Tronster asked on Horizon's message board (link to the right) "Does the concept of 'truth' come in to play at all in why we feel guilty?"
When he posed that questioin, this passage came to mind:
John 3.16-21:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.”
Guilt has a lot to do with Truth, IMO. When we are faced with truth, we have to decide... will be step into the light? Will we really allow our motives, deeds, our words be known? Because you see... stepping into the light is like stepping into truth, and vice versa. But the feeling of guilt kicks in when we are made aware of truth... (Side note... whether we feel guilty or not is really a moot point. If we are guilty, we are guilty whether we "feel" it or not).
Paul describes two kinds of guilty sorrow/conviction: Godly, and Worldly
2 Corinthians 7.10-11:
"Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done. At every point you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter."
When we are in the throws of guilt when faced with the truth... we have the choice of how to respond. Notice the actions of Judas vs. Peter when Christ was murdered on a cross. BOTH of these guys lost all of their integrity. BOTH of them blew it, big time. One betrayed and the other denied... but both did each, really. The difference, though, is that one gave up... he caved to worldly guilt that leads to death. There was NO WAY he could come into the light, into truth. How could he? (Or so he thought?) His solution? Death. Peter on the other hand, wept bitterly. He did not resort to killing himself as Judas did, but rather is found with the disciples in every mention of him after Jesus' death. It could be argued that Peter had the most to lose in something like this... he is always mentioned first in lists of the disciples. He was obviously a strong leader. His credibility was shot, left in ruins. Yet, he did not run away... he made things right. And you know what? So did Jesus... that's what the entire 21st chapter of John is about: Jesus' restoration of Peter. I would call this Godly guilt or sorrow. Peter, as hard as it was, chose Godly guilt as the way to deal with this.
Alanis Morissette has a song that says it best: "The only way out is through..." -- how right she is.
And with that said, there is also another way people deal with the truth and guilt. It's the worst kind... probably even worse than Judas' way, and that's to deny guilt or truth all together. Paul describes such people as "hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron" (1 Timothy 4.2) A person can become so convinced of their own spin/lies/perception of reality that they believe it to be true- whether it is or not. When that happens, with a conscience seared as with a hot iron, there is no way for this person to admit any wrong doing at all. With everything in them, they sense no guilt for what they do. That... is a very dangerous place to be... the worst place to be.
Just some thoughts on truth and guilt.
12.07.2005
11.24.2005
Does Influence = Leadership?
Matthew 16.5-12:
When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
It would seem that the idea of "yeast" would be that of influence: the teachings of the Pharisees, their way of thought...
But then later in Luke, Jesus says this:
Luke 12.1-3:
Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
Here, the yeast is labeled as hypocrisy.
This seems consistent with Paul when he says:
1 Corinthians 5.6-8:
"Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast — as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth."
But here is the one that best deals with yeast as a metaphor for influence, also from Paul:
Galatians 5.7-10:
"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.
'A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.'
I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be."
That one really nails it. Influence is a powerful force, and in some cases, a dangerous one.
There is, however, a passage that sees this form of influence in a more positive light:
Matthew 13.33:
He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
The Kingdom of Heaven works the same way... Here I am reminded of the very first passage listed above. What did Jesus do with 5 loaves and 2 fish? He multiplied them! His working power worked through what was there and it was multiplied. Awesome... Likewise, Jesus invested in 12 men and several women... fast-forward 2,000 years -- we are here. A little worked through the dough producing amazing results.
When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.”
Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked, “You of little faith, why are you talking among yourselves about having no bread? Do you still not understand? Don’t you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? Or the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? How is it you don’t understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
It would seem that the idea of "yeast" would be that of influence: the teachings of the Pharisees, their way of thought...
But then later in Luke, Jesus says this:
Luke 12.1-3:
Meanwhile, when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another, Jesus began to speak first to his disciples, saying: “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What you have said in the dark will be heard in the daylight, and what you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed from the roofs.
Here, the yeast is labeled as hypocrisy.
This seems consistent with Paul when he says:
1 Corinthians 5.6-8:
"Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast — as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth."
But here is the one that best deals with yeast as a metaphor for influence, also from Paul:
Galatians 5.7-10:
"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.
'A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.'
I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be."
That one really nails it. Influence is a powerful force, and in some cases, a dangerous one.
There is, however, a passage that sees this form of influence in a more positive light:
Matthew 13.33:
He told them still another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough.”
The Kingdom of Heaven works the same way... Here I am reminded of the very first passage listed above. What did Jesus do with 5 loaves and 2 fish? He multiplied them! His working power worked through what was there and it was multiplied. Awesome... Likewise, Jesus invested in 12 men and several women... fast-forward 2,000 years -- we are here. A little worked through the dough producing amazing results.
