For a consice, easy to read essay on the Spiritual gifts, scroll down to the March 29 entry and read from there (10 entries).
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
What to Do When Heresy Invades the Church?
(ED Note: This is a post sermon response to a sermon preached on July 19th.)
What happens when heresy rises up in the church?
What happens when heresy rises up in the church?
Some people leave; other stay. Regardless, those who leave and those who stay are still united by the Blood of Christ and still Christians. I think the Lord’s heart on this would sound something like this: don’t judge those who stay and don’t judge those who leave.
I have many friends who have left the denomination. Part of me is saddened because they are good people and I will miss them. My blessing runs with them, though, and I bless their new call. After all, it’s all about populating the Kingdom of God.
As for me, and others who have yet to be lead away, my job is to be content and minister on. I’ve been in the denomination for nearly 30 years now – 15 years as a paid lay person/minister and 15 years as an ordained person. Very early on I wanted to leave. Now that God has developed a deeper sense of his will and timetable in my heart, I no longer yearn – like a runner posed and ready to bolt at the sound of the gun – to leave the church. If and when my time comes I’ll be ready. Until then, there is work to do. Not unlike the Second Coming.
So how are we – those who have remained – to poise ourselves in the face of rising theology and praxis which flies in the face of Christian Orthodoxy? First we need to be cautious. This is a real danger – not unlike a tiger sticking its head into a house. Paul writes the church at Romans:
I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. Romans 16:17-19
He writes, “Stay away from them.” He doesn’t say, “Leave them,” nor does he say, “Befriend them.” This is a tone of cautiousness. Be careful. Be aware of who they are, what they have the potential to do, and don’t fall into the same trap as they have. Through it all we’re to maintain a disposition of peace.
Here’s Paul once again:
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21
Now, just in case your inner warrior or Biblical Jihad rose up in you after reading this passage – you know, the whole misguided idea of giving your enemy water and food because somehow in God’s mysterious ways Jesus will change your water into the wine of God’s wrath – let me offer to you something that may sober you up. This quote (about the coals being heaped on the heads of those we bless) is taken from Proverbs 25:21-22 – and it’s from a really, really long time ago. In that day and age it was well known that Egyptians – when charged guilty of a crime – often carried a basin of hot coals around on their heads as a visible symbol of their admission of guilt and repentance.
Yeah.
So Paul is saying that, as we give water to our enemies who thirst and as we give food to our enemies who hunger – or, in other words, as we love our enemies – they just might “get it,” turn around, and look for a basin of heaping coals to put on their heads as a sign of sincere and public repentance.
That puts it in an entirely different perspective.
I have often wondered why Church needs to be diversified. Why does Judas have to be at the Last Supper anyway? Why didn’t Barabbas go to the cross? I mean, life would be so much easier without them. While Jesus doesn’t exactly answer the question, he does acknowledge the problem exists. Hear the Master’s words:
24Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
27"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'
28" 'An enemy did this,' he replied. "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
29" 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' " Matthew 13: 24-30
Living in a mixed Church is… it simply IS. We are consoled by the assurance that this hasn’t taken God by surprise. He will make it right one Day. In the meantime, we – who have yet to be called out – are given certain chrisms with which we are to clothe ourselves; disposition of love, absence of judgment, and peace. We are to remain cautious; and never compromise the Faith of the Church and everything for which it stands.
In a distant way, this sort of posturing reminds me of Jesus when he was here.
I have many friends who have left the denomination. Part of me is saddened because they are good people and I will miss them. My blessing runs with them, though, and I bless their new call. After all, it’s all about populating the Kingdom of God.
As for me, and others who have yet to be lead away, my job is to be content and minister on. I’ve been in the denomination for nearly 30 years now – 15 years as a paid lay person/minister and 15 years as an ordained person. Very early on I wanted to leave. Now that God has developed a deeper sense of his will and timetable in my heart, I no longer yearn – like a runner posed and ready to bolt at the sound of the gun – to leave the church. If and when my time comes I’ll be ready. Until then, there is work to do. Not unlike the Second Coming.
So how are we – those who have remained – to poise ourselves in the face of rising theology and praxis which flies in the face of Christian Orthodoxy? First we need to be cautious. This is a real danger – not unlike a tiger sticking its head into a house. Paul writes the church at Romans:
I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. Romans 16:17-19
He writes, “Stay away from them.” He doesn’t say, “Leave them,” nor does he say, “Befriend them.” This is a tone of cautiousness. Be careful. Be aware of who they are, what they have the potential to do, and don’t fall into the same trap as they have. Through it all we’re to maintain a disposition of peace.
Here’s Paul once again:
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." 21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:17-21
Now, just in case your inner warrior or Biblical Jihad rose up in you after reading this passage – you know, the whole misguided idea of giving your enemy water and food because somehow in God’s mysterious ways Jesus will change your water into the wine of God’s wrath – let me offer to you something that may sober you up. This quote (about the coals being heaped on the heads of those we bless) is taken from Proverbs 25:21-22 – and it’s from a really, really long time ago. In that day and age it was well known that Egyptians – when charged guilty of a crime – often carried a basin of hot coals around on their heads as a visible symbol of their admission of guilt and repentance.
Yeah.
