I find very few things as difficult as taking an immense topic, beyond our normal scope of thinking, and cramming it into a 2-week sermon series. That's the dilemma I face as I share with you the topic of the Doctrine of the Church. My experience in the church has led me to believe, right or wrong, that there are two attributes I believe to be essential within the framework of the church – the Church Missional and the Church Incarnational. The Church Missional targets the outward movement of the church in creation. The Church Incarnational targets the inward advances of the Holy Spirit moving through a Believer for the advance of God’s kingdom. Both are absolutely necessary for the health and advancement of the body of Jesus Christ.
Gilbert Belizikian uses a term to describe one aspect of the mission of the church in his book "Christianity 101." He states that the church is to be, not only a community of oneness, but a centripetal community. It is defined as moving in a direction towards an axis or center. Strangely enough, this last Sunday I used this word to describe the church as a community that moves away from an axis or center, like a centrifuge. Oops! I guess this week I will be apologizing. Nevertheless, the principal, as it applies to the church, is necessary. The church community is called to oneness, and oneness is accomplished when the individuals within the church recognize the purpose behind a centripetal force that draws people to this place. This in turn also has a centrifugal affect on the health of the church because when the body of Christ moves together in health and oneness the ripple effect of influence on their communities becomes nuclear.
A church, or community of oneness resembles a building that is living and breathing, while at the same time inputting breath and life into Christ's creation. Listen to Peter's analogy of the church in 1Peter 2:5 - "And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God."
I like the description "living stones," because it doesn't describe a building material that over time disintegrates and falls apart. It describes a building material that is intended to constantly have new life breathed into it. That new life is not forced in, but instead is absorbed in mutually, the willingness of the individual or stone, and through the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Therefore, the power and influence of the church begins with the individual who finds health through the power of the Holy Spirit, and in turn, provides health to the surrounding building blocks that also make up this structure called the church. When individuals pursue personal obedience and holiness it adds strength to the organism of the church that is felt throughout, not just within the individual. I share this with you so that you are encouraged to persevere in obedience because it does and will make a difference though you may not see the influence.
Talk later.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Cross Training - Doctrines of Faith and Salvation
I believe it was Fredrick Nietszche who coined the phrase "Ideation," which states that, “there are many possible conceptual schemes, or perspectives in which judgment of truth or value can be made. This implies that no way of seeing the world can be taken as definitively "true", but does not necessarily entail that all perspectives are equally valid.” What he is stating is that truth can come at you from multiple angles, none being absolutely right and none being absolutely wrong.
This last Sunday we began the next rung of the ladder of the Doctrines of our Faith and the doctrine of Salvation. The doctrine of Salvation is one that needs to be understood correctly. Here are some simple truths regarding salvation.
Randy
This last Sunday we began the next rung of the ladder of the Doctrines of our Faith and the doctrine of Salvation. The doctrine of Salvation is one that needs to be understood correctly. Here are some simple truths regarding salvation.
- Salvation did not begin at the cross, but in the garden.
- Salvation is a free gift - God gives all, we give nothing.
- Salvation is God's action for restoring His creation.
For her 54th birthday, Shirley Dygert of Teague, Texas, decided she needed some more excitement in her life. So this grandmother of three signed up for her first lesson to leap out of a plane from roughly thirteen-thousand feet.I cannot explain the brilliance of God's salvation better than that, David Hartsock became Shirley Dygert's cushion. In other words, God's plan of salvation, beginning in the garden and culminated at the cross was Jesus Christ becoming YOUR cushion. What a wonderful story!!!.
When the big day arrived, Shirley suited up for her jump and strapped herself to her instructor, Dave Hartsock, in order to do a tandem dive. After jumping from the plane, instructor and student pulled the rip cord. The rip cord worked properly, but the parachute became tangled and only opened partially. Of course skydivers also carry a reserve parachute for such emergencies. Unfortunately, the primary parachute had wrapped itself around the release point for the reserve parachute. As Dave Hartsock tried to untangle the two parachutes, he realized they were running out of time. Later, Shirley Dygert said, "I thought … . this is how I'm going to die. I thought, God help us."
