A Brief Note on Lent

Lent is an interesting period in the church calendar. Originally intended to symbolize Christ's temptation in the desert, it has become one of the largest celebrated seasons in the World. As today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of lent, I thought it might be appropriate to discuss what I'm doing for Lent, and why so many people get it wrong.
Lent is more about having a right heart than it is about sacrificing something. Many people wrongly decide to observe Lent as an exercise of their will power, not understanding the greater significance of their fast. This year, as the first year I will observe Lent, I have both given up a couple of things and added something to my life. I will be drinking one gallon of water everyday, and will be giving up the majority of carbonated drinks. My goal is no more than 4x12oz cans a week. The one other thing I intend to do over this period of fasting is to eat out less, and eat with my family more. All of my "sacrifices" for Lent are directly related to two guiding principles of life that I am trying to stick with. First, that my body is not my own, but God's creation and thus I am expected to maintain it well. I have let my physical well-being slip in the last few years, and this "sacrifice" for Lent is an opportunity to love God with my body. The second driving principle of this concept relates to the biblical command to love my family. As the oldest son, and as one still living in my parents house, I have not obeyed that command well. I hope to be able to spend time with my parents, while living at home, so that when I go over-seas, they will not feel abandoned.
So then, thats my plan for Lent. I'm going to try to Love God and Love my Family.

A Break from Blogging and a Trip to North Africa

In case either one of you faithful readers has missed me, I've been taking a break from blogging to focus on some more important endeavors (school, IMB, the Summit...)
Lord willing, I'll be making my return to the blogosphere in the next month or so, with a series of posts on theological topics. In the mean time, I thought you all might like a brief overview of my life at present.

I'm twenty-four credit hours away from finishing my degree in English at the College at Southeastern, with a lot of options open to me when I graduate.
I work part-time at Southeastern Seminary, in the media dept, doing production and design work.
I am also doing an internship at the Summit Church in Durham, NC, in Video and Design.
I'm currently single, with no intention of dating over the next 18mo.
The reason I'm not pursuing any relationships is that at this point, I am planning on spending two years in North Africa with the Journeyman program, as part of a Church plant from the Summit. If everything works out, I will be leaving for the field in August of 2010, and spending two years there with a team of Godly men and women, sharing the love of Jesus in an Islamic context. Your prayers are greatly appreciated as I prepare to do this.

I'll be posting more on the blog once life gets into a better groove.

A Gospel Confession for 2008

Or, why the description “The (2008) Confession of a materialistic, hypocritical, narcissistic, egotistical, proud, cynical, ignorant, lazy, apathetic, Pharisaic, rebellious, syncretistic, moralistic and addicted; sinner” doesn’t even begin to cover it.
In many ways, this year has been a painful year. I've been rejected by several women, I've been caught in sin, I've been almost kicked out of school, I’ve been dismissed as a musician and through it all I've proven myself a sinner over and over again. In many ways this year has taught me a lot about myself. I learned that I want a Godly wife, I learned that I'm capable of serious sin, I learned that I’m not the man I’m supposed to be, I even learned that I'm the most self-centered person I know.
As I contemplated this year and I relived the many painful moments of 2008, I began to see a cycle. I went through periods of great renewal, followed by painful crashes that left me feeling guilty, depressed and hopeless. I created alternative realities all around me, where I was the good-looking one, or where I was the talented one. As each cycle progressed, I saw my sin, the alternative realities I had created for myself, and I repented and turned toward a new path.
In many ways, this year has been a pendulum swing for me. I went from justifying myself through moralism, to taking journeys of “self discovery” in hopes of not needing to be justified . But no matter where I turned, my sin kept finding me out.
I tried making shortcuts for myself, and wound up in a meeting with the threat of being kicked out of school. I took a break from life for a semester, and ended up barely passing four classes. As I swung back and forth between the two poles of self justification, I kept seeing my own sin repeating itself. Through it all, I turned to many different forms of self-help, but I never turned to Christ.
As the most recent semester ended, I took some time to listen to some teaching by Tim Keller, out at Redeemer Church, NYC. His messages relating to Jesus and the gospel struck a chord in my life. The more I listened to Keller preach the gospel, the more I began to see myself in stories like the prodigal son. Which brings me back to that description of myself that doesn’t even begin to cover it. This year has taught me something invaluable. I’m a colossal screw-up. And before you tell me I’m “being too hard” on myself, I think it might be wise to point out that I would know.
But that’s not the point. Because as big a screw up as I am, there is a bigger solution to my life problems than anything I could ever attempt to do on my own. As Keller puts it, Jesus saves both self-righteous moralists, and self-discovering rebells, he died for both. And that means that screw-ups like me are given hope for the future. Because of Jesus, and what he did in dying for my sin and rising from the dead to give me new life, I don’t have to worry about being a screw-up, because there is nothing I have to do to be loved. And that’s why this is a Gospel confession, because the Gospel is the only hope I have for the future.

On Cessationism

Thanks to Rick I, for pointing me to this; by Dan Edelen.
I think his points are well taken, I tend to agree with his approach to the Charismata, and look forward to more thoughts on the subject...

The Politics of Jesus, Really?

Warning:
Some people will be offended by this post.
This not an apology, simply a warning.