So Paul is saying that, as we give water to our enemies who thirst and as we give food to our enemies who hunger – or, in other words, as we love our enemies – they just might “get it,” turn around, and look for a basin of heaping coals to put on their heads as a sign of sincere and public repentance.
That puts it in an entirely different perspective.
I have often wondered why Church needs to be diversified. Why does Judas have to be at the Last Supper anyway? Why didn’t Barabbas go to the cross? I mean, life would be so much easier without them. While Jesus doesn’t exactly answer the question, he does acknowledge the problem exists. Hear the Master’s words:
24Jesus told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25But while everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. 26When the wheat sprouted and formed heads, then the weeds also appeared.
27"The owner's servants came to him and said, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where then did the weeds come from?'
28" 'An enemy did this,' he replied. "The servants asked him, 'Do you want us to go and pull them up?'
29" 'No,' he answered, 'because while you are pulling the weeds, you may root up the wheat with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest. At that time I will tell the harvesters: First collect the weeds and tie them in bundles to be burned; then gather the wheat and bring it into my barn.' " Matthew 13: 24-30
Living in a mixed Church is… it simply IS. We are consoled by the assurance that this hasn’t taken God by surprise. He will make it right one Day. In the meantime, we – who have yet to be called out – are given certain chrisms with which we are to clothe ourselves; disposition of love, absence of judgment, and peace. We are to remain cautious; and never compromise the Faith of the Church and everything for which it stands.
In a distant way, this sort of posturing reminds me of Jesus when he was here.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Restoration in Difficult Circumstances
Editors Note: This blog will seek to clarify how restoration is possible in difficult or impossible situations. These are spin-off questions and items from this morning’s sermon.
While Biblical restoration with the Lord and others is always God’s will. There are difficult times and situations that warrant a closer look. For example, in the case of abuse, does God want to restore me back into that situation? If so, I want no part of it! When I ask forgiveness from a person who has hurt me, am I to jump back into the same lion cage as before and be all “buddy-buddy” with them – only to be scratched again? Is that what forgiveness asks of me?
Here are some difficult questions around the idea of restoration:
Q1. How is restoration possible with a dead person?
A1. We’re commanded in Scripture not to talk with the dead. In cases that require the asking or giving of forgiveness to those who have passed it is necessary to do that within the context of prayer; stating the conversation to Jesus and using the words that you would like him to pass onto the deceased. He knows where everyone is. If they are with him, that wont be a problem and you can pray with confidence and peace. Even if their eternal resting place is uncertain – something we are not to judge, by the way – Jesus can get the word to them and you will have a sense of peace and release after your “Amen.”
Q2. If I forgive someone who has hurt me does that mean I have to befriend them and wind up getting hurt all over again?
A2. Remember, forgiveness is a releasing a person from the actions, behavior, or sin to the heart of God. You relinquish judgment of that person to the Judge of All and intentionally wash your hands of the event. Sometimes, God may even allow you to view the “breacher” with His eyes – eyes of love and a heart of compassion towards the very person who once hated and denied you so severally.
However, this does not mean that everything is hunky-dory. While you may have changed, the other person may not have changed. You’ll need to use real wisdom now as to how the relationship should move forward from this point. Sometimes that means you decide to never see or contact that person again – especially if it an issue regarding the transgression of a sexual boundary. Other-times it may mean you can see that person occasionally, but remain guarded all the same. If you have been restored with the person, nothing may need to change. Be content in that you know that “restoration” was God’s will. You need not feel obligated to linger in the muck.
Restoration within the context of a “live-in” situation – say with a son or spouse – is a beautiful thing. It’s a bit different than forgiveness. I’m thinking that the need to be restored is the accumulatory effect of numerous “unforgivenesses” or “denials.” In cases like this, restitution will bring the family tighter together and you probably won’t wind up “getting hurt all over again” – at least to the same extent as before. Restoration among blessed unions should strengthen them.
Q3. I know I ought to forgive but I don’t feel like it.
A3. Rarely people do. On one level we forgive because Christ forgave us. ‘Nough said. Yet if our forgiveness is a knee-jerk reaction because “it’s the right thing to do,” we’ve invalidated the holiness of the gift.
People sometimes run a decade of un-forgiveness because of the hurt they suffered. They often look to a court case, or some other form of retribution to happen to the abuser before they then feel “safe” to offer their forgiveness. The idea is that, once the person has sufficiently suffered the crime, forgiveness will come all the more easily. But that isn’t the case. I saw a news show where the family sought the death penalty for the killer of their daughter. They hated the killer (who wouldn’t?) and could have prevented him from going to the chair, but didn’t. Years after the killer’s death they were still bitter and enraged at the situation.
It would have been completely inappropriate for that family to forgive that man the very next day. That would have, in my mind, sported a superficial spirituality. Yet to deliberately withhold it wasn’t any better for anyone.
There is a proper time and place for restoration to happen. It will be natural and graceful. For some it takes longer, others shorter. When it’s your time to forgive, God will line it up for you. And – even then – you may not feel like it, but you will know it’s the right thing to do. It will only be afterwards when your feelings may follow. We forgive because we have been forgiven.
Q4. I cannot forgive the person who did this to me.
