God is always working in our lives; sometimes we are more aware of it. Some of the things I have witnessed or participated in during the last several days include a young brother agreeing to receive mentoring and discipleship on a ongoing basis, a joint brothers' meeting between two very different churches, a stimulating evening with a couple that I know from the Jesus People days who are still actively serving the Lord, getting involved with young college students, Brazilian-American pastors and hoping to embark on itinerant ministry, a men's Bible study with brothers from a number of different unrelated churches that is going strong after fifteen years, our little group getting together for two solid hours of prayer Saturday morning, and a nine year old girl with no way to earn money nor any allowance giving a significant amount of her resources to bless others entirely of her own response to God.
In addition I heard testimony this morning and yesterday of families and groups going to visit people in other house churches for mutual encouragement and edification. This is something that i have hoped and prayed to have happen for years. Our little group also had the opportunity to host another celebration outreach on Sunday inviting people from other churches and from the projects. We ended up with about seventy adults and teenagers and a number of younger children. It was a real testimony to the leading of the Holy Spirit to see brothers and sisters responding in various ways, spontaneously seeing needs and meeting them, and also to see the unity and mutual encouragement of many people, some of whom either had not previously met or did not share a common first language. Thanks to Mariana for translating, and it was a joy to see Eddie and Jessica again after a number of years. People also came from neighboring states. We intend to do this again on the last Sunday of each month.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Thursday, January 26, 2012
International Readers
Yesterday I made a discovery that amazed me. One of the features of Blogspot is something called "Stats" ( statistics). I had only viewed it once since starting the blog in the summer of 2009. When I looked at it again I found a chart that told me the number of page views from the last week, and how many from each separate country. To my surprise forty percent were from countries other than the U. S., nine other countries in all. Thank you, international readers! With some of the countries I have an idea of who the people might be; others are a complete mystery to me. This does point out the power of the Internet as a tool. It also suggests that I should explain cultural references, and not use slang (informal writing) or obscure words.
At the same time I have received counsel that I should not limit myself to short entries but also include longer articles that explain what I believe and teach, from a Scriptural perspective. While I have done this occasionally in the past, I had refrained because I know that most people don't like to read longer essays. So I will explore that and see what the response is.
For today I will leave with the following thought. We will fare much better in our walk with Christ on this earth if we lower our expectations of people in the church, and raise our expectations of God. Often, our real issue is that we want too little of God, not too much.
Correction: For those who may have already read yesterday's post, an alert reader noted that I seem to be saying that I had left the church of which I am an elder. I have edited the post to say that in the past I had left other churches, only to find out the hard way that God does not intend us to be a church of one. ( I understand that certain circumstances, like imprisonment, might prevent fellowship.) I have not departed from my current church.
At the same time I have received counsel that I should not limit myself to short entries but also include longer articles that explain what I believe and teach, from a Scriptural perspective. While I have done this occasionally in the past, I had refrained because I know that most people don't like to read longer essays. So I will explore that and see what the response is.
For today I will leave with the following thought. We will fare much better in our walk with Christ on this earth if we lower our expectations of people in the church, and raise our expectations of God. Often, our real issue is that we want too little of God, not too much.
Correction: For those who may have already read yesterday's post, an alert reader noted that I seem to be saying that I had left the church of which I am an elder. I have edited the post to say that in the past I had left other churches, only to find out the hard way that God does not intend us to be a church of one. ( I understand that certain circumstances, like imprisonment, might prevent fellowship.) I have not departed from my current church.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Lungs and Livers
What? Has Thompson finally fallen off his rocking chair? Probably. Each of us has a physical body, a truly miraculous creation of God that works together rather well. But we need every part. I live in New England. My lungs don't reside in California, and my liver doesn't dwell in the South. In 1 Corinthians 12, beginning in verse 12, the Holy Spirit instructs us about our place in the Body of Christ. "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body- Jews or Greeks, slaves or free- and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (v.13) Paul goes on to use the analogy of the physical body to express that we are all necessary, and no one is supposed to live like an island apart from the body.
Yet I find any number of people who profess Christ but have no practical relationship with His body. They are not part of a local fellowship. In the past I did this too. Why? Usually this results from mistreatment from leaders on the one hand, and unhealed, unforgiven wounds on the other. While I grant that there are a few people who are so abusive that co-existence is not possible, the reality is that whenever you have people there will be problems. The remedy is to receive the love of God so that you can give it to others, to forgive, to seek for healing of the wounds, often going deep into one's childhood, that plague us, and to recognize that the only true remedy for the insecurity that causes so many of our problems is to find our identity in who God says that we are in Jesus Christ.
