ. He is the living stone that people have rejected, but which God has chosen and highly honored. And now you are living stones that are being used to build a spiritual house. You are also a group of holy priests, and with the help of Jesus Christ you will offer sacrifices that please God. It is just as God says in the Scriptures,"Look! I am placing in Zion a choice and precious cornerstone. No one who has faith in that one will be disappointed."You are followers of the Lord, and that stone is precious to you. But it isn't precious to those who refuse to follow him. They are the builders who tossed aside the stone that turned out to be the most important one of all. They disobeyed the message and stumbled and fell over that stone, because they were doomed.But you are God's chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done. The Scriptures say,"Once you were nobody. Now you are God's people. At one time no one had pity on you. Now God has treated you with kindness" ( 1 Peter 2:4-10, CEV).
Seriously, does it get any better than this?
Come to Jesus Christ. He is the living stone that people have rejected, but which God has chosen and highly honored. And now you are living stones that are being used to build a spiritual house. You are also a group of holy priests, and with the help of Jesus Christ you will offer sacrifices that please God. It is just as God says in the Scriptures,"Look! I am placing in Zion a choice and precious cornerstone. No one who has faith in that one will be disappointed."You are followers of the Lord, and that stone is precious to you. But it isn't precious to those who refuse to follow him. They are the builders who tossed aside the stone that turned out to be the most important one of all. They disobeyed the message and stumbled and fell over that stone, because they were doomed.But you are God's chosen and special people. You are a group of royal priests and a holy nation. God has brought you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Now you must tell all the wonderful things that he has done. The Scriptures say,"Once you were nobody. Now you are God's people. At one time no one had pity on you. Now God has treated you with kindness" ( 1 Peter 2:4-10, CEV).
Seriously, does it get any better than this?
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
This week Time Magazine released its list of the 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America. It is quite an impressive collection that includes people from ministry contexts, academia, politics, and the non-profit sector (it strives to be politically correct as well as it includes a sprinkling of African Americans, Hispanics, and women). You can review the list here: http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101050207/photoessay/index.html
While I appreciate the work, ministry, and contributions of many of those named, as I surveyed the list I was dismayed to discover that the youngest member was Brian McLaren (no spring chicken at the age of 46 and I can say that as I enjoy the last month of my 45 year of life). And it got me thinking - who are and who will be the next generation of leading evangelicals in our country. Who will influence the shape of the American Church in the next season of opportunity and mission?
Before I share a few suggestions, perhaps it would be wise to think about the word "evangelical." An evangelical is someone who takes seriously the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ; someone who shapes his or her life around the values, ethics, teaching and life of Jesus and seeks to invite others into that life as well. What is the Gospel, this good news? The minimum standards required to gain entrance into heaven after you die? A particular social, economic, or political agenda? Or perhaps something more? I like what Jesus had to say about His mission into the world:
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).
I think an evangelical is someone who takes Jesus at His word - that the Gospel is all about a rich, full abundant life, not only in the age to come but in the here and now as well.
Here are 10 people that come to my mind fairly quickly (google any of these names to learn more). I'm not sure they will be on times list ten years down the road, but I sure hope the church listens to their voice in the days ahead.
Stanley Grenz (a student of JI Packer, theologian, and prolific writer)
Erwin McManus (pastor, author, innovator)
Sally Morganthaler (thinker, theologian, worship guru, artist)
Bono (Ok, he's not American but he has a pretty strong influence here in the US)
Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman (two young songwriter/psalmists who inspire the church to worship God more passionately and spread His fame in all the earth and yes I know Redman is a Brit)
Nancy Beach (leader of a global movement of artists in the Church)
Fredericka Matthews Green (NPR commentary, author, and Orthodox Christian)
Cameron Strang (editor of Relevant magazine)
Ruth Haley Barton (thinker, author and practitioner of spiritual formation)
Who would you nominate? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Take a moment if you would and leave a comment.
While I appreciate the work, ministry, and contributions of many of those named, as I surveyed the list I was dismayed to discover that the youngest member was Brian McLaren (no spring chicken at the age of 46 and I can say that as I enjoy the last month of my 45 year of life). And it got me thinking - who are and who will be the next generation of leading evangelicals in our country. Who will influence the shape of the American Church in the next season of opportunity and mission?
Before I share a few suggestions, perhaps it would be wise to think about the word "evangelical." An evangelical is someone who takes seriously the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ; someone who shapes his or her life around the values, ethics, teaching and life of Jesus and seeks to invite others into that life as well. What is the Gospel, this good news? The minimum standards required to gain entrance into heaven after you die? A particular social, economic, or political agenda? Or perhaps something more? I like what Jesus had to say about His mission into the world:
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).
I think an evangelical is someone who takes Jesus at His word - that the Gospel is all about a rich, full abundant life, not only in the age to come but in the here and now as well.
Here are 10 people that come to my mind fairly quickly (google any of these names to learn more). I'm not sure they will be on times list ten years down the road, but I sure hope the church listens to their voice in the days ahead.
Stanley Grenz (a student of JI Packer, theologian, and prolific writer)
Erwin McManus (pastor, author, innovator)
Sally Morganthaler (thinker, theologian, worship guru, artist)
Bono (Ok, he's not American but he has a pretty strong influence here in the US)
Chris Tomlin and Matt Redman (two young songwriter/psalmists who inspire the church to worship God more passionately and spread His fame in all the earth and yes I know Redman is a Brit)
Nancy Beach (leader of a global movement of artists in the Church)
Fredericka Matthews Green (NPR commentary, author, and Orthodox Christian)
Cameron Strang (editor of Relevant magazine)
Ruth Haley Barton (thinker, author and practitioner of spiritual formation)
Who would you nominate? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Take a moment if you would and leave a comment.
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