Spiritual Formation in the New Testament (4)

This will be the last installment at this point regarding spiritual formation in the New Testament letters. It dawned on me this morning that all 27 books of the New Testament canon would have a different and unique perspective on growing spiritually.

We have already looked at Matthew somewhat, which would be representative of the Synoptics. John’s gospel provides a unique look at this. For example, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (6:35).  Feasting and drinking as Jesus offers himself is key to the entire idea of spiritual formation. It is knowing to whom we must go, and for what we must go that defines the journey of growth.

A good example of a book’s unique angle is also seen in Acts. For example, we read, “Meanwhile the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and was built up. Living in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers” (Acts 9:31). All through the book of Acts emphasis is placed upon the fact that spiritual growth is in a body-of-believers context. The Holy Spirit causes this growth, and its power and effect is seen in interpersonal relationships and their quality. Peace is enjoyed and everyone is built up and encouraged. Additionally, the element of reverential awe for the work of God and basking in the comfort of the Holy Spirit defines the blessings enjoyed. When the Spirit works this way, the body increases.

Space and time limits what we can do with this topic. But think of how Romans, Galatians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and  Philemon all treat this subject. Especially think of how the non-Pauline books of the rest of the New Testament add their own flavor to spiritual growth: Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1-2-3 John, Jude and Revelation.

As you can readily see, the definition, experience, metaphors, perspectives and observations on spiritual growth are myriad in the New Testament. I challenge all of us in our daily readings to be open to what we learn about growing more and more like Jesus Christ to the glory of the Father for the sake of others!

In Christian love, Curtis

Spiritual Formation in the New Testament (2)

You may recall last week that we launched this topic of “spiritual formation” off of an article that James W. Thompson (who teaches at Abilene Christian University) wrote entitled “Paul and Spiritual Formation.”

          Thompson points out that “formation” is a unique word used by Paul. But the idea is not unique to Paul. Formation has to do with being shaped and formed spiritually into the image of Christ by the power of the Spirit. I would argue strongly that each book of the New Testament addresses the issue of spiritual formation. It may be that each writer uses unique or special terminology, but the idea is consistent throughout the New Testament.

          Last week we mentioned that  in the first temptation Jesus responds to the devil by saying, “It is written, Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). For Matthew, the concept of “living on words that come from God’s mouth” is the sustenance of spiritual growth and formation.

          In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus challenges the audience to ask, seek, and knock. This will be rewarded with answer given, search rewarded and the door opened. Though Jesus does not elaborate on this, it appears to describe a spiritual movement of one’s heart, mind and soul in pursuing God. As a result of the pursuit, God blesses with divine growth and spiritual formation.

         

          I suppose for each of us, the daily challenge is to keep asking, seeking and knocking. That process alone is formative and molds us more and more into the image of Christ. As God’s children we ask from the One who loves and responds. As God’s lost and confused children we seek His direction. As God’s children who seek refuge and safety, we knock at the door of His very Presence. Let us persevere in this process of spiritual formation!

To God be the glory!

           

In Christian love, Curtis

Spiritual Formation in the New Testament

             In a recent journal article James W. Thompson (who teaches at ACU) wrote an article on “Paul and Spiritual Formation” [(2010). Christian Studies. 24: 7-19.] I want to take some of the broad ideas he presented and apply them to the larger context of the New Testament.

            Why has the phrase “spiritual formation” become a fad? My first acquaintance with this terminology was in the late 1980’s. I was sort of officially introduced to this by reading Richard Foster’s book, The Celebration of Discipline. From that point forward, an entirely new world of the Christian faith opened up to me, both its history and its practice of spiritual formation.

            From July 2000 to April 2002, I attended and participated in The Academy for Spiritual Formation, Academy #14. From that 2-year formative experience my Christian life was forever changed. My breadth and exposure to the history of Christian thought and the practice of the spiritual disciplines enriched and deepened my own Christian walk far beyond what I even dreamed was possible. God  has used that experience to keep me growing in my faith.

            Thompson points out that “formation” is a unique word used by Paul. But the idea is not unique to Paul. Formation has to do with being shaped and formed spiritually into the image of Christ by the power of the Spirit. I would argue strongly that each book of the New Testament addresses the issue of spiritual formation. It may be that each writer uses unique or special terminology, but the idea is consistent throughout the New Testament.