A2. Quite right; true forgiveness is one of those heavenly attributes that comes from heaven, through you, and lands in the heart of the other – not unlike God’s love, poured out through Christ on the Cross, into our hearts. Truth is that you have the ability to forgive that person (by virtue of the forgiveness in Christ bestowed on you). The looming question is what’s preventing you from releasing it?
Q5. I want my relationship restored. But s/he will have no part of it. What do I do?
A5. The most important thing here is to make sure the person knows of your intent for restoration and leave that door open until that person decides to walk through it. Your posture should be a posture of restoration. One day they may run to you and meet you like Peter ran to meet Jesus on the beach. Then you will be ready for it – and how glorious it all will be!
I know I mentioned the idea of “spiritual sludge” build-up in those folks who turn the other cheek at Biblical restoration. In this case, however, I believe your sincere posture of restoration is the Drano you need to get on with your life. Even if they never meet you on the beach you can rise with purpose into God’s call, knowing you’ve held nothing back.
Other questions? Shoot me an email at bill@holyapostles.cc.
While Biblical restoration with the Lord and others is always God’s will. There are difficult times and situations that warrant a closer look. For example, in the case of abuse, does God want to restore me back into that situation? If so, I want no part of it! When I ask forgiveness from a person who has hurt me, am I to jump back into the same lion cage as before and be all “buddy-buddy” with them – only to be scratched again? Is that what forgiveness asks of me?
Here are some difficult questions around the idea of restoration:
Q1. How is restoration possible with a dead person?
A1. We’re commanded in Scripture not to talk with the dead. In cases that require the asking or giving of forgiveness to those who have passed it is necessary to do that within the context of prayer; stating the conversation to Jesus and using the words that you would like him to pass onto the deceased. He knows where everyone is. If they are with him, that wont be a problem and you can pray with confidence and peace. Even if their eternal resting place is uncertain – something we are not to judge, by the way – Jesus can get the word to them and you will have a sense of peace and release after your “Amen.”
Q2. If I forgive someone who has hurt me does that mean I have to befriend them and wind up getting hurt all over again?
A2. Remember, forgiveness is a releasing a person from the actions, behavior, or sin to the heart of God. You relinquish judgment of that person to the Judge of All and intentionally wash your hands of the event. Sometimes, God may even allow you to view the “breacher” with His eyes – eyes of love and a heart of compassion towards the very person who once hated and denied you so severally.
However, this does not mean that everything is hunky-dory. While you may have changed, the other person may not have changed. You’ll need to use real wisdom now as to how the relationship should move forward from this point. Sometimes that means you decide to never see or contact that person again – especially if it an issue regarding the transgression of a sexual boundary. Other-times it may mean you can see that person occasionally, but remain guarded all the same. If you have been restored with the person, nothing may need to change. Be content in that you know that “restoration” was God’s will. You need not feel obligated to linger in the muck.
Restoration within the context of a “live-in” situation – say with a son or spouse – is a beautiful thing. It’s a bit different than forgiveness. I’m thinking that the need to be restored is the accumulatory effect of numerous “unforgivenesses” or “denials.” In cases like this, restitution will bring the family tighter together and you probably won’t wind up “getting hurt all over again” – at least to the same extent as before. Restoration among blessed unions should strengthen them.
Q3. I know I ought to forgive but I don’t feel like it.
A3. Rarely people do. On one level we forgive because Christ forgave us. ‘Nough said. Yet if our forgiveness is a knee-jerk reaction because “it’s the right thing to do,” we’ve invalidated the holiness of the gift.
People sometimes run a decade of un-forgiveness because of the hurt they suffered. They often look to a court case, or some other form of retribution to happen to the abuser before they then feel “safe” to offer their forgiveness. The idea is that, once the person has sufficiently suffered the crime, forgiveness will come all the more easily. But that isn’t the case. I saw a news show where the family sought the death penalty for the killer of their daughter. They hated the killer (who wouldn’t?) and could have prevented him from going to the chair, but didn’t. Years after the killer’s death they were still bitter and enraged at the situation.
It would have been completely inappropriate for that family to forgive that man the very next day. That would have, in my mind, sported a superficial spirituality. Yet to deliberately withhold it wasn’t any better for anyone.
There is a proper time and place for restoration to happen. It will be natural and graceful. For some it takes longer, others shorter. When it’s your time to forgive, God will line it up for you. And – even then – you may not feel like it, but you will know it’s the right thing to do. It will only be afterwards when your feelings may follow. We forgive because we have been forgiven.
Q4. I cannot forgive the person who did this to me.
A2. Quite right; true forgiveness is one of those heavenly attributes that comes from heaven, through you, and lands in the heart of the other – not unlike God’s love, poured out through Christ on the Cross, into our hearts. Truth is that you have the ability to forgive that person (by virtue of the forgiveness in Christ bestowed on you). The looming question is what’s preventing you from releasing it?
Q5. I want my relationship restored. But s/he will have no part of it. What do I do?
A5. The most important thing here is to make sure the person knows of your intent for restoration and leave that door open until that person decides to walk through it. Your posture should be a posture of restoration. One day they may run to you and meet you like Peter ran to meet Jesus on the beach. Then you will be ready for it – and how glorious it all will be!