10.31.2005
OK, JUST HAD TO SHARE THIS!
Ok... as you many of you know, I recently compiled a DVD with various Horizon videos on it to hand out. Well, some I also mailed a few copies to people (like Ashley in Germany and Matt/Andrea Battaglia in Missouri). One of the people I mailed a copy to was a boardie in Kansas City from the Moby Boards. Her screen name is SunFlowerSeeds and she is Jewish. She is often in the Spiritual Forum @ Moby.com where you can find me, many times. Well, I had made mention that if anyone wanted a copy of the DVD over there that I would mail it to her... well, she requested a copy and I sent it...
Below is her response... I am astounded.
---
Hi !
I don't know where to begin..... I drove to Salina Sat morning, Howie and his mates, Sandra & Robert, wanted to watch the CD also.. so there were four of us... ( Howard made pop corn ! )
Sandra is a serious christian, she's baptist, born, bred and raised all into that sounthern gospel thing. She got me into the music, I love some of the WOW worship stuff she listens to, and have even made mention of it on the moby boards. She's got a heart of gold and has told me so many times that Jesus simply had more love for humans than could possibly be explained..... she's fun to banter with on religion, because she never judged me and she never made me feel like an outsider. I've been to church with her a few times at her Grace Baptist Temple in Salina, Pastor Chris is a great guy, always talking about how we're to LOVE each other... and I guess Sandra listens, she's sure full of love for everyone.
Robert, her husband, is a new christian. He got to know Christ through Sandra, who witnessed to him and I guess she decided he was kinda cute. They've been married 10 years, a great couple. Full of compassion for each other, oh they fight, I've seen them, but they are full of so much love and forgiveness. They have no problems saying they believe it's only be the "grace of God" they are still married. That word again, "grace".....
Howie is a great friend. I've been buds with him for YEARS... since college days. He's a christian too, and I've heard him talk for years about Grace......
My point??
Well, we watched the WHOLE video, we watched it all in one sitting......
and the parts about That Dame Grace....
I was in tears.
Literally, in tears.... bawling like a baby.... Sandra got up to get me some kleenex and I couldn't stop crying. They just sat there, quietly, watching me cry, while Sandra held my hand.....as I cried and cried....
I understand.........I never understood before.. but I understand it now... it makes sense...
I can't follow the law exactly... not 100% PERFECTLY, I never could, I never will, and I'm not ever going to....
Jesus made it possible so I didn't HAVE to.... I still believe the law is there for a reason, don't misunderstand, I'm not going to just suddenly decide the law in not important, but I understand GRACE now.....
Grace.. is like Sandra has been telling me for years....You do the BEST you can, and you let Grace cover the rest.. since I can't be perfect, I just do what I can to very best of my human ability and the grace of christ's blood will cover the rest.
How so simple ! How so easy to understand, once you understand it. why did it take so long to understand????
DO I believe Christ died for me ??? YES !!! I do. DO I believe that Christ came to abolish the jewish law?? NO, I don't.....
We stayed up and talked for hours and hours and hours about all of this... The four of us, talking about christ, the law, The Passion of Christ, ( I've never seen it yet, that's next weekend.. ) Howie said there is something called "Messianic Christians" that he thinks I should get a hold of and Jews for Jesus organization I looked up on the internet.
I can't begin, to THANK you and your church, enough, for putting that together. It was so clear to me, it just hit me like a rock. That Dame Grace, oh yes, she's finally, mine
And the rest of the CD, well, it was very very very good, but as you can tell, the grace part was what hit me the hardest.....
so forgive me for not going into how awesome it was that you used movie's and awesome hitory lessons to make a point about fear, that was way too cool.
Because, now I'm scared, I have fear now too.... afraid of "now what?" I've accepted Christ, now what do I do with my jewishness ????? Sandra says "nothing, keep being a jew.. but know that Christ saved you, NOT your law abiding.."
So ! I don't want to be trapped in my fear, I should probably watch that part again.
But anyway, the CD was great, I loved it loved it loved it.
And what talent there must be in your church !!!!!
AND-- my life is different... I don't know what I mean.. I guess, I have things to do...
I won't be on moby too much anymore.. maybe it was just a moment in time for me to "meet" you and have you send that to me.. I do believe that "strange" things happen with our lord.. I've always believed in that...
anyway.... saying "thank you" seems Tawdry, but it's sincere and I appreciate you for what you've done.
I pray for you.......and your family and your church.
Thank you.
From all four of us !