Spiraling toward the ground at a 40 mph, Hartsock gave Shirley a strange command: Lift up your feet. Although she didn't understand the request, she obeyed her instructor. Hartsock then rotated his body under hers in order to bear the impact of their landing. Dave Hartsock was going to be Shirley Dygert's cushion. Hartsock told CBS News, "People keep telling me that it was a heroic thing to do. In my opinion it was just the right thing to do. I mean, I was the one completely responsible for her safety."
Randy
Monday, August 8, 2011
Cross Training - Doctrines of Faith and Humanity
Susan Klebold, the mother of Columbine shooter Dylan Klebold made this statement concerning her sons actions of killing 12 Columbine High School students and one teacher. “In raising Dylan, I taught him how to protect himself from a host of dangers: lightning, snake bites, head injuries, skin cancer, smoking, drinking, sexually transmitted diseases, drug addiction, reckless driving, even carbon monoxide poisoning. It never occurred to me that the gravest danger—to him, and as it turned out, to many others—might come from within.”
That is a heart-wrenching realization, to look at all the evil in the world and come to the conclusion that the greatest of all evil lies within. This is not a popular subject in sociological and psychological circles. Most people would dare say that humanity is good with a hint of evil, but that humanity is evil and that evil lies within each individual, never.
I've always looked at my own nature as two opposing forces (not to be confused with Star Wars), one evil the other good, almost like an alter ego. I looked up the term alter ego and found that the Latin definition of the term is - "The Other I." The Bible refers to the "other I" as the "old self." I heard one pastor refer to the "old self" as the "Dirty Old Man." For some strange reason that stuck with me.
Paul addressed this issue in his letter to the church in Ephesus -- 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires…Ephesians 4:22 (NIV). Paul's use of the action phrase "put off" meant to "lay aside" or to "throw away," and then to move on, meaning to walk away from our own evil desires. Solomon understood the same principle concerning what he knew of human nature - 11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness... Proverbs 26:11 (NLT)
That is a "truth" concerning human nature that is difficult to swallow isn't it (Pun intended). But the reality remains to be true, the fact that we struggle with evil at all means that we are inherently evil because we struggle with evil.
I think Paul is on to something then when he tells us the Roman Christians the answer - 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with... Romans 6:6-7 (NIV). The antidote is the cross. Don't get me wrong, nor misunderstand what Paul is writing. The antidote is the cross, but the evident power of the cross is seen in us as we yield our sin nature more and more on to the power of the cross, or the transforming power of the cross as it yields a "new self."
So truly, the cross becomes a lifestyle of dedication, daily approaching the cross as a means of grace instead of daily approaching the dinner from last evening we regurgitated just minutes before.
Still want to hear what you think.
Randy
That is a heart-wrenching realization, to look at all the evil in the world and come to the conclusion that the greatest of all evil lies within. This is not a popular subject in sociological and psychological circles. Most people would dare say that humanity is good with a hint of evil, but that humanity is evil and that evil lies within each individual, never.
I've always looked at my own nature as two opposing forces (not to be confused with Star Wars), one evil the other good, almost like an alter ego. I looked up the term alter ego and found that the Latin definition of the term is - "The Other I." The Bible refers to the "other I" as the "old self." I heard one pastor refer to the "old self" as the "Dirty Old Man." For some strange reason that stuck with me.
Paul addressed this issue in his letter to the church in Ephesus -- 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires…Ephesians 4:22 (NIV). Paul's use of the action phrase "put off" meant to "lay aside" or to "throw away," and then to move on, meaning to walk away from our own evil desires. Solomon understood the same principle concerning what he knew of human nature - 11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness... Proverbs 26:11 (NLT)
That is a "truth" concerning human nature that is difficult to swallow isn't it (Pun intended). But the reality remains to be true, the fact that we struggle with evil at all means that we are inherently evil because we struggle with evil.
