Looking at the world system I see three primary pillars, capital, connections, and credentials. I define capital as the money one has or controls, connections as the family you were born in and the people you know, and credentials as the places one has gone to school and the degrees attained. Possession of one tends to lead to the others. When we examine the people who control the world system or have major influence in it, i think you will find that they have one or more of the 3 C's.
Sadly, i observe that the 3 C's are alive and well in the Church. I have never attended a regular church (small or large, evangelical or charismatic, East Coast or West Coast etc.) that did not have at least one person with greater wealth that enjoyed disproportionate influence as a result. It seems 95% of churches believe in the necessity of having a pastor with a Bible college or seminary degree. And if you desire to get something done in any organization, it helps to know the decision makers.
What do we see in the NT? A decided lack of emphasis on wealth. Jesus had no place to lay his head and became poor for our sake. (2 Cor. 8:9) Paul hungered and endured privation. (2 Cor 12:27) Nor did Jesus or the apostles establish anything resembling our seminary system even though the Pharisees and the Greek philosophers had their schools. "The Jews therefore marveled, saying, "How is it that this man has learning, when he has never studied." (John 7:15)
Peter & John were regarded as uneducated, common men (Acts 4:13) by the ruling Sanhedrin (who possessed all of the 3 C's). Even Paul, who earlier in his life had the 3 C's counted it all as excrement. (Phil 3:7-8)
I believe the most important thing I do, now that the Lord has opened the door for me to practice full time itinerant ministry, is to pray for missionaries from the church in China to go to the rest of the world to fulfill the Great Commission. God has forged the faith of these saints in a furnace of persecution that has prepared them for what they will face in the Islamic world. Sometimes I hear the criticism that the Chinese church has major doctrinal issues. Perhaps. I wonder if our incessant wrangling over secondary and tertiary issues qualifies us to make that assessment. When I look at the fruit that they produce compared to ours in North America, it's hard to overlook our irrelevance. So I continue to pray that they will complete the work.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Ability or Availability
One of the passages i have camped out in is 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, which expresses that "not many wise, not many powerful, not many of noble birth" were called into God's family. He has chosen the foolish, weak, and despised "to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (ESV) As I have had the privilege of embarking on itinerant ministry, I find the truth of that passage resonating within me more than ever. I am reminded of all the years that Moses spent out in the wilderness with the sheep. God can use long apprenticeships for slow learners like me. What a joy to have the faucet of my life opened wider so that the rivers of living water can flow out. I am convinced that God does not need our ability (He has infinite ability) but that he desires our availability. Sometimes it is something as simple and rare as listening sympathetically to someone.
Had a fruitful weekend. Arose at 5 Saturday morning, drove through fog two hours to Boston, and had breakfast with a brother named Stephen. What amazing growth I have had the joy to witness in his life over the last several years. By midmorning I was breakfasting again with five brothers from three different house groups in the Boston area. One of the things God has called me to do is build relational unity between different home churches. After a few errands had the blessing of fellowshipping with a true elder and godly brother named Tom. We had a good conversation about how to induce spiritual growth in people. He felt that teaching apologetics was an integral part of any saint's foundation. Then off to central Mass. & my long time friends John & Debra. Their wonderful hospitality reminds me of the Shunammite woman spoken of in 2 Kings 4:10 "Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there." We had true fellowship & fruitful times of prayer.
They sent me off in the morning with a delicious breakfast and more prayer to Sutton, Ma. God has blessed me with the opportunity to fellowship with these saints on a number of occasions. They have built slowly and well in the Spirit, rather than throwing up things that don't last. God has added saints to them and given them an admirable unity. Our brother Ken taught on Isaiah 30, esp. v. 15 "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, in returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength." Delighted to see many of the saints in my sending church in E. Cambridge, albeit for too short a time. Then off to Medford, to a group I have just discovered. They are embarking on a momentous journey of defining themselves from scratch after six years of gathering. They are asking things like "What do we believe? What does God have for us? How do we fulfill our calling as a discipleship community?
I am excited for them because they are doing this in an atmosphere of love and respect rather than rancor and division.
I am thankful to God for the opportunity to glean from all of these, and other people, so that I can give to others that I meet in the course of my travels.