I know I mentioned the idea of “spiritual sludge” build-up in those folks who turn the other cheek at Biblical restoration. In this case, however, I believe your sincere posture of restoration is the Drano you need to get on with your life. Even if they never meet you on the beach you can rise with purpose into God’s call, knowing you’ve held nothing back.
Other questions? Shoot me an email at bill@holyapostles.cc.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Predestined to Eternal Free Will?
Recently a member of the church asked me about the mystery found in Hebrews 6:4-6.
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance...
This is what I said.
These verses are given in the context of moving on towards perfection (Hebrews 6:1) and growing up in the Lord. As it is a natural progression for a person to grow from infancy to adulthood, the same is also true in a spiritual sense.
In his language, the writer of Hebrews is admitting that it is possible to look like a Christian, behave like a Christian, and even be – or have been – a Christian when, in realtiy, the person is not a Christian. In essence, it is a sobering exhortation for all followers of Christ to, in Jesus’ words, “see to it that the light in you is not darkness.” (Luke 11:35)
This is one of the most difficult passages in Scripture – as it allows room for apostasy, or the breaking away from the faith. The idea of apostasy is common in both OT and NT. Remember the Israelites who were marvelously rescued from Egypt? Many of them turned away from Yahweh and worshipped other gods (and were consequently destroyed in the meantime). They were redeemed as “the chosen people” yet, over the course of time, turned away because of their own free will and intentional decisions to turn their backs on God.
In addition, the NT is filled with warnings about “false teachers” (2 Peter 2 and 1 Timothy 4) who were formally “one of us” (1 John 2:19) but strayed into the enemy’s camp. These Scriptures speak unequivocally to the fact that it is within a person’s fallen nature to choose another god and that, on some level, God chooses to honor that decision.
The difficulty in the passage lies in its allusiveness. It either says, “You can be a full hearted believer, make a mistake and/or intentionally throw it all away, and wind up in hell,” or it says, “’Christians’ who seemed to have had it all together can fall away from God - and that they could have only done that because they were never of God in the first place. God knew that so they were predestined for their particular [chosen?] fate.”
Either way, the passage raises considerable uneasiness among the faithful.
While the intent of the passage is to encourage us to press forward and not drift away, it serves a wonderful reminder that God is a holy, consuming fire. He is God; we ought to fear and revere him as the one who has the power to “destroy both the soul and the body in hell.” (Matt. 10:28)
Conversely, Jesus said that there is only really one sin that can lead us away from the bosom of the Father – only one sin that is unforgivable and, therefore, circles back around the punishment of eternal separation from God through one’s one deliberate rebellion – and that is the sin of Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. (See Matt. 12:32) In its most basic definition, the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is an intentional failure to recognize Jesus as the Son of God.
Whew!
You may say, “I love God. Sure I mess up, sin, and even succumb to years of addiction and intentional mistakes. Does that mean I’m out of the Loop?” Nope - not at all. Have you abandoned the faith? No. Are you concerned about your relationship with the Lord? Yes. That says it all.
If you weren't concerned about it you wouldn't have raised the issue. You wouldn't have raised the issue if you weren't fearful of loosing it. The fact you're fearful of loosing it says you still have it.
Sometimes even married people fight because they fear loosing what they have. Their fighting and wrestling, in a sense, proves their lifelong love for one another.
While we may never know why people backslide from Faith one thing is certain (and I couldn’t say this any better than Gerald Hawthorne in his Commentary on Hebrews, The International Bible Commentary, ed. F.F. Bruce, Zondervan Publishers): [This] is not the result of a quick decision in a weak moment, but of a gradual hardening process within the mind which has crystallized now into a ‘constant attitude’ of hostility towards Christ.”
The take-a-way here reminds us of the double-edged coin of God’s mysterious ways. At the same time wherein we are reminded of the tremendous rebellion and its eternal potential of our own humanness – and therefore stirred in our souls to press on in the Faith – we are simultaneously arrested with the revelation that the Blood of Christ’s Forgiveness runs deeper than any sin and that we are securely sealed by the Holy Spirit for the glorious Day of Redemption. (Ephesians Eph. 1:14)
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance...
This is what I said.
These verses are given in the context of moving on towards perfection (Hebrews 6:1) and growing up in the Lord. As it is a natural progression for a person to grow from infancy to adulthood, the same is also true in a spiritual sense.
In his language, the writer of Hebrews is admitting that it is possible to look like a Christian, behave like a Christian, and even be – or have been – a Christian when, in realtiy, the person is not a Christian. In essence, it is a sobering exhortation for all followers of Christ to, in Jesus’ words, “see to it that the light in you is not darkness.” (Luke 11:35)
This is one of the most difficult passages in Scripture – as it allows room for apostasy, or the breaking away from the faith. The idea of apostasy is common in both OT and NT. Remember the Israelites who were marvelously rescued from Egypt? Many of them turned away from Yahweh and worshipped other gods (and were consequently destroyed in the meantime). They were redeemed as “the chosen people” yet, over the course of time, turned away because of their own free will and intentional decisions to turn their backs on God.
In addition, the NT is filled with warnings about “false teachers” (2 Peter 2 and 1 Timothy 4) who were formally “one of us” (1 John 2:19) but strayed into the enemy’s camp. These Scriptures speak unequivocally to the fact that it is within a person’s fallen nature to choose another god and that, on some level, God chooses to honor that decision.