I think Paul is on to something then when he tells us the Roman Christians the answer - 6 For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with... Romans 6:6-7 (NIV). The antidote is the cross. Don't get me wrong, nor misunderstand what Paul is writing. The antidote is the cross, but the evident power of the cross is seen in us as we yield our sin nature more and more on to the power of the cross, or the transforming power of the cross as it yields a "new self."
So truly, the cross becomes a lifestyle of dedication, daily approaching the cross as a means of grace instead of daily approaching the dinner from last evening we regurgitated just minutes before.
Still want to hear what you think.
Randy
Cross Training - Doctrines of Faith and Jesus Christ
In Philippians 2:1-11, Paul writes to a good church about a potential bad problem, one that feeds off of and devours entire communities and relationships. It smells like the breath of a man that just one a hot dog eating contest. This problem has both an evil side and a good side. One side destroys while the other has the potential to build up and encourage. The problem is pride.
Paul wrote the Philippian church to take heed the example of Jesus Christ when it comes to the opponent of pride - humility.
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)
John Boykin said this concerning pride - "Reading God's hand into circumstances can be an evasion of genuine commitment to being His person in them. It can be an insidious alternative to giving Him your heart -- because it keeps your attention directed outward rather than inward, where His chisel bites... We have elevated coincidence to the status of miracle, and the interpretation of coincidence to gospel. We can routinely ask God to intervene in our circumstances while hoping He'll keep His nose out of inner things like our spiritual indifference and pride."
I like what Paul wrote at the beginning of Philippians 2, because I believe what he gave was medicine, necessary medicine to counteract the side-effects of pride.
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV)
Here Paul introduces the four medicinal "if's" to counteract the viral affects of pride in any individuals life - Encouragement -- Comfort -- Fellowship -- Tenderness and/or Compassion. Here is what I find so amazing about the reason he shared these "if's." Think carefully now. How hard is it to be prideful when you are attempting to be encouraging, or comforting, hospitable or compassionate. I think Paul wanted the church to understand that the remedy for prideful actions are actions that favor our neighbor.
But let's not think for a moment that reversing our pride is as simple as visiting a long-lost friend or taking cookies to an enemy. NO, NO!! It's more then that, because stripping pride away with encouragement or compassion, fellowship or comfort will require surgery if our pride has been left to fester for too long. What I mean is, reversing the effects of our pride will demand that the four "if's" be implemented in a way that is brutal and life-altering, not just simple and superficial.
Good luck!
Paul wrote the Philippian church to take heed the example of Jesus Christ when it comes to the opponent of pride - humility.
5 Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7 but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross!
Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV)
John Boykin said this concerning pride - "Reading God's hand into circumstances can be an evasion of genuine commitment to being His person in them. It can be an insidious alternative to giving Him your heart -- because it keeps your attention directed outward rather than inward, where His chisel bites... We have elevated coincidence to the status of miracle, and the interpretation of coincidence to gospel. We can routinely ask God to intervene in our circumstances while hoping He'll keep His nose out of inner things like our spiritual indifference and pride."
I like what Paul wrote at the beginning of Philippians 2, because I believe what he gave was medicine, necessary medicine to counteract the side-effects of pride.
1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.
Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV)
Here Paul introduces the four medicinal "if's" to counteract the viral affects of pride in any individuals life - Encouragement -- Comfort -- Fellowship -- Tenderness and/or Compassion. Here is what I find so amazing about the reason he shared these "if's." Think carefully now. How hard is it to be prideful when you are attempting to be encouraging, or comforting, hospitable or compassionate. I think Paul wanted the church to understand that the remedy for prideful actions are actions that favor our neighbor.
But let's not think for a moment that reversing our pride is as simple as visiting a long-lost friend or taking cookies to an enemy. NO, NO!! It's more then that, because stripping pride away with encouragement or compassion, fellowship or comfort will require surgery if our pride has been left to fester for too long. What I mean is, reversing the effects of our pride will demand that the four "if's" be implemented in a way that is brutal and life-altering, not just simple and superficial.
Good luck!