With much gratitude and love,
your sister in Christ : ( I LOVE saying that now ! LOL )
Sari
---
Isn't that AWESOME!? Of course, really her friends there in Kansas City really had much more to do with it. But, "That Dame Grace" was the way in which God delivered the "get it" factor for her... Sweet!
DCC
Below is her response... I am astounded.
---
Hi !
I don't know where to begin..... I drove to Salina Sat morning, Howie and his mates, Sandra & Robert, wanted to watch the CD also.. so there were four of us... ( Howard made pop corn ! )
Sandra is a serious christian, she's baptist, born, bred and raised all into that sounthern gospel thing. She got me into the music, I love some of the WOW worship stuff she listens to, and have even made mention of it on the moby boards. She's got a heart of gold and has told me so many times that Jesus simply had more love for humans than could possibly be explained..... she's fun to banter with on religion, because she never judged me and she never made me feel like an outsider. I've been to church with her a few times at her Grace Baptist Temple in Salina, Pastor Chris is a great guy, always talking about how we're to LOVE each other... and I guess Sandra listens, she's sure full of love for everyone.
Robert, her husband, is a new christian. He got to know Christ through Sandra, who witnessed to him and I guess she decided he was kinda cute. They've been married 10 years, a great couple. Full of compassion for each other, oh they fight, I've seen them, but they are full of so much love and forgiveness. They have no problems saying they believe it's only be the "grace of God" they are still married. That word again, "grace".....
Howie is a great friend. I've been buds with him for YEARS... since college days. He's a christian too, and I've heard him talk for years about Grace......
My point??
Well, we watched the WHOLE video, we watched it all in one sitting......
and the parts about That Dame Grace....
I was in tears.
Literally, in tears.... bawling like a baby.... Sandra got up to get me some kleenex and I couldn't stop crying. They just sat there, quietly, watching me cry, while Sandra held my hand.....as I cried and cried....
I understand.........I never understood before.. but I understand it now... it makes sense...
I can't follow the law exactly... not 100% PERFECTLY, I never could, I never will, and I'm not ever going to....
Jesus made it possible so I didn't HAVE to.... I still believe the law is there for a reason, don't misunderstand, I'm not going to just suddenly decide the law in not important, but I understand GRACE now.....
Grace.. is like Sandra has been telling me for years....You do the BEST you can, and you let Grace cover the rest.. since I can't be perfect, I just do what I can to very best of my human ability and the grace of christ's blood will cover the rest.
How so simple ! How so easy to understand, once you understand it. why did it take so long to understand????
DO I believe Christ died for me ??? YES !!! I do. DO I believe that Christ came to abolish the jewish law?? NO, I don't.....
We stayed up and talked for hours and hours and hours about all of this... The four of us, talking about christ, the law, The Passion of Christ, ( I've never seen it yet, that's next weekend.. ) Howie said there is something called "Messianic Christians" that he thinks I should get a hold of and Jews for Jesus organization I looked up on the internet.
I can't begin, to THANK you and your church, enough, for putting that together. It was so clear to me, it just hit me like a rock. That Dame Grace, oh yes, she's finally, mine
And the rest of the CD, well, it was very very very good, but as you can tell, the grace part was what hit me the hardest.....
so forgive me for not going into how awesome it was that you used movie's and awesome hitory lessons to make a point about fear, that was way too cool.
Because, now I'm scared, I have fear now too.... afraid of "now what?" I've accepted Christ, now what do I do with my jewishness ????? Sandra says "nothing, keep being a jew.. but know that Christ saved you, NOT your law abiding.."
So ! I don't want to be trapped in my fear, I should probably watch that part again.
But anyway, the CD was great, I loved it loved it loved it.
And what talent there must be in your church !!!!!
AND-- my life is different... I don't know what I mean.. I guess, I have things to do...
I won't be on moby too much anymore.. maybe it was just a moment in time for me to "meet" you and have you send that to me.. I do believe that "strange" things happen with our lord.. I've always believed in that...
anyway.... saying "thank you" seems Tawdry, but it's sincere and I appreciate you for what you've done.
I pray for you.......and your family and your church.
Thank you.
From all four of us !
With much gratitude and love,
your sister in Christ : ( I LOVE saying that now ! LOL )
Sari
---
Isn't that AWESOME!? Of course, really her friends there in Kansas City really had much more to do with it. But, "That Dame Grace" was the way in which God delivered the "get it" factor for her... Sweet!
DCC
10.23.2005
Good is the Enemy of Great
Why settle for good when great is a few steps away? Good is the enemy of great.
