The New Jerusalem - Revelation 21:1-22:21

The New Jerusalem - Revelation 21:1-22:21

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

Scripture ends on this note of certain longing - the hope of the return of Jesus.  It's a certain hope which has driven the Church for nearly 2000 years.  We look forward to the time when Christ will return and set things right again.  Our hope is not only eternity in heaven, but that God will set things right on earth--restoring, renewing, and recreating the earth that we love--beginning with the New Jerusalem.

Our E100 journey wraps up the same way it began - with a reminder that God is the Creator, that God is ultimately on the Throne, and that God desires relationship with His people.  While humanity has been very adept at thwarting the plans of God, we can be confident that in the end, all things will be set right again.

This passage paints a picture of Eden restored - the Tree of Life bears enough fruit for all people, and God dwells in the city, walking and talking with His people.  Once again, humanity will see God face to face, and there will be no night, for God is with us.  The promise of "Emmanuel" will be realized for all of eternity.

In these days of uncertainty and unrest, be reminded that God has the final move... that sin and death will be ultimately defeated... and peace and justice will reign over all the earth.

Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus.

In that city where they need no sun,
When at last my earthly race is run,
I shall see my Savior's face,
Revel in His love and grace
In that city where they need no sun.
                         - Haldor Lillenas

Hallelujah! - Revelation 19:1-20:15

Hallelujah! - Revelation 19:1-20:15

Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.

Revelation is full of imagery and cryptic language.  Sometimes we are told clearly what the symbols stand for, and sometimes we have to read between the lines!  This is one place where are pretty confident that the bride stands for the Church, and we're told that the linen stands for the "righteous acts of the saints" (19:8).

I noticed something about this fine linen that I hadn't previously thought of.  The linen is given to the saints, it is the gift of God.  At the same time, we are told that it is the "righteous acts of the saints."  The linen is not just given to us to cover up our unrighteousness--it is given to us to replace our unrighteousness.

When we are saved, our sins are forgiven and we are seen by God as righteous. But even more then that, we are actually given righteousness.  God's righteousness is not just imputed upon us, it is imparted to us.  It's not just that God looks at us through rose-colored glasses and remembers our sins no more, He gives us "righteousness" to live out in our daily lives.

The Christian is not simply to live any way they like, but to live out the righteousness of God that is given to them. At the same time, we ought to remember that our righteous acts are not performed on our own strength--but they are the gift of God.  We are not to boast in our righteousness, but rejoice in God's gracious gift to us.

Do you hear them coming, brother, thronging up the steeps of light,
Clad in glorious, shining garments--blood-washed garments pure and white?
'Tis a glorious Church without spot or wrinkle, washed in the blood of the Lamb.
'Tis a glorious Church without spot or wrinkle, washed in the blood of the Lamb.
                                                   - Ralph E. Hudson

The Throne of Heaven - Revelation 4:1-7:17

The Throne of Heaven - Revelation 4:1-7:17

Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain.

Revelation is primarily a book of worship.  While it may be many things, one of the first things we recognize is that is is a book about worshiping God in the midst of trial and tribulation, of praising Him in the midst of the storm.  This throne-room vision is filled with songs, hymns, and spiritual songs of praise to God.  (Words which have been taken and set to music--making some of the most timeless worship music.)

I find it particularly interesting to note that according to the songs, the Lamb (Jesus) is worthy because He was slain.  In 5:9, we read: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain."

In a culture built on wealth, power, and influence, it seems counter-intuitive to suggest that worthiness comes about through brokenness.  Our tendency is to expect leaders to be strong, not vulnerable.  We want a slick veneer, not transparency.  We desire perfection, not brokenness.

And yet, the path toward true healing always comes through brokenness and vulnerability. It is through weakness that Christ's strength is made perfect.  It is through confession that we find forgiveness.  It is through brokenness that we are made whole.

Don't be afraid of the pain and brokenness in your life.  Instead of trying to cover it with a mask or a fake veneer, offer it to God as an act of worship.  Ask Him how He might use your brokenness to bring glory to His Name.

But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise;
God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—
and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are.

                            - I Corinthians 1:27-28

Messages to the Churches - Revelation 2:1-3:22

Messages to the Churches - Revelation 2:1-3:22

I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich!

Remember that Jesus knows all about poverty!  He was born in a manger, raised as a refugee in a foreign country, and spent most of his years in Nazareth, one of the poorest villages in the country.  

The case could be made that Jesus was raised as a manual laborer in a family that dealt with an oppressive tax burden. Perhaps there were even nights when the boy Jesus went to bed hungry. In any case, as an adult, Jesus wandered the countryside with his followers, often having "no place to lay his head." (Luke 9:58).

And yet, we are reminded that Jesus was truly rich.  As the very Son of God, we think he certainly could have turned stones into bread (Matthew 4:3)... or commanded the wealth of the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10).

Clearly, Jesus is uniquely positioned to remind us of our wealth - even in the midst of uncertain economic times. If we know Christ, then we are truly wealthy, in all the ways that really matter.  The Apostle Paul writes, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)

He owns the cattle on a thousand hills,
The wealth in every mine;
He owns the rivers and the rocks and rills,
The sun and stars that shine.
Wonderful riches, more than tongue can tell -
He is my Father so they're mine as well;
He owns the cattle on a thousand hills -
I know that He will care for me. 

                    - John W. Peterson

A Voice and a Vision - Revelation 1:1-20

A Voice and a Vision - Revelation 1:1-20

“Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and behold I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."

I don't know about you, but if I were John, I'm not sure this sentence would make me any less afraid!  Upon finding oneself in the presence of the Most Holy One, it's natural to be confronted with our own mortality and humanity.  I might still be afraid... even after (maybe even especially after!) being reminded that Jesus is the First and Last, the Living One who conquered death and the grave.

Instead of reciting His divine and holy attributes, we might prefer Jesus to say, "Don't be afraid... I'm really just like one of you." 

We like to be reminded of Jesus as a Baby in a manger.  We like to be reminded that He was tempted in every way as we are.  We like to be reminded of the flesh & blood Jesus who walked on earth among us, sharing our burdens and our tears.

And yet, it is precisely because of Jesus' holy transcendence that we need not be afraid.  If Jesus were really just like one of us, then the cross and empty tomb would have no significance.  If Jesus were really just like us, then we would have no hope of freedom from sin.  If Jesus were really just like us, then we would still have reason to be afraid.

Counter-intuitively, the reasons we might be afraid of Jesus are the same reasons that we need not be afraid.  If we've accepted Christ as our Savior, then we have no fear of death and grave... nor do we have any fear of meeting our Savior face to face.

Face to face-- O blissful moment! Face to face-- to see and know;
Face to face with my Redeemer, Jesus Christ who loves me so!
Face to face I shall behold Him, Far beyond the starry sky;
Face to face, in all His glory, I shall see Him by and by!
                         - Carrie E. Breck

Love One Another - 1 John 3:11-4:21

Love One Another - 1 John 3:11-4:21

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.

What is love?  We use the word to mean lots of things: I love my dog... I love pizza... I love my church... I love my wife... I love my neighbor... I love God.  Each of those phrases has a slightly different nuance to the word "love." 