Cross Training - Doctrine of Faith and the Holy Spirit
A certain harbor in Italy can be reached only by sailing up a narrow channel between dangerous rocks and shoals. Over the years, many ships have been wrecked, and navigation is hazardous. To guide the ships safely into port, three lights have been mounted on three huge poles in the harbor. When the three lights are perfectly lined up and seen as one, the ship can safely proceed up the narrow channel. If the pilot sees two or three lights, he knows he’s off course and in danger.
Our study on the Holy Spirit follows the same principle in the life of a believer. The purpose of the Spirit is to give direction in this life in order to get us to God’s destination. Notice, it's God's destination and not OURS, to fulfill God's purposes not OURS! You might say that Spiritual Gifts are meant for service to edify Christ through the church. I think that was Christ's primary lesson to the disciples in John 13.
1 Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end… 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him - John 13:1, 4-5 (NLT)
Don't you find it ironic that Jesus amazing example of service in John 13 would be supported later when Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit coming as the Counselor that would assist the disciples in accomplishing the very same task - service.
12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
John 14:12 (NIV)
This makes me contemplate just how I have used my own gifts within my lifetime. I wonder if my gifts have truly been used as an expression of Christ's activities through my service.
Our study on the Holy Spirit follows the same principle in the life of a believer. The purpose of the Spirit is to give direction in this life in order to get us to God’s destination. Notice, it's God's destination and not OURS, to fulfill God's purposes not OURS! You might say that Spiritual Gifts are meant for service to edify Christ through the church. I think that was Christ's primary lesson to the disciples in John 13.
1 Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end… 4 So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, 5 and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him - John 13:1, 4-5 (NLT)
Don't you find it ironic that Jesus amazing example of service in John 13 would be supported later when Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit coming as the Counselor that would assist the disciples in accomplishing the very same task - service.
12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
John 14:12 (NIV)
This makes me contemplate just how I have used my own gifts within my lifetime. I wonder if my gifts have truly been used as an expression of Christ's activities through my service.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Cross Training - Doctrines of Faith and Humanity
Charles Ryrie in his book, "Survey of Bible Doctrine," states this - “The question, ‘What is man?’ is without a doubt the most basic of philosophical, theological and practical questions. Man is only a body, says the materialist. Man’s body is nothing but an idea, says the idealist. Actually, says the pragmatist, we know nothing of either material or immaterial entities – only relationships.”
None of these really make much sense to me, maybe because I was brought up with a different definition of the value of human life. I love how Jesus approached this issue in Matthew 10, as He was instructing the disciples on what to look out for as they encountered people in their journey's -
29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. 30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. 31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.
Matthew 10:29-31 (NLT)
Matthew 10:29-31 (NLT)
I took some time to read about this particular analogy because I was interested in why Jesus would illustrate His point with a "sparrow." What I discovered was the power of God's love in comparison to the significance of the sparrow. You see, a sparrow was considered an insignificant creation because the sparrow brought no value to life. And yet, the sparrow was considered of great value to God because God took care of the sparrow and knew that even when the sparrow's existence came to an end, God was aware. Jesus then connects God's care for the insignificant sparrow to humanity and how his care for us holds even greater significance then a "whole flock of sparrows."
This made me think about all the events going on in the world today and how more and more places internationally are devaluing human life, from the unborn to the ethnically diverse, from women to those physically handicapped. I sit back and watch the news of one more suicide bomber, or a crazed Norwegian, or a Syrian crackdown on pro-democracy groups, and I wonder to myself, what makes us do the things we do. I believe the answer lies in the value we hold for God's creation - humanity.
Matt Chandler said it best when he stated, "this world we live in is broken! It's broken!" I sit back exasperated at times when I see what is going on in the world today, and then I look at the purpose of the church in that world, and all I can do is sigh heavily, shake my head and ask, "Lord God, how? How can we make a difference?", especially when we live in a world that has people that are more concerned about where they can get money to pay their cable and cell phone bills, but won't buy food for their family or take their children to the doctor or therapist, or even takes necessary steps to bring oneness back to a broken marriage. I think it all comes full circle with our own personal value for humanity.
Thank you Lord, for the reminder that we are more "valuable than a whole flock of sparrows." I needed to hear that.
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