I saw this at the Engaging Church blog and had to share. This is funny. Enjoy.
Spiritual Life
This category identifies entries related to discipleship, spiritual living, and spiritual formation.
Arabic Random Burst to Song
Michael Bird shared a link on his blog this morning. I’ve seen another clip of a similar random “songing” at a government center. This one is truly beautiful. I noticed how much more alert and aware the Arabs are more than the Americans, however (Act 20:31)). But then again, Americans often act oblivious like something is not happening until others jump on board. Take a look and compare for yourself. I think it would be a lot of fun to experience something like this first hand. One of those once in a lifetime, random opportunities. This will be common play in the new kingdom, Saints. I’m looking forward to singing with you (Rev 14:3). Enjoy!
The Light of Hope
The site called the "Tomb of Christ" in Jerusalem.
When Jesus entered the tomb after his cricifixion, the land grew dark (Mat 27:45, Mar 15:33, Luk 23:44). I read a quote by Greg Osborne in the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament: Matthew metioned on Zondervan’s blog, Koinonia. It got me thinking that when hope seems lost and time on the earth grows dark, redemption comes in the morning light (Psa 30:5). Once the savior comes, the darkness of life lifts away (Isa 60:2). We too, however, must be that light. If he is in the light, we too shall be in the light and should live as children of light (1Joh 1:7).
For a time, it may get ugly. Life can throw its darkness and uncertainties at us and demand for our attention. But if our focus is stayed on Christ, He will keep us in perfect peace (Isa 26:3). The darkness had no power over the light when it came to the cross. Death could not hold Him. That light can only be held under bushel for so long. If you find yourself sometimes consumed in darkness, know that something is getting ready to break forth. The work of Christ was completed in His resurrection. Darkness came in order that light would show superior!
Following Jesus, The Servant King
I appreciate the copy Zondervan sent of Dr. Jonathan Lunde’s new book, Following Jesus, The Servant King: A Biblical Theology of Covenantal Discipleship. They do so without the expectation for a positive review. Amazon carries the book as well. For other reviews, see the blog tour page.
I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Lunde at the Atlanta meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society’s national conference last November. So I looked forward to reviewing this book. Lunde has a good spirit about him and demonstrates a genuine care for and intimacy with Scripture.
Those elements certainly show through in his book. I thought it was very helpful. Lunde discloses his purpose for the book in the introductory chapter. He makes attempts to reiterate his original purpose throughout the text of the book. Another scholar who has done this well is Tom Holland in his Contours of Pauline Theology. I enjoyed Lunde’s ability to keep the discussion focused.
So what was the focus? It is on the continuity between the attributes of being a king and a servant. Lunde attempts to settled some of the tensions between those roles by answering the What, Why, and How question regarding our role in answering the call to follow after Jesus. Lunde does this through a covenantal approach to understanding biblical theology.
One thing to mention about covenantalists is that they don’t take the position that the only way to see continuity in the Scripture is through covenants. But rather covenants as one way in understanding the messages of the Bible. For those who are not familiar with covenantal theology this book is a strong place to start. Lunde higlights the major covenants and deals with their interplay in a clear way. Although not exhaustive, his coverage of the popularly accepted covenantal themes lays a strong foundation.
Lund then continues to isolate each of the questions (What, Why, How) and deal with them in-depth. What does it look like to be a disciple and what is demanded? Lunde answers by showing that a covenant begins with the grace of the one offering or initiating the covenant. We accept God’s covenant by grace and answer back with love in living out the covenant’s stipulations.
Why is it necessary to obey if Jesus’ grace covers all my sins? Lunde answers by showing that in many ways Jesus heightened the requirements of the Law. Jesus did this by raising the bar of love toward God and love towards our neighbors. Jesus said all the Law is hinged on our steadfast focus to loving God. If we love Him, we wont’ be focused on satisfying some rule, but in continuing a relationship that includes behavior conducive to the love we claim that we have for Him.
How do we answer this call when Jesus said his burden is light? Lunde shows the many ways in which the Law set down patterns of behavior. When we establish a pattern of lifestyle that reflects God’s work and his involvement in our lives, we enable Jesus to be present in the lives of his disciples. That makes the burdens light. Lunde takes an already-not-yet approach to the coming of the kingdom of Christ. Paul Schultz has pointed this out beautifully.
Lunde goes into far more detail and supports his conclusions with Scripture. Some bloggers such as Chris Blackstone have rightly commented on the richness of Lunde’s text. I want to be clear again that Lunde focuses on a discussion of the covenants as a way to pull out some very helpful themes on discipleship. It is not meant to include other dimensions of discipleship in the early church. Lunde’s text. is certainly complex in areas.
For these reasons, I also recommend Lunde’s work as a text for Spiritual Formation, or introductory Covenantal Theology. But this is not only helpful in an academic setting. I think this would serve as a good resource for independent learning just the same. It lays the groundwork for a Biblical Theology by way of a perspective of the covenants.