Instead of defining "love," John opts to give us an example of the sort of love that Christians are called to demonstrate.  According to John, "love" is Jesus giving His life for us.  It is this sort of love that is to define the Christian life.  This is true holiness!

And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.  Sometimes we interpret that phrase to mean that we ought to lay down our lives for our Christian brothers and sisters... that we ought to love Christians this way.  However, if we are to be shaped by the love that Jesus had, we recognize that the call is to love all people and to lay down our lives for all people.  This is how we are to be shaped by the character and nature of God.

This is how the world will know that we are Christians (see John 13:35).  The mark of a Christian is not superior knowledge and wisdom... it's not the ability to preach, teach, or evangelize... it's not generous giving or perfect attendance... it's not service on a board or the number of years you've been a "member."  The mark of a Christian is loving as Jesus did. We are called to live out this radical, self-sacrificial, transformational love in all of our relationships.

Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heav'n to earth come down!
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling; All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion; Pure unbounded love Thou art.
Visit us with Thy salvation; Enter ev'ry trembling heart.

                                      - Charles Wesley

Faith and Works - James 1:1-2:26

Faith and Works - James 1:1-2:26

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.

I hope you've found great joy and satisfaction in our 100-day Bible reading campaign!  At times, you may have struggled to keep up as the demands of life pressed in on you, but I know that many of you have greatly benefited from spending time reading scripture with your family and "marinating" in the Story of God.

James reiterates a point that I tried to make early on in our journey--that we don't simply read scripture for information... but for transformation.  By reading the Bible in formational ways, our goal is to be shaped by the very character and nature of the God who created us.

In Dr. Peter Kuzmic's 12 Theses on Kingdom Servanthood, he writes, "Servants of the King refuse to divorce theory and practice (word and deed): there is only one gospel which is both spiritual and social because it is focused on the individual person and the kingdom of God, clearly taught and consistently practiced in the ministry of Jesus."

Too often, the evangelical church has criticized our brothers and sisters for engaging in a "social gospel," of good works.  And while good works alone are not enough, they are still an integral component of the Gospel message.  You were not saved simply in order that you might go to heaven.  You were not even saved in order to live a life free from sin.  You were saved in order to live out your life as a subject in the Kingdom of God.  Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it this way, "Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God's will."

O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be!
Let that grace, now like a fetter, bind my yielded heart to Thee.
Let me know Thee in Thy fullness; guide me by Thy mighty hand
Till, transformed, in Thine own image, in Thy presence I shall stand.
                                              - Robert Robinson

A Living Hope - 1 Peter 1:1-2:12

A Living Hope - 1 Peter 1:1-2:12

You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood.

The "Church" is not a building made of brick and mortar.  It's not a place that you go once a week.  It's not a steeple... or a pretty chapel... or even a worship service.

Instead, we understand that the Church is the Body of Christ "spread out through all time and space and rooted in eternity, terrible as an army with banners." (Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis)

Take great assurance in the knowledge that you stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Christ-followers around the world... and that you stand in a long line of disciples stretching all the way back in time to those who walked with Jesus on this earth.

Indeed, we are strangers and aliens on this land, a peculiar people (a purchased possession!), who belong to God.  We are the Church.  Our lives are living stones built into a house of worship.  Our words a living testament to God's transforming grace.  Our lives are to be lived to God's greater glory, and we are the priests who offer the ministry of reconciliation to brothers and sisters who are far from God.

Let us build a house of worship to the God of heaven and earth,
Where his church may bow before him, hear his Word and sing his worth!
Not alone our bricks and mortar, hearts and lives to God we raise:
He will set his name forever on such building to his praise.
                                 - Margaret Clarkson

A New Creation in Christ - 2 Corinthians 4:1-6:2

A New Creation in Christ - 2 Corinthians 4:1-6:2

We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors

An ambassador is someone who goes to a foreign land to represent his or her own country or king.  Their actions speak volumes, and messages they deliver carry a great deal of weight.  They learn the customs and cultures of the land they are visiting, but they never forget that their sole allegiance is to the country which sent them.

Paul says that we are Christ's ambassadors.  Our only allegiance in life is to the Kingdom of God.  The words that we speak represent the God that we serve.  Our actions speak volumes about the nature and character of the God that we represent.  As an ambassador, you have been given a message to carry on behalf of the King.

Your message is the ministry of reconciliation that you have been given.  Your task is to call all people to be reconciled to God.  Your mission is to see all people come to find forgiveness of sins and new life in Jesus' Name.  While we learn the customs and cultures of this world in order to be effective, we must never forget that our sole allegiance is to the Kingdom of God.  When Jesus prays for His disciples in John 17, He says, "They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world."

In this passage, Paul is declaring that all of us have received a calling to be a missionary - to share the Good News of the Kingdom of God in a foreign land.  For some, that foreign land is in Africa or Europe. For others, that foreign land is at The Root Cellar or the Long Creek Youth Development Center.  But for all of us that foreign land is our own neighborhood or workplace... our own country.  For we are all missionaries... ambassadors of the King.

Give of your best to the Master; Give Him first place in your heart.
Give Him first place in your service; Consecrate ev'ry part.
Give, and to you will be given; God His beloved Son gave.
Gratefully seeking to serve Him, Give Him the best that you have.
Give of your best to the Master; Give of the strength of your youth.
Clad in salvation's full armor, Join in the battle for truth.
                                          - Howard B. Grose

The Most Excellent Way - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

The Most Excellent Way - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

If I... have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

I have to be honest with you.  It seems like I hear a lot of clanging cymbals every October.  And for some reason there are more of them every fourth October!  Our culture is full of people who believe they are "right" on every issue... to the point where their speech and treatment of others is less than loving.  All you have to do is spend some time on facebook (or the comment section of your local newspaper), and you'll see exactly what I'm talking about!  Sadly, in this regard, our churches are not much different from the world around us.

Some of you have observed that I'm not particularly political... and you'd be right.  It's not that I don't think the issues are important, but that the entire political machine in our nation seems to be built on principles that are so foreign to the Kingdom of God.  It seems that politicians and issues can't succeed without smears, lies, and exaggerations.  People are manipulated through campaigns, media outlets, around the water cooler, and sometimes even from the pulpit.

What's truly unfortunate is when these sharp political divisions seep into families and churches.  While you might have a hard time imagining it, there are strong, committed Christians of conviction who will vote differently from you on nearly every single issue.  And believe it or not, they might have an equally hard time imagining that you might be a strong, committed Christian of conviction as well! Dr. Dan Boone, president of Trevecca Nazarene University, suggests that, "For Holy Conversation to occur, we must at least be in touch with the reality that we could be wrong.

In essence, Paul is telling us that we can be absolutely right... we can have all sorts of wisdom... we can have the doctrine down pat... we can accurately discern God's will on how to vote.  But if we can't love our neighbor, then we're just making a bunch of noise. We must not only seek to "know rightly," but also to "love rightly."  Let's not be "clanging cymbals" this political season... but let's be committed to Holy Conversation and loving each other deeply.

I then shall live as one who's learned compassion;
I've been so loved that I'll risk loving too.
I know how fear builds walls instead of bridges;
I dare to see another's point of view.
And when relationships demand commitment,
Then I'll be there to care and follow thro'.
                                    - Gloria Gaither

The Coming of the Lord - 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 5:11

The Coming of the Lord - 1 Thessalonians 4:13 - 5:11

Therefore encourage each other...