After months of prayer and study in the area of politics, I have come to some very painful conclusions about American Society in general, and the nation's politics in particular.
All these thoughts came to a head when I was driving back from an event with a friend of mine. My friend is everything I am not. He is a dispensationalist, he is in the Army, he is an athlete.
As we were talking about life and faith, the subject of politics came up. As he was talking about the war in Iraq, and discussing the experiences of some of his friends serving over there, I was literally sick to my stomach. As I gently suggested that killing people might not be loving your neighbor as yourself, he jumped to the old Testament to defend himself.
As we were talking, I was struck by several things about the general response of Christians to politics.
While many people have prophetically demonstrated that Christianity and Christ himself should not be inherently associated with a certain political party, I wonder if American Christianity has substituted one political ideology for another. I think that politically Christians have separated themselves in four distinct categories.
First, there are a great many Christians who have become fed up with this world, and who have decided that they will not get involved politically. These people tend to think of themsleves as "Libertarians" and favor being left alone. This is not to say that they are actually Libertarian in their political ideology, but that they simply do not want to be bothered. These people tend to live in (or come from) small towns and rural settings, and historically tend to be extremely conservative theologically.
Second, there are many Christians who see the great evils of our modern world, and think that they can be changed by a simple "moralizing of America." These people tend to vote along Party lines (almost always Republican or Libertarian) and major on issues like Abortion and Gay Marriage. These people tend to come from smaller towns and cities, and are historically conservative in their theology.
Third, there are a growing number of Christians who see the great evils of our modern world, and think that they can be changed with Government programs and more social activism. These people tend to be younger, they tend to be from cities and larger urban areas, and they are historically moderate to liberal in their theology.
Before I present the fourth view, i want to comment on each of three previous views. Each one of them has strengths and weaknesses and each one can teach the others something about the truth. Where the ultra conservative, "leave it alone", gets it right is in the area of responsibilty. They realize that our ultimate hope as Christians is not in this government, but is instead found in the cross and resurrection of our Savior. The weakness of that view is that it abdicates responsibility for social concerns, and simply views the world as an "evil place not worth saving".
The Second view correctly sees the importance of defending truths like the Sanctity of Human Life, and the God given order of Marriage. What this view fails to do is remember that government in not the responsible party for the moralizing of our nation, and that God cares about other social issues, not just babies and gays.
Like the Second view, the Third view correctly sees the importance of defending truths like the importance of people, fighting against poverty and disease, and correctly sees a need to address social concerns with the Gospel. What the "liberal" view fails to account for is the importance of all human life, including those yet to be born into this world. They neglect certain issues, in favor of others. This view also puts too much faith in the government, and in many ways, downplays the role of the church in local community ministry.
Honestly, what are American Christians to do? With these three different perspectives, how can a Christian rightly view the government? What should define the Christian witness in the political arena? I would humbly suggest an alternative to the three common views.
I believe that as Christians, we should be responsible citizens, who seek the good of our nation.
I believe that we should actively campaign for social issues, but that our campaigning should not simply rely on the government, but that individual churches should work beyond government programs to work for the good of the society. As Christians, we are called to be counter-cultural. We are called to speak out against the rampant corruption of big business just as much as we are called to speak out against the murder of millions of unborn children. We are called to speak out for peace, just as much as we are called to speak out for a biblical few of men and women. This political ideology extends beyond Democrat or Republican, beyond Libertarian or interventionist economics. This ideology extends to the whole of the created order. We are called to be children of light. Not simply standing by while the government does what it wills, nor waiting for salvation from the government, but prophetically speaking into society as children of God.

I Don't Always Understand

Some recent theological thinking has led me to this logical (and hopefully biblical) progression of thought.

Humanity is unwilling and unable to seek God. God's goodness is so great that we (as beings thoroughly corrupted by sin) can not bear to be near him, so we flee from his presence. Because all humans are fleeing from him, in order to save individuals, God has interrupted the flight of many, and has opened their eyes to the Gospel. When God interrupts our flight, he enables us the ability to exercise our free will and choose him. God delights in wooing us and knowing that if He reveals Himself to us then we won’t reject Him. Unlike the teaching of some, God actually offers the free choice of salvation, however, because he has enabled us to see him, and we were made in the Image of God, having seen the truth, we will always choose God. That is the awesomeness of our power and freewill. At first we can (and do) reject Him fully, yet we are able to (and do) receive Him if He reveals Himself to us. If we did not have freewill, we could not choose to accept Him and He would not need to reveal Himself to us through creation and Scripture.
And the Gospel is this; that God entered into human history, he grew up and inaugurated the kingdom of God by living a sinless life,and going to a Roman Cross in the city of Jerusalem. He died an excruciating death to atone with his blood for human sin. He accomplished the salvation of humans by substituting himself as a payment for the sin-debt we owed to our Holy God, he accomplished the redemption of all who would believe, and then he rose, securing our eternal home in Heaven.

On Being Evangelical but Not all that Conservative

I just finished reading Roger Olson's book, How to be Evangelical Without being Conservative.
Without spoiling the book for you, I want to take some time to work out for myself (and for you my reader) where I am as an Evangelical.
Dr. Olson lays out 5 foundational truths of Evangelicalism.
1. "Biblicism - belief in the supreme authority of Scripture for faith and life".
2. "Conversionism - belief that authentic Christianity always includes a radical conversion to Jesus Christ by personal repentance and faith that begins a lifelong relationship with him"
3. "Crucicentrism - piety, devotional life and worship centered around the Cross of Jesus Christ"
4. "Activism - concern for and active involvement in social transformation through evangelism and social action"
5. "Respect for the Great Tradition of Christian Doctrine"

I agree with (and hopefully live out) these five truths, though I may disagree with Dr. Olson's claims later in his work. In his book, he addresses many contemporary issues and takes on some pretty big names. Without getting into details, I think it is important to address some of the very non-evangelical things he said in the book.
In discussing Open Theism, he makes this statement, "Of course, some evangelicals have tried to debate Open Theism using Scripture and not tradition, but their interpretations of scripture are very traditional and they don't seem willing to reconsider them."
Without presenting the entire argument against the idea that "God doesn't know the future", he has just said that some evangelicals presented the argument from scripture that corresponds to the traditional understanding of God and his timelessness. He seems to be saying that because it is "traditional" it is wrong. Instead of presenting moderate theological positions on which their may be serious disagreement among evangelicals, (soteriology, ecclesiology, or eschatology) he presents a radical (and in my opinion, heretical) theological position, and argues that evangelicals should be open to such thinking. I appreciate that he is seeking to avoid the traps of traditionalism in his theology, and I applaud him for that. However, he seems to be intentionally using radical examples to prove his anti-"conservative" views.
Oddly enough, I actually loved his chapters about America, the redistribution of wealth and "moralism". It was refreshing to be reminded that I am not the only Evangelical who questions American Nationalism, laissez-faire capitalism or the Moralizing of our Nation. I intend to discuss the issues he raised later, but as I am currently in ministry in the lowlands of South Carolina, without reliable internet, that may be delayed.