            For example, in the first temptation Jesus responds to the devil by saying, “It is written, Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). For Matthew, the concept of “living on words that come from God’s mouth” is the sustenance of spiritual growth and formation.

            In the gospel of Matthew God’s living words sustain us. Just as bread is eaten everyday to sustain our bodies, God’s “bread” is taken daily in order for us to grow and be formed into the image of Christ. Next week will continue this thought.

In Christian love, Curtis

THEY ARE JUST LIKE US!

             When studying of the book of Hebrews, it is important to keep the bigger picture in mind.  One thing that is rather enlightening is to become aware of the situation of the original hearers/readers, and get an insight into the pastoral care of the writer.

            It seems right at the start that the intended audience of this “word of exhortation” (the book of Hebrews) have a wrong or incorrect view of Jesus. More than ever, in my own life and Christian journey, I have come to the realization that my view and perspective of Jesus drives my attitudes, actions and behavior.

            Apparently, these original readers were worshiping and venerating angels above Jesus. We find out that our forefathers, prophets and angels all had a part in disseminating the will of God to his people. “But in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:2).

            This “speaking” by the Son is in two simultaneous ways: first, by his very life speaking the will of God, and, his teachings offered during his earthly ministry. The direction of his life and his self-understanding of his mission spoke volumes about God’s will to the human race. And, his verbal teachings encapsulated God’s desire for human beings, reconciliation and renewal.

            They are just like us! The original hearers of this exhortation began to neglect and replace the central figure of the risen Christ in their life. We are just like them! We, too, can begin to neglect the central figure of the risen Christ in our own lives and forget that God continues to speak to us through His Son.

            The message of God is incarnational. The message of God came through a person. The message of God came through a person identified as God’s Son.

            In the opening Prologue to the book of Hebrews (1:1-4) the writer goes into a little detail as to the character of this Son. That is for another time for us to explore. Here and now I want to point out the dynamic of God speaking through his Son.

            Every generation of Christians has struggled with discerning the voice of God. Probably the best place to begin is to hear what God is saying to us through the life and words of Jesus, the Son.

            Prophets, forefathers and angels cannot take his place, nor supersede his role of speaking on behalf of God. He has spoken to us.

            It is in the gospels that we hear God speaking to us through His Son, Jesus. We are privileged to have all 4 gospels. Each one tells the story of Jesus, speaking on behalf of God, from a little different perspective.

            Matthew in 1:21 lays out the terrain of Jesus’ life journey—from son (of Mary & Joseph) to Savior and back to Son again! This incarnational journey speaks volumes. God identifies with us through Jesus. Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, and speaks on behalf of God regarding that kind of empathy and care. Praise God that he has spoken to us by His Son!

In Christian love, Curtis

MANY OTHER EXHORTATIONS

              The picture we have in our minds of John the Baptist is a wild-eyed prophet, with a  long, white flowing beard. It is obvious that the picture drawn of him by the Evangelists is not one of a normal person.  His camel’s hair clothing was not of GQ quality. The leather belt around his waist obviously was not diamond studded. His meal was simple: locusts and wild honey. I suppose fresh honey makes anything taste good!

                Luke, the evangelist, tells us at the end of his portrait of John the Baptist, “So, with many other exhortations, he preached good news to the people” (Luke 3:18).

                The recorded exhortations by Luke are rather instructive:

• Bear fruits that befit repentance
• Don’t say to yourselves we have Abraham
• If you have two coats, share
• If you have extra food, share
• Collect no more taxes than is required by law (he said this tax collectors)
• Rob no one by violence   (he said this to soldiers)
• Do not be involved in false accusation  (he said this to soldiers)
• Be content with your wages   (he said this to soldiers)
• Final warning of chaff being burned with unquenchable fire, and that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

               Given the above instructions and message that John gave, it makes one wonder what the “many other exhortations” were! No doubt continuing insistence was placed upon more particulars of the fruit of repentance, more indictments relative to resting on their religious history, more urging to share one’s goods with those who have none, more honesty in every area of business transactions and interpersonal dealings, and no abusing of people’s rights and properties, and capped off with a life of contentment.

Do you think we need these kind of exhortations today?