Had a fruitful weekend. Arose at 5 Saturday morning, drove through fog two hours to Boston, and had breakfast with a brother named Stephen. What amazing growth I have had the joy to witness in his life over the last several years. By midmorning I was breakfasting again with five brothers from three different house groups in the Boston area. One of the things God has called me to do is build relational unity between different home churches. After a few errands had the blessing of fellowshipping with a true elder and godly brother named Tom. We had a good conversation about how to induce spiritual growth in people. He felt that teaching apologetics was an integral part of any saint's foundation. Then off to central Mass. & my long time friends John & Debra. Their wonderful hospitality reminds me of the Shunammite woman spoken of in 2 Kings 4:10 "Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there." We had true fellowship & fruitful times of prayer.
They sent me off in the morning with a delicious breakfast and more prayer to Sutton, Ma. God has blessed me with the opportunity to fellowship with these saints on a number of occasions. They have built slowly and well in the Spirit, rather than throwing up things that don't last. God has added saints to them and given them an admirable unity. Our brother Ken taught on Isaiah 30, esp. v. 15 "For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, in returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength." Delighted to see many of the saints in my sending church in E. Cambridge, albeit for too short a time. Then off to Medford, to a group I have just discovered. They are embarking on a momentous journey of defining themselves from scratch after six years of gathering. They are asking things like "What do we believe? What does God have for us? How do we fulfill our calling as a discipleship community?
I am excited for them because they are doing this in an atmosphere of love and respect rather than rancor and division.
I am thankful to God for the opportunity to glean from all of these, and other people, so that I can give to others that I meet in the course of my travels.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Melange
Had the opportunity to go to a Bible study with some saints in Enfield, CT last night. Some highlights were as follows:
A. Psalm 37:4 says "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." From my earliest days as a believer almost forty years ago I have heard this interpreted to mean that God will give us whatever we want. I have questioned this for awhile. If we delight ourselves in the Lord, isn't He the desire of our heart? I mentioned this to the group & was astonished to have them all agree that this verse wasn't saying that we could have whatever we wanted.
B. One of the primary themes of those flowing in the house church river (if you will) is the fifty or so "one another" verses found in the NT, telling us to love one another, encourage one another etc. One we don't talk about, brought up by a brother named Gary, is found in James 5:16 "Confess your sins to one another." He mentioned that we don't do this. This is an essential ingredient of true Biblical friendship/brotherhood. This verse provides a telling indicator of how deep our relationship with a person truly is. It's causing me to make a reassessment.
C. As I look forward to constant travel in the future I have had occasion to explore the idea of a GPS system for the vehicle. I'm a techno-dunce so I resisted for awhile. Then people began showing them to me & it seemed like I could use them. Then I started looking into the expense. (About $150 for a good one on the Internet) I happened to mention the subject at this Bible study with the idea of seeing whether a consensus might develop on the best brand. To my astonishment, a brother I was meeting for the second time offered to give me a practically brand new one of the brand that most people favor. I continue to be blown away by the generosity of God's people. This is a new thing for me. I am accustomed to being able to get things that I really need, but only thru hard work and frugality, or as I used to call it- perpetual austerity budget.
"Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap..." (Luke 6:38 ESV)
A. Psalm 37:4 says "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." From my earliest days as a believer almost forty years ago I have heard this interpreted to mean that God will give us whatever we want. I have questioned this for awhile. If we delight ourselves in the Lord, isn't He the desire of our heart? I mentioned this to the group & was astonished to have them all agree that this verse wasn't saying that we could have whatever we wanted.
B. One of the primary themes of those flowing in the house church river (if you will) is the fifty or so "one another" verses found in the NT, telling us to love one another, encourage one another etc. One we don't talk about, brought up by a brother named Gary, is found in James 5:16 "Confess your sins to one another." He mentioned that we don't do this. This is an essential ingredient of true Biblical friendship/brotherhood. This verse provides a telling indicator of how deep our relationship with a person truly is. It's causing me to make a reassessment.
C. As I look forward to constant travel in the future I have had occasion to explore the idea of a GPS system for the vehicle. I'm a techno-dunce so I resisted for awhile. Then people began showing them to me & it seemed like I could use them. Then I started looking into the expense. (About $150 for a good one on the Internet) I happened to mention the subject at this Bible study with the idea of seeing whether a consensus might develop on the best brand. To my astonishment, a brother I was meeting for the second time offered to give me a practically brand new one of the brand that most people favor. I continue to be blown away by the generosity of God's people. This is a new thing for me. I am accustomed to being able to get things that I really need, but only thru hard work and frugality, or as I used to call it- perpetual austerity budget.