The difficulty in the passage lies in its allusiveness. It either says, “You can be a full hearted believer, make a mistake and/or intentionally throw it all away, and wind up in hell,” or it says, “’Christians’ who seemed to have had it all together can fall away from God - and that they could have only done that because they were never of God in the first place. God knew that so they were predestined for their particular [chosen?] fate.”
Either way, the passage raises considerable uneasiness among the faithful.
While the intent of the passage is to encourage us to press forward and not drift away, it serves a wonderful reminder that God is a holy, consuming fire. He is God; we ought to fear and revere him as the one who has the power to “destroy both the soul and the body in hell.” (Matt. 10:28)
Conversely, Jesus said that there is only really one sin that can lead us away from the bosom of the Father – only one sin that is unforgivable and, therefore, circles back around the punishment of eternal separation from God through one’s one deliberate rebellion – and that is the sin of Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. (See Matt. 12:32) In its most basic definition, the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is an intentional failure to recognize Jesus as the Son of God.
Whew!
You may say, “I love God. Sure I mess up, sin, and even succumb to years of addiction and intentional mistakes. Does that mean I’m out of the Loop?” Nope - not at all. Have you abandoned the faith? No. Are you concerned about your relationship with the Lord? Yes. That says it all.
If you weren't concerned about it you wouldn't have raised the issue. You wouldn't have raised the issue if you weren't fearful of loosing it. The fact you're fearful of loosing it says you still have it.
Sometimes even married people fight because they fear loosing what they have. Their fighting and wrestling, in a sense, proves their lifelong love for one another.
While we may never know why people backslide from Faith one thing is certain (and I couldn’t say this any better than Gerald Hawthorne in his Commentary on Hebrews, The International Bible Commentary, ed. F.F. Bruce, Zondervan Publishers): [This] is not the result of a quick decision in a weak moment, but of a gradual hardening process within the mind which has crystallized now into a ‘constant attitude’ of hostility towards Christ.”
The take-a-way here reminds us of the double-edged coin of God’s mysterious ways. At the same time wherein we are reminded of the tremendous rebellion and its eternal potential of our own humanness – and therefore stirred in our souls to press on in the Faith – we are simultaneously arrested with the revelation that the Blood of Christ’s Forgiveness runs deeper than any sin and that we are securely sealed by the Holy Spirit for the glorious Day of Redemption. (Ephesians Eph. 1:14)
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Mid-Wifing the World
When I teach people how to heal the sick I tell them to take on the role of a mid-wife. A mid-wife has a unique role in the birth of a child. The mid-wife didn't conceive the child, nor will he raise the child. His or her sole role is to bless - to encourage through the power of the Spirit - the person who is giving birth, right then and there, underneath the midwife's capable supervision.
Now God is birthing things all over the place - not only under the hand of the healing minister. People everywhere are birthing dreams, wrestling with God, and struggling to overcome life-long demons. You can find them at HEB, on the RTD, and even homeless in the streets. Everywhere you go, God is doing something in the people surrounding you.
Think of that.
Add to that your role and ministry of the mid-wife -- the one who blesses, who encourages, who loves others through their unique birthings in the power and grace of the Holy Spirit and you have an instant ministry that looks a lot like the ministry of Jesus.
Our healing teams have been taught to bless and birth. Alright, fair enough (and they do a magnificant job of it as well!). Yet, what would happen if we took that same role of blessing and birth into the streets, into the places where people need it the most?
Here's the challenge: As you relate to others - howbeit a waiter at Ruthie's or someone standing in line with you at Ritz's Camera - think of yourself as being a mid-wife THERE, with THEM, open to any opportunity the Lord may give to do those same beautiful things we do in the church, right there, in the world, with them, there and them.
In so doing you will bless others and glorify Jesus in real tangeble ways.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
There is No Relief for Love
I just read this poem, written by the Rev. Ted McNabb. I don't know who he is but he writes a profound poem!
Breath deeply....
Hesed
There is no relief for love.
It does not withdraw
From the tear in the eye
And the tear in the heart.
It does not vacate the dark night
While the trembling hand gropes in vain
For lack of sight and a door shut tight.
It stays
To share a cup of bloody sweat
That will not pass.
It stays
To hang upon a nail
The intolerable coat of shame
And the thorny cap of blame.
It waits
Past the time of hope
At the tomb surrounded
By the old undefeated guard.
It waits
Deeper than hope
For the dawn to break.
Open the door and take
The hopeless home.
Easter A.D.2009
Breath deeply....
Hesed
There is no relief for love.
It does not withdraw
From the tear in the eye
And the tear in the heart.
It does not vacate the dark night
While the trembling hand gropes in vain
For lack of sight and a door shut tight.
It stays
To share a cup of bloody sweat
That will not pass.
It stays
To hang upon a nail
The intolerable coat of shame
And the thorny cap of blame.
It waits
Past the time of hope
At the tomb surrounded
By the old undefeated guard.
It waits
Deeper than hope
For the dawn to break.
Open the door and take
The hopeless home.
The Rev. Ted McNabb
Published in The Anglican DigestEaster A.D.2009
Monday, March 2, 2009
10 FAQ'S
As we come to the end of this “teaching-slash-commentary” I’d like to close with a few questions and answers regarding the use of spiritual gifts. These are questions I’ve had through the years. Perhaps you’ve had them, too.