In Christian love, Curtis

Rachel Weeping for Her Children: Lamentations during Yuletide

A time of weeping. Who would have thought that during the time of Jesus’ birth that Herod, the furious king who had been outwitted, would have all of the boys (2 years old and under) around the vicinity of Bethlehem killed?

                A time of weeping. Who would have thought in a Connecticut  elementary school a week before Christmas that a troubled and disturbed young man would kill 20 six and seven year olds in their classroom?

                Yes, a time of weeping. A time of weeping for the parents, for the relatives, for the friends, for the adults, for the teachers, for the community, for the state, for the nation.

                A time of weeping because evil is present. Sometimes evil is present in proportions that our human mind can hardly fathom. It is at those moments that it seems nothing can really console, nothing can really soothe the pain, there is no balm for the soul.

                A time of weeping, a time of lament. When Herod did the unthinkable, he also created the un-consolable. Listen to how Matthew in his gospel records this…

                “A voice is heard in Ramah,

                                Weeping and great mourning,

                Rachel weeping for her children

                                And refusing to be comforted,

                Because they are no more” (Matthew 2:18).

The human condition of unconscionable acts perpetrated upon innocent people could not have been painted any more poignantly. “Because they are no more.” A vacancy left. A hole in the heart. A vacuum of presence.

                Two huge things make a difference for the Christian in this painful moment: God suffers with the children and parents, and evil will not prevail. Only God can provide the kind of comfort that such a bruised heart needs. Since He is the God of all comfort, He alone can walk with us in the mourning of our lamentations and accept the meaning of our groans. Let us collectively pray for the “Rachels” who are weeping for their children and refuse to be comforted because they are no more.

In Christian love, Curtis

What is the Gospel? (1)

        First of all, it is an English word  which comes from Middle English, from the Old English word godspel. This compound word is made up of god which means “good,” and spel which means “tale.” It is used to translate the Late Latin word evangelium which means “good news.” This comes from the Greek word εύαγγελιον which means “good news.”

        So, what is the gospel, the good-tale, the good news all about? How is it portrayed in the New Testament?

First, we must look into the Old Testament and Greco-Roman usage to get the power of this word and why it was chosen to express a central concept of New Testament theology.

        The verb “to speak the good news” is first used in 1 Samuel 31:9. After a battle in which the Philistines fought with Israel, Saul and his sons die in battle. After the battle is over the Philistine army strips the armor off of Saul and sends it back home, “sending round glad tidings (good news) to their idols and to the people. “ A public display is made of Saul’s dead body, and they exhibit his battle armor in the temple of Astarte.

        This interesting use of the word “good news” comes out of the context of a victor in battle. The Philistines rejoice and sound out the good news that their arch enemy and leader has been vanquished in combat. Theologically and metaphorically this idea stays inherent within the word itself. Satan and his army has been vanquished by the resurrection of Jesus. The good news of victory is inherent in the New Testament usage of this word.

        In 2 Samuel 1:20 we find the next usage of this word. After the battle mentioned above, David laments over Saul and over Jonathan his son. David gives an order to share his lament with the sons of Judah, and even to have it written down for posterity in the book of Jasher. Part of this lament cautions, “Do not tell it in Geth, and do not tell it as glad tidings (“good news”) in the streets of Ascalon, lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice…”

        Another inherent concept within the gospel, “good news,” is that the good news is bad news for someone. In this case, it was Judah and David. In the case of the Christian, it is Satan and his world. The good news of Jesus is bad news for Satan and his kingdom. Satan has already lost the war. He is losing enlistments daily. He is losing battles daily.

        Continuing the story, in 2 Samuel 4:10 someone reports to David that Saul was dead, and assumes that David is going to take it as good news. David is so upset that he kills the messenger! This gives us another insight into “good news.” Often it is not appreciated and the herald or messenger is persecuted, punished or killed. Reminds us of Jesus, doesn’t it!

        The gospel, the good news…celebration of victory, the enemy has been overcome, but the message not always appreciated!

        What is the good news of Jesus in your life?

In Christian love, Curtis

NO LEFTOVER CAKE AFTER THANKSGIVING!

The first reference in the Bible to thankfulness is with reference to a thanksgiving cake! Both the recipe and when to eat it is mentioned! In my wife’s recipes for Thanksgiving Dinner, and even the recipes I remember seeing in my mother’s kitchen, none of them contained and expiration date or when to eat what was baked!