Participation or Observation?

As Part of the Missional syncroblog with Jonathan at Missio Dei, here is my contribution to the question, Why am I Missional?

My Dad hates Golf. He has consistently refused to have anything to do with it since I was a child. Despite my Dad's influence, I like golf. I enjoy a round of 18, I even enjoy going to the range to iron out the kinks in my swing. But for the life of me, I can't watch golf on TV. I've tried. But I get bored. I realized during the Master's that the main reasons I enjoy golf have absolutely nothing to do with graphite clubs and little white balls. I like golf for three reasons.
One, I enjoy being outside, enjoying God's creation, and golf courses are beautiful. Two, I enjoy exercising. I like walking around with a bag over my shoulder, keeping myself healthy.
Third, and most importantly, I enjoy the fellowship of friends hanging out. The friendly competition and rivalry we share has led us to get to know each other beyond the surface. Some of my best friendships developed over time spent competing.

In a weird way I think that the Kingdom of God is like golf.
I think that the way in which we live our lives reflects the way we view the Kingdom and the church. Am I missional when I am merely observing someone else do something hard? Or does it mean that I am missional when I actively participate in the redemptive story?

To answer the question, "Why am I missional?" I think it is important to look at the Mission of God. For me, the simple answer to why I am missional is this; I want to live within the redemptive mission of God on Earth. That said, I think it is important to develop what God's mission looks like. [I addressed this in more depth in a previous post.]
This is my attempt to represent the larger points of God's Mission.

Creation:
God created everything, seeking to glorify himself.

Fall:
Adam and Eve disobeyed God.
God punished their disobedience by breaking off the relationship they had to Him.
Even as God is sending them out to live in the world, he promises that he will send a redeemer.

Redemption:
God made a promise to Abraham that his people would fill the earth.
God used his people to demonstrate his power, authority and love.
God sent down his only son Jesus Christ to earth.
Christ was born of the Virgin Mary inaugurated the Kingdom of God.
Christ demonstrated what it means to perfectly love others and love God.
Christ was crucified, paying the penalty of death for all those who believe in him.
He was buried, and then He rose from the dead, declaring victory over death and sin.
Christ ascended to Heaven, and reigns over all.
God left his Holy Spirit here, to convict and guide us as we seek to work for the redemption of the world.
Christ commissioned his people to be ministers of reconciliation of Christ to the world.

Re-Creation:
Christ will return at a time of his choosing and will fulfill the Kingdom of God in the new city of Jerusalem.

This is his mission, that God created us to glorify himself through our relationship with him. We rebelled against him and were damned. Evil entered the world and we were left with the promise of a redeemer.
God began redemption with Adam and Eve, continued it through all the history of Israel, and fulfilled his promise with the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Christ redeemed sinners at the cross, the Holy Spirit sustains us, and Christ will return to bring about the recreation of the perfect Natural order.

This is the Mission I am seeking to align my life with.
I don't want to be a spectator, watching from the sidelines as God does his work, I want to be in the action, swinging away.

The Other Syncrobloggers
--------------------------------------------------
Jeromy Johnson - Why I am Missional

Ben Wheatley - WWSBD

Bryan Riley - Jesus Was Missional

Jonathan Brink - Why I Am Missional

Blake Huggins - Why I Am Missional

Alan Knox - Demonstrating the Heart of God

A Consistent Ethic of Human Life

We fight for the lives of unborn children.
We fight for the rights of the sick to live.
We fight for the right to kill criminals.
We fight for the right to wage war.
We don't fight (very well) for the lives of the poor.
We don't fight (very well) for the lives of AIDS victims.
We don't fight (very well) for the lives of 28 Million Slaves in our world.

Do we have a consistent ethic of human life?

I hope to explore these issues more fully in the coming months,
and I would love any input you all would like to share.

Simplicity

What does it mean to live simply?
This is the question I have been pondering over the last several weeks.

Do I need to give more money to the poor?
Do I need to sell my computer, my car, my ipod?
Do I need to stop doing some of the things I've been doing?
Do I need to drink a latte every day?
How do I apply the commands of Jesus to my lifestyle?
How does the Gospel effect my lifestyle choices?

I plan to take some time off in the coming weeks to figure these questions and their answers out.
If you have any suggestions or encouragement in this area, please feel free to leave a comment.

Social Justice

[A Theology Paper from this semester's coursework.]
*Warning* This is a long entry for one blog post.
Read at your own risk.

Yesterday, almost 16,000 children under the age of 16 starved to death. Unfortunately, the majority of Christians in America don’t seem to give a damn about children in other parts of the world. In fact, the majority of Christians in America are more offended that I just said "damn" than they are at the deaths of nearly 10 million children a year from hunger. Despite the apathy of so many of Christ’s followers, God is working in this world.

The Bible demonstrates that God has a plan for the human race. Despite our own rebellion, God has chosen to love his creation and offer hope to the race he created. His plan spans from the beginning of the biblical narrative in Genesis, all the way to the events yet to come, described to us in the book of Revelation. His plan to redeem his rebellious race begins in the person of his Son. Jesus Christ entered into history roughly two thousand years ago, as God’s ultimate solution to the problem of human rebellion. He entered into the corrupted creation, took on human form, and began the work of reconciliation. God’s ultimate plan for redemption led Christ to Jerusalem, to the hill called Golgotha. On a Roman Cross, he took the punishment due the rebellious race, and paid the penalty for human sin. This event, the substitution of the perfect Son of God for a rebellious humanity, becomes for his followers the ultimate example of love. This love should motivate Christians to live lives of sacrificial worship. God has commanded that we worship in our actions, as well as in our words.
In modern times, two distinct theological movements have sought to bring justice to the oppressed of this world. The Social Gospel movement, theologically led by Walter Rauschenbusch, sought to apply progressive theology to the problem of social justice, and thus sought to preach a message of social reform without preaching about sin or repentance. In a similar manner, the Liberation theology movement sought to apply the teachings of Jesus, about the poor and needy, to the political oppression of the poor by capitalists in South and Central America. Under the theological leadership of Gustavo Gutierrez, they proclaimed the experience of political freedom for the poor as the primary message of Christ. As Gutierrez defined it:
“The theology of liberation attempts to reflect on the experience and meaning of the faith based on the commitment to abolish injustice and to build a new society; this theology must be verified by the practice of that commitment, by active, effective participation in the struggle which the exploited social classes have undertaken against their oppressors.”