Here we go:
Q. How I can tell when I’m in my spiritual gift or when I’m working outside my gifts and skills?
A. When a person is in their gift the activity is accompanied with a rich sense of joy - a delight in doing what is almost too good to be true! There is also a certain keenness, of a sharpness of mind, that comes into play. It’s a “just knowing what to do and how to do-it-ness” about the activity.” Spiritual activities don’t get blurred – or ill-defined – they become crystallized.
Conversely, when a person is outside her gifts there will be a general sense of draining. Energy will dwaine and “ministry” may become synonymous with “chore.” That’s not to say that ministry can’t be draining even when a person is in her gift, only that there is disposition of fatigue and “work” when a person has stepped into someone else’s spiritual turf.
Q. Can’t natural abilities be the same as spiritual gifts?
A. When we come to Christ there is no doubt that God takes our “water” and changes it to “wine” – meaning everything/all that we are is crucified and raised to new life in Christ. If you were a teacher before you were raised with Christ, you will still be a teacher afterward – howbeit your teaching will no doubt take on the added element of the fragrance of Christ. So, in one sense, “wine happens.”
There is a strong body of belief which states our gift(s) actually lie somewhat dormant in our hearts until awakened with Christ, that we are born with everything we need and everything we need will kick in to play the moment we surrender our lives to Christ. Before Christ, they are exhibited in society, but in a far less influential way than they would have been (or could have been) through a converted heart.
For example, a person with the “dormant gift of evangelism” may turn out to be a very influential person - like an Elvis, Sir Paul, or a convincing spokesperson for a “Just Say Yes” campaign - someone with a culturally defined, "natural charisma." Then, when the soul of that person becomes a new creation in Christ, their semi-dormant gift then becomes all that God originally intended it to be and things really kick into gear. Until that time, the gifts are used, and the person may find some sense of fulfillment therein, but their use is far less than God’s potential. (It’s difficult to argue with that because no one knows if it’s really true or not.)
Unless otherwise informed, I still abide by the old Biblical view: our skills and natural giftedness become empowered when we become Christians and, at the same time, God gives us our spiritual gift(s) when we are filled with the Spirit. It’s not as nice and tightly defined as it could be hoped for. There are numerous variable that go into the seen giftedness of an individual. And - as we have seen, God has the right to call up any of his gifts/skills on as “as needed” basis.
Q. Can I use spiritual gifts outside “church”?
A. Absolutely. A dear friend of mine has the gift of administration – which she uses and is paid for at BP. Many who have the gift of service and helps find themselves in the food service profession. Others with gifts of compassion, and mercy find themselves in the medical profession. Behind it all – whether within or without the organized church – the function of our gifts is to evangelize and empower others for Christ, regardless of where ever you are.
Q. Are there lesser and greater gifts?
A. No. Paul is quite emphatic here: there are not. All gifts are given and based in the Holy Spirit. Some gifts, of course, are more “in the limelight” than others. But that has nothing to do with their power or potential of use. A person who serves, or those with the gifts of hospitality, mercy, intercession, or giving are on equal footing with the prophets and apostles.
Q. Sometimes in church I feel the Lord would have me share a vision, speak a prophecy, or deliver a message in tongues. My heart pounds, I break out in a sweat, and my hands begin to tremble. What do I do with that?
A. Take two aspirin and call me in the morning...
That’s a wonderful question. I believe that God’s desire is to always have a prophetic word when followers of Jesus are gathered. Perhaps this is why there is such a push for prophets to arise from among the people. – and relevant because, as the days wear on, God will be moving more and more in revelatory ways. If you have a gift - or even the stirring of a gift that is meant to edify and build up others - you need to talk to your priest, pastor, elder, shepherd about it. The operation of your gift needs to be done in order, in a way that “fits” with the blessing of your spiritual elder, and - most importantly - in a way that God gets the fame.
If the sharing of a revelatory gift at your church would be a bit out of the box, the Lord may grant you and your pastor wisdom in how to get the word out decently and in order. There are always avenues wherein a word from God can get into the congregation. It may be couched within the framework of a written prayer, creatively infused within the story-line of a a book, or poem, written into a song, or posted in the newsletter or on the church website.
Q. Is there a "growing curve" with spiritual gifts? Will it get better as I go along?
A. Most definitely. If you are in a small group, that is the best place to begin. Like crawling, toddling, walking, and running there is a real progression to one's maturity in his or her spiritual gift. Timing, wisdom, and - above all - love are key components in the operation of spiritual gifts. Once the gift is given there’s no need to rush it. You will always have it.
So go slow. Read about it, practice it in little places. As God sees you are faithful in the little things, he will raise you up to be a greater influence for him.
A big piece in the growing curve is one's personal character - his or her discipline to live/walk according to the light he or she has been shown. That means there is a relationship between the human health of the gifted person and the integrity of his or her corresponding public reflection of the Risen Christ. Many people are tremendously gifted but they also have besetting “intentional” issues in their lives. If a person is living in outright rebellion it creates a problem. God has a reputation to keep. If needed, he will wait until that person matures in Grace so that, when his gifts are made public, people will see both an inner and outer integrity of the minister and can receive the gift, giving full glory to God, with no reservations.
