Some reflections

On my walk today the Holy Spirit brought the theme of persecution to my mind again. He has done this, off and on, since last August. When I consider 2 Timothy 3:12, which says, "All those who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution," I wonder why believers in America seem exempt. I do observe increasing prejudice against Christians, particularly in elite circles, but not the suffering that our brothers and sisters experience in many other countries. In the past i have ruminated on why the Holy Spirit has begun to shift "pioneers" out of the regular churches into house churches. While individuals may have various reasons for their departures, I wonder why God continues to do this. Sometimes I have thought of this as shuffling the deck, with no net gain to the kingdom. Perhaps the possibility of real persecution supplies the answer. In the past thirty years or so, in a wide variety of settings, I have heard only one teaching on the subject of persecution, the gist of which was that we should not hope or pray for it to happen. Yet it does seem a normative experience for the brethren in the NT era. It amazes me how often the subject comes up. Jesus speaks about it in the Beatitudes. "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you, and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you." (Matthew 5:11-12) Is it possible that God is establishing home churches to receive those who may have to flee government persecution? It happened in China.

Romans 14

Find myself in an emotional stew today. Does the essence of the Christian life consist in believing in, following, loving and obeying Jesus or in learning doctrinal positions and defending them against all comers? For some years I did the latter, influenced by pastors who had received specialized theological training. It resulted in incessant argument and division. Ultimately it led me to the destructive fantasy of being a church of one. Yet to this day I know solid, Biblically literate brothers, friends of mine, who find the correct eschatology (end times)or soteriology (correct understanding of the process of salvation in contrast to whether one is regenerated or not) of the utmost importance. Perhaps I am ignorant of the true importance of these things.
Last summer at a regional gathering of the saints, most of whom gather in house churches, a middle aged man approached me after I had offered some public comments. He began by saying, somewhat apologetically, that he didn't fellowship in a home gathering. Immediately I asked whether he loved Jesus to which he replied with an enthusiastic and fervent affirmative. We then proceeded to have great fellowship together. I didn't think of him as suspect or ignorant or problematic because he didn't happen to attend a house church. We're brothers in Christ for all eternity.
Recently I read Romans 14 again. Paul the apostle, inspired by the Holy Spirit, gives leeway for believers to receive understandings from the Lord which vary on such issues, crucial at that time, of what they could eat and what days they needed to observe. The crucial point is whether we are the Lord's. "For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living." (Rom. 14:8-9) The Lordship of Christ is the crucial issue. Paul goes to ask, "Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God."
(v.10) May we examine Romans 14 anew.

Atlanta

God continues to make paths for me. Tuesday evening had the opportunity to have food and fellowship with Stephen & Tricia, a young couple fervent for the Lord. More convinced than ever that young people are not just the future but the present of the Church as a whole. If those of us who are older will walk in humility & respect towards them, then I have great confidence in God that the generations can walk together in a mutually beneficial and God honoring way.
Wednesday evening saw an opportunity to share on our brotherhood in Christ. Touched on the idea of being brothers of Christ as the highest honor one can receive, in part because it is eternal, not just for this life. Also looked at how our brotherhood can result in relational unity in Christ, thus fulfilling His prayer in John 17:20ff. Also explored the importance of forgiveness in walking out our brotherhood.
Thursday evening was hosted by three single brothers who impressed me with their candor, seriousness & willingness to examine difficult issues. Planning to spend more time next week with Jason, Shane & Leif. Leif's friend Carolena made a cameo appearance.
Friday had lunch with Steve, Ed, Tim A & Rusty. God has impressed the country of Belize on Tim, who has made a number of scouting trips there. Rusty invited me to gather with his group north of Atlanta, which i hope to do soon. I believe it is crucial for brethren in different groups to develop trust & relationship with one another, and to work as closely together as possible to build the kingdom.
In the evening had dinner with Keith & Arletta (sp?), their daughter Lydia, her friend Melody, and a brother named Mike. Good fellowship on a number of topics, not to mention healthy food.
Have also spoken with my brothers Matt W & Josh C from my sending group in the past 24 hours. Have kept in close contact with them from the onset of my journey.