10.12.2005
MultiCongregational - ONE Church
Ever had a dream hit you square between the eyes? One that you just can't shake off or dismiss? I have... and it's this dream: to be a part of a one church that is made up of many congregations all over the world... a church in which every congregation shares a common vision... common values... the same Lord, and yet is indigenous to it's surrounding community. A church that shares all of it's resources, one in which the good of the whole outweighs the wants of the one... that every congregation is in this church, together... on mission together...
I can see Horizon churches in England, in Africa, in California, in New York, in Seattle, in Miami.... all sharing resources together, sharing the same message, working together in the same missional focus.
I can see people from each location encouraging one another about the stories of what God has been doing all over the world, each sending out missionaries to help the other, and each carrying each other's burdens in prayer and action.
Crazy? Maybe... But I can't shake it that this is what I am here on earth to do and be a part of.
I can see Horizon churches in England, in Africa, in California, in New York, in Seattle, in Miami.... all sharing resources together, sharing the same message, working together in the same missional focus.
I can see people from each location encouraging one another about the stories of what God has been doing all over the world, each sending out missionaries to help the other, and each carrying each other's burdens in prayer and action.
Crazy? Maybe... But I can't shake it that this is what I am here on earth to do and be a part of.
9.02.2005
New Orleans
What in the world is going on? One of the cities that's played such a huge part of my spiritual journey with Christ is in utter ruin. When people say it's a city on the verge of collapse, they are kidding themselves. It HAS collapsed. Please pray for those trying to get out... please pray for those that are on the brink of death... please pray for those stuck in the death, stench, and decay of the convention center! The situation is astounding. I believe the crisis here is far greater than that of 9/11 and the need is that much greater.
Prayer:
Father, in Jesus name, I pray for the people of the Gulf Coast. I pray for healing. I pray for transportation. I pray for medical help. I pray for clean, pure water. I pray for fresh clothes, showers, and facilities. I pray, God, for deliverance! And most of all, I pray that those that are crying out to You will be heard. And may the church respond in critical ways to demonstrate the love of Christ in the midst of such tragedy. God, save New Orleans...
DCC
Prayer:
Father, in Jesus name, I pray for the people of the Gulf Coast. I pray for healing. I pray for transportation. I pray for medical help. I pray for clean, pure water. I pray for fresh clothes, showers, and facilities. I pray, God, for deliverance! And most of all, I pray that those that are crying out to You will be heard. And may the church respond in critical ways to demonstrate the love of Christ in the midst of such tragedy. God, save New Orleans...
DCC
8.13.2005
10:1
Today, I remember that it was one year ago to this very day that my grandfather, "Captain," died in Houston. Kimme and I made the decision to fly out and we caught him (unknowingly) with less than 12 hours left to live. Wow... hard to believe that was a year ago.
Even more hard to believe is that this month marks when Kimme and I left everything we knew and moved as newlyweds to the Big Easy - or New Orleans - 10 years ago. 10 YEARS AGO!
Even more crazy is that Captain's passing is 1/10th of that time... I dunno... just something I was thinking of today.
PRAYER: God thank you for time. Time to experience Your love and Your grace. I have no idea how many times my heart will beat in my chest, nor how many breaths I will breathe... Still, help every moment be lived to the fullest... taking advantage of every situation for your glory and honor. AMEN.
Even more hard to believe is that this month marks when Kimme and I left everything we knew and moved as newlyweds to the Big Easy - or New Orleans - 10 years ago. 10 YEARS AGO!
Even more crazy is that Captain's passing is 1/10th of that time... I dunno... just something I was thinking of today.
PRAYER: God thank you for time. Time to experience Your love and Your grace. I have no idea how many times my heart will beat in my chest, nor how many breaths I will breathe... Still, help every moment be lived to the fullest... taking advantage of every situation for your glory and honor. AMEN.
8.12.2005
7.30.2005
Sex (a PG-13 post)
Well, today we finished our second "Sexual Intimacy in Marriage" study. The first one in May was great, but this one was at least 200 times better and all the more convincing that we (meaning the Body of Christ) need more transparency and discussion about this topic.
Today was most powerful since we had a guest speaker... Dena from the http://www.themarriagebed.com/boards/ -- a legend (at least over there). :) She stopped in for the second half of our study to tell her story of being married 17 years, being the "ice princess" to her husband, and her very recent awakening. What a powerful testimony of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Just 15 months ago, she admitted, she would have NEVER even SPOKE of things sexual. Pleasure, esp. sexual pleasure, was considered bad, even in marriage. She came from a church (where Mark, her husband, was on staff) that wasn't happy about the results when God healed her sexuality/libido/desire for her husband. And when they discovered some of her posts on the marriage bed site, they made it sound as if something illicit was happening... not understanding or teaching that God is lavish in wanting us to enjoy His gift of sex as the Song of Solomon promotes. So, of course, when she had an awakening of sorts - she was a threat and they asked them to leave. Imagine! Hard to believe...