This is not to say we need to be completely sinless to minister in holiness. Noting could be further from the truth. God uses imperfect vessels to do his perfect work. Yet his perfect work arises from humble hearts, broken and fully reliant on his all sufficient grace. People may still fall short of their spiritual convictions. But they get up, receive forgiveness, and get back into God’s Life and work. That’s the difference, One cannot be in rebellion to the Lord and have a contrite heart.
Q. Do you have to have been “baptized in the Holy Spirit” to have a spiritual gift?
A. No. Your gifts were given to you by default when you became a follower of Jesus. At that time, the Spirit entered your heart and sealed you as one of his own, for eternal life. You have the gifts of the Holy Spirit because you have the GIFT of the Holy Spirit.
However, when a person is anointed in the Spirit, she is endowed with power from God. Everything about the spiritual life of that person is changed - including the potency of her gifts.
It’s hard to understand why a person would seek to avoid receiving the empowerment of the Spirit. God is good - so it doesn’t hurt. And he wants to see the Good News spread across the globe - so do most Christians - and has provided the supernatural means-with-all to do it, through the empowerment of the Spirit. Sounds like a no-brainer to me.
Q. Where else can I find information on the gifts?
A. The Internet, gift blogs, Christian book stores, or at by doing a search at CBD (Christian Book Distributors) online.
In your research you will find two general schools of thought on the gifts of the Spirit. First, there is a view that the gifts ceased when the Bible was written. That view is anchored in 1 Corinthians 13.8-9. These good folks would say that the gifts were imperfect – or that it was the best way God could speak to his people before the Bible (the perfect) came along. Obviously, I don’t agree with that. The other side would more/less express the views of the gifts as I have here: all the gifts are all around until Jesus (the perfect love) appears at the end of the Age. Theories vary about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. You’ll see.
Q. What do I need to believe about the gifts in order to have eternal life?
A. Nothing. Nothing at all.
Eternal life comes when you turn away from your sin, believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, and embrace the Faith with faith. People like to add other ingredients into that – like current moral/lifestyle issues, politics, theories of evolution, and even fallibility stances over the Scriptures themselves. While these things are important, they – like the gifts of the Spirit – have absolutely nothing to do with one’s eternal salvation in Jesus Christ. Salvation is one thing; how it’s lived out is quite another.
This is the final blog in A Primer for Spiritual Gifts. I hope it has all been helpful for you. The important thing is to discover your gifts and use your gifts for the glory of God.
Look around the church or community for a place for what God has given and get busy! We need you in the Body of Christ. We need to see the love of God in your gifts. More importantly, the world needs to see Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Here we go:
Q. How I can tell when I’m in my spiritual gift or when I’m working outside my gifts and skills?
A. When a person is in their gift the activity is accompanied with a rich sense of joy - a delight in doing what is almost too good to be true! There is also a certain keenness, of a sharpness of mind, that comes into play. It’s a “just knowing what to do and how to do-it-ness” about the activity.” Spiritual activities don’t get blurred – or ill-defined – they become crystallized.
Conversely, when a person is outside her gifts there will be a general sense of draining. Energy will dwaine and “ministry” may become synonymous with “chore.” That’s not to say that ministry can’t be draining even when a person is in her gift, only that there is disposition of fatigue and “work” when a person has stepped into someone else’s spiritual turf.
Q. Can’t natural abilities be the same as spiritual gifts?
A. When we come to Christ there is no doubt that God takes our “water” and changes it to “wine” – meaning everything/all that we are is crucified and raised to new life in Christ. If you were a teacher before you were raised with Christ, you will still be a teacher afterward – howbeit your teaching will no doubt take on the added element of the fragrance of Christ. So, in one sense, “wine happens.”
There is a strong body of belief which states our gift(s) actually lie somewhat dormant in our hearts until awakened with Christ, that we are born with everything we need and everything we need will kick in to play the moment we surrender our lives to Christ. Before Christ, they are exhibited in society, but in a far less influential way than they would have been (or could have been) through a converted heart.
For example, a person with the “dormant gift of evangelism” may turn out to be a very influential person - like an Elvis, Sir Paul, or a convincing spokesperson for a “Just Say Yes” campaign - someone with a culturally defined, "natural charisma." Then, when the soul of that person becomes a new creation in Christ, their semi-dormant gift then becomes all that God originally intended it to be and things really kick into gear. Until that time, the gifts are used, and the person may find some sense of fulfillment therein, but their use is far less than God’s potential. (It’s difficult to argue with that because no one knows if it’s really true or not.)
Unless otherwise informed, I still abide by the old Biblical view: our skills and natural giftedness become empowered when we become Christians and, at the same time, God gives us our spiritual gift(s) when we are filled with the Spirit. It’s not as nice and tightly defined as it could be hoped for. There are numerous variable that go into the seen giftedness of an individual. And - as we have seen, God has the right to call up any of his gifts/skills on as “as needed” basis.
Q. Can I use spiritual gifts outside “church”?
A. Absolutely. A dear friend of mine has the gift of administration – which she uses and is paid for at BP. Many who have the gift of service and helps find themselves in the food service profession. Others with gifts of compassion, and mercy find themselves in the medical profession. Behind it all – whether within or without the organized church – the function of our gifts is to evangelize and empower others for Christ, regardless of where ever you are.