Christ will come again.  We may not know the date, or exactly what it will look like, or even the timeline of events; but we know that Christ will come again. This is encouraging news. Twice in this passage, Paul tells the Thessalonians to encourage each other with the certain hope of Christ's return.

We are soon approaching one of my favorite seasons of the Christian calendar--Advent. While Advent helps us to mark the time until the yearly celebration of Christmas, it is primarily a reminder that we are waiting for the Kingdom to come in all of its fullness.  Just as the ancients waited for the first coming of the Messiah, we are earnestly awaiting His second advent.

While we wait, we ought to be alert and watchful, self-controlled and full of faith.  We ought to live lives of holiness and expectation, believing that Christ's victory over death is the reason for our certain hope of eternal life with Him.  No matter what you might be facing this week... that is encouraging news!

When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim My God, how great Thou art!
                                                           - Carl Gustav Boberg; trans. Stuart K. Hine

All Scripture is God-breathed - 2 Timothy 3:10 - 4:8

All Scripture is God-breathed - 2 Timothy 3:10 - 4:8

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

As I read this passage, it occurred to me that Timothy was the very first recipient of a mail-order ordination certificate!  This charge, issued to Timothy by letter, is the same charge that Dr. Porter spoke as he laid hands on me and ordained me.  These verses have probably been spoken at thousands of ordination services through the centuries, but Timothy receives them in the form of a letter!

Paul is really passing the baton to Timothy.  Paul has fought the fight, he's finished the race, and now it's time to hand the baton to the next runner.  Timothy is charged to study scripture, to speak the truth, to "keep his head," and to endure hardship.

But in the midst of this baton-passing, Paul reminds us of the finish line--the crown of righteousness which is for all who have longed for Christ's return.

Paul's talking about you and I!  Right there in Holy Scripture, Paul talks about us!  Not by name, of course, but you're included in that.  If you've ever said "E'en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come," then you're included!  If you've ever sung "when Christ shall come with shout of acclamation" and had tingles run up and down your spine, then you're included!  If you've ever prayed through a fog of depression, a dark night of the soul, or a tunnel that seemed to have no end; then you're included!

We can look forward to the time when the hardship will come to an end... when clarity will be brought to every uncertainty... and when Christ shall return and set things right.  "E'en so, Lord Jesus, quickly come!"

Holy, holy, holy! all the saints adore Thee,
Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;
Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,
Which wert, and art, and evermore shalt be.
                            - Reginald Heber

Good Soldiers of Christ - 2 Timothy 2:1 -26

Good Soldiers of Christ - 2 Timothy 2:1 -26

Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

Make no mistake about it - hardship will come to those who align themselves with the Kingdom of God.  Paul doesn't talk about if hardship would come, he simply assumes that it will come.  After all, the Kingdom of God was brought about by the very Son of God enduring extreme hardship for our sake.  If we will be like him, then it's certain that we will also endure hardship.

Paul also spends quite a bit of energy in this passage talking about maintaining our focus, and not being distracted by quarreling, godless chatter, or foolish arguments.  He suggests that the soldier in Christ's army must not get involved in the distractions of this world, but focus their attention on whatever the Commanding Officer wants from them.

If we maintain our focus, then the hardships become easier to endure. Like an athlete who relentlessly pursues her goal, we must relentlessly pursue Christ and becoming like Him.  If that is truly our primary goal, then so many of the distractions, obstacles, and hardships will begin to fade away.

Hebrews 12:2 reminds us to "fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art--
Thou my best thought, by day or by night,
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
                                                       - Traditional Irish Hymn, trans. by Mary E. Byrne

The Love of Money - 1 Timothy 6:3-21

The Love of Money - 1 Timothy 6:3-21

For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.

If Paul had lived in the century of automobiles, he might have been the one to coin the phrase, "I've never seen a hearse towing a U-Haul."

I imagine that Paul would be horrified if he were somehow transplanted into twenty-first century North American culture.  He would probably question the ways that some of us acquire and utilize our financial resources.  And I don't know for sure, but I suspect he might even have some harsh words for the Christian church today.

Paul reduces our needs to food and clothing, and challenges us to be content with that!  We are such a product of our culture (myself included!) that we can't imagine living on such a minimalistic approach to life.  It's second nature for us to purchase things... and to build our portfolios... and to establish our own kingdoms.

Richard Stearns (World Vision) reminds us that "If you make just $11 a day, you are among the world’s wealthiest 25%. Does this change how you see your own circumstances?" 

That's not to say that money or wealth is inherently wrong or sinful.  Remember that Paul doesn't say "money is the root of all evil," but instead says that "the love of money is the root of all evil."

Put another way, our priorities must always reflect the Kingdom of God, and not the kingdoms of this world.  Our stewardship of our finances and belongings ought to be subject to the truth that it all belongs to God in the first place, and that He's entrusted it to our care in order to use it for His purposes.  We ought to live in counter-cultural ways, even in the way we manage our resources.

Because I have been given much,
I too must give.
Because of Thy great bounty, Lord,
Each day I live,
I shall divide my gifts from Thee
with ev'ry brother that I see
who has the need of help from me.
                                  - Grace Noll Crowell

Elders and Deacons - 1 Timothy 3:1-16

Elders and Deacons - 1 Timothy 3:1-16

"...you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth."

How we live makes a difference!  Even though the bulk of this passage is written to pastors and elders, Paul moves on to suggest that this ought to inform the way all of us live.

Our lifestyles ought to be consistent with the knowledge that the Church is the pillar and foundation of the truth.  As members of that household, every fiber of our being ought to reflect the Image of God which is being restored within us through the power of the Holy Spirit.


"Every member a minister!"  While God appointed apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers; He did so for the purpose of preparing God's people for works of service, in order to build up the Body of Christ (Eph. 4:11-12).  In other words, each one of us has a ministry role within the Kingdom of God!

The things that we expect of our leaders (self-control, faithfulness, gentleness, respectable), we ought to exemplify ourselves.  Each of us has been given the task of leading others to Christ, therefore the requirements of leadership fall squarely upon the shoulders of every Christian.  Your lifestyle is a constant testimony to the Kingdom of God and to the Church.

A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify;
A neverdying soul to save, and fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age, my calling to fulfill;
O may it all my pow'rs engage to do my Master's will!
                  - Charles Wesley

The Supremacy of Christ - Colossians 1:1-23

The Supremacy of Christ - Colossians 1:1-23

"...so that in everything he might have the supremacy."

Jesus is Lord... whether we acknowledge Him as Lord or not!  The problem arises when our attitudes and actions fail to reflect that knowledge.  We need a constant reminder and awareness that Jesus is Lord over all... all the time.  And we need to live in a manner consistent with that truth.

One very real temptation we face is the idea that we get to determine for ourselves what areas (or what times) of our lives we will allow Jesus to have Lordship.  We give Him Sundays and Thursdays... but the rest of the week belongs to us.  Or we allow Him control over 10% of our finances... but we're quite happy to control the rest!  Or we allow Him input into the television we watch... but not the books we read.

The problem, of course, is that suddenly we've put ourselves in the position of God... determining the times and places that Jesus gets to sit on the throne of our heart.  And if we're deciding when we'll "let" Him be Lord... then He's really not Lord at all.