Unfortunately, in their quest to right the many wrongs of their societies, neither movement remains faithful to the central message of scripture, that is, that Jesus Christ died on a cross to pay the penalty that sinners owed for rebelling against God. Both movements sought to focus the message of the cross on the moral example of a man willing to die for his beliefs, rather than on the payment for sin and crushing of evil that occurred at the cross.
Perhaps the most disappointing reality of modern Christianity is the lack of social action practiced by “conservative evangelicals”. Those who claim; first that the Bible is without error and second that Christ actually paid for sin on the cross, have neglected the clear call of scripture to worship God in all their actions.
It is the intention of this paper to demonstrate that the doctrines of Original Sin and Penal Substitutionary Atonement, coupled with the commands of scripture to worship God through actions, should motivate Christians to seek social justice, as one means of living out the Gospel. In order to better understand why the Atonement is so important in any discussion of social justice, it is important to examine the sinful nature of humanity and the initial rebellion that required atonement.

“In the Beginning” as the account goes, “God created the heavens and the earth.” And God created everything on the earth, and then he created man, “In Our image”. God created Adam to rule the earth and to bring glory to God. Then, evil entered into the earth, with the appearance of the serpent. Adam and Eve chose of their own freewill to disobey God’s command and rebelled against God’s supreme authority. Cornelius Plantinga defines sin as the “culpable disturbance of shalom.” To explain this definition, Plantinga goes on to say “shalom is God’s design for creation and redemption; sin is blamable human vandalism of these great realities and therefore an affront to their architect and builder”. Because humans freely and regularly rebel against God, one would expect him to punish them. And indeed, the account of Adam and Eve’s sin does not end with God simply looking the other way. God enters the garden and calls out to them. He reveals their disobedience and punishes them. He expels them from his presence, condemns them to work the land for their survival, and curses them for their disobedience. The earth it self is cursed by Adam’s sin, it is no longer perfect and pleasing to God. But God does not leave them without hope. In condemning the serpent for his deception of Eve, God promises that one of Eve’s descendents will crush the serpent’s head. As Old Testament scholar, G. Ch. Aalders noted, “If the enemy, whose ultimate defeat is announced here, is a personal being, then the force which would ultimately gain the victory over him must also be a personal being… This triumphant victor, of course, is our Lord Jesus Christ.” This passage is rightly called the “protevangelium”, for this is the first insight into God’s plan for redemption.

The extent of human corruption reaches into the very center of all human society. Not only are all individuals completely corrupted by sin, but also the corruption of each member contributes to the overall corruption of the society. Thus the Apostle Paul describes sinners in Romans chapter One.

For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.

Because of Adam’s sin, the whole human race is damned in the sight of God. But as Plantinga reminds his readers, “To speak of sin by itself, to speak of it apart from the realities of creation and grace, is to forget the resolve of God.” His point is not to be missed. Though conservatives must rightly defend the doctrine of sin, to divorce it from the doctrine of salvation and reconciliation is to deny the redemptive plan of God.
The Missio Dei, the “Mission of God” has been demonstrated from Genesis to Revelation. Time and again in scripture, God provides people and/or events to accomplish his purpose in reconciling humanity to himself. He chose a people (Israel) to carry out his mission. He chose specific individuals to do particular things, to accomplish his purpose. And perhaps the greatest accomplishment of God’s mission came in Bethlehem, when God himself entered human history. The miraculous nature of the incarnation should not be forgotten. As Lewis and Demarest remind their readers, “The focus of Christian confession, then, is the Christmas event – the fact that the transcendent God has visited and redeemed his people in Jesus of Nazareth.” It is this fact first which motivates Christian service; that Almighty God stepped down, from the perfection of Heaven into the corrupted Creation, in order to demonstrate his love for his people. His love would be clearly revealed in the thirty-third year of his life, on a tree outside Jerusalem.
Wayne Grudem summarizes the events of the incarnation and the cross this way. “The atonement is the work Christ did in his life and death to earn our salvation.” In this he reminds his reader that Christ did more than simply die for his people, he also fulfilled the righteous requirement of the law in his people’s place. N.T. Wright argues that, “The Cross becomes the sign that pagan empire, symbolized in the might and power of sheer brutal force, has been decisively challenged by a different power, the power of Love, the power that shall win the day.”
It was the Love of God coequal with the Justice of God, which motivated Christ to go to the Cross. Because God loves humanity, his plan has been to redeem them since the fall. But because humanity has openly rebelled against Him, God has rightly chosen to demand a payment for their crime. Thus in the cross, the Love of God is perfectly demonstrated with the Justice of God. John Stott faithfully demonstrates the two truths working together.

How then could God express simultaneously his holiness in judgment and his love in pardon? Only by providing a divine substitute for the sinner so that the substitute [Christ] would receive the judgment and the sinner the pardon. We sinners still of course have to suffer some of the personal, psychological and social consequences of our sins, but the penal consequence, the deserved penalty of alienation from God, has been borne by Another in our place, so that we might be spared it.

And thus, God’s mission of Reconciliation pivots on the personal self-substitution of God himself, in our place, for our sins. God’s Love and Justice were equally and sufficiently satisfied in the death of Christ on the Cross. On the personal level, it is the Love and Justice of God which should motivate lives of Christian worship.

The life of a Christian should be a life of worship. As Jesus told the woman at the well, “But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” For Christ has commanded his followers to live lives of worship. As Paul said in Romans 12, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” In addressing this passage, F.F. Bruce notes that the work of Christ transforms the ritual acts of the Old Testament into spiritual acts for the New Testament believer. Even as spiritual worship occurs, the sinner is being transformed to be more like Christ. This worship is also evidenced in the Letter of the Apostle James.

Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing. If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.