"Give and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap..." (Luke 6:38 ESV)
Monday, July 13, 2009
Big Things in the Little State
God gave me the opportunity of visiting Rhode Island yesterday. Except for driving thru on I-95, I don't think i've been there for decades. I'm glad I did. Gathered with a number of families and young adults and learned of any number of people who are exploring apostolic practice of NT church life. Our Lord continues to encourage me by showing the need for what He has called me to do. Heard a wonderful testimony about her salvation from a young woman who just graduated from college. Her enthusiasm was a joy to experience. She is preparing for a year long stint in Germany to work among university students there under the auspices of Campus Crusade. Again i was reminded that we need to put our efforts towards presenting the good news of the gospel to those who don't know him rather than attempting to pull people out of traditional churches. If the Holy Spirit wants them out, He will lead them. Let's not just shuffle the deck.
Also visited my sending church in Cambridge, MA. The hospitality of these saints is wonderful. We had as many visitors as we did regulars but no problem. Among the visitors were a couple, Ross & Trina, whom the Lord has also called into full time itinerant ministry. I warmly recommend them. God wants to raise up a number of saints who are willing to live simply in order to encourage, mentor and bless the body on a full time basis.
Also visited my sending church in Cambridge, MA. The hospitality of these saints is wonderful. We had as many visitors as we did regulars but no problem. Among the visitors were a couple, Ross & Trina, whom the Lord has also called into full time itinerant ministry. I warmly recommend them. God wants to raise up a number of saints who are willing to live simply in order to encourage, mentor and bless the body on a full time basis.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Biblical Friendship
For much of my life I was a classic loner. I really didn't like people; my favorite activity was reading books. Some years ago, as God captured my heart, He made it clear that He wanted me to befriend others. I had no idea how to do this. I assumed that everyone else had a handle on it that I lacked. To my astonishment I discovered that a lot of guys had trouble with this. They might converse about their work, or coffee or the NFL but anything deeper made them squirmy. There followed years of attempting to follow the Lord's heart in this area. Today i am blessed with an ever increasing number of Biblical friendships.
What does Biblical friendship look like? You need availability, which in our frenetic society means intentionally making time for it. You need trust, which takes time to develop. I think you look for those who can offer godly counsel based on their receptivity to the Holy Spirit, ongoing study and application of the Word of God, and life experience. You need not have gray hair. I had breakfast this morning with a young brother who exemplifies the humility, heart for God, ability to give godly advice and willingness to consider viewpoints with which he may not agree that provides the foundation for true Biblical friendship.
The Proverbs contain much wisdom on this subject.
A. "The sweetness of a man's friend comes from his earnest counsel." 27:9b
B. "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."11:14
C. "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed." 15:22
D. "Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war." 20:18
E. "By wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." 24:6
Paul exemplifies the process i'm discussing in Romans 1:11-12. "For I long to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift to strengthen you- that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine." I think this idea of mutual encouragement in the faith the essence of Biblical friendship and true brotherhood in Christ.
What does Biblical friendship look like? You need availability, which in our frenetic society means intentionally making time for it. You need trust, which takes time to develop. I think you look for those who can offer godly counsel based on their receptivity to the Holy Spirit, ongoing study and application of the Word of God, and life experience. You need not have gray hair. I had breakfast this morning with a young brother who exemplifies the humility, heart for God, ability to give godly advice and willingness to consider viewpoints with which he may not agree that provides the foundation for true Biblical friendship.
The Proverbs contain much wisdom on this subject.
A. "The sweetness of a man's friend comes from his earnest counsel." 27:9b
B. "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."11:14
C. "Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisors they succeed." 15:22
D. "Plans are established by counsel; by wise guidance wage war." 20:18
E. "By wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory." 24:6
Paul exemplifies the process i'm discussing in Romans 1:11-12. "For I long to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift to strengthen you- that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine." I think this idea of mutual encouragement in the faith the essence of Biblical friendship and true brotherhood in Christ.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
God's family (continued)
B. I believe the Holy Spirit residing (indwelling) in a person will induce him to become more like Christ. (Conformed to his image Romans 8:29 cf Genesis 1:26) This will manifest in a person desiring to pray, read the Bible, talk to others about Jesus, interacting with other believers etc.
C. Increasing obedience and practical every day yielding to Jesus as Lord. (John 14:15, 21, 23)
D. Belief in foundational doctrine. For example, many today believe that there are many ways to God (or salvation) Jesus expressly says that He is the only way to God (John 14:6) or salvation. (Acts 4:12) We either believe Him or we don't.