In these days it's helpful for us to remember that Jesus is Lord over all... all the time.  Even when the media would have you believe that the foundation is crumbling and the sky is falling; Jesus is still Lord.  Our hope is never in a politician... or a party... or even our nation.  Our hope is only in Jesus Christ, the coming King.

Let's live that way!

Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
Does his successive journeys run;
His Kingdom spread from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.
                          - Isaac Watts

Rejoice in the Lord - Philippians 4:2-9

Rejoice in the Lord - Philippians 4:2-9

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

I suspect that most of us (myself included) need to do a better job at turning off the television, radio, facebook, or internet discussion boards - or even that comment section on the Portland Press Herald website! ;-)

Especially during this particular season that comes around every four years.  The political dialogue is ramped up... the media paints worse-case scenarios in hopes of boosting their ratings... and even respected Christian leaders would have us believe that the sky is falling (Guess what... one day it will!) It's so easy for us to get lost in the fog of fact-checking, or discerning which attacks to believe and which ones to dismiss.

Don't get me wrong... I think we ought to participate in the political process and vote as the Spirit of God would lead us.  But let's not get so side-tracked by the issues that we forget that God is still on the throne, and that Christ will return when the time is right!  Let's not forget that in the meantime He calls us to act as individuals--loving justice, doing mercy, and walking humbly with Him.

Paul wants us to fill our minds with pure and praiseworthy things - to meditate on Scripture, to consider the depths and riches of God's love and grace, and to rejoice in the blessings that God pours out on us.  It's increasingly difficult to do that if we allow the cacophony of voices to cloud our heads with all the bad news and speculation of bad news that exists.  Let's be sure to balance the news with a healthy dose of those things that belong to the Kingdom of God.

Beneath the toil and care of life this hidden stream flows on.
My weary soul no longer thirsts, nor am I sad and lone.
There's a deep, settled peace in my soul.
There's a deep, settled peace in my soul.
Tho' the billows of sin near me roll,
He abides; Christ abides.
                       - John S. Brown

The Armor of God - Ephesians 6:10-20

The Armor of God - Ephesians 6:10-20

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

Paul has continued to remind us that the battle is not ours, neither do we battle against flesh and blood.  He reminds us that we can't fight it on our own strength, but must put on God's armor!  I'm reminded of the shepherd boy David, when offered the armor of King Saul to go into battle against Goliath.  That armor didn't fit him at all... but the armor of God fit perfectly!

One of the great weapons we have available to us is the weapon of prayer.  So often we are reminded to live in a spirit of prayer, or to "pray without ceasing."  I'm teaching a class of ministerial students on Tuesday nights, and last night we were reminded of the different ways to help us live in a spirit of prayer:

• Practice the Presence of God - Brother Lawrence recognized that every service and activity he did was an opportunity to serve others and to practice being aware of the presence of God.  We know (in our head) that God is always with us, but we need to be reminded of His presence.  Find something you do many times during the day (perhaps drinking from your new CECN Water Bottle!)... and whenever you do that thing, take a moment to be aware of God's presence and offer a conscious prayer of thanks.
• Breath Prayers - Brennan Manning practices this discipline.  Upon the first few moments of consciousness in the morning, he concentrates on his breath, and the prayer "Abba, I belong to you."  As he inhales, he considers the word "Abba" (Daddy, Father); and upon exhaling, he considers the phrase "I belong to you."  Later in the day, whenever he might become aware of his breathing, he allows the truth of that prayer to permeate his heart and mind.
• Reading Prayers - Take a prayer book like the Psalms, and take a moment each day to read (out loud) a prayer of lament, thanks, petition, or praise.  Reading the prayers of others helps to nourish our own spiritual life.
• Thought Prayers - Obviously, we can pray at any time during the day... simply by turning our attention toward God and offering Him thanks... or seeking His intervention in our circumstances.
• Listening Prayers - The boy Samuel reminds us of this when he was awakened in the night and finally learned to say, "Speak Lord, your servant listens."  It is helpful for us to simply find time to quiet our hearts before God, to become aware of His presence, and to listen for that still, small voice.

Try a new discipline of prayer today, and consider how you might be drawn closer to God!

Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer,
Thy wings shall my petition bear
To Him whose truth and faithfulness
Engage the waiting soul to bless;
And since He bids me seek His face,
Believe His Word, and trust His grace,
I'll cast on Him my ev'ry care,
And wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer.
                            - William W. Walford

The Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:16-6:10

The Fruit of the Spirit - Galatians 5:16-6:10

Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else.

From a young age, we begin to compare ourselves to others.  We stand back-to-back to see who is the tallest. We compare the length and color of our hair... the size of our houses... the brand of sneakers we wear.  And then, we begin to realize that some students score better on tests than others, and we began to compare ourselves to the rest of the class.

If you don't get a perfect score on the test, you take comfort in knowing that you did as well as Mark or Susie.  If you don't get an A, you still point out to Mom & Dad that you were ahead of 70% of the class.  If you happen to have a teacher who "grades on a curve," then you no longer worry about getting a perfect score, but are content with a score that's in the top 10 or 20%.  After all, that's "good enough."

I realize that Paul didn't know about teachers and bell curves!  But he obviously knew about the human tendency to compare ourselves to others and to settle for "good enough."  Apparently, this had settled into the life of the church in Galatia.  Believers were comparing their holy living to each other--perhaps pointing out the flaws in others in order to help themselves look better.  And instead of striving to live a pure and holy life, they were settling for "good enough."

Life isn't graded on a curve.  The prophet Amos used a plumb line (Amos 7:7-8) to demonstrate God's standard of perfection.  While grace always abounds, the question is not about whether we are holier than our neighbor.  Instead, we are called to be filled with the Holy Spirit and to live a life of holiness and purity.

Give me a holy life, spotless and free,
Cleansed by the crystal flow coming from Thee.
Purge the dark halls of thought; Here let Thy work be wrought,
Each wish and feeling brought captive to Thee.
                                 - Leslie Taylor Hunt

More than Conquerors - Romans 8:1-39

More than Conquerors - Romans 8:1-39

You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit

Paul's letter to the Romans gives us a clear description of what it means to be "Set Free" in Christ.  No longer a slave to sin and the law, Christ makes us free to live a life full of the Holy Spirit.

Being free from the law and living by the Spirit doesn't simply mean that we can "do whatever we want."  What it means is that our "want-to" has been changed.  When the Holy Spirit cleanses and indwells us, we find that our desires have been transformed... that we are no longer controlled by self and sin, but that we are controlled by the very Spirit of God that lives within us.

Psalm 37:4 says, "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." It's not that delighting ourselves in the Lord is a recipe to get whatever we want.  It's that delighting ourselves in the
Lord means that our desires come from Him, instead of from ourselves.

Are you truly free?  Are you unencumbered from all the world would call you to?  Have you "[thrown] off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles" (Heb. 12:1)?  Does the Spirit of God reign in your life?

Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.
Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me.
Spirit of the living God, fall fresh on me.

                               - Daniel Iverson  

The Trip to Rome - Acts 25:1-28:31

The Trip to Rome - Acts 25:1-28:31

"Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ."