The command seems to be quite clear, listen to the word, and live out what the word commands. As Douglas Moo put it, “And so, James insists, listening to God’s word must lead to ‘doing’ it. Only then are we truly ‘accepting’ the word.” And this is demonstrated in verse 27, where James illustrates one of the ways that Christians are expected to live out their faith, by caring after those who are unable to care for themselves.
In the Old Testament, especially in the prophets, God commands his people to worship him rightly. Throughout the Pentateuch, and the Prophets, God consistently commands respect. Several times in Isaiah, he commands his people to live out their faith in God, not to merely do the symbolic gestures required of them. In Isaiah 58, God chastises his people for fasting with the wrong attitude.

Cry aloud; do not hold back; lift up your voice like a trumpet; declare to my people their transgression, to the house of Jacob their sins.
Yet they seek me daily and delight to know my ways, as if they were a nation that did righteousness and did not forsake the judgment of their God; they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God…
Fasting like yours this day will not make your voice to be heard on high.
Is such the fast that I choose, a day for a person to humble himself?
Is it to bow down his head like a reed, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him?
Will you call this a fast, and a day acceptable to the Lord?
Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, Here I am.
If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness, if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.

This passage has oft been misused by those who seeking the primary point of the gospel the freeing of people from oppressive social structure. However, it is important to note that this passage is still an important part of Christian worship, even if its message has been abused in the past. The importance of this passage is demonstrated by J. Ridderbos, when he states, “The Lord now confronts Israel with another ideal – the practice of justice and mercy. This is the fast that pleases the Lord… The essence lies not in the externals, but in the conversion of heart and life”
More than a plea for justice, though it is that, God is pleading with the people of Israel to demonstrate their humility in acts of justice and mercy, rather than in parades of mourning. And this is a message of the entire Bible. God calls people to demonstrate that they have been changed by the love of God, by living out the love of God in the world. Worship for the believer means actively living out the Gospel in everyday live.
One of the most neglected aspects of living out the Gospel comes in the form of social justice and mercy. Despite passages like Isaiah 58 and even the Love Commands in the New Testament, there are many horrible things going on around the world which we as Christians are ignoring. Conservatives have not dealt with the HIV/AIDS pandemic, we have not dealt with genocides in Rwanda or Darfur; we have almost totally ignored the international sex trade. These are issues that Christians need to deal with. We do not need to deal with these issues because of some sense of liberation, but because dealing with these things is an act of worship.
As Tim Keller expounds in his work, Ministries of Mercy, “ Mercy to the full range of human needs is such an essential mark of being a Christian that it can be used as a test of true faith. Mercy is not optional or an addition to being a Christian. Rather, a life poured out in deeds of mercy is the inevitable sign of true faith.”
This is the call of the Missio Dei, to live out the Love of God for the world around us. Only in understanding human separation from God and His plan for reconciliation, accomplished in the cross can a Christian truly appreciate the biblical mandate for social justice. God does not call his children to social justice simply because he favors the poor, but because he expects those whom he has redeemed to overflow with gratitude and love for the world around them. He expects that those who were, formerly, outcasts without hope, will demonstrate the sacrificial love that God has demonstrated to those who are hurting. The paradigm is simple, God entered a horrible realm, the earth, and sacrificed himself to save a hurting people. Likewise the Christian should sacrificially enter into situations that are hard, and demonstrate the redemptive love of God to hurting people. Where God saved us, we must demonstrate that salvation. It is this mandate which motivates Isaiah, James, Paul and the other authors of the Bible to demand that the followers of Jesus Christ live out their worship in deeds. Thus, the doctrines of Original Sin and Penal Substitutionary Atonement, coupled with the commands of scripture to worship God through actions, must motivate Christians, biblically, to seek social justice, as one means of living out the Gospel.

sources:

Aalders, G. Ch. Genesis: Volume I. 1981. Zondervan. Grand Rapids. MI.
Black, Robert, Morris, Saul, & Jennifer Bryce. "Where and Why Are 10 Million Children Dying Every Year?" 2003. The Lancet 361:2226-2234.
Bruce, F.F. The Epistle of Paul to the Romans. 1963. Eerdmans. Grand Rapids MI.
Conn, Harvie M. Doing Justice and Preaching Grace. 1982 Zondervan.Grand Rapids MI.
Demarest, Bruce and Gordon Lewis. Integrative Theology. 1996 Zondervan Grand Rapids MI.
Demarest, Bruce. The Cross and Salvation. 1997. Crossway. Wheaton, IL.
Elliott, Mark W. ed. Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture: Isaiah 40-66. 2007. InterVarsity Press. Downers Grove, IL.
Gray, Mark. Rhetoric and Social Justice in Isaiah. 2006. T&T Clark. New York.
Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology. 1994 Zondervan.Grand Rapids MI.
Gutierrez, Gustavo. A Theology of Liberation. 1988. Orbis Books. Mayknoll, NY
Keller, Timothy J. Ministries of Mercy. 1989. Zondervan. Grand Rapids MI.
Moo, Douglas J. The Letter of James. 2000 Eerdmans. Grand Rapids MI.
Plantinga, Cornelius. Not the Way its Supposed to Be. 1995. Eerdmans Grand rapids, MI.
Ridderbos, J. Isaiah. 1985. Zondervan. Grand Rapids MI.
Sider, Ronald J. Evangelism, Salvation and Social Justice. 1979. Grove Books.
Stott, John. Christian Mission in the Modern World. 1975. InterVarsity Press.
Downers Grove, IL.
Stott, John. Human Rights and Human Wrongs. 1999 Baker Books. Grand Rapids MI.
Stott, John. The Cross of Christ. 2006 InterVarsity Press. Downers Grove, IL.
Watts, John. Word Biblical Commentary: Isaiah 34-66. 1987. Word Books. Waco, TX.
Wright, Christopher. Human Rights. 1979. Grove Books.
Wright, Christopher. The Mission of God. 2006 InterVarsity Press. Downers Grove, IL.
Wright, Nicholas T. Evil and the Justice of God. 2006. InterVarsity Press. Downers Grove, IL.
The Holy Bible. English Standard Version. 2006. Crossway. Wheaton, IL.