Lunde gives a terrific outline to what is involved in discipleship. His approach here on blending the roles of king and servant was rewarding and helpful to me. At his conclusion, Lunde gives practical ways in which we may live as informed servants and grace inspired kings. Lunde’s work is well worth your investment of time and money. This is also a resource that will pay dividends for quite some time. I will certainly be referring to it in the future. Highly recommended. Enjoy.
Do You Cherish Your Bible?
The Bible has been translated into English that we may study to show ourselves approved before God. Our own passions for God’s word are the result of the immense work put into translating this literature from the original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic manuscripts. When I began seriously reading the Scriptures after rededicating my life to Christ, I grew in appreciation for the insight offered on complicated or difficult to understand verses by theologians in the commentaries. What an indispensable work for the Lord.
The flame of the saints has been set ablaze by those who have preceded them. We are indebted to the work of our pastors, but also scholars such as Gerome who translated the Scripture into Latin and Martin Luther who translated them into German. This work is still going on by organizations like as Wycliffe and WorldTeam: translating the Scriptures into common languages. Here is the Kimyal Tribe in Indonesia who are excited to receive this incredible gift of God’s word becoming ever closer to them.
Thanks for the folks at Zondervan pointing out this great video clip.
Book Review: Washed & Waiting
As part of a blog tour on Wesley Hill’s new book, Washed & Waiting, Zondervan sent me a copy to review. I am under no obligation to reflect a positive critique. The book can be purchased with a 32% discount this week at Amazon.com.
The topic of homosexuality is confronting the Church head on. Many have published official positions. I was part of a blog tour on Pastor J.P. Campbell’s book, Turning Controversy to Ministry, in which he described several extremes: either a Church skirts the issue completely, is nearly hostile toward the topic, or choose to fully embrace it with open arms. Now there are varying degrees in between, but Wesley Hill introduces his subject by explaining his struggles as a homosexual who is Christian.
Hill doesn’t approach the subject by attempting to demonstrate that the Bible really doesn’t speak against practising homosexuality. Instead, Hill takes the reader through his struggle as one who wrestles with being homosexually oriented; yet, also believing that the Bible affirms disapproval of its practise.
On a guest blog entry, Hill speaks of his purpose for writing the book.
“My hope is that this book will help pastors better understand what it looks and feels like to be a Christian facing the reality of one’s own broken sexuality. The result, I hope, will be a greater sensitivity to one another’s weaknesses, and a deeper commitment to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) in the fellowship of Christ’s Body.”
I believe Hill did well in walking out his mission. Certain responses made toward those struggling with this fight can show that a person doesn’t truly understand the issue. How to approach the body of believers then when you are experiencing this same-sex attraction struggle can be a frightening experience. I think believers in the Church have some responsibility for that because of how insensitive we can be.
Hill describes himself as one who is washed and waiting. His faith is in Christ and he eagerly looks forward to the day when these desires are taken from him, and if not soon then at least in the resurrection (Rom 8:23-25). Hill describes his homosexuality as a gift from God because he uses it to minister to others in this same struggle. He doesn’t practice homosexual activity. I’m not sure I agree that we can call it a gift. He’s correct that good can come from our struggles, but I’m not convinced we can call something God is against, something that He gifted.
The level of dedication, devotion, and discipline that Hill describes in his walk is inspiring. He has sought to be fair and true to his own feelings, but not to abandon God’s design because his desires are at odds with God’s. This is a great example for the Church body. I believe this book is edifying, regardless of your current view on the topic. It will at least lead you through the challenges faced for those oriented toward same-sex desires.
Hill’s position is one of celibacy. And he urges the same position in his ministry toward others with this struggle. I think he’s brave for confronting a sensitive issue and has done well to capture its essence. I hope more of the Church reads his testimy, so that we can continue to grow in effectiveness toward helping others in their journey towards Christ-likeness. I recommend reading this resource.
Open the Eyes of My Heart
Simply correct. Very moving video. Thanks, Michael Snowdon.
Blindness from Michael Snowdon on Vimeo.
Turning Controversy into Church Ministry
Blog Tour This Week!
Thanks to Andrew Rogers at Zondervan Publishing and author W.P. Campbell for providing a copy of Turning Controversy into Church Ministry. Receive 40% off this resource by entering the code 980761.
What places this book in a good light for me is how Campbell doesn’t water down Scripture to condone inappropriate sexual behavior, but he addresses a need to reach those caught in its tight grip. The Church should be poised to heal, not reject those in sexual brokeness. As we stand on higher ground, equipped by the power of the gospel to change lives, we should seek to help those looking for grace and guidance to find their way upwards.
Campbell has been pastoring for over twenty years. As a result, his writing isn’t from the pen of a recent convert. Campbell has the wisdom of experience in ministering to these needs and having a faithful track record in Christ. He’s earned the credibility to share insight and for readers to listen with the ears of their heart.