Yet, it's so true... Christians, on the most part, have chosen to remove themselves from the discussion of sex -- all for the sake of purity and in return have been impure. When we are teens, we are just told, don't do it... remain pure... but that is many times not enough in dealing with the raging hormonal changes taking place. Also, in a day and time in which the average age in which couples get married is extended each year, this of course causes even more tension for a single Christian still trying to stay true to what they heard when they were teens: don't do it, stay pure. The church should be engaged in dialogue about this instead of just giving the knee jerk reaction: don't do it.
And of course, married couples... I think many times the assumption is for a Christian man... "when I marry, everything will be just fine. I will FINALLY have a sex life and everything will be great." Yet... how does the wife feel about sex? What are her views on sex? What was she taught? Is sex dirty? Would she be dirty in enjoying it? Did he or she have past sexual encounters that still linger in their mind? Are there other people in the room, so to speak, when the married couple is together? From what rule book, personal beliefs about sex, are each couple bringing into the marriage bed? Do they know how things work? Have they been "discipled" by older and more experienced friends of the same sex? Many a couple walks into marriage completely unaware of what lay ahead. And in some ways, that's perfectly fine... discovering together is always great.
Ah... but what happens when problems arise? The wife, for instance, that's never experienced an orgasm and thinks sex is ok, but doesn't see what the big deal is. Who will teach her about this? The husband that can't last longer than two minutes, who will help him with this issue? The man or woman with a secret porn addiction... who is going to be there to help? And these issues just scratch the surface.
WHEN THE CHURCH IS SILENT, THE WORLD SPEAKS LIES THAT PEOPLE BELIEVE. And I for one believe that sexual discussion should take place long before someone says "I do." And a couple should as well way longer than 2 weeks before they say "I do."
I am thankful for these last two events, and hope for more. Actually, I would love for Dena and Mark to share their story to our whole church (with 12 and under out of the theater). I think it would do a world of good.
To learn more about Dena and her story, see her profile at the following link below and read some of her posts. If you are married or engaged, I urge you to get involved with the discussions on The Marriage Bed forum. You can post anonymously and ask those nagging questions you've always wanted to ask. Good stuff...
May God help all of us learn to remain pure, holy, and true in whatever state we are in as Christians... whether a teen, a single, or married.
(http://www.themarriagebed.com/boards/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=469)
Today was most powerful since we had a guest speaker... Dena from the http://www.themarriagebed.com/boards/ -- a legend (at least over there). :) She stopped in for the second half of our study to tell her story of being married 17 years, being the "ice princess" to her husband, and her very recent awakening. What a powerful testimony of the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Just 15 months ago, she admitted, she would have NEVER even SPOKE of things sexual. Pleasure, esp. sexual pleasure, was considered bad, even in marriage. She came from a church (where Mark, her husband, was on staff) that wasn't happy about the results when God healed her sexuality/libido/desire for her husband. And when they discovered some of her posts on the marriage bed site, they made it sound as if something illicit was happening... not understanding or teaching that God is lavish in wanting us to enjoy His gift of sex as the Song of Solomon promotes. So, of course, when she had an awakening of sorts - she was a threat and they asked them to leave. Imagine! Hard to believe...
Yet, it's so true... Christians, on the most part, have chosen to remove themselves from the discussion of sex -- all for the sake of purity and in return have been impure. When we are teens, we are just told, don't do it... remain pure... but that is many times not enough in dealing with the raging hormonal changes taking place. Also, in a day and time in which the average age in which couples get married is extended each year, this of course causes even more tension for a single Christian still trying to stay true to what they heard when they were teens: don't do it, stay pure. The church should be engaged in dialogue about this instead of just giving the knee jerk reaction: don't do it.
And of course, married couples... I think many times the assumption is for a Christian man... "when I marry, everything will be just fine. I will FINALLY have a sex life and everything will be great." Yet... how does the wife feel about sex? What are her views on sex? What was she taught? Is sex dirty? Would she be dirty in enjoying it? Did he or she have past sexual encounters that still linger in their mind? Are there other people in the room, so to speak, when the married couple is together? From what rule book, personal beliefs about sex, are each couple bringing into the marriage bed? Do they know how things work? Have they been "discipled" by older and more experienced friends of the same sex? Many a couple walks into marriage completely unaware of what lay ahead. And in some ways, that's perfectly fine... discovering together is always great.