                Israel’s first instructions regarding an offering or expression of thankfulness connected with their “fellowship offering.” Traditionally this was known as a “peace offering.” Perhaps it is not a coincidence that an offering of thankfulness came out of fellowship and peace!

                Though today we do not think of a  thanksgiving cake, I suppose our substitute would be the Thanksgiving turkey.   Just as recipe stipulations were made in the preparation of Israel’s offering of a thanksgiving cake, so too, we all have family special recipes that determine how we fix and prepare and cook the turkey. Also, it seems that a dinner is not complete without rolls! We have Thanksgiving rolls, and what an aroma out of the kitchen when they are ready to serve!

                Another odd stipulation was that all of the thanksgiving cake must be eaten of the day it was baked; a person “must leave none it until the morning”(Leviticus 7:15). This does away with the necessity of creative leftovers. I was thinking about this command, and I suppose it is rooted in the idea of thankfulness being experienced in the here and the now. After all, the more leftovers hang around the less thankful we become!

                No leftover cake. No leftover turkey. No leftover fixin’s.

                In Leviticus these regulations for the “fellowship offering of thanksgiving” are in a large section where more regulations are given for the burnt offering, the grain offering, the sin offering, and the ordination offering. These guidelines were given Moses on Mt. Sinai by God, and taken into their practice of offerings when they sojourned in the Desert of Sinai.

                Bottom line:   Every offering is connected with the covenant care and love of God to remind His people of how much He cared for them.

                This year in our participation of the Thanksgiving Holiday, let us focus on God’s love and care. Let us offer thanksgiving to God out of fellowship and peace with others.  This helps us keep this holiday centered, grounded in relationships, and thankful for life itself. The material blessings are just a serendipity!

In Christian love, Curtis

Struggling in Prayer Together

            Every church I have ever been a part of has a prayer line or prayer request opportunity. So many misconceptions surround the practice of prayer. Additionally, many unknown dimensions of prayer remain unknown in actual practice. The one I want to focus on is what I call “Mutual Agonizing Prayer.”

            Sean was a young man who asked me to visit him. His world had caved in because of unsuccessful surgeries that left him virtually incapacitated and unable to eat normally. The pain, the misery and the depression were quite acute. On this particular day I entered his apartment and all he could do was listen and pet his dog. It was the first time in my life that I made the following statement: “Sean, I will help take on your painful struggle and pray in your presence right now, trying to say what you are feeling.” Taking on the pain of another introduces empathy into our own lives at a whole new level.

            The apostle Paul understood this mutually, deep experience of prayer. On one occasion he requests that his Christian brothers and sisters in Rome “agonize together with me in prayer” (Romans 15:30). He was asking to be delivered from mistreatment and other difficult obstacles in his life. He felt he could only face these trying circumstances by asking others on board his ship of life. No such thing as sailing solo for Paul during a storm!

            To the church at Colossae Paul reminds them of their friend, Epaphras, who also “agonized in prayer on their behalf”(Colossians 4:12). He specifically prayed for their spiritual maturity and an assurance that they were committing their lives properly to the will of God.

            Think with me, now, about this mutual, deep experience of prayer. Here is what we can struggle together about…

• ·         Health concerns that overwhelm
• ·         Proper way to respond to mistreatment
• ·         Spiritual maturity
• ·         Right decision-making
• ·         Support in the midst of emotional pain
• ·         Right direction in a person’s life

I know that we all can add to this list. When we go through the fires of pain, and life throws one obstacle after another in our path, we understand in the Christian world-view that we do not have to make that journey alone! “Struggling together in prayer” is a mutual blessing that is embraced by Christians who care for one another.

In Christian love, Curtis

BENT FIGURE OF A WOMAN: Meditation on Vincent Van Gogh’s Picture

            There seems to be an unspoken weariness expressed by her posture. It mimics and mirrors the weariness of our own souls. Perhaps the day’s chores have been completed, leaving an inner “depleted-ness.” Her head is resting on her left hand as if it has no energy of its own. Even the most simple of tasks, holding the head up, is unthinkable at this moment.

          The right hand is lifelessly drooped over her knee as if it too needs support and help. Having worked and fulfilled the day’s pressing demands, it now rests in exhaustion.