On Trusting God

What does it mean to fully trust God?
I don't know.
Here's what I do know.
After 7 months, three weeks and two days of pursuing my own desires, plan and ideals; I am finally beginning to realize what one aspect of trusting God looks like.
As I have fought with my own emotions and desires in this one pursuit, I have told God again and again, "I know what I'm doing." In the end it took the words of a man much wiser than I, who has authority over the situation, and a friend who saw the look in my eyes, to tell me to let God handle it. All that to say, I'm slowly learning that God is in control of my life, and that I need to stop worrying about the future. Planning, yes. Worrying and obsessing about it? No. Which brings me to the topic of today's post.

The Sovereignty of God in the Lives of His Children
I believe that God has a plan for my life. As I have been contemplating the future, I have been overwhelmed with the Love of God. Romans 8 pictures the love of God, both in saving us and protecting us from harm.

Romans 8:26-35a
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?
Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies.
Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?

There are three things about this passage that specifically stand out to me.
First, the Spirit of God knows what we need and want, even when we can not express it fully. He listens to us, and intercedes with us to God. And it is comforting to know that God not only knows what I want and need, but is also working for my benefit within his will.
Second, for those God has called out, he specifically works for our good. Even as God has chosen us, he has called us. He has individually spoken into the lives of people, and called them to himself. And as he has called us, he then justified us at the cross, so that we who he called could return into the original fellowship between God and man. And then, having justified his people by his blood, this God takes the time to make us holy over time. God is invested in my life.
Last, I love the language of verses 33-35. That we can take comfort in being in the Love of God, because of the work of Christ on the cross. Because, God loved this world so much, that he sent down in his son, to die on a cross, to rise, and then to make intercession before God the father for us, his children. My comfort in times of trial comes in the cross. That Christ would die, rise and intercede for me, is the ultimate demostration of God's love for me.

Living Like the the Word Says

[What does Missional living look like to me?]

As part of the Missional Syncroblog at Missio Dei I am taking some time to reflect on missional living and some of the mandates of the Word of God.

Missional – The intentional association of ones life with a particular passion or goal.

I first heard the term missional in the spring of 2005, when I picked up Mark Driscoll’s book Radical Reformission. As I read the book, I began to realize that my “Christian” life needed some rethinking. I followed up that book with Velvet Elvis, Blue Like Jazz, and then A Generous Orthodoxy. As I have sought to become a missional man, I have sought out the bible, and looked at the commands and example of Christ

Missional living looks like Acts 2:41-47.

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Christ followers are devoted to the fellowship of the body. We share each others lives, we love the Word, we live in the spirit. And perhaps most importantly, we see that the community of faith grows through the salvation of individuals.

Missional living looks like Matthew 28: 18-20.

18 And Jesus came and said to them, All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

Christ followers are devoted to helping people grow spiritually. We take seriously Christ’s command to make disciples. We seek to bring people into the community of Christ through the sharing of the word and call to repentance. We do this in the authority of Christ.

Missional living looks like Isaiah 58: 6-10.

Is not this the fast that I choose:
to loose the bonds of wickedness,
to undo the straps of the yoke,
to let the oppressed go free,
and to break every yoke?
7 Is it not to share your bread with the hungry
and bring the homeless poor into your house;
when you see the naked, to cover him,
and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
8 Then shall your light break forth like the dawn,
and your healing shall spring up speedily;
your righteousness shall go before you;
the glory of the Lord shall be your rear guard.
9 Then you shall call, and the Lord will answer;
you shall cry, and he will say, Here I am.
If you take away the yoke from your midst,
the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,
10 if you pour yourself out for the hungry
and satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
then shall your light rise in the darkness
and your gloom be as the noonday.

Christ followers love people. We seek to make people’s lives better. We live our lives in service to others, and seek to demonstrate God’s love and justice in a hurting world. We desire to see the whole world reconciled to God and made right.

Missional living looks like II Corinthians 5:17-21

17 If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Christ-followers have been given a mission. We have been called to bring the reconciling message of Christ to a lost and hurting world. We all are “ambassadors of Christ” who demonstrate the sacrificial love of God to the world. We must demonstrate the love that sent the Son to die, to every person we meet. In the text, the call is not merely to evangelize, but to bring about the reconciliation of sinners to God. This means more than just a heart change, but also the reclamation of human dignity and personhood.

Let us live these truths as missionaries in our Culture.
Let us love others with the love of Christ, and demonstrate the change He has made in us.

Synchroblog Participants

Jonathan Brink - Meeting God Where He’s Already Working

Ben Wheatley - Are Things You Are Living For Worth It

Blake Huggins - What Does Missional Living Look Like

Alan Knox - Living in the love of God

Dave DeVries - The Missional Challenge

Bryan Riley - What Does Missional Living Look Like To Me

Global Prayer Gathering - Saturday Morning

I got the opportunity to spend some more time in the 24hr prayer room early this morning, as God began revealing truth to me in his Word. I got the privilege of praying through Romans chapter 13, where the apostle Paul reminds the faithful that the time is coming, when the daylight shall break forth, and light will shine in the darkness.
Breakfast at Panera led to some thoughts on the face of Justice in modern Evangelicalism. There are Pentecostals, Methodists, Episcopals, Catholics, Baptists, Charismatics, Presbyterians and even Mennonites here. We are all worshiping the same Savior, and pleading with the same God for the redemption of victims. We are crossing denominational lines, even as we seek to bring Justice to a broken and hurting world. I was ashamed of my Baptist denomination, when I heard the stories of our brothers in the UMC and PCUSA churches, who are raising thousands of dollars to help free slaves in India. I was equally embarrassed when some of our Pentecostal sisters got up and shared how they were literally paying for dozens of specially-trained nurses in Guatemala, so that these nurses could help rape victims seek justice from their rapists. Without going off on a rant, I am eagerly praying that Southern Baptists will see God’s heart for Justice, and seek to make our world a better place. Sometime next week, I’m going to post some thoughts on evangelism and justice, though I have not the time or energy to do so today.