Under house-arrest and supervised by guards, we might think that Paul's ministry ends in failure.  He's been arrested, he appeals to Caesar and is transported to Rome (after being shipwrecked), and yet the Bible gives no account of his trial before Caesar.  There doesn't appear to be an acquittal of Paul, and it's possible that he lives out the rest of his life under house arrest.

And yet, his story ends with the greatest testimony to God's grace.  He continues to boldly preach the Gospel without any hindrance.  Despite the obvious physical restraints, Paul is able to entertain guests, send messages, and write letters - and the Kingdom of God continues to expand.

Lots of things seem to hinder us, don't they?  We feel inadequate... we're too busy... we're afraid of what people might think.  Like Moses we feel as though we lack the oratory skills to speak for God.  Our personal comfort, entertainment, and wealth distract us from the greater tasks at hand.  And even though we are not in chains or constrained to our homes, we lack the boldness of Paul to proclaim the Kingdom of God.

We should be challenged by the passion of Paul, his tenacity and his unwillingness to give up.  Grounded in his knowledge of who he was before Christ called him, he is thoroughly sold out to bringing that good news to others around him.  Filled with the Holy Spirit, Paul is filled with the passionate power of God.

For mighty works for Thee, prepare And strengthen ev'ry heart.
Come, take possession of Thine own, And nevermore depart.
Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power!
Thy floodgates of blessing on us throw open wide!
Lord, send the old-time power, the Pentecostal power,
That sinners be converted and Thy name glorified!
                                 - Charlotte G. Homer

More Missionary Journeys - Acts 16:1-20:38

More Missionary Journeys - Acts 16:1-20:38


It seems that conflict and violence follows Paul wherever he goes. Paul and Silas are jailed in Philippi, Jason is arrested on Paul's behalf in Thessalonica, and Paul has to run from Thessalonian agitators in Berea.  He is abused and accused in Corinth, and he causes a two-hour riot in Ephesus.

Most of us would be tempted to give up... over and over again!  And perhaps Paul is tempted to give up as well.  But one night in Corinth, Paul has a vision, and God says:

"Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city." 
  
I'm not a language scholar, but after consulting multiple translations, it appears as though there are two cause-and-effect statements in this vision:

• Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent
• For I am with you.

• No one is going to attack and harm you
• Because I have many people in this city.

What's particularly interesting to me is that Paul isn't told "don't be afraid because nobody will harm you."  Neither is he told, "No one will harm you because I am with you."  Instead, he's told "don't be afraid, I am with you," AND "no one will harm you because I have many people."

Our lack of fear should never be rooted in the belief that we won't be harmed or that things won't go wrong.  Our lack of fear should only be rooted in the knowledge of God's abiding presence with us.  Furthermore, our belief that God is always with us should never be confused with a belief that things won't go wrong.  Instead, we can be confident that He goes with us, even through difficult and trying times.

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In ev'ry change He faithful will remain.
By still, my soul; thy best, thy heav'nly Friend
Thro' thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
                                                                  - Katharina von Schlegel (trans. by Jane L. Borthwick)

The Council at Jerusalem - Acts 15:1-41

The Council at Jerusalem - Acts 15:1-41

"...we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God."

I realize that this verse is in the context of a very specific discussion about what Gentiles must do (or not) in order to be considered part of this new Christian faith.  As the Jewish Christians are hammering out the essentials of the faith, they are confronted with the question about what portions of the law the new Gentile converts must obey.  Ultimately, they choose an open stance with few requirements, mirroring their understanding of the grace of God.

Even though this verse is within that specific context, I find that the quote has far-reaching implications to our own lives.  As Gentile Christians, we might rewrite it as "...we should not make it difficult for the non-Christians who are turning to God."

Are there things that we do that make it difficult for those who are turning to God?  Non-biblical behavioral requirements?  Church dress codes?  Insider language?  Unfriendliness?  Judgmentalism?  Hypocrisy?

Any of those behaviors on the part of a Christian, could be something which becomes a stumbling block to an unbeliever.  Our actions and attitudes could form a hurdle which keeps someone from accepting the free gift of salvation.  Let us be as free and as gracious as the Early Church as we share the Good News with all.

God forgave my sin in Jesus' name;
I've been born again in Jesus' name;
And in Jesus' name I come to you
To share His love as He told me to.
He said, "Freely, freely you have received;
Freely, freely give.
Go in My name and because you believe,
Others will know that I live."
                        - Carol Owens

The First Missionary Journey - Acts 13:1-14:28

The First Missionary Journey - Acts 13:1-14:28

Men of Israel and you Gentiles who worship God, listen to me!

Given the chance to speak in the synagogue at Pisidian Antioch, Paul stands up and begins a history lesson, summarizing God's interactions with the people of God from the time of Abraham until the time of Jesus.  This same approach was taken when Peter and John stood before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:1-22), and when Stephen stood trial (Acts 7:1-53).  In each case, they respond to their accusers by putting their current events within their historical context.

A couple of thoughts related to this:

1. We are reminded that the Christian faith is thoroughly grounded and rooted in history.  While God is doing a new thing (even today), it is fully consistent with the "new thing" He has been doing throughout history.  We ought to remain connected not only to ancient Christian practices, but to our Jewish roots as well.
   
2. These men (Paul, Peter, John, and Stephen) all witness to others within the context of the worldview of those they are trying to reach.  They understand the people they are reaching, and they meet them where they are.  As we share our faith, it's vital that we get to know those we are reaching, to share with them the information that is appropriate to their context, spiritual state, and knowledge.
   
3. We are also reminded how important it is for us to know our scriptures!  We can only outline the history of God's interaction with the world if we know that history.  We can only remain rooted in our own history if we understand it.  Our ability to share the Good News is related to our knowledge of the Good News.

As you consider these early missionary movements, consider the ways God has worked in your life... in the Church... and in the world.  These all become events and moments that might be part of your summary of the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I love to tell the story of unseen things above,
Of Jesus and His glory, of Jesus and His love.
I love to tell the story because I know 'tis true.
It satisfies my longings as nothing else can do.
I love to tell the story! 'Twill be my theme in glory
To tell the old, old story of Jesus and His love.

                                   - Katherine Hankey

The Road to Damascus - Acts 9:1-31

The Road to Damascus - Acts 9:1-31

Saul/Paul experiences a true one-eighty, about-face, switching teams.  He was going full-tilt in one particular direction, and within days is going full-tilt in the completely opposite direction.  From persecuting Christians and "breathing out murderous threats" to not only becoming a Christ-follower, but preaching and evangelizing - to the point that the target had shifted and was now being painted on Paul's head!

Paul must have been pretty convinced of what he heard and saw on the road to Damascus.  Nobody is likely to put their life on the line for a fabrication or a made-up story.  In fact, one of our best evidences for the resurrection of Christ is that the disciples were willing to give up their lives rather than recant their amazing story.  Clearly, Paul's encounter with Christ was a deep and abiding transformation that changed the very fabric of his being.

What was the transformation in your life?  It might not have been as dramatic as Paul's, but we can be certain that you're different because Christ is in your life. Evangelism is simply sharing your story with others, allowing them to see the ways that Christ has transformed you.  Paul was willing to give his life in order to share his story... how about you?