Ah... but what happens when problems arise? The wife, for instance, that's never experienced an orgasm and thinks sex is ok, but doesn't see what the big deal is. Who will teach her about this? The husband that can't last longer than two minutes, who will help him with this issue? The man or woman with a secret porn addiction... who is going to be there to help? And these issues just scratch the surface.
WHEN THE CHURCH IS SILENT, THE WORLD SPEAKS LIES THAT PEOPLE BELIEVE. And I for one believe that sexual discussion should take place long before someone says "I do." And a couple should as well way longer than 2 weeks before they say "I do."
I am thankful for these last two events, and hope for more. Actually, I would love for Dena and Mark to share their story to our whole church (with 12 and under out of the theater). I think it would do a world of good.
To learn more about Dena and her story, see her profile at the following link below and read some of her posts. If you are married or engaged, I urge you to get involved with the discussions on The Marriage Bed forum. You can post anonymously and ask those nagging questions you've always wanted to ask. Good stuff...
May God help all of us learn to remain pure, holy, and true in whatever state we are in as Christians... whether a teen, a single, or married.
(http://www.themarriagebed.com/boards/profile.php?mode=viewprofile&u=469)
7.22.2005
6.24.2005
3 conversations in odd places
Well, those of you that know me well know that Kimme and I have had quite a month of June. *whew* I have traveled from coast to coast and then back to the plains of Kansas and back for work for my mom (video stuff for her Merck meeting) in Phoenix, Arizona and Kimme's grandmother's funeral in Hodgen, Oklahoma. In these past 2-3 weeks, I've found myself in the most unlikely places having the most unlikely conversations (though none have quite yet compared with the one in the Waldorf in Manhattan mentioned elsewhere). Still... I thought I would share.
#1: On the last night of my time in Phoenix (or Scottsdale, actually) at the Hyatt Regency, the Merck folks had a final dinner, pool-side - stocked with the most incredible food. As we strolled over the 5 star resort to the pool (one of perhaps 20?) one could here the sound of an Indian flute. Sure enough, there was a man playing a flute in full Native American garb. After he had played one set, I came over to speak with him. Unfortunately now, I cannot remember his name, but we had a very pleasant conversation about faith and religion. He was part Hopi Indian, Choctaw (like Kimme), and Apache. He lived, however, on a Hopi reservation and played an integral part of their religious community. He explained to me some of their practices... one of which was an intrinsic belief that their dancing and singing help make the world keep living, breathing, moving. He basically said that they believed if they did not dance, the word would end.
Now, of course... anyone with any sort of scientific understanding of the universe knows, that is not the case... Still, it was a wonderful moment of reflection for me. What if we lived as though the world depended on it? As Christians... what would our lives look like if we lived this way? And what, in turn, would the world look like?
#2: On the plains of Kansas somewhere, Kimme's sister Donna lives in a beautiful home surrounded by a sea of gold fields and buffalo. One night last week, we stopped over to eat some of their home-grown beef. Without a doubt, the best steaks I've ever eaten. :) But, one of the other guests there was Donna's husband's father. He is the patriarch of the family, a family full of cattle ranchers, dairy farmers, and hard working people. After he went on and on about all the game he and his sons had killed on hunting trips in Africa (Giraffes, lions, impalas, leopards, wart hogs, hippos, you name it) he asked me what I did for a living. Surprised that no one had told him, I explained I was a pastor. Instantly, he was gripped with fear... not fear of me, just fear that he had offended me somehow... He preceded to explain that he wasn't much of a church goer. He figured, and I quote... "Any sins that I have committed, I figure I'll pay for myself. I won't have anyone else paying for what I've done."
Man, that nearly took the life out of me... it was if someone had taken the air out of the room, at least for me. I sort of cringed inside, instantly recalling the time all the people Israel shouted for Jesus' crucifixion shouting "Let his blood he on our heads and the heads of our children." Those are prophetic words... words that time does not erase. Wow.
He asked me what I thought of that, and well... I explained about grace. That I knew, for me, that my sins outweighed any means of my pay back. That I would rather in such a case, turn to One that could pay for them, if willing. And he was willing; His name is Jesus.
#3: In Heavener, Oklahoma last Tuesday we all gathered to pay our respects to Lillie Bell Lewis, Kimme's grandmother. The funeral service was in Lillie Bell's church, Trinity Baptist Church. Since I was a part of the service, I took a few moments to meet with her pastor in his office. I wasn't so sure what to expect having preached in many small, southern baptist churches in Oklahoma while attending college there... but I didn't expect to find what I found: as soon as I walked in, I instantly saw the books... books like "The Second Coming of Church" by George Barna and stuff by Pastor Cymbala in Brooklyn. Man, what a refreshing conversation with a fellow servant of God! Our discussions were on genuine Christianity, and how that is lived out with those outside the Cultural Christian Bubble. We both share a passion for being on mission... away from that Bubble. He had mentioned how the day before he had had a conversation with his wife saying, "I think we may need to get out of the Bible Belt," and with that... he may move to Kansas City.