Vintage Faith means more than just First Century Christianity

My faith was refreshed today by our body singing this old hymn of the faith.
I hope we do not throw out the baby with the bath-water of modernism.

Jesus sought me when a stranger,
Wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
Interposed His precious blood;

How His kindness yet pursues me
Mortal tongue can never tell,
Clothed in flesh, till death shall loose me
I cannot proclaim it well.

O that day when freed from sinning,
I shall see Thy lovely face;
Clothed then in blood washed linen
How I’ll sing Thy sovereign grace;

Come, my Lord, no longer tarry,
Take my ransomed soul away;
Send thine angels now to carry
Me to realms of endless day.

O to grace how great a debtor
Daily I’m constrained to be!
Let Thy goodness, like a fetter,
Bind my wandering heart to Thee.

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
Prone to leave the God I love;
Here’s my heart, O take and seal it,
Seal it for Thy courts above.

Why I'm Not EmergENT

"Young people will give their lives for an exclamation point, but they will not give their lives for a question mark, not for very long, anyway." -Kevin DeYoung

In a break from the usual posts about theology and politics, I thought it would be beneficial to explain why I do not consider myself Emergent, and give some thoughts on a book I just finished reading, Why We're Not Emergent (by two Guys who should be).
First to review the book, then to explain myself.

Over all, I enjoyed reading this book. It was insightful, incredibly gracious and focused. I was impressed by the authors ability to be "authentic" and dissect the Emergent movement. Co-written by a Pastor and a professional writer, this book feels like a cross between Blue Like Jazz and Becoming Conversant with the Emergent Church. Kevin DeYoung's chapters read like a good theological interpretation of the movement, and Ted Kluck's chapters read like the narrative of someone figuring out the movement.
They address some of the big issues of the Emergent movement, including Foundationalism, the Journey motif, and even the downplay of Doctrine for experience. They systematically examine the core assumptions of Emergents and point out some of the serious flaws within their thinking. I do not want to take the time to examine everything they wrote, but I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in the movement.

This book has given me much food for thought, as I seek to relate my faith to the world around me. I have often considered myself to be emerging, as I have identified with the sentiments of authors like Don Miller, Mark Driscoll, and Anthony Bradley. I have even enjoyed and appreciated the writings of Brian MacLaren, Dan Kimball and Rob Bell, though I have been concerned by some of the trends coming from these authors.
So after much consideration, I thought it might be beneficial to define where I fall theologically for you, the reader.
I AM:
1. not emergent.
2. not a fundamentalist.
3. not a Republican (yes this is a theological issue)
4. emerging. (I'll explain my terms)
5. generally Calvinistic/reformed.
6. politically conscious as an Independent.

1. While i do find myself outside many traditional concepts of church, I am not pluralistic or reductionistic. I believe that the Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God, and that it is authoritative for everyday life. I hold to the universal depravity of the human race, original sin and both the complete sovereignty of God and Human Responsibility.
2. While I agree with the majority of the fundamentals of the Christian faith, I reject the legalistic, tradition-centered practice of fundamentalism. I intentionally align my theological thought with those men who are willing to practice moderation as a spiritual gift. This means that I defend the ability of all Christians to decide for themselves on issues not explicit in scripture. It is my personal conviction that drinking alcohol or smoking tobacco are legitimate activities for a believer, in moderation, provided that they do not violate the biblical standards of physical health and responsibility. Basically, I would argue that its okay to drink a pint or smoke a cigar, provided that you are not getting drunk or addicted.
3. While it may seem ironic that I included my "political" position within my "theological" position, it is intentional and I believe, biblically necessary to do so. In recent years, the Conservative evangelical movement has become associated with republican politics. Thanks to men like Falwell and Robertson, most conservatives are portrayed as big-business, small government pro-life Republicans. While I do not have a problem with Christians who choose to support the Republican Party, I have a big problem with the alledged "Religious Right" / "Moral Majority". The Jesus I read about in the Gospels is not a politician, he specifically says that his Kingodm, and thus our kingdom is not of this earth. I believe it is vitally important (see previous post) to fight for the rights of unborn humans, I even believe that the government should be regulated, but I am not willing to equate my "theology" with the Republican Party. So, basically, I have no problem with people being Republicans, i simply have a problem with the Republican party being the "Christian party".
4. I consider myself part of the emerging movement of God in America. I intentionally differentiate between the movement of God in our country, and those who associate with Emergent Village. The emerging movement encompasses, as far as I can tell, many different streams of theological and practical thought. Within the movement are the New Reformed guys, the Emergent Village Guys, the house church movement and several other lesser streams. Through my associations with like-minded individuals, I consider myself part of the New Reformed stream, and follow thinkers like D.A. Carson, Tim Keller, Mark Driscoll and Anthony Bradley. I believe that the "traditional church" must see major reforms if it is to survive. The Gospel transforms lives, yet it seems that the "traditional" church has left the job of bringing the Gospel to the culture by the way side.
That said, the traditional church's theology, for the most part, is grounded in biblical teaching, whereas a number of the more emerging thinkers are willing to compromise doctrinal convictions as they study their theology.
5. After much study and prayer, I have settled my basic soteriological study and come to genrally agree with the Particular election view of men like Carson, Piper and Driscoll. I am still working through all the implications of that theology, and am unwilling to define the limtis of the atonement. I will be posting soon on my recent reading and conclusions on scripture.
6. As I stated previously, I do not vote along party lines. I will not take time here to discuss each of my political beliefs, nor anger those who disagree with me. I am willing to go on record that I do believe that the Sanctity of Human life should be a primary concern of the voter.

Emerging streams of thought are very important to Christianity's future. As I participate in this conversation, I hope to defend the orthodox doctrines of our faith and present the gospel in new and unique ways to this emerging generation.
More thoughts to come...

