How Much Insulation is Too Much?

No I am not talking about R30 in the attic. I am talking about barriers between the church and the world. The church we see in the New Testament appears to be keenly aware of the issues in their surrounding culture and actively engaged in being in the world but not of it. That being said just how insulated is the church today? I know some churches are less insulated than others. Some have support groups, active ministries that engage their communities, etc. Just how insulated is too insulated? How far out of our comfort zones should we be willing to get in order to help the world be a better place? Is there any level of insulation that is appropriate? If so where do you draw that line?

Two Year Anniversary in Florida

Yesterday was our second anniversary at the Northwest Church of Christ in Saint Petersburg. We have been very excited about this congregation and about how God has worked over the last two years. There has been a lot of growth and a lot of seeds planted that will continue to grow for decades to come. Our young adults are growing closer, leaders are being raised up for the future, and the lost are being reached.

During those two years Missy and I have grown as close as we have ever been. We are again expecting a baby and that is extremely exciting. Missy is going to be an amazing mom and I would like to think I will be a pretty amazing dad (but that is just a guess!). In these two years we have purchased our first house, been able to spend more time with Missy’s family, which she hadn’t been able to do in over four years, and make friends that will last a lifetime.

Looking back on these last two years really excites me and I really wonder what God has in store for the future. Continue to pray for our ministry in Saint Petersburg. This may be a beautiful place to live but there is much work to be done and many people to be reached. There are many Christians who need to grow and mature and many leaders who do not yet know that is what they are going to be.

Crucifixion of Jesus Christ - The Bigger Picture

The temptation when teaching about the crucifixion is to talk about the Romans, Roman courts, Pilate, Crucifixion, and prisoner release customs when dealing with the first 15 verses. Then in the verses that follow to discuss the suffering of Jesus and how he died for our sin (15:16-47). I want to suggest an alternative approach an approach that asks the question, “How does this fit in with the rest of the the story of God’s dealings with his people?”

I learned the Gospel in chunks. I learned about his healings and his teachings and about the crucifixion and the resurrection like they are isolated chunks removed from each other and from context and from the bigger picture of the kingdom. There are two reasons this happens. The first is that it is often done by necessity as a sermon will focus on one particular parable or healing story or a Bible class may be working through a Gospel and deal with a couple stories at a time. The second is that we often reduce the Gospel to its most basic components in order to make it more easily used for evangelism. We boil it down to Jesus came to solve our problem. That is only part of the story. What Jesus did was an answer to the problem of humanity’s dealing with sin and death but what Jesus did was even bigger than that. He was taking on the powers of darkness and the forces of hell. They threw everything they had at Jesus Christ and even the wrath of God was poured out on him. He endured it all and by doing so conquered every power and even death itself. That is a big deal and it fits in with the story of God’s people - that God had been pointing to this event for many generations.

The passion narrative has continuity with the rest of Jesus ministry. Jesus came to set things right and to subdue through his authority the powers of darkness. It is true when he cast out a demon, healed a man’s legs, and calmed the storms (all of which he did by commands = authority). It is also true of the cross. There is a thread that runs through the narrative and connects the stories and brings the whole picture together with a certain unity that may not be apparent when handling the Gospel story by story. What is the thread? It is the kingdom of God and how the story of God’s dealings with his people had gone from generation to generation in an unfolding story rich with meaning and symbol and action and loving faithfulness.

The passion narrative also has continuity with the history of Israel. The prophets bring continuity with the ministry of Jesus, not just in the fact that they predicted much of Jesus’ life and ministry and death hundreds of years before the events took place but also because Jesus fell right in line with the same role they had had only this time the Son had come into his Father’s vineyard to confront the wicked tenants (Mark 12). Israel’s own story gives continuity to the Gospel. The main stories of their faith (which they regularly told in a culture with no electricity, internet, telephone, etc was a part of their lives and identity). The creation and exodus are rich with meaning and point ahead to the fulfillment of those events that come through Jesus Christ also have continuity with the ministry of Jesus. Jesus was bringing about a new creation and a new kind of exodus. Jesus also made this clear through feast days like Passover and Tabernacles, that he was the fulfillment of traditions that had been carried out for generations and over 1300 years. Jesus was providing a new kind of exodus where the blood of the lamb will prevent the death of the people only this time it is his blood as the firstborn spotless lamb of God. What happened after the Exodus from Egypt? God took them into the wilderness and made them a nation, His people and possession. What does God do through this new exodus and liberation experience that comes through the death of Jesus Christ? He liberates us from death and makes us His people. Jesus was the passover lamb. It all pointed to him. The picture of Jesus in Revelation is of a lamb who had been slain (Rev 5:7ff). When John the Baptist saw Jesus at the Jordan he referred to him as the “Lamb of God” (John 1:27). Paul saw this component in the life, ministry, and death of Jesus (1 Cor 5:7).