Yet I find any number of people who profess Christ but have no practical relationship with His body. They are not part of a local fellowship. In the past I did this too. Why? Usually this results from mistreatment from leaders on the one hand, and unhealed, unforgiven wounds on the other. While I grant that there are a few people who are so abusive that co-existence is not possible, the reality is that whenever you have people there will be problems. The remedy is to receive the love of God so that you can give it to others, to forgive, to seek for healing of the wounds, often going deep into one's childhood, that plague us, and to recognize that the only true remedy for the insecurity that causes so many of our problems is to find our identity in who God says that we are in Jesus Christ.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Bondage?
Towards the end of a recent post ( January 11th) I commented that the natural condition of humanity is bondage. Regular readers know that if I had more wisdom I probably would not broach the subject. I refer to bondage to sin, and its inevitable outcome, bondage to others. Galatians 5 presents two extremes, the first of trying to keep the law, and thus to attempt to be righteous without Christ, and the second of believing that we can do whatever we want, that we are not answerable to God. Sometimes we try both. The first approach denies a need for Jesus and His atoning work for us. The second does not want Him to "interfere" with our desires and plans. For the follower of Christ the only middle way between these two extremes is absolute dependence on God through the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Verses 17 and 18 sums this up for us. "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law." (NKJV) Note how both extremes, of living under law and living to the flesh, are lumped together.
Human history shows bondage as well. Most people throughout history have lived under the control of kings or emperors or powerful elites. Even in democracies where people have the opportunity of voting on occasion they have little real power. Sadly, many churches show the same pattern of insecure leaders fighting for control. True freedom is found only in following the leading of the Spirit within the boundaries established in the Word of God.
Human history shows bondage as well. Most people throughout history have lived under the control of kings or emperors or powerful elites. Even in democracies where people have the opportunity of voting on occasion they have little real power. Sadly, many churches show the same pattern of insecure leaders fighting for control. True freedom is found only in following the leading of the Spirit within the boundaries established in the Word of God.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Intercessors
Sensing an accelerating move of the Holy Spirit in New England and in the circles in which I am privileged to travel. Whether it is people hungry for God in the Boston projects, or small house based groups starting to connect relationally with one another, or young men desiring guidance in how to disciple others, or even a stirring in my own heart to gather intercessors together, God is moving. Our group recently hosted our brother Bruce to share on the Luke 10 approach to evangelism. We are growing in our trust and relationship with one another. Matt testifies that God is drawing Spanish speaking people to Himself. John, Sanford and I rejoiced to get together with Nic and Mike to offer what God has taught us about mentoring others. Ken and the Sutton group expressed their usual warm hospitality to me last Sunday as I had the opportunity to meet new people in their group, witness them pray for one another, and delve into the beginning of 1 Cor 14 in an interactive study.
Today our brother Dale called from CA and we had a heart warming hour conversation. When the time is right, I hope to go see him and the saints with whom he gathers. I believe the catalyst for much of this is the recent visit by Vinci and a team from Brazil. Doors have opened that have been closed for some time. May God receive the glory. "To God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen." ( Romans 16:27 NKJV)
Today our brother Dale called from CA and we had a heart warming hour conversation. When the time is right, I hope to go see him and the saints with whom he gathers. I believe the catalyst for much of this is the recent visit by Vinci and a team from Brazil. Doors have opened that have been closed for some time. May God receive the glory. "To God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen." ( Romans 16:27 NKJV)
Sunday, January 15, 2012
A Quiet Guy
Not to be confused with the old John Wayne film, "The Quiet Man." A photograph taken when I was about five shows me in a pose ( and facial expression) similar to Rodan's Philosopher. It is hard to imagine a child that young looking so serious, but there I am. As a young Christian I heard a message based upon Ecc. 5:2 "Let your words be few." I took this to the extreme of "let your words be none," for which, after some days, I was threatened with expulsion from the ministry by my house head. Most other people still feel a need to speak more than I do. However, I am a good listener. The real struggle is when I encounter some one who wants to say even less than I do. The gaps and silences can become lengthy.
On the other hand I have expressed myself through writing since I first learned to put pencil to paper. My first story, in first grade, dealt with a Farmer Brown, and a fox getting into his chickens, which my first grade teacher, a veteran of decades of working with my age group, refused to believe that I had written until my mother affirmed that I had no older sibling that had done the work for me.
Thus the blog has been a Godsend for me, an avenue of expression and testimony that I seldom seem to have in real life. While I remain disconcerted by certain comments that seize upon one tiny fragment of what I have written and blow it up out of proportion, or so it seems to me, yet I remain thankful for the vehicle God has provided.