The above gives an overview. Sometimes we expect godly behavior from those who don't have God, in the person of the Holy Spirit, living in them. Sometimes we offer false hope to those who are not truly part of God's family by acting as if they are. Sadly the theme expressed above is blithely ignored by some who need to receive it, but becomes a source of self-condemnation for some of a introspective nature. "And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." (1 John 5:20ESV)
C. Increasing obedience and practical every day yielding to Jesus as Lord. (John 14:15, 21, 23)
D. Belief in foundational doctrine. For example, many today believe that there are many ways to God (or salvation) Jesus expressly says that He is the only way to God (John 14:6) or salvation. (Acts 4:12) We either believe Him or we don't.
The above gives an overview. Sometimes we expect godly behavior from those who don't have God, in the person of the Holy Spirit, living in them. Sometimes we offer false hope to those who are not truly part of God's family by acting as if they are. Sadly the theme expressed above is blithely ignored by some who need to receive it, but becomes a source of self-condemnation for some of a introspective nature. "And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life." (1 John 5:20ESV)
How do we know if we are in God's family
To tackle a subject as complex and controversial as this in a short blog post probably indicates a lack of wisdom more than anything else but I believe God has put this on my heart, particularly in light of recent experiences. Romans 8:9 states "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him." (ESV) How do we know whether the (Holy) Spirit indwells a person? Jesus says "The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." (John 3:8 ESV) So we can't see the Holy Spirit within a person but we can see His effects on that person. For many years i thought that a person prayed a "salvation" prayer, believed in certain essential doctrines like the Deity of Christ, His resurrection from the dead etc. and began to interact with the Christian community. Further study has expanded my understanding of this question because I saw in my own life that I had done those things yet i remained enmeshed in sin. I was conforming externally to the "culture" around me but inside I really wasn't changed (redeemed) I wasn't examing myself to see if i was in the faith. (2 Corinthians 13:5 ESV)
My current understanding is that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit manifests itself in at least the following ways.
A. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) being expressed in my life. The most important of these is love. We must receive God's love for us personally before we can truly love others. (1 John 4:19) Jesus says that to love God and our neighbor is the greatest commandment. (Mark 12:30) (I'm sorry I have run out of time & will have to continue this later)
My current understanding is that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit manifests itself in at least the following ways.
A. The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) being expressed in my life. The most important of these is love. We must receive God's love for us personally before we can truly love others. (1 John 4:19) Jesus says that to love God and our neighbor is the greatest commandment. (Mark 12:30) (I'm sorry I have run out of time & will have to continue this later)
Monday, July 6, 2009
Recurring Themes
Had a blessed day visiting the saints. In the morning I went to Waterford, Ct, spent part of an idyllic afternoon with my friends Chris & Carolyn in E. CT & visited some saints in Boxborough, MA in the evening. A long day for a middle aged geezer. Give me more. As I reflect on everything that God did I am reminded of several themes that He keeps ministering to me.
1. The absolute indispensability of genuine, deep friendships. They require availability, trust, forbearance and perseverance but they are worth everything we invest in them. Sadly, they seem much harder to gain than to lose. May I encourage you to persevere. I know many will say that it is too painful, they have made many efforts in vain. So have I. Don't give up.
2. The importance of forgiveness. Unforgiveness is the spiritual equivalent of cancer. It will eat away at your inner being the same way cancer eats away at a physical body. God forgave you and me. We need to forgive others. "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against one another, forgiving one another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." Col. 3:13
3. Relational Unity: When Jesus prays in John 17: 20-23 for unity what kind of unity is He praying for? Throughout the ages the Church has said either organizational or doctrinal unity or some combination of the two. Has this worked? Have we not had incessant battles over these things? I am not opposed to either organization (of the true NT model) or apostolic doctrine yet I believe Jesus refers to something else here. He prays that we might be one as He and the Father are one. How are they one? Organizationally? In doctrine? That's not an issue for them. I think we find a clue in the continual reference to God as Father in the NT, and Jesus as the Son and us as brothers (over 200x) or sisters as the case may be. This is relational, familial language. Does God want an organization or a family? Consider the continually reiterated command to love another. We probably will never be in the same local church with one another, and it is hard to imagine that we will ever agree on every nuance of doctrine absent divine intervention yet we can love one another, receive each other as brothers or sisters, respect and care for each other. In short, we can walk as the family of God in relational unity.