So we can look at the Romans and trials and ceremony and the legality of it all and how horrible crucifixion was but that is only part of a larger story. That is part of the larger story of God’s dealings with his people. We are not the center of the story. God is. We respond. The view that Christ came to meet our needs is only part of the story. He came to do something even larger than that the result of which opens the door to a relationship with God himself through the removal of our sins. That removal was a result of what Jesus came to do - subdue the powers of darkness and death that he had been working against for generation after generation. When Jesus uttered his last words on the cross “It is finished” there is far more meaning packed into that little phrase than we might ever get our minds around.

Rethinking Relevant Church - Taking on Goliath’s Challenge

What is it that makes the church/Christianity relevant? Some Christians must think being loud and obnoxious is what it takes to be relevant. I am very thankful that is a small handful of people. Some Christians think we are relevant when America is considered a Christian nation. I am glad that God’s kingdom is much larger than America. Some Christians think we are relevant when we are reaching the lost. We have plenty of people who would agree with that statement but fewer who actually take action on the thought. Others would say it is when we are meeting the needs of our community, modeling the ministry and compassion of Jesus. I wish we had more people who felt that was important. Still others might say we are here to glorify God and so we are most relevant when we spend time in worship. Then the question is, “What constitutes worship?”

More and more people today are talking about heaven and the kingdom. There is a shifting emphasis from waiting on heaven to being a part of the heaven movement today fulfilling the Lord’s prayer of “on earth as it is in heaven.” The thinking is that if the kingdom has already begun here on earth then we do not have to wait to “get to heaven” to begin living out kingdom business. The shift has been from thinking God’s people are those who have the correct theology and doctrinal stances to God’s people being those who are actively engaged in His mission. It is possible to be dressed for war but not be willing to actively engage in battle, rendering all the pomp and circumstance meaningless.

What are the results? We are seeing a shift from churches that have traditionally grown from transfer growth where Christians have moved from smaller churches to larger churches to engaging in the mission and bringing in non-Christians. We have also seen a shift of priority from having the right battle dress to actively being engaged in the fight. It is more like the difference between Israel’s troops who looked like an army but would not take on Goliath’s challenge and the non-traditional warrior, David, who stepped in and was willing to fight God’s fight. Because of that we are seeing more and more churches actively engaging their community in order to do kingdom work today. There is also a certain level of boldness that comes when you know you are in the fight God cares about. If you are on the battle field alone it is easy to be scared but when you are on it with the Lord of all creation then you have a reason to be bold. I think we are starting to see more David’s and a lot less sitting in the tents hoping a real warrior will show up. If we are going to be relevant we have to be willing to take on the Goliaths of our day and be in the fight God is engaged in - the fight against injustice and poverty and against the forces of evil and darkness. Found that on an appreciation for scripture and a foundation on Christ that is informed by scripture and you have a Relevant church.

One More Template Change

I couldn’t take it that the other template did not allow bold and the font was obnoxious on the eyes. I think this one will work better. Thanks for your patience.

We Are Pregnant Again!

Just wanted to let all of you know that we are pregnant again! We wanted to wait a while before we said that this time but Missy is starting her 14th week of pregnancy. Many of you probably remember we had a miscarriage last time so please keep us in your prayers!

10 Reasons I Love My Church

Every now and again I like to write down reasons I love the church I attend (Northwest Church of Christ). There is a lot of negativity out there toward religious establishments and churches in general. I like to remind myself of things that I am proud of the church for. I would challenge you to make your own list.

1 - People genuinely care if you are hurting or have a problem
2 - Worship that generates enthusiasm and a sense of wonder
3 - Elders who actually shepherd and don’t micromanage
4 - Deacons who deacon
5 - Lots of new people
6 - People who are difference makers in things larger than themselves
7 - Ministers, staff and an eldership that all get along remarkably well
8 - The presence of confession by people who are honestly trying to get their lives right with God
9 - A growing group of young adults and young families
10 - A men’s and women’s group who are cohesive and intentionally growing leaders

For Those of Us Who Didn’t Attend the Pepperdine Lectureship

With all the blog posts out there about people’s visit to Pepperdine (I could offer some links but it would be a few dozen) I think it is time for those of us who stayed home to share about all the amazing things we did at places other than Pepperdine and all the amazing people we did or didn’t meet the time spanning April 29-May 2 (Tuesday - Friday).

As for me, I wasn’t in beautiful Malibu but I was in sunny Saint Petersburg, Florida. I got to spend time with some of my best friends from church and have a devotional at our house that Thursday night. I didn’t get to meet Terry Rush or Bobby Valentine but I did get to visit some shutins and people who are really struggling with their faith. I guess it was a pretty good even in some place other than Malibu.

How about the other five or six of you who didn’t go to Pepperdine last week?