Georgia

Drove to the Atlanta area on Thursday to my friends Ed & Linda's home. They took me to Stone Mt. the next day- good exercise & supposedly the largest single block of stone in the world. While there received a call from my friend Jake, who is doing well & on his way to Bulgaria for an athletic missions trip. Used a log splitter for the first time, doing poplar & oak.
Taking my usual walks, one along a flood plain with Ed. Lots of brick homes here, some with colonial style pillars in front. Even some mailboxes are encased in brick- no baseball bat whacking here.
Gathered with the local saints Sunday morning. Lots of participation, which is problematic in some other groups. Stayed overnight with Steve & Sandra & enjoyed Indian food & fellowship with them. Traveled to Steve's business on Monday & got the tour. Even managed to lock both sets of keys in the car for the first time in about 30 years. Special thanks to another brother Stephen for rescuing me from that dilemma.
Lunch today at a Mexican place with Steve & Ed. Among other topics we discussed the idea of sending out small teams of people to plant new house churches. Also talked about mentoring younger saints. Even touched on the historical reason for the Cinco de Mayo holiday coming up soon.

Georgia

Drove to the Atlanta area on Thursday to my friends Ed & Linda's home. They took me to Stone Mt. the next day

Canine City

As some of you know i am not a dog person. My family did not have pets growing up, except for some very short lived turtles. Thus i find it humorous that I'm residing with a dozen or more dogs, and a token cat, who seems to tolerate the other species. These belong to my friend KC & her husband Dennis, who live in the Florida Panhandle. She is a professional dog trainer & sitter who reminds me of my great aunt Selma, who also had red hair, lots of energy, and just seemed more alive than most people. Selma & her husband went deer hunting every year until about seventy. Kathy doesn't hunt- that I know of- but could do anything that she wanted to do. It's weird that after not having seen her for over thirty years, I feel like she's my sister.
Enjoyed my time in coastal Miss. Had good fellowship with a brother John one Saturday evening, and more with their whole group- a good blend of generations- on Sunday. This is one of the more participatory groups I've encountered in my travels. Am very thankful for their hospitality & generosity.
Received a good report from my friend Dale about the group in San Francisco with whom I wintered. God is faithful. Also read a good report of some brothers, instrumental in the NE HC arena, who met last night. May we continue to glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Taking my morning constitutionals along the coast. Azaleas bloom and pure white sand squishes under my boots.

Gulf Coast

Traveled from Memphis to coastal Mississippi on Wednesday, a distance of about 400 miles. Am now appreciating the hospitality of John & Marla, who started a home gathering about two and a half years ago. God continues to raise up pioneers willing to leave the comforts of a settled church existence in order to break new ground in the Spirit.
Completed my time in Memphis with long walks in a nearby park, a wonderful lunch with Larry & Mary Ann, aka "Little Bird", and some great Korean food (and fellowship) with Peter & his extended family. Wish to give a warm thank you to the saints I met. Even though none of them knew me previously, I felt received and welcomed by all. Had the privilege of dinner with the brothers at the Brothers' House (thanks for cooking, Isaac) & Bible study in Acts 10 with eight young men thereafter.
God continues to place the theme of digging into His Word on my heart. I know I've discussed this on several occasions in this Blog but it doesn't go away. I wonder if God laments, as I do, that so few delve into His letter of love to His children. Should head up to Atlanta the beginning of next week, with a possible excursion into the Florida Panhandle to see a friend from the old days.

Memphis

Am enjoying fellowship & the hospitality of a large group of brethren in Memphis. AS one drives in from the west (Arkansas), across the Mississippi River (quite high now) you see a large pyramid building on your left. Turns out it's vacant. Stayed with my friend M. T.'s parents one night & learned a little about the purchase & rental of foreclosed real estate & more about the Koran. (They ministered in a Muslim country for a number of years.) The next day went to a home expanded twice in order to seat all those who wish to gather there. Saw pictures & videos of mountain climbing trips in the Rockies. (14K+ feet) Excellent potential for relational bonding and interpersonal ministry. Then a barbeque in which I became the chief griller- something I've done rarely. Off to the brother's house with a new friend Stefan. The hospitality of the saints continues to amaze me. On Saturday all three of the elders took time to fellowship with me, hear my story & vision, and allow me to ask questions. Later one took me and another brother out to dinner at a Vietnamese place- no fish heads, thankfully. Forgot to mention a men's prayer meeting on Saturday, followed by a breakfast. They plied me with questions, which I attempted to answer.
Sunday gathered with approx. 150 of their group & received an invite to a picnic on the Mississippi River afterwards. All enjoyable. Fielded more questions, which I am happy to do. Hopefully the answers were beneficial. This morning took a long walk by the Botanical Gardens to work off some of the food. Unlike MO, spring has come to Memphis. People say this is the most enjoyable time of the year, in contrast to a hot humid summer. Next I go to coastal Mississippi, about 400 miles away.
Read a book on the theme of unity written by a Japanese brother several decades ago. It proves difficult to avoid emphasizing one thing over another. May we love, follow, glorify & serve our Lord Jesus Christ.

Memphis

Am enjoying fellowship & the hospitality of a large group of brethren in Memphis.