Those from any type of lifestyle that is missing intimacy with Christ look at godly men and women with hope that they possess insight that will equip them to overcome their struggles. When those who claim to have the power of God display something quite contrary, I can’t imagine the dissappointment. Campbell argues that at times Saints do this to homosexuals. We either condemn the practice and walk away or we condone the practice and walk away from Scripture. Both roads are paths of least resistance.
Campbell uses the illustration of the woman caught in adultery (Joh 8:5-11). She is brought before Christ for her to be judged. Christ doesn’t condemn her, but calls her to leave her life of sin due to this grace demonstrated. Campbell discusses how few Saints embrace both truth and grace in this manner. We can be light, insight, and wisdom without withdrawing a helping hand. Christ has the “wit and the wisdom” to handle this issue if we are willing to follow him (13).
I’ve observed what Campbell explains. Without love, we alienate people. Without truth, we are unable to confront sin. “Neither can function properly without the other,” shares Campbell. I’ve seen many who thumb their noses as sexual sins later go to the liquor cabinet and party down all night. If neither drunkard or fornicator will enter heaven (1Cor 6:9-10), what is the difference in the end? Mat Schaffner does a fine job covering Campbell’s church response categories over at Searching for Meaning and Purpose.
Campbell sees that a majority in the Church have failed by promoting gay rights and creating a polarized view of the issue. They’ve brought the matter to the forefront of the Church’s agenda. However, I also believe that the opposite has greatly contributed to the height this issue has risen. At least partly to blame are those who picket and petition the issue right into the spotlight of Church and media.
Among these currents that can overwhelm us lies the opportunity for ministry. Cambell quotes Bonhoeffer, ”We must not grudge the time and work it takes” to know what the Scriptures say about issues we face in order that we may stand with “certainty and confidence in our personal and church activity” (18). We cannot be afraid of the work involved in a deep and committed Christianity.
Cambell includes many helpful background studies. He demonstrates the dangers of being lukewarm in our faith by comparing Laodicea’s hot and cold springs. The springs were outside the city and by the time they traveled through the aqueducts to the inner city, the cold spring was warm and the hot spring was cool. Both springs were lukewarm waters that did nothing for Laodicea’s residents. They detested them.
The Scriptures communicate that homosexual behavior stems from a rejection of God’s created order (Rom 1:18-32). This natural order is also supported by Christ (Mar 10:6-9). In so choosing it, God then gives a person over to a deppreciated mind (Rom 1:28). It is through the renewal of our thinking that our behaviors are changed (Rom 12:2). As our thoughts are, that’s who we become (Pro 23:7). I say this to point to the battleground of the mind. This is where our enemy attacks us. That is why we must take every thought captive (2Cor 10:5).
Campbell addresses this issue well with psychological statistics; among many others. Though homosexuality was removed from the list of disorders by the APA, psychiatrists who have treated the condition have seen high success rates. These are patients who request treatment and desire to change their behavior. From 1930 to 1968, success rates of more than 50% had been experienced, according to Campbell (115). Researchers Masters and Johnson “found an unusually high success rate of 71.6%.” It is alarming that in light of these statistics, the APA remains committed to encourage mental health providers to “avoid telling clients that they can alter their sexual orientation.” They recommend leading patients to religions and lifestyles that accept their orientation. The research shows this response to be political.
With the same fervency, Campbell recommends believers to avoid extreme positions, remain committed to a Christ-like ministry, and pursue opportunities to share life intimately with those who need and seek godly help. A good shepherd goes after his sheep when they are lost (Eze 34:16). My pastor as a young believer always made significant effort to find out where I was in my walk. He pursued me. He invested the time to know me and to guide me even though I wasn’t always seeking him. Campbell shows to be of this type of good shepherd.
There are some points of divergence with Campbell’s position. One I will share is that I do believe homosexuality to derive from demonic activity, but then so do all illnesses. They did not exist before the fall. I don’t think calling out demonic activity equates to an absence of grace when it comes to this (137). However, I don’t view these divergences to take the bulk of Campbells’ message away. These types of things seem to be more experiential differences.
Scripture matters much in Campbell’s worldview. Without it, “we have no basis for faith” (140). We must defend it and it must govern our steps. Just as it sheds light on unbiblical behavior, it also sheds light on the unification of love and truth in our lives and ministries. He also holds a high view of prayer. A successful leadership team will be devoted continually to prayer, states Campbell. I absolutley concur.
Campbell concludes his work with an action plan for ministry. This book is highly valuable to contemplate and to begin the discussion towards how to be Christ to all hurting people, regardless of their current walk of life. Paul said that some in the Corinthian church came from this type of lifestyle (1Cor 6:11). We know what the law said about this practice, but then it also said it against fornicators and adulterers. Like the instance of the woman caught in adultery, who can cast the first stone? In no place do I see Scripture instructing us to abandon the sexually broken.
I commend Campbell for his work and brevity in this volume. There is more to interact with than what I’ve been able to do here, which is the effect a good resource. Thus, I recommend it. I agree with Steven Ganz that “Campbell is a good guide that helps us with…heart scrutiny.” Thanks for reading. I hope you do take advantage of the offer and get this resouce.