I gave My life for thee; My precious blood I shed,
That thou might'st ransomed be, And quickened from the dead.
I gave, I gave My life for thee, What hast though giv'n for Me?I gave, I gave My life for thee, What hast though giv'n for Me?
                                           - Frances R. Havergal

Good News for All - Acts 10:1-11:18

Good News for All - Acts 10:1-11:18

Now send men to Joppa...

It's interesting to note that Joppa is also referenced in the book of Jonah.  You might remember that Jonah was called to go to Nineveh (the capital of Assyria) to preach the Gospel to a city that was full of pagan worship and evil behaviors.  Instead of going up to Nineveh, he went down to Joppa in order to run the other way.

Peter has his own dialogue with God right there in Joppa, as God prepares him for something new that was about to happen.  By commanding him to eat food that was previously considered unclean, God is helping Peter understand that He is interested in the salvation of ALL people.

And like Jonah, God calls Peter to preach to Gentiles who were part of an oppressive empire.  Instead of sending Peter to the Assyrians, God sends him to man named Cornelius--a centurion in the Roman Army.  But that's where the similarities in the stories end.  For unlike Jonah, Peter is obedient to God's call, going to Cornelius, witnessing to him, and baptizing his entire household. 

Where is God calling you to go?  Who are the people that God desires to reach through you?  And how will you respond?  Like Jonah who offers excuses and goes in the other direction?  Or like Peter who faithfully goes where God calls?

Lord, lay some soul upon my heart
And love that soul thro' me;
And may I always do my part
To win that soul for Thee.
                  - Leon Tucker

Sharing the Word - Acts 8:26-40

Sharing the Word - Acts 8:26-40

Why shouldn’t I be baptized?

We don't know for sure, but it's pretty likely that the Ethiopian Eunuch had previously encountered all sorts of barriers and hurdles which prevented him from worshiping God.  As a Gentile who had probably been emasculated in order to serve a pagan queen, it's very likely that he was relegated to the very outer courts of the Jerusalem Temple, and may have been considered an outcast by the people that he joined in order to worship God.  (See Deut. 23:1)

So when I imagine him asking "why shouldn't I be baptized?" I hear all sorts of fear and trembling in his voice.  He may be expecting Philip to list all the reasons why not--his ethnicity, his sexuality, his occupation.  He has probably considered the possibility that he will remain a second-class citizen in the Kingdom of God, forever outside the wall eavesdropping on the insiders. Instead, Philip climbs out of the chariot with him and baptizes him, right then and there.

The Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that forgiveness of sins and entrance into the Kingdom is available to anyone who would confess and repent.  Regardless of past, heritage, or social status, Jesus welcomes the outcast and the wanderer with open arms.  Paul writes, "For he himself (Jesus) is our peace, who has made the two (Jews & Gentiles) one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility." (Eph. 2:14)

"Whosoever heareth" shout, shout the sound!
Spread the blessed tidings all the world around.
Tell the joyful news wherever man is found:
"Whosoever will may come."
                         - Philip P. Bliss 

The First Martyr - Acts 6:8-8:8

The First Martyr - Acts 6:8-8:8

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.

Has it ever occurred to you that we are among the scattered?  We don't worship at the temple in Jerusalem. We don't have a particular holy site that we make pilgrimages to.  We don't have a centralized monolithic authority that speaks on our behalf.  Instead, we are just like millions of other Christians, scattered throughout the earth.


I suspect that the persecution that broke out after Stephen's death was one of the primary catalysts for the explosive growth of the Gospel.  Even the authority of the Apostles was decentralized, and individuals were given the authority and calling to preach the gospel to all around them.  It appears as though God's strategy was not to use an institution... but to use individuals.


We miss the point of the Gospel if we think that it is solely the pastor's job to witness and evangelize.  Paul makes it clear in Ephesians 4 that the job of the pastor is to equip the saints (that's all of us) for service and acts of ministry.  In Acts, even though we hear a lot about the Apostles, it's apparent that the work of the ministry belonged to everyone.


So... to you who are scattered... who has God called you to reach?  Who can you share the Gospel with today?  To whom can you show the love of God?

Out in the highways and byways of life,
Many are weary and sad.
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife,
Making the sorrowing glad.
Make me a blessing; make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine.
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.
                          - Ira B. Wilson

Growth and Persecution - Acts 3:1-4:37

Growth and Persecution - Acts 3:1-4:37

All the believers were one in heart and mind.

It's fascinating that this story of persecution is immediately followed by this paragraph about the believers sharing everything in common and being one in heart and mind.  While Luke doesn't go so far as to suggest a cause-and-effect relationship, it certainly makes sense that the threats, arrests, and conspiracies would drive the early Christians even closer together.

Perhaps the North American Church is so fractured today because we lack real adversity and oppression.  Without the sort of persecution that other Christ-followers face on a daily basis, we find it easier to turn on each other, instead of directing our energy against the powers and kingdoms of this world.

Given the persecution faced by the early church, it's nearly impossible to imagine gossip, back-biting, or criticism reaching their fingers into the community.  Instead, we see this deep love and commitment to each other, where people put the needs of the community before themselves.  They shared everything they had, and made sure that everyone was taken care of.

This sort of unity and sacrifice should be the hallmark of every Christian community.  When we share life together in this way, we reflect the image of the Triune God to the world around us.  When we put the needs of others before our own, we reflect the Christ who humbled Himself and became a servant.

We are one in the bond of love.
We are one in the bond of love.
We have joined our spirits with the Spirit of God.
We are one in the bond of love.

The Day of Pentecost - Acts 2:1-47

The Day of Pentecost - Acts 2:1-47

"In the last days..."

Peter makes it quite clear that the Day of Pentecost ushers in a period of time we might call "The Last Days."  Now, I realize that this period of time has been nearly 2000 years long, but there's no question that the Kingdom of God began to be ushered in with the coming of the Holy Spirit.  While we eagerly await the coming of the Kingdom in all of its fullness, we rejoice that it is already at hand.

No longer would "the Spirit of God" be restricted to an elite class of people.  No longer would we have to trust in priests and prophets to speak the Word of the Lord.  No longer would the ministry be restricted to people of a particular age, or race, or gender.  Instead, Peter reminds us that Joel prophecied a day when the Spirit of God would be poured out on all people... and according to Peter, that day began on the day of Pentecost so many years ago.

Rejoice in the knowledge that you don't need a priest or a mediator to enter into the presence of God.  Celebrate the fact that you can be used by the Holy Spirit as a mouthpiece for the Most High God.  Take delight in the certainty that God has come to Jew and Gentile, free and slave, male and female, young and old.

At the same time, this knowledge comes with great responsibility.  What role does God want you to fill in His Kingdom?  Are you living in the fullness of the Spirit and exploring all that He has for you today?  Are your words consistent with the words that He would want to speak through you?

Pentecost reminds us that you are the Body of Christ on the earth today--the ambassadors of the Kingdom, filled with the Spirit of God.  Go forth in the knowledge that the Spirit of Christ indwells you!

O boundless love divine!  How shall this tongue of mine
To wond'ring mortals tell the matchless grace divine--
That I, a child of hell, should in His image shine!
The Comforter has come!
                                - Frank Bottome

The Ascension - Acts 1:1-11

The Ascension - Acts 1:1-11

When?  How Long?

