The WAY of Christ pt. 3

The concept of way doesn't just refer to us living our lives. It also shows how following Christ means allowing Him to change our world-view. Here's another definition for "hodos" (Greek for way):

1. a course of conduct
2. a way (i.e. manner) of thinking, feeling, deciding

Following the way of Jesus means that our sinful nature has been transformed to be like His Spirit nature (Galatians 5). It holds to the thought that sin is not simply just something we do (i.e. adultery, murder, stealing), but it a part of our nature...a part of who we are. We have been conditioned by sin to react through a sin lens. However, once we begin following the way of Christ (having asked Him to forgive us and transform us) we move away from the sinful nature (Paul called it crucifying the flesh) and become more like Him.

Finding the Sweet Spot

I am by no means a baseball player. The one year I played (5th Grade) I had a .000 batting average. I generally love to watch and play, and I usually understand sports of all kinds: football, basketball, golf, ultimate frisbee, tennis, etc. But I'm not particularly fond of baseball. I know that saying that as a resident of Vincent is on par with blasphemy, but that's the way it is.

Despite my lack of enthusiasm for America's Game (let's be honest, baseball hasn't been America's game for at least a decade--thanks NFL and March Madness), I do understand some concepts. One of those is the "sweet spot." It's the place on a bat that provides the best power, acceleration, etc. that leads to greater hitting distance (i.e. more homeruns). But, the sweet spot isn't all over the bat. In fact it's just in...a spot. There's a balance between the regular spots and the bad spots and at the center of that balance is where you want to be.

Ministry is very similar. So is faith. There is a danger than I believe almost ALL ministries and believers fall into of going too far in one direction. All grace or no grace. Meeting on Sundays vs. never meeting. Republican or Democrat. Faith or works. Most disciples gravitate toward one extreme or another. My desire (although it is a great struggle for me) is to be balanced--to find that sweet spot that is the right location between two extremes. I think that's what God meant be "narrow [is] the road that leads to life." (Matthew 7.14)

So I guess the moral of the story, or the challenge is this: to find the sweet spot in your faith. Don't be blown back and forth between two extremes, but find that balanced, narrow sweet spot where God desire you (and me) to be.

Babies Don't Quit

"...I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven."  

Matthew 18.3

I don't know if you are like me, but, there are somethings that Jesus says that don't make a whole lot of sense to me.  Sometimes it would seem like--as a preacher--he would lose His mind.  He has everyone going, and the crowds are drawn in and then *BAM* He hits them up with a line like "unless you eat my flesh and drink my blood you cannot be my disciple." [John 6.53 paraphrased]  And the thing that always gets me is that last line, "you cannot me my disciple."  Almost every outlandish thing Jesus says is followed with that phrase.

I grew up with the general teaching that the living under the New Covenant was easier than the Old.  I disagree with that.  Yes, the Old had more technical things, but for the most part, they were doable (just mundane).  However, in the New, we're asked to do things that are basically impossible on our own.  Here are a few examples:

You have heard that it was said...'do not murder'...(Old), But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother is subject to judgement (New).

You have heard that it was said, "Do not commit adultery.' (Old) But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery...(New)

The verse at the top falls into this category in my mind.  How in the world are we supposed to become young again (unless of course you are Benjamin Button)?  Why would we want to become like a child, AGAIN?

I think God answered that question (or at least part of it) for me the other night.  On our way home from the Regional Tournament, the coach's daughter began walking up and down the bus (she's a little over 1 I think).  She's still grasping the concept of walking, so she often fell.  But when she did, she never cried, she didn't just lay there for ever.  She'd always get back up.  And then it hit me, "babies don't quit."  They fall all the stinkin' time, the hit their heads on stuff, and they struggle at doing almost everything that we do without thinking.  But they never quit.  I think that's why Jesus used the illustration of becoming like a child to follow Him:  because babies don't quit!

Why Salt?

So I was reading in Leviticus (ch.2) last night when I stumbled upon a verse that has me a bit baffled.  Here it is:

Leviticus 2.3: Season all your grain offerings with salt to remind you of God’s eternal covenant. Never forget to add salt to your grain offerings.

Sometimes God asks things that don't make a lot of sense--especially in the OT (maybe its just b/c I've never been a Jew).  Apparently, for some reason this salting is very important.  But why?

I need your help.  If you have ANY insight at all (no answer is too crazy), please comment me.  Monday, I'll post what I found out...

Thanks for the help.

Quote of the Day

"Sin is not letting God be God"

(I can't remember where I heard this, but it's too good not to post)

Champions Pay the Price

For some reason over the past several days these words have been playing over and over again in my soul.  I really believe God has been trying to remind me that (#1) I'm a champion [Romans 8.37] and (#2) as a champion I have to be willing to pay the price.  From watching videos of the persecuted disciples around the world, to the sacrifices required in ministry to the daily price to continue to be a Christ-follower, there is a price to be paid--not for our sins [Jesus took care of that], but to show our love to our Saviour.  Will you be willing to pay the price?

*Here's the video clip that's been playing in my mind.  Fast forward to about 2:34:

Revelation

I went to Starbucks this morning (Tuesday) to finish up my sermon for Wednesday. I am TIRED with all that we’ve been doing lately at the church, and I had to get a change of scenery—so what better place than Starbucks.

To be honest, I have been in a dry spot lately. I’ve felt very distant from God and I was wondering if I had somehow missed His will. It was rough. And so I’m on my way to Starbucks and I figured I’d pray; I forgot. So after I finish my Mocha and my sermon, I bounce to Wal-Mart (Fear Factor!). I finish up and get in the car to head back to Vincent—this time I actually begin praying.

I take a quick pit-stop at LifeWay and pick up a new book [Vintage Jesus] and get back in the car and continue my talk with God. And as I began to open up and be honest with Him [not like He didn’t already know me] He began to reveal things to me. I wouldn’t say it was a “vision”, but He began to reveal Himself and His plan for us. He showed me people getting saved on regular days at school. He showed me people being prayed for in PE and getting healed. He showed me people being filled with the Holy Spirit in between classes. And the people leading the way were you guys [CMs].

I now understand that our vision [Discover. Belong. Dare.] was never really meant to take place here—God intends for it to happen at VHS. I believe we’re on the cusp of a great revolution led by the Spirit of the Living God!!!!!! Begin to pray, fast, worship. Ask the Spirit to refill you and to give you courage and wisdom.

The only way this vision will come to pass is for you to catch it. If you can see the vision, let me know. Email me, myspace, call, something. And then let’s begin to make it happen!