Gospel of Mark - Feeding 5000 and Walking on Water (6:31-56)

Jesus Feeds 5000

We go from a Markan sandwich to Jesus feeding 5000. How ironic. The better parallel is pointed out by Witherington (Gospel of Mark, 213) of the two meals - one that led to John’s death and another that shows the miraculous and powerful nature of the kingdom that John preached about and prepared the way for but which now Jesus is putting on display for all to see. Can you imagine how hungry you would be if the Sunday morning service went over by four hours? How many people do you think would stick around waiting for the “closing prayer.” I love how Jesus, who had just give the twelve responsibility when he sent them out now gives them another mission…an impossible one. “You give them something to eat.” Sometimes I wonder if Jesus didn’t want to do that little “George Bush chuckle” where he laughs at the absurdity of his own joke, knowing there was an answer they just couldn’t see yet.

The disciples complain that what Jesus has asked was unreasonable. Jesus’ answer is that what they have at their disposal, paired with God’s help will be enough. Have you ever thought God wanted you to do something that almost seemed absurd? How did you react? Have you ever looked at what resources you had at your disposal and said, “this will never be enough” but God’s response was “just get started and I will take care of the rest.” I am sure the disciples thought they would run out after the first half dozen people but they began to pass the bread and fish. By the end of the meal each was carrying his own basket of left overs. Obviously there are overtones of the wilderness wondering here with food provided in a solitary place, Jesus acting like a shepherd to these people, and the number twelve.

Jesus Walks on Water

I love the very next word, “Immediately.” Mark uses that transitional word 11 times in his gospel. It is almost as if Jesus had compassion on the people, spent time with them over a meal, and left knowing they would all make it home without fainting on the road due to lack of food. Jesus and his disciples part company. The disciples head over the sea of Galilee while Jesus goes to pray. If they didn’t get it after seeing 5000 fed from five loaves and two fish then maybe this next miracle would help them clarify who Jesus is. In the midst of their great difficulty on the sea Jesus walks out to them, offers them the words of encouragement spoken by God to the twelve tribes over and over in the Old Testament - “Take courage…Do not be afraid” with something in the middle - “I am.” Their fear turns to astonishment as Jesus steps off of the waves and into the boat. Instantly they go from the middle of the lake to the shore where Jesus proceeds to heal many people.

What is the most memorable day of your life? I am sure the resurrection trumps this day but this has to be one of the most memorable days in the life of the: Reporting to Jesus the success of their mission, helping feed 5000 from a couple pieces of bread and dried fish, seeing Jesus walk on the water and thinking he is a ghost, and finishing the day off by having the sick brought to Jesus and see him heal multitudes. I am sure if we experienced just one of those things it would rank among the most memorable days of our lives. Jesus didn’t do it to be memorable. He did it because it was a natural extension of who he is. He was just doing what came natural to him.

What an awesome God we serve. Praise be to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who is so patient with us even when we fail to understand him. Give praise to the Lord who is willing to try again and again to get our attention.

Gospel of Mark - Common Mission & Message (6:6b-30)

Mark is certainly a delicious book with all of the sandwiches he leaves throughout the narrative. We have another sandwich in Mark 6.

Crust - Jesus Sends out the Twelve (6:6b-13)

Meat - John the Baptist Beheaded (6:14-29)

Crust - The Twelve Return (6:30-30)

The inner part always illuminates the outer part. What does that have to teach us in Mark 6? The parallel is found in the mission and the message of the disciples in Mark 6 and in the ministry of John the Baptist. The last thing we have heard about John the Baptist up to this point in Mark goes all the way back to 1:14 When we learned he was put in prison. Notice the context of that verse (1:14-15) is about the beginning of Jesus’ ministry which when he preached two things: 1) The nearness of the kingdom of God. 2) To Repent. That was the same message John the Baptist was preaching and now is the same message that the twelve are to go out and preach.

The Instructions & Results:

- Pack minimally. Rely on God for what you need. Depend on the hospitality of others. This will also allow them to move quickly throughout the region because their mission is urgent and important. They are the representatives of Israel (12 disciples) going throughout the land preaching about the coming of the kingdom and the impending need for repentance. Their mission was a success (6:12 & 30). Judas himself probably even drove out demons, preached repentance, and saw the fruits of that ministry. Ben Witherington thinks the shaking of dust off their feet is a sign of judgment basically removing even the connection of the land by the dust on their feet leaving even that behind as they shake it off. Why send them in pairs? They will act as witnesses (needing two witnesses for a guilty verdict) as another sign of judgment on those who reject the message.

John the Baptist Beheaded:

Mark cuts to another scene about another man who preached repentance who will now face the ultimate rejection for his preaching - death. He will not merely face the rejection the twelve may face on their journey. He is facing death. Larry Hurtado points out several parallels between John’s death and Jesus:

1. Executed by civil authorities
2. Hesitation by the officials
3. Officials are pressured by others
4. Both Jesus and John are taken away by their disciples and buried.

In the case of John the Baptist, the Twelve, and lastly Jesus - the kingdom is to be preached with boldness and urgency and how it is received will not always be with pleasantries and hospitality. But the sending of the twelve leaves us with a glimmer of hope as they had received acceptance along the way. Their need for shelter and food had been met. What is more demons had been cast out and the kingdom and repentance had been preached.