1. The absolute indispensability of genuine, deep friendships. They require availability, trust, forbearance and perseverance but they are worth everything we invest in them. Sadly, they seem much harder to gain than to lose. May I encourage you to persevere. I know many will say that it is too painful, they have made many efforts in vain. So have I. Don't give up.
2. The importance of forgiveness. Unforgiveness is the spiritual equivalent of cancer. It will eat away at your inner being the same way cancer eats away at a physical body. God forgave you and me. We need to forgive others. "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against one another, forgiving one another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive." Col. 3:13
3. Relational Unity: When Jesus prays in John 17: 20-23 for unity what kind of unity is He praying for? Throughout the ages the Church has said either organizational or doctrinal unity or some combination of the two. Has this worked? Have we not had incessant battles over these things? I am not opposed to either organization (of the true NT model) or apostolic doctrine yet I believe Jesus refers to something else here. He prays that we might be one as He and the Father are one. How are they one? Organizationally? In doctrine? That's not an issue for them. I think we find a clue in the continual reference to God as Father in the NT, and Jesus as the Son and us as brothers (over 200x) or sisters as the case may be. This is relational, familial language. Does God want an organization or a family? Consider the continually reiterated command to love another. We probably will never be in the same local church with one another, and it is hard to imagine that we will ever agree on every nuance of doctrine absent divine intervention yet we can love one another, receive each other as brothers or sisters, respect and care for each other. In short, we can walk as the family of God in relational unity.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Lead me to the Rock
Last night I received an invitation to go to a Independence Day barbecue at the home of Nathaniel & Eden. In the course of a great time that included praise to the King, excellent and abundant food, creative games and fellowship, we also shot off a lot of fireworks. Among those present was a two year old boy named Aaron. He had impressed me earlier in the evening with his athleticism, exploring, and all boyness. When the fireworks began most of us were standing on a back porch. As soon as they commenced he ran for the biggest person he could find (me) got behind my legs and clung to me for all he was worth. Fireworks were too much for little Aaron.
This morning as I ate breakfast the Lord reminded me of this, and of a Scripture from Psalm 61.
"Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy." (Ps. 61:1-3 ESV)
Do we instinctively look for the rock that is higher than we are, a strong tower, as little Aaron did? Or do we try to do things on our own strength and abilities? The Rock is Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4)
An update for those of you who know that i am an aspiring novelist. I started writing fiction in what we then called junior high on an old Royal manual typewriter my mother gave me. I continued writing off and on for many years, until I became serious in following Jesus in 1991. Since that time I kept what i had written in a box. About twenty months ago I received a go ahead from the Lord to write again, something that I call evangelistic novels. To date, I have finished one to the best of my current ability, titled "Realm", and written 12 chapters of a rough draft of a second, tentatively titled "Librarium." My most recent project is transcribing a full length novel I wrote in the 80's to the computer. I do this for two reasons. One is to get added experience in revision and self editing. The other is as a gift to one of the two people who have most encouraged me in this pursuit since I know it is written in a genre that he appreciates.
Unfortunately writing and marketing/publishing are two different skill sets. I hope to use some of the transition time in Connecticut to explore getting published.
This morning as I ate breakfast the Lord reminded me of this, and of a Scripture from Psalm 61.
"Hear my cry, O God, listen to my prayer; from the end of the earth I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I, for you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy." (Ps. 61:1-3 ESV)
Do we instinctively look for the rock that is higher than we are, a strong tower, as little Aaron did? Or do we try to do things on our own strength and abilities? The Rock is Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:4)
An update for those of you who know that i am an aspiring novelist. I started writing fiction in what we then called junior high on an old Royal manual typewriter my mother gave me. I continued writing off and on for many years, until I became serious in following Jesus in 1991. Since that time I kept what i had written in a box. About twenty months ago I received a go ahead from the Lord to write again, something that I call evangelistic novels. To date, I have finished one to the best of my current ability, titled "Realm", and written 12 chapters of a rough draft of a second, tentatively titled "Librarium." My most recent project is transcribing a full length novel I wrote in the 80's to the computer. I do this for two reasons. One is to get added experience in revision and self editing. The other is as a gift to one of the two people who have most encouraged me in this pursuit since I know it is written in a genre that he appreciates.
Unfortunately writing and marketing/publishing are two different skill sets. I hope to use some of the transition time in Connecticut to explore getting published.
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