Anyway, I was humbled by this man. Here he is, faithfully serving in such a poor town... a tiny church in a tiny town, faithfully serving God. God has definitely blessed his efforts, growing this small church into a decent size. Here he had served faithfully for 6 years. Made me think of the moment I felt the call, specifically, to come here to Maryland. I sat in the hotel lobby of the Best Western in Westminster, MD and read the story of David and Goliath. It was then I remembered that God takes the small to school the tall... the weak to beat the strong... the foolish to outwit the wise. When I wanted Manhattan, God sent me to Westminster, and I am grateful. Now there is Horizon Church. I pray for this man to be used of God to big things and I am thankful for an example of a man that has been faithful in the small, and will perhaps be entrusted with much.
Well, I wish I was a better writer... wish I could have had all 2 of you that read this with me. :) It's been some good contemplative conversations as of late.
Your friend,
DCC
#1: On the last night of my time in Phoenix (or Scottsdale, actually) at the Hyatt Regency, the Merck folks had a final dinner, pool-side - stocked with the most incredible food. As we strolled over the 5 star resort to the pool (one of perhaps 20?) one could here the sound of an Indian flute. Sure enough, there was a man playing a flute in full Native American garb. After he had played one set, I came over to speak with him. Unfortunately now, I cannot remember his name, but we had a very pleasant conversation about faith and religion. He was part Hopi Indian, Choctaw (like Kimme), and Apache. He lived, however, on a Hopi reservation and played an integral part of their religious community. He explained to me some of their practices... one of which was an intrinsic belief that their dancing and singing help make the world keep living, breathing, moving. He basically said that they believed if they did not dance, the word would end.
Now, of course... anyone with any sort of scientific understanding of the universe knows, that is not the case... Still, it was a wonderful moment of reflection for me. What if we lived as though the world depended on it? As Christians... what would our lives look like if we lived this way? And what, in turn, would the world look like?
#2: On the plains of Kansas somewhere, Kimme's sister Donna lives in a beautiful home surrounded by a sea of gold fields and buffalo. One night last week, we stopped over to eat some of their home-grown beef. Without a doubt, the best steaks I've ever eaten. :) But, one of the other guests there was Donna's husband's father. He is the patriarch of the family, a family full of cattle ranchers, dairy farmers, and hard working people. After he went on and on about all the game he and his sons had killed on hunting trips in Africa (Giraffes, lions, impalas, leopards, wart hogs, hippos, you name it) he asked me what I did for a living. Surprised that no one had told him, I explained I was a pastor. Instantly, he was gripped with fear... not fear of me, just fear that he had offended me somehow... He preceded to explain that he wasn't much of a church goer. He figured, and I quote... "Any sins that I have committed, I figure I'll pay for myself. I won't have anyone else paying for what I've done."
Man, that nearly took the life out of me... it was if someone had taken the air out of the room, at least for me. I sort of cringed inside, instantly recalling the time all the people Israel shouted for Jesus' crucifixion shouting "Let his blood he on our heads and the heads of our children." Those are prophetic words... words that time does not erase. Wow.
He asked me what I thought of that, and well... I explained about grace. That I knew, for me, that my sins outweighed any means of my pay back. That I would rather in such a case, turn to One that could pay for them, if willing. And he was willing; His name is Jesus.
#3: In Heavener, Oklahoma last Tuesday we all gathered to pay our respects to Lillie Bell Lewis, Kimme's grandmother. The funeral service was in Lillie Bell's church, Trinity Baptist Church. Since I was a part of the service, I took a few moments to meet with her pastor in his office. I wasn't so sure what to expect having preached in many small, southern baptist churches in Oklahoma while attending college there... but I didn't expect to find what I found: as soon as I walked in, I instantly saw the books... books like "The Second Coming of Church" by George Barna and stuff by Pastor Cymbala in Brooklyn. Man, what a refreshing conversation with a fellow servant of God! Our discussions were on genuine Christianity, and how that is lived out with those outside the Cultural Christian Bubble. We both share a passion for being on mission... away from that Bubble. He had mentioned how the day before he had had a conversation with his wife saying, "I think we may need to get out of the Bible Belt," and with that... he may move to Kansas City.