Good Friday and Accomplished Redemption

Almost two thousand years ago, a homeless Palestinian Jew, a carpenter-turned-prophet was crucified by the Roman government for being a traitor.
This man made the audacious claim that he was God himself, come to "save" the world.
The Jews were looking for a Messiah, someone to free them from the harsh rule of Rome.
But this Jesus did not preach rebellion, or even resistance.
This Jesus was not concerned with political freedom. His concern was eternal.
Some remember this Jew as a great teacher, a man who spoke of a greater morality.
This was the Jesus who taught us to "love others as you love yourself". But he could not be God, that is just preposterous...
Some remember this Jesus as a great prophet, a speaker of truth. This was the man who raised the dead and healed the sick. But he could not be God, that would be insane.
I remember that Jew as a savior. I remember this Jesus because he told me, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father, except through me." He must have been God, for otherwise he would be a horrible moral example, a liar who should be ignored. He must have been God, or he wasn't a good prophet, for he claimed he was God and said he would rise in three days.
This Jesus willingly laid down his life, in the greatest act of Love the world has ever seen.
He chose to die an excruciating death, at the hands of evil men, counted as a criminal, all for the sake of men and women who hated him.
This is love, that an innocent man would exchange his life for the life of the vilest of criminals, a man like me.
Let us not forget on this Good Friday that God himself exchanged his glorious place on high, for a crucified body on a Roman Cross, that we who have fled from God might be redeemed.

Soli Deo Gloria

Community Questions

[This is a tangential post related to the larger purpose of the blog]

What does it mean to live in community with other believers?
This is a question that has been haunting me for the last several months.
When we examine the early church, we see a very simple picture.
"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.
And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,
praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."
Acts 2:42-47

So in response to God's word, I have a few thoughtful questions for any who should read this post. I pray that these will challenge you...

1. Who do you, as a believer, share your life with?
2. Who are you, as a believer, accountable with?
3. What do you do with your free time?
4. Are you actively participating in a church community?
5. If you are not involved in a church community, why not?
6. How are you involved with your church community?
7. Do you intentionally reflect the love of God to those around you?
8. Who challenges you to be more like Christ?

These are questions that I have been working through as I try to better understand what it means to live in a redemptive community.

"Creation-Fall-Redmeption-ReCreation" is the Gospel

...not Calvinism.

Sometimes, I think that I’m going insane. In the literal sense.
I am taking some time out to address a question which has been bothering me for quite some time.
Why do Reformed people always seem so vehemently opposed to other soteriologcial (salvation theology) systems? Why is it that a man of standing in the Reformed tradition feels it necessary to associate people of a different theological position with heresy?
A good friend of mine is a theologically sound Arminian. While I do not agree with his theological system, we have been able to remain friends for almost two years. We enjoy debating the various implications of each other’s theology, and often challenge each other to better understand what we believe. In recent days, he has been working through the particular way in which God seems to call his people. Having reconciled the “problem” texts to his Arminian position, he has since returned to actively pursuing his Arminian doctrine. This week, a certain prominent figure made accusations that Arminianism is heretical and just a well-disguised form of the Pelagian heresy. While I agree with the worldview from which the man is speaking, I am struck by the lack of Christian love and gentleness that he exhibits. His remarks, at a prominent conference, were harmful to the whole Christian faith. Now to the actual post.
What does someone mean when they say that “Calvinism is the Gospel”? I mean really, what are they saying?
“Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures”
(I Corinthians 15:1-4)
While I spiritedly disagree with my friend, I am perfectly comfortable knowing that he and I believe the same Gospel. To demonstrate, I thought I should present what we agree on. This is my attempt to represent the larger points of redemptive history.

Creation:
God created this world for the purpose of Glorifying himself.
God created man, in His image, to Glorify himself.
Man was given the task to rule over the earth.

Fall:
Adam and Eve disobeyed God.
God punished their disobedience by breaking off the relationship they had to Him.
Adam and Eve are cursed by their own evil, bringing about all kinds of evil into the natural world.
Even as God is sending them out to live in the world, he promises that he will send a redeemer.

Redemption:
God made a promise to Abraham that his people would fill the earth.
God made a promise with his people to redeem them, and gave them the Ten Commandments.
God brought them into the land he had promised them.
God brought up leaders to guide his people, even as they rebelled against him.
God brought forth David as the forefather of the promised redeemer.
God used his people to demonstrate his power, authority and love.
God sent down his only son Jesus Christ to earth.
Christ was born of the Virgin Mary, a descendent of David, and inaugurated the Kingdom of God
Christ lived an exemplary life, demonstrating what it means to perfectly love others and love God.
Christ was crucified on a roman cross, paying the penalty of death for all those who believe in him.
Christ was buried in a cave outside Jerusalem.
Christ rose from the dead, declaring victory over death and sin.
Christ ascended to Heaven, and reigns over all.
God left his Holy Spirit here, to convict and guide us as we seek to work for the redemption of the world.
Christ commissioned his people, through the Apostles, to be ministers of reconciliation of Christ to the world.


Re-Creation:
Christ will return at a time of his choosing.
God will judge all those who have rebelled against him.
He will cleanse the earth
God will remake the earth into its glorious pre-fall state.
He will fulfill the Kingdom of God in the new city of Jerusalem.


This is the Gospel, that God created us to glorify him through our relationship with him. We rebelled against him and were damned. Evil entered the world and we were left with the promise of a redeemer.
God began redemption with Adam and Eve, continued it through all the history of Israel, and fulfilled his promise with the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. Christ redeemed sinners at the cross, the Holy Spirit sustains us, and Christ will return to bring about the recreation of the perfect Natural order.

More thoughts later.

A Question to Spur some Dialogue

Which of the following statements concerning Jesus and the Church is/are true? (and why?)

Democracy is a model of government taught in the Bible.

Jesus Christ was rich.

He was fair skinned.

He taught his followers to be democratic.

Christians seem to have practiced some form of socialism in the 1^st century church.

Jesus Christ taught that men and women should fight for their property rights under the law.

He taught that we must not associate with homosexuals.

Jesus taught that we must not drink alcohol.

He taught that we have the right to kill. (open ended, I did not specify any particular circumstances)

Jesus preached a gospel of peace (shalom) while he was on earth.

Jesus’ Kingdom has not yet begun.

Jesus’ Kingdom was established at the resurrection.

Jesus wants his followers to be rich.

Jesus wants his followers to be happy.

Jesus would vote for Mike Huckabee.

Jesus would vote for Barack Obama.