          For some reason the word “resignation” seems appropriate to depict her entire demeanor. What is she resigned to? Has a loved one left her? Has her heart been broken? Are the pressing responsibilities more than she can bear? Does the future seem hopeless with no hint of change?

          The eyes looking downward and over to the side are telling indeed. They seem to ask the question, “Why are you bothering me with your empty promises? Things are not going to get better. Why should I care anymore?” These burning questions are responses to the false hopes uttered by one who has stepped out of her view. Those false hopes ring so hollow, echoes of emptiness reverberating in the chambers of her lonely heart.

          Purpose and motivation have been crushed by the weight of obligations never letting up. Something about her bent figure seated in a chair echoes the contours of our own inner life. Too often our own unspoken weariness comes from a loss of vision within. The boss had piled on another deadline. The children have been sick one too many times. My spouse has misunderstood me and hurt my feelings again. Another unexpected bill has arrived in the mail. Facebook has de-friended me from another friend.

          How can we go on in the face of such “depleted-ness?” Somehow the energy to go on can no longer be mustered. Her own fatigue has forced her heart to create space for God. This woman may very well be engaged in “weary prayer.” Such a prayer would be the inner groanings escaping from a wearied soul. These type of prayers know the fullness of empty words. They are prayed out of truthfulness in the heart when the mind is too numb to function any more.

          If I were to draw a graphic with my own bent figure in the chair, what would it look like? What clothes would I be wearing? How would my head be resting? Where would I be casting my gaze? What would my hands be doing, if anything?

          Often at the end of a long, exhausting day a couch or lounge chair provides the perfect respite for the depleted soul. How do I recoup and regroup from the day’s demands? Limitations of my personhood create caverns in the psyche where self-doubt, fear and rejection take up residence and spread quietly like a deadly cancer.

Do I allow God to embrace my soul and refresh me? My own “weary prayers” are the lifeline to a caring God. God sees the weariness and personal exhaustion. God accepts the failures, provides clarity of vision and defines purpose for my life.

My own “bent-ness” is noticed by a loving and compassionate God.

 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30, NIV).

“Stay a Little While, O Wanderer”

                This past week I had the opportunity to visit an exact replica of the ancient catacombs found outside Rome. It was to scale, along with the type of rock excavated and the art and graphics on the rock walls. The frescoes are copies of the originals.

                There were a couple of authentic items, one being the actual body of an 8 year old boy martyred in Rome. His body was wrapped in fine clothes and a stately outfit, but you could see his mummified hands and feet with the bones showing. It was humbling and eerie to be actually looking at the body of young man from a Christian family almost 2,000 years old. He is known as St. Innocent.

                There were nearly 900 miles of underground passageways dug out by early Christians in the pumice-like rock. The purpose was to have a place to bury their dead, and to have special services in honor of their dead. This was all necessary because Roman authorities would not permit Christians to be buried in regular cemeteries.

                As I walked through the dimly lit, narrow passages, I could see various fading artwork and graffiti. The words that captured my attention the most were, “Sta, viator.” This can be roughly translated as, “Stay a little while, O Wanderer.” Or, another possible translation that our guide suggested was, “Pause, and consider your own fate.”

                Something deeply stirred within me as I witnessed what it must have been like for Christians in the early centuries to remember their dead. It was important for me to pause and stay a little while, giving  homage in my own heart to those who have gone before. History has not recorded for us all of those brave Christians who died and were buried in the Roman catacombs. They are a long forgotten witness of the faithful who have gone on before.

                The first three centuries of the church were difficult years. Depending on where one lived in the Roman Empire, different levels of persecution were experienced. Some stories of amazing faith in the face of cruel martyrdom have emerged from this time period.

                Yes, I want to stay a little while precisely because I am a wanderer! I am in exile, a foreigner, and a stranger that has a heritage of faith blazing the trail for my own witness in the world. May I always be true to Jesus who died for me.  May I always take time to remember the faithful who have gone before.

^“They were put to death by stoning; they were sawed in two; they were killed by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, living in caves and in holes in the ground (Hebrews 11:37-38).

In Christian love, Curtis

WHAT AM I HARBORING IN MY HEART?

“If you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth”(James 3:14).