Q. Are there lesser and greater gifts?
A. No. Paul is quite emphatic here: there are not. All gifts are given and based in the Holy Spirit. Some gifts, of course, are more “in the limelight” than others. But that has nothing to do with their power or potential of use. A person who serves, or those with the gifts of hospitality, mercy, intercession, or giving are on equal footing with the prophets and apostles.
Q. Sometimes in church I feel the Lord would have me share a vision, speak a prophecy, or deliver a message in tongues. My heart pounds, I break out in a sweat, and my hands begin to tremble. What do I do with that?
A. Take two aspirin and call me in the morning...
That’s a wonderful question. I believe that God’s desire is to always have a prophetic word when followers of Jesus are gathered. Perhaps this is why there is such a push for prophets to arise from among the people. – and relevant because, as the days wear on, God will be moving more and more in revelatory ways. If you have a gift - or even the stirring of a gift that is meant to edify and build up others - you need to talk to your priest, pastor, elder, shepherd about it. The operation of your gift needs to be done in order, in a way that “fits” with the blessing of your spiritual elder, and - most importantly - in a way that God gets the fame.
If the sharing of a revelatory gift at your church would be a bit out of the box, the Lord may grant you and your pastor wisdom in how to get the word out decently and in order. There are always avenues wherein a word from God can get into the congregation. It may be couched within the framework of a written prayer, creatively infused within the story-line of a a book, or poem, written into a song, or posted in the newsletter or on the church website.
Q. Is there a "growing curve" with spiritual gifts? Will it get better as I go along?
A. Most definitely. If you are in a small group, that is the best place to begin. Like crawling, toddling, walking, and running there is a real progression to one's maturity in his or her spiritual gift. Timing, wisdom, and - above all - love are key components in the operation of spiritual gifts. Once the gift is given there’s no need to rush it. You will always have it.
So go slow. Read about it, practice it in little places. As God sees you are faithful in the little things, he will raise you up to be a greater influence for him.
A big piece in the growing curve is one's personal character - his or her discipline to live/walk according to the light he or she has been shown. That means there is a relationship between the human health of the gifted person and the integrity of his or her corresponding public reflection of the Risen Christ. Many people are tremendously gifted but they also have besetting “intentional” issues in their lives. If a person is living in outright rebellion it creates a problem. God has a reputation to keep. If needed, he will wait until that person matures in Grace so that, when his gifts are made public, people will see both an inner and outer integrity of the minister and can receive the gift, giving full glory to God, with no reservations.
This is not to say we need to be completely sinless to minister in holiness. Noting could be further from the truth. God uses imperfect vessels to do his perfect work. Yet his perfect work arises from humble hearts, broken and fully reliant on his all sufficient grace. People may still fall short of their spiritual convictions. But they get up, receive forgiveness, and get back into God’s Life and work. That’s the difference, One cannot be in rebellion to the Lord and have a contrite heart.
Q. Do you have to have been “baptized in the Holy Spirit” to have a spiritual gift?
A. No. Your gifts were given to you by default when you became a follower of Jesus. At that time, the Spirit entered your heart and sealed you as one of his own, for eternal life. You have the gifts of the Holy Spirit because you have the GIFT of the Holy Spirit.
However, when a person is anointed in the Spirit, she is endowed with power from God. Everything about the spiritual life of that person is changed - including the potency of her gifts.
It’s hard to understand why a person would seek to avoid receiving the empowerment of the Spirit. God is good - so it doesn’t hurt. And he wants to see the Good News spread across the globe - so do most Christians - and has provided the supernatural means-with-all to do it, through the empowerment of the Spirit. Sounds like a no-brainer to me.
Q. Where else can I find information on the gifts?
A. The Internet, gift blogs, Christian book stores, or at by doing a search at CBD (Christian Book Distributors) online.
In your research you will find two general schools of thought on the gifts of the Spirit. First, there is a view that the gifts ceased when the Bible was written. That view is anchored in 1 Corinthians 13.8-9. These good folks would say that the gifts were imperfect – or that it was the best way God could speak to his people before the Bible (the perfect) came along. Obviously, I don’t agree with that. The other side would more/less express the views of the gifts as I have here: all the gifts are all around until Jesus (the perfect love) appears at the end of the Age. Theories vary about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. You’ll see.
Q. What do I need to believe about the gifts in order to have eternal life?
A. Nothing. Nothing at all.
Eternal life comes when you turn away from your sin, believe that God raised Jesus from the dead, and embrace the Faith with faith. People like to add other ingredients into that – like current moral/lifestyle issues, politics, theories of evolution, and even fallibility stances over the Scriptures themselves. While these things are important, they – like the gifts of the Spirit – have absolutely nothing to do with one’s eternal salvation in Jesus Christ. Salvation is one thing; how it’s lived out is quite another.
This is the final blog in A Primer for Spiritual Gifts. I hope it has all been helpful for you. The important thing is to discover your gifts and use your gifts for the glory of God.
Look around the church or community for a place for what God has given and get busy! We need you in the Body of Christ. We need to see the love of God in your gifts. More importantly, the world needs to see Christ in you, the hope of glory.
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