On another topic a brother whom I respect told me that he believed God has spoken to him about a gift he sees God having given to me. If he were the first mature brother to have done this perhaps I could take it less seriously. As it is the weight and responsibility that accompanies this gift makes me want to do a Jonah and head to Tarshish. But three days and nights in the belly of a great fish doesn't appeal to me either. Lord, have mercy.
On the other hand I have expressed myself through writing since I first learned to put pencil to paper. My first story, in first grade, dealt with a Farmer Brown, and a fox getting into his chickens, which my first grade teacher, a veteran of decades of working with my age group, refused to believe that I had written until my mother affirmed that I had no older sibling that had done the work for me.
Thus the blog has been a Godsend for me, an avenue of expression and testimony that I seldom seem to have in real life. While I remain disconcerted by certain comments that seize upon one tiny fragment of what I have written and blow it up out of proportion, or so it seems to me, yet I remain thankful for the vehicle God has provided.
On another topic a brother whom I respect told me that he believed God has spoken to him about a gift he sees God having given to me. If he were the first mature brother to have done this perhaps I could take it less seriously. As it is the weight and responsibility that accompanies this gift makes me want to do a Jonah and head to Tarshish. But three days and nights in the belly of a great fish doesn't appeal to me either. Lord, have mercy.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
A little History
Preaching to the Athenians Paul says, "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings." ( Acts 17:26 NKJV) In other words, God is sovereign over the rise and fall of nations. At the end of World War II (1945) the U.S. stood dominant in the world. Six percent of the population of the planet produced fifty percent of total economic output. One result was the "Baby Boomer" generation, approximately twice the size of the generations preceding or following it. The 1950's, often derided, were a time of relative tranquility. In the second grade I received a nickel a week allowance. Every Tuesday I purchased a pack of baseball cards, which contained six cards and a piece of gum. During my childhood and teenage years I remember other prices such as 29 cents for a gallon of gas, 69 cents for a gallon of milk, ( 59 cents on sale) and $2,500 for a brand new American car.
Many people, such as the Christian historian David Barton, consider the Supreme Court decision outlawing school prayer ( circa 1963)as the turning point into national decline. This was followed by the Kennedy assassination (1963) when i was in sixth grade. I remember my fourth grade teacher, whom we considered an old battle axe, weeping. President Johnson ushered in the escalation of the Vietnam War, a tortuous debacle, and the Great Society, the superseding of state, local, charitable, family and church efforts to help people by the ever expanding Federal bureaucracy. 1968 brought the murders of Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and the riots in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention. A whole generation was in upheaval. The early 70's saw the Supreme Court decision, overturning the laws of 49 of the 50 states, to allow abortion on demand, leading to the slaughter of tens of millions of unborn children, going off the gold standard, which led to rampant, ongoing inflation, and the loss of the Vietnam War.
Scrolling ahead about forty years we see our chickens coming home to roost. God is judging us for our sins. We yearn for but do not elect leaders of virtue and integrity. We labor under massive debt. We penalize the most economically productive members of society. And we prove that the natural condition of humanity is bondage- to sin, and in allowing powerful elites to control us. If we will not submit to a loving God, we will be coerced by an all powerful government.
Many people, such as the Christian historian David Barton, consider the Supreme Court decision outlawing school prayer ( circa 1963)as the turning point into national decline. This was followed by the Kennedy assassination (1963) when i was in sixth grade. I remember my fourth grade teacher, whom we considered an old battle axe, weeping. President Johnson ushered in the escalation of the Vietnam War, a tortuous debacle, and the Great Society, the superseding of state, local, charitable, family and church efforts to help people by the ever expanding Federal bureaucracy. 1968 brought the murders of Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King, and the riots in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention. A whole generation was in upheaval. The early 70's saw the Supreme Court decision, overturning the laws of 49 of the 50 states, to allow abortion on demand, leading to the slaughter of tens of millions of unborn children, going off the gold standard, which led to rampant, ongoing inflation, and the loss of the Vietnam War.
Scrolling ahead about forty years we see our chickens coming home to roost. God is judging us for our sins. We yearn for but do not elect leaders of virtue and integrity. We labor under massive debt. We penalize the most economically productive members of society. And we prove that the natural condition of humanity is bondage- to sin, and in allowing powerful elites to control us. If we will not submit to a loving God, we will be coerced by an all powerful government.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Adam?