            This is a question that begs for individual reflection. Part of the Christian life is self-awareness and an honest appraisal of what is in my heart. Both the Old Testament and New Testament have this in common: certain conditions of the heart are portrayed as detrimental or destructive to one’s covenant relationship to God. When the heart is not tended, one’s connection to God can be severed.

            As James defines for us what a wise and understanding life consists of, he also points out what must be avoided. Harboring bitter envy and self ambition cannot have any positive or constructive elements to add to any relationship.

            Bitter envy and selfish ambition show their ugly heads in surprising ways. They surface often where the most damage can be done. And that damage usually is slow, leaving behind “sawdust of the soul,” evidence that destructive termites of the heart have been voraciously at work.

            Bitter envy sees in others what the self wants and desires. It seethes and foams because self has not obtained what the other has. It may be recognition, praise, position, role, accomplishment, gifts, etc. The list is endless over what bitter envy feeds on. And ironically, it is the heart filled with bitter envy that ends up feeding on itself!

            Selfish ambition is the steam that drives the engine of desire.  It steam rolls others and situations so that self can be satisfied and inflated. It does not look out for others, nor does it care and sacrifice for others. Selfish ambition only uses others for its own stepping stones for the path of success. When it finally reaches its goal, if it has not self-destructed first, selfish ambition will be at the finish line standing all alone.

            James warns us not to boast about or deny the fact that both bitter envy and selfish ambition are being harbored in our hearts and driving us onward. If bitter envy and self ambition are our motivations in the body of Christ, we will become the source of a spiritual pathology which will threaten to destroy those relationships.

            What is the truth of my heart?

In Christian love, Curtis

DO NOT FRET!

I cannot imagine a more poignant and applicable command in Scripture for most of us! Three times in Psalm 37 the Psalmist says, “Do not fret.”



What does it mean to fret? The dictionary says, “to cause to suffer emotional strain: vex. To grate, wear away, corrode. To affect something by gnawing or biting. To chafe.”


Basically when we fret about something we are allowing that thing (whatever it is) to gnaw away at our insides. It chafes our soul raw. It grates against our nerves and makes us unhappy and agitated.


The specific situation that David is addressing is fretting because others succeed in their ways. Such success comes because of evil and manipulative scheming, and such “evil men” are not concerned about faithfulness before God and caring compassion toward others.


Do not be envious of those who do wrong—nothing could be more pertinent for us to hear today! God does not want us to look at what others have gotten and envy their treasure trove of possessions and positions that have become their idols.


It is easy to fret, though. Here is what we hear ourselves telling ourselves:


• Man, did he get a break! I wish I could have the same luck;


• It is not fair. He got away with murder, and got rich doing it!


• I wish I had her market savvy. She got rich quick. And no one knows how!


• Some things got passed under the table without notice. How did they get so lucky?


• That’s business. Too bad someone got hurt. I envy that unfeeling approach. I am not there yet.


• How in the world did she get so far ahead? I’ve worked twice as hard. I deserve that position.


• Keep God out of this. It is cut throat, and you just have to suck it up and be tough.


Each of us can keep on adding to this litany of “envious self-flagellation” that does not honor God. What is the answer to this? The Psalmist has a two-fold response: realize that “evil men” are going to soon wither away and die; and, trust in the Lord and do good.


Sounds almost too easy. But there is a high price to be paid for fretting. When one’s emotions are rubbed raw, when something gnaws at our insides, when our souls are chafed, and when something grates against our nerves, it is hard to love God and neighbor.


Read this Psalm for yourself. Fretting leads to evil! Such strong language and prohibition against it may catch us off guard. But think of all the ways in which David learned the hard way that fretting does not serve any good purpose! Do we need to remind ourselves today, “Do not fret?!”


In Christian love, Curtis

OUR VIEW OF GOD

In preparation for my fall sermons out of Colossians (Christ in Us, The Hope of Glory), I have been carefully reading through this letter of Paul. Paul’s view of God just from this letter is powerful and insightful for our Christian living today.



• The Will of God


• Father of our Lord Jesus Christ


• Receives prayers and asking


• He loves the Son


• He cares enough to rescue us from the dominion of darkness


• God is invisible


• God is relational and wants us to be reconciled to him


• God commissioned Paul to present the word of God in its fullness


• God has chosen to make known


• God has power to raise Jesus from the dead, and us from spiritual death.