The disciples ask Jesus if he's going to "restore the kingdom to Israel."  It's quite likely that what they want to know is if He is finally going to deliver them from Roman occupation.  Failing to understand that He came to conquer sin and death, they still are asking questions about politics and earthly kingdoms.

In fairness to the disciples, we all want to know when.  We all want to know how long.  We long for wrongs to be made right... for injustices to be corrected... for the Peace of Christ to reign over all the earth.  In short, we all want to know how long until Christ will come again.

But Christ doesn't give the disciples the answer they want (nor does He give us the answer we want).  Instead, He essentially says, "wait and see."  It's up to the Father in His infinite wisdom to bring about the ultimate redemption of His creation.

The question for us is this, "How do we live in the meantime?"

In anticipation of the coming Kingdom, we ought to live as though it is our present reality, knowing that Christ has already come... that Christ is made present to us right now... and that Christ will come again.

View the present through the promise, Christ will come again.
Trust despite the deepening darkness, Christ will come again.
Lift the world above its grieving through your watching and believing
in the hope past hope’s conceiving: Christ will come again.

                                           - Thomas Troeger

The Resurrection - John 20:1-21:25

The Resurrection - John 20:1-21:25

Dying, Christ destroyed our death.
Rising, Christ restored our life.
Christ will come again in glory.

These words, part of nearly every funeral service I conduct, remind us that death is not the end... that the grave has lost the battle against life and love.  Even when confronted with caskets and gravestones, I am granted the privilege to proclaim the certainty that Christ has defeated death, granted us new life, and will come again.

At the heart of the Gospel is the defeat of sin and death.  Not only did Christ die so our sins could be forgiven, but He rose again so we could have confidence of new and unending life with Him.  This is our certain hope.

This is the victorious life that Christians should live!  With sin and death defeated, we need not live in fear, but in confidence.  We need not be afraid of death because we know that the Good Shepherd has already passed that way before, He knows what is on the other side, and He walks with us through the unknown.

Rise O Church and lift your voices
Christ has conquered death and hell
Sing as all the earth rejoices
Resurrection anthems swell
Come and worship come and worship
Worship Christ the Risen King
                      - Jack Hayford

The Crucifixion - John 19:1-42

The Crucifixion - John 19:1-42

“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.

The crucifixion of Jesus is a central component of the Gospel message... and right in the middle of the narrative we are confronted with this crucial question about the Lordship of Jesus.  Pilate asks the chief priests if he should crucify their king, and they respond by indicating that they do not recognize the authority of anyone except Caesar.

Just imagine - the religious leaders of the day are not only willing to crucify an innocent man, but they are also willing to declare their allegiance to Caesar, aligning themselves with the political powers of this world. 

The reality is that the Kingdom of God stands in direct opposition to the kingdoms of this world.  There is no room for compromise in the Kingdom of God, and when kingdoms collide, we are forced to declare our allegiance by our words and actions. As has been said, "Christ must be Lord of all... or He is not Lord at all."  And Christ's Kingdom isn't based on political power and authority, but on self-sacrifice and servanthood.

Which narrative shapes your life?  Of which kingdom are you a subject?

O Jesus, I have promised to serve Thee to the end;
Be Thou forever near me, my Master and my friend.
I shall not fear the battle if Thou art by my side,
Nor wander from the pathway if Thou wilt be my guide.

                          - John E. Bode

Arrest and Trial - John 18:1-40

Arrest and Trial - John 18:1-40

"I am He" - Jesus
"I am not" - Peter

As I read this passage, I was struck by the repetition of these phrases.  Twice, in dialogue with the chief priests and officials, Jesus says, "I am He."  And twice, when asked if he was a disciple, Peter replied with the words "I am not."

In the middle of this story of Jesus' betrayal and arrest, we find this sub-plot which centers around identity.  Jesus knows exactly who He is, and doesn't mind who knows it.  He responds simply and clearly to the question of identity.  On the other hand, Peter appears confused as to his identity, and ultimately denies his identity as a follower of Christ.

How do you define your identity?  Do you define yourself by a job? your family? your political affiliation? where you live? your hobbies? your church denomination?

There's nothing wrong with any of those things--but there should be no room for identity confusion in the life of a Christian.  First and foremost, we are to be subjects in the Kingdom of God... we are to be disciples of Christ... we are to be friends of God.

Every other defining characteristics and identity should pale in comparison to the identity as a Christian.

Who are you?

I once was an outcast stranger on earth,
A sinner by choice, an alien by birth,
But I’ve been adopted, my name’s written down,
An heir to a mansion, a robe and a crown.
I’m a child of the King,
A child of the King:
With Jesus my Savior,
I’m a child of the King.
                            - Harriet E. Buell

The Last Supper - Luke 22:1-46

The Last Supper - Luke 22:1-46

But I am among you as one who serves.

I recently read an article in which the author suggested that one of the best remedies to our celebrity culture (even within the Church) is an intentional and continual celebration of the sacrifice of Christ.

Consider, for just a moment, the oxymoronic behavior of the disciples. Jesus is presenting them with bread and wine, telling them that this is His broken body and shed blood.  Within minutes, they're arguing about who will be greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.  Despite the example of self-sacrifice, they're drawn to status and power.

We must continually ask ourselves which narrative we are allowing to shape our lives.  The narrative of our culture would call us to bow at the idols of wealth, status, power, and popularity.  But the Narrative of the Table calls us to follow the example of Jesus, and to be broken and spilled out for the world around us.

I'm inspired by people like John Wesley who partook of Communion daily--allowing the Narrative of the Table to become the primary shaping influence in their lives.  As we gather each week, may we not simply partake of the elements, but may we be shaped by the Christ that we meet at the Table.

Now let us from this table rise
Renewed in body, mind and soul.
With Christ we die and live again;
His selfless love has made us whole.

                                - Fred Kaan

Raising Lazarus from the Dead - John 11:1-57

Raising Lazarus from the Dead - John 11:1-57

Could not he who opened the eyes of the blind man have kept this man from dying?

Lazarus is dead... and Jesus was too late to save him.  At least, that's what the onlookers are suggesting.  And in this quote, they reveal their own lack of faith--possibly even suggesting that they don't believe Jesus really did heal the blind man!  After all, if Jesus had healed the blind man, surely he could have kept Lazarus from dying.

It doesn't even occur to them that Jesus might bring Lazarus back to life. They are expressing their disappointment that Jesus hadn't healed Lazarus, oblivious to the fact that Jesus has something even greater in store.  They are are still wishing for a relatively minor miracle, completely unaware that they are on the verge of a major miracle.

Often when God doesn't answer our prayer the way we want, it's because He has something even better in mind.  We may not immediately understand what that is... or how it is better.  In fact, we may never understand it this side of the grave.  But if we truly submit our requests to "Thy will be done," then we can trust that God will do what is best.

When our prayers seem to go unanswered, or we don't get the answer we like... do we get angry and lose faith?  Or do we keep our eyes open for the ways that God's glory will be revealed?

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand;
But I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand.

                  - Ira F. Stanphill

Healing a Demon-Possessed Man - Mark 5:1-20

Healing a Demon-Possessed Man - Mark 5:1-20

Then the people began to plead with Jesus to leave their region.

Jesus' arrival in our lives always carries long-lasting implications:  sins are forgiven, bondage is broken, and injustices are corrected.  Jesus didn't come simply so we could go to Heaven, but so He could transform our lives in the here-and-now.  And when Jesus changes lives, it is not only an individual transformation, but it should affect our neighborhoods and communities as well.