Supposedly several prominent Christian leaders are espousing the idea that Adam was not, as the Bible depicts ( Genesis 2-5, Luke 3, Romans 5:12-21, 1 Corinthians 15:22, 1 Timothy 2:13-14 etc.)a genuine flesh and blood human being but an arch type, a symbol. Now one could ask what difference does this make? Is it not along the lines of the belief of the medieval church that the solar system revolved around the earth rather than the sun? Is it a rational position to hold that Adam was the first human created, by Biblical chronology, approximately six thousand years ago when "scientific" evidence shows much older forms. Isn't this, in the words of Reader's Digest, who many years ago offered a "condensed" version of the Bible, "cranky fundamentalism?"
One wonders what leads alleged Christians who seem relatively orthodox on other doctrines to assert things in line with cultural viewpoints rather than the Bible? "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come." ( 2 Tim. 3:1 NKJV) "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." ( 2 Tim. 4:3-4) "And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie." ( 2 Thess 2:11)
What Galileo and Copernicus discovered that lead to the understanding that the solar system revolves around the sun did not affect any major doctrine. The belief that Adam was not a real person is a direct assault on the gospel because it eliminates "original" or inherited sin, thus allowing for the secularist viewpoint that any problems we have are caused by the environment we live in. Without innate sin, what need of a Savior? So why would a Christian want to hold the position? Because it allows him to accept the evolutionary thesis in one of its myriad forms and not appear stupid to those around him who "know" that evolution is "scientific." And this is the tragedy, that we will jettison the eternal Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and take the conjectures of those under "strong delusion" instead.
One wonders what leads alleged Christians who seem relatively orthodox on other doctrines to assert things in line with cultural viewpoints rather than the Bible? "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come." ( 2 Tim. 3:1 NKJV) "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." ( 2 Tim. 4:3-4) "And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie." ( 2 Thess 2:11)
What Galileo and Copernicus discovered that lead to the understanding that the solar system revolves around the sun did not affect any major doctrine. The belief that Adam was not a real person is a direct assault on the gospel because it eliminates "original" or inherited sin, thus allowing for the secularist viewpoint that any problems we have are caused by the environment we live in. Without innate sin, what need of a Savior? So why would a Christian want to hold the position? Because it allows him to accept the evolutionary thesis in one of its myriad forms and not appear stupid to those around him who "know" that evolution is "scientific." And this is the tragedy, that we will jettison the eternal Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and take the conjectures of those under "strong delusion" instead.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Sanctification...
A good friend and brother in Christ asked me about a month ago to to write my thoughts on the theme of sanctification. The topic is complex and worthy of the input of people much more gifted than I. However, I will offer a few reflections. Sanctification is the process by which genuine believers become more like Christ. (Conformed to His image, Rom. 8:29 cf. Genesis 1:26-27) This is done by the Holy Spirit through the truth of the Word of God. "God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth." (2 Thess 2:13b ESV) Jesus prays for this in John 17:17, "Sanctify them by your truth, your word is truth." I believe it is a process which God initiates and perseveres in to which we must respond. Sanctification produces an increasing victory over sin and personal holiness without producing human pride. It means being dead to sin ( Romans 6), a life long struggle (Romans 7, Hebrews 12:4)and the ongoing intercession of both Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to the Father for us. (Rom. 8)It is more accurately seen in the flow of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) through our lives, especially in loving our brothers. ( Thirteen times in 1 John alone)
For a far more complete treatment I refer the reader to Wayne Grudem's "Systematic Theology" p.746ff.
For a far more complete treatment I refer the reader to Wayne Grudem's "Systematic Theology" p.746ff.
Monday, January 2, 2012
New Year
As a new year dawns, I hope to have a deeper relationship with Christ. I am increasingly conscious of the aging process, that despite my ninety minute walks five or six times a week, that I am not getting any younger. I hope at long last to learn a foreign language. God be thanked for the relationships He has placed in my life- with a daughter and son-in-law, two brothers and a sister, the family with whom I live, and those who circulate around them, the brethren in the discipleship community with whom I fellowship and attempt to shepherd, along with the many other brethren that I know in New England, the U.S. and other countries. I am thankful for the opportunities to minister the Word of God, encouragement, and to pray for friends and others. I thank God for His provision for me, that after thirty-eight years of arduous toil, that I need no longer work in this season.
The larger world around me looks darker than ever yet the light of Christ still shines. Sanford and I prayed for the leaders of our country and our town this morning. I thank God for the good testimonies that I hear, including one from my long time friend Doug, who is persevering to the end. "Be faithful unto death" ( Revelation 2:10) Let us continue faithful to that which God has called us too.
The larger world around me looks darker than ever yet the light of Christ still shines. Sanford and I prayed for the leaders of our country and our town this morning. I thank God for the good testimonies that I hear, including one from my long time friend Doug, who is persevering to the end. "Be faithful unto death" ( Revelation 2:10) Let us continue faithful to that which God has called us too.
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