• God forgives


• God makes us alive in Christ


• God causes the body of believers to grow


• God has a right hand of power where Jesus sits


• Our Christian life is hidden with Christ in God


• The wrath and anger of God is coming upon those who allow their “members that are upon the earth” not to be put to death; in other words, people who have allowed themselves to be guided by their unbridled passions, fulfilling any and every desire without any compunction of conscience.


• God is the recipient of all expressions of human gratitude


• God provides open doors for the gospel message


• God has a will that unfolds and comprises his kingdom on earth


The above major ideas come from the Colossian letter revealing some of the major concepts relative to God’s nature and will and ways on the earth. It is amazing to me that in such a short letter Paul can address and incorporate all these powerful ideas about God. It seems that for Paul, his practical theology for his readers was always built around the framework of a correct and adequate view of the nature of God.


Perhaps our greatest challenge today as Christians is starting with a view of God that comes from the basis of biblical revelation. If our knowledge, relationship and destiny related to God’s nature are pursued in the right direction, think of how many other things fall naturally into place!


In Christian love, Curtis

PRAYING TO GOD OR PRAISING GOD?

In Augustine’s confessional search for God, he asks God to grant him a special insight.



“Grant me, Lord, to know and understand whether a man is first to pray to you for help or praise you, and whether he must know you before he can call you to his aid.” (Confessions, I.1.2)


Perhaps in our own Christian life and daily walk with God we, too, have struggled with this same question. And, perhaps it comes out this way for us: When I get up in the morning, what is the first thing I should do—pray for God’s help for the day, or begin in praise?


Augustine answers in own question this way: “Those who look for the Lord will cry out in praise to him.”Perhaps, then, it is not an either or choice, rather, seeking God’s help and praising God can be intertwined together.


The notion of knowing God and seeking Him is a concern for writers of the New Testament for their first Christian readers. For example, listen to the writer of the book of Hebrews: “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6).


I think it is clear that faith in God and knowing God comes before praying and praising God. This makes sense because it means that earnest seeking after God and a personal knowing of God precedes some kind of faithful response to God because of the relationship.


Seeking earnestly after God and believing that He exists seems to be a hurdle for many. But our faithful life lived in covenant relationship with God is nurtured by prayer and praise only after we have earnestly sought after God and completed invested our destiny in believing that God exists.

Seeking earnestly after God sets the context for everything we do. "Seeking earnestly after" (ekzeteo in the Greek text) is important for the writer of Hebrews. It carries the idea of an agonized, intensive, ongoing search. It is used in 12:17, interestingly, to refer to Esau who sold his birthright, and then with an "earnest seeking after" he tried to seek the blessing again with tears but to no avail.

This lets me know that our intensive, ongoing search for God is a daily adventure. We put energy, initiative, devoted effort in our daily walk with God. The extent to which we invest in the search is the extent to which He makes himself known to us. There is no such thing as receving God by osmosis.


Think how each day is transformed from something mundane into an exciting spiritual journey when we are earnestly seeking God because we vigorously and exuberantly believe in Him! May our daily walk then be lived in the context of prayer and praise as we respond to God’s care and compassion.


In Christian love, Curtis

Concentric Core of the Church(3)

“God gave a person, then a proclamation, and then a people. This is the historical and theological order” (page xvii).



Ferguson, Everett. 1996. The Church of Christ: A Biblical Ecclesiology for Today. Grand Rapids, MI:Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.


The quote above from Ferguson’s book provides what I call “The Concentric Core of the Church.” His comment about the historical and theological order of what God gave is vital. Additionally, his reference to God being the Giver of them is significant as well. Last week’s article focused on God’s ultimate gift to humanity in the person of Jesus as the incarnation of His love. This week we continue the concentric core of the church with the following affirmation:


• God’s ultimate gift of proclamation to humanity is Jesus as the incarnation of His love.


The proclamation of the gospel actually begins in Acts chapter 2 and continues to the end of the book of Revelation. The four Gospel writers provide the content of Jesus’ ministry and teaching which later form the content of the proclamation. The good news is that Jesus has arisen from the dead, and is now seated on the right hand of God. This proclamation goes in two directions at once:


The good news of Jesus is proclaimed to those who otherwise would perish.