In the case of the region of the Gerasenes, the economic implications of Jesus' arrival were so great that they actually asked Him to leave.  Instead of rejoicing that this man had been delivered, all they could see was the loss of so many pigs.  Can you imagine that in the minds of this culture, the value of 2000 pigs was considered greater than the value of a human life?

And yet, perhaps our culture is not so different.

I wonder what would happened if we lived as though Christ had "moved into the neighborhood"?  What would be the societal and economic implications if we lived incarnationally--as the present-day representation of the Body of Christ?  At what point would our culture begin to plead with us to leave?

Your love compels me, Lord, to give as You would give,
To speak as You would speak, to live as You would live.
Your love compels me, Lord, to see as You would see,
To serve as You would serve, to be what You would be.
                          - Doug Holck

Healing a Blind Man - John 9:1-41

Healing a Blind Man - John 9:1-41

Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!

Aren't you glad you don't have to know all the answers?  After all, theologians have debated countless issues for centuries, and they still don't agree. Wiser and smarter people than you and I face some deep questions and respond with theories, best guesses, and sometimes a simple shrug.

Wesleyan scholar and author Keith Drury once provided an analogy about writing beliefs in pencil, pen, and blood.  In short, he suggests that we write our strong opinions in pencil, knowing that we might need to erase them and change them.  Our convictions we write in pen, and while they might change, it becomes difficult to do so.  But the core of the Gospel is written in blood--for it is the Gospel for which we are willing to die.

The challenge is that sometimes we get our pencil, pen, and blood confused.  We are wishy-washy on the things that really matter... and we get in lengthy arguments and debates over the issues that don't matter as much.  The man who was born blind reminds us to refocus our attention on what is really important, "I once was blind, but now I see!"

What are the core convictions in your life?  What beliefs are you willing to die for?

He touched me, O He touched me,
And O the joy that floods my soul!
Something happened, and now I know,
He touched me and made me whole.
                     - William J. Gaither

Walking on Water - Matthew 14:22-36

Walking on Water - Matthew 14:22-36

But when he saw the wind, he was afraid...

Our tendency when reading this story is to give Peter a hard time... after all, he takes his eyes off Jesus and begins to sink.  Jesus even chides Peter a little bit, calling him, "You of little faith."  But let's remember that Peter had the faith to get out of the boat, while the rest of the disciples are still in the boat, presumably trembling with fear.

At the same time, there is something to be learned from Peter's experience.  It seems as though he began to sink when he took his eyes off Jesus and began to look at his problem.  Paralyzed by fear, he stopped moving, and began to sink.

Beginner drivers face a similar temptation.  Their tendency is to look at the oncoming car... or the obstacle in the road... or the guardrail.  And when they do, they are likely to steer the car directly toward the danger they wish to avoid! And so driving instructors have to remind students to look in the direction they want the car to go, not at the obstacle or danger.

We know exactly what that feels like, don't we?  We are constantly tempted to focus our attention on the problem, instead of the Solution.  We get overwhelmed and begin to drown in our own complicated situations, and it takes our attention off from the One who is mighty to save.

"Look and live," my brother, live.
Look to Jesus now and live.
'Tis recorded in His Word, Hallelujah!
It is only that you "look and live."

Feeding the Five Thousand - Luke 9:1-36

Feeding the Five Thousand - Luke 9:1-36

Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic.

I find it interesting that this passage about the Sending of the Twelve comes immediately before the Feeding of the Five Thousand.  The disciples had just been traveling throughout the countryside with no resources to their name.  Clearly, God has been providing for them as they have traveled and performed miracles.  And yet, they are not prepared for Jesus to provide for the crowds of people that have come to hear Him teach.

We have a tendency to buy into what I've heard called The Myth of Scarcity.  In other words, we tend to believe that there won't be enough.  This tends to lead into a self-fulfilling prophecy where we hoard resources to make sure that we will have enough... ensuring that there, in fact, won't be enough for everyone.

You can see this at work whenever you get a group of junior high guys together for a youth group pizza party.  They are afraid there won't be enough, so the first ones through the line grab extra slices of pizza just in case they will want them later!  And sure enough, by the time we get to the end of the line, there aren't enough slices for everyone, and the ones who took extra slices are throwing the crusts away in the trash because they're too full.

The point?  The point is that we serve a God of abundance.  He's able to provide for twelve disciples wandering the countryside... and He's able to provide for a massive crowd of 5,000 men, plus women and children... and surely He's able to provide for you.  So when you're tempted to buy into the myth of scarcity, remember that you serve a God of abundance!

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us,
²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
for ever and ever! Amen. - Ephesians 3:20-21

Lost and Found - Luke 15:1-32

Lost and Found - Luke 15:1-32

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. - Luke 15:10

A lost sheep.  A lost coin.  A lost son.

These stories all have in common the idea that something was lost, but now is found!  And it doesn't take long for us to identify with the lost thing.  Most of us have, at one point or another, found ourselves far from home... stranded... or lost in the cracks.  We've found ourselves at the bottom of the pit, unsure if there was any way out.

These stories not only remind us that the lost can be found again, but that God is actively seeking the lost.  Indeed, the message of the incarnation is that Jesus came to seek and to save the lost.  As Athanasius said, "He became like we are, so that we might become like He is."

These stories reveal that God is a seeking God... that finding and pursuing lost people is an integral part of the character and nature of God.

Are you being shaped in His Image?  If so, then who are you seeking?  Who are you pursuing?

I was lost, but Jesus found me, Found the sheep that went astray,
Threw His loving arms around me, Drew me back into His way.
Yes, I'll sing the wondrous story
Of the Christ who died for me
Sing it with the saints in glory,
Gathered by the crystal sea.

                            - Francis H. Rowley

The Good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37

The Good Samaritan - Luke 10:25-37

"...and who is my neighbor?" - Expert
"...which of these three was a neighbor?" - Jesus

There's a lengthy story between these two quotes, so it's easy to miss the fact that Jesus doesn't answer the expert's question.  In true rabbinical fashion, he responds to the question with another question... but his question doesn't even exactly answer the question that has been asked.

The expert wants to know who qualifies as his neighbor, probably because he wants to limit the scope of the people he has to love.  If he can determine who is and who isn't a neighbor, then he can know who it is that he can get away with not loving.

But Jesus isn't interested in who qualifies as someone's neighbor.  Jesus is interested in whether or not the expert is being a good neighbor.  For Jesus, the question isn't about who is or isn't your neighbor... the question is about what sort of neighbor you are.

In relationships, our tendency is to blame the other person.  Marriage partners are tempted to look at all the wrong things the other person does... coworkers find it easy to find fault and place blame... next-door neighbors are often irritated by the things that the other family does.

But Jesus reminds us that we're not responsible for other people's behavior... we're responsible for our own.  And it's up to us to do the right thing, even if the other person is irritating, frustrating, unclean, or inconvenient.  It's up to us to be good neighbors to all that we see... whether they are a good neighbor or not!

Brother, let me be your servant, let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.
We are pilgrims on a journey; We are brothers on the road.
We are here to help each other walk the mile and bear the load.
                                                - Richard Gillard