The good news of Jesus is proclaimed to those who need ongoing transformation into the likeness of his image.


This all reminds me of the apostle Paul’s declaration about the place of proclamation in the spreading of the gospel: “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” (Romans 10:14). The proclamation of Jesus leads to belief and calling on the name of Jesus. Such expression by Paul can be taken to mean a totality of life where heart, mind and soul are given over to the Risen One. No wonder the good news needs proclaiming! This is a message that is hard to take, and it certainly bears repeating over and over to all who need and want to hear it. It is a joyous thing to think of the proclamation of the gospel as a gift from God!


In Christian love, Curtis

Concentric Core of the Church

“God gave a person, then a proclamation, and then a people. This is the historical and theological order” (page xvii).



Ferguson, Everett. 1996. The Church of Christ: A Biblical Ecclesiology for Today. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.


The quote above from Ferguson’s book provides what I call “The Concentric Core of the Church.” His comment about the historical and theological order of what God gave is vital. Additionally, his reference to God being the Giver of them is significant as well.


• God’s ultimate gift to humanity is the person of Jesus as the incarnation of his love.


According to the Gospel of John, this gift of Jesus is offered because God so loved the world. The


little adverb “so” demonstrates the depth and breadth of that love. All four Gospel writers attempt to look at the gift from various angles, thus providing a rich and textured masterpiece of Jesus.






• God’s ultimate gift of proclamation to humanity is Jesus as the incarnation of his love.


The proclamation of the gospel actually begins in Acts chapter 2 and continues to the end of the book of Revelation. The four Gospel writers provide the content of Jesus’ ministry and teaching which later form the content of the proclamation. The good news is that Jesus has arisen from the dead, and is now seated on the right hand of God.


• God’s ultimate give of His people is the gift of community as Jesus incarnate to the world as a demonstration of His love.


Do you think it would make a difference if we saw the church as a gift of God for the world? Would it make a difference if the world saw the church as gift to itself? Are we living out our daily Christian life with a strong sense of this “giftedness?” I need to share this gift with others. My good news is shared with any and all who are deprived from enjoying this gift.


When the church emerges from the core of the person of Jesus, with a proclamation of the love of God in the risen Jesus, and demonstrates the power of that risen Lord in the presence of its people—no greater witness in the world can be found! May we realize such giftedness!


In Christian love, Curtis

GOD’S POSTURE OF HUMILIATION

Bruce L. Shelley begins his book Church History in Plain Language (Updated 2nd Edition) with this observation:



“Christianity is the only major religion to have as its central event the humiliation of its God.” (1995, page 3)


What an insightful statement to begin a work on church history! It was the “event of humiliation” that actually changed the course of history, and became the foundation of the Christian religion. This central event shaped and formed the Christian movement as it made its way from the cradle of Palestine and became a Diaspora into the known Greco-Roman world.


You may remember the story that Luke records in the book Acts. The treasurer from Ethiopia, employed by the queen, was reading from an Isaiah scroll. This is the passage of Scripture the he was reading:


“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,


and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,


so he did not open his mouth.


33 In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.


Who can speak of his descendants?


For his life was taken from the earth.” (Isaiah 53:7,8)


Philipp joined this treasurer in his chariot, and from this very passage told him the good news about Jesus. As the church began to spread into different parts of the Hellenistic world, the message of Jesus was central to that movement. But what caused problems was that having a Messiah who was “humiliated” was humiliating to the Jews, and the Greeks wanted nothing to do with a weak and powerless God.


This may be why today the Christian message is still hard to take. That is why the fundamental Christian message is deceptively replaced with messages about health, wealth, fun, self-fulfillment, etc. with a veneer of Christian decorum. It is easier to sell that way!


But Jesus is fundamentally presented time and again in the New Testament as a humble servant. Again, in the Carmen Christi “Christ Hymn” of Philippians 2:5-11, we find that Jesus’ humiliation was the cross event. This cursed way of dying forever destroyed the Messianic expectation of military might and prowess. The resurrection vindicated his humiliation. As Jesus emptied himself, God took the posture of humiliation.


It is only out of the stance of brokenness and humiliation that we, too, can participate in the radical work of God. So much of Jesus’ life exemplified that posture of humiliation. Our life must be no less!

 In Christian love, Curtis