Anyway, I was humbled by this man. Here he is, faithfully serving in such a poor town... a tiny church in a tiny town, faithfully serving God. God has definitely blessed his efforts, growing this small church into a decent size. Here he had served faithfully for 6 years. Made me think of the moment I felt the call, specifically, to come here to Maryland. I sat in the hotel lobby of the Best Western in Westminster, MD and read the story of David and Goliath. It was then I remembered that God takes the small to school the tall... the weak to beat the strong... the foolish to outwit the wise. When I wanted Manhattan, God sent me to Westminster, and I am grateful. Now there is Horizon Church. I pray for this man to be used of God to big things and I am thankful for an example of a man that has been faithful in the small, and will perhaps be entrusted with much.
Well, I wish I was a better writer... wish I could have had all 2 of you that read this with me. :) It's been some good contemplative conversations as of late.
Your friend,
DCC
6.15.2005
Blogging Wise
Man... I've come to the point where I wish I could automatically blog various thoughts throughout the day because by the time I get to my computer, the moment is passed or there is just too much to do verses putting stuff on here. I know there were at least 3 really cool things that happened while I was away in Arizona that I wanted to blog, but didn't because of time. Perhaps I will make a point to. It was a great trip for spiritual reflection. More later? I hope so... :)
5.24.2005
metaphor as spirtual laughter
Imagine that you are sitting with your friend and suddenly, his/her face starts to convulse involuntary. Facial muscles, particularly the lips, stretch and there is a peculiar expression in his/her eyes. Your friend's vocal organs vibrate and he/she is making a sequence of rhythmic expiratory sounds. Oddly enough, nobody around you even turns his head to look as your friend chokes, trying to take broken, sudden inhalations, while your friend's shoulders jerk and their entire body twists and shakes.
Call 9/11? Not hardly. Its called laughter!
Little is known about laughter... but there are a few things we do know. Laughter is unique to human beings. Like language, we don't share it with any other creature on earth. Many theorists hypothesize that laughter and language must be associated.
I agree... I wonder if there is some connection with getting a joke and getting a metaphor. Both require language and cognitive ability... and both have an "Ah, ha!" moment.
One experiment was performed at the college of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Here, one researcher elucidated the unique pattern of brain wave activity via electroencephalograms during the perception of humor. He found that during the set up to the joke, there was activity in the cortex's left hemisphere. This is where the brain begins its analytical function of processing words. Shortly afterward, most of the brain activity moved to the frontal lobe. This is the center of emotionality. An instant later, activity spreads to both the right and left hemispheres as the right hemisphere's synthesis capabilities joined with the left's processing to find the pattern and "get the joke." A few milliseconds later, before the subject laughed, the increased brain wave activity spread to the occipital lobe. This area of the brain processes sensory information. The increased fluctuations in activity reached a peak and crested as the brain "got" the joke and the external expression of laughter began. (Derks, 1992)
Could it be the same with metaphor?
One of the theories on why we laugh is called the incongruity theory. This theory suggests that humor arises when logic and familiarity are replaced by things that don't normally go together. Researcher Thomas Veatch says a joke becomes funny when we expect one outcome and another happens. When a joke begins, our minds and bodies are already anticipating what's going to happen and how it's going to end. That anticipation takes the form of logical thought intertwined with emotion and is influenced by our past experiences and our thought processes. When the joke goes in an unexpected direction, our thoughts and emotions suddenly have to switch gears. We now have new emotions, backing up a different line of thought. In other words, we experience two sets of incompatible thoughts and emotions simultaneously. We experience this incongruity between the different parts of the joke as humorous.
Wow, I am reminded of all the metaphors Jesus used to teach us... just when we think we know the ending, he turns it at the last second like a good stand up comedian. Was the sermon on the mount given at the local improv?
William Fry, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Stanford University Medical School and expert on health and laughter, reports the average kindergarten student laughs 300 times a day. Yet, adults average just 17 laughs a day. Interesting that Jesus says that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these and that in order to enter heaven, we must do so like a little child.
Chuck Gallozzi says: "Our five senses are not enough for ideal living. We need to use our sixth sense: our sense of humor. Humor isn't about merely telling jokes; it's the way we view the world. We can be sincere about life without taking it so seriously. We can laugh about our mistakes and pain."
Louis Kronenberger explains: "Humor simultaneously wounds and heals, indicts and pardons, diminishes and enlarges; it constitutes inner growth at the expense of outer gain, and those who posses and honestly practice it make themselves more through a willingness to make themselves less."
William James (1842-1910), said, "We don't laugh because we're happy, we are happy because we laugh."
Ah, the power of language to effect change.
Call 9/11? Not hardly. Its called laughter!
Little is known about laughter... but there are a few things we do know. Laughter is unique to human beings. Like language, we don't share it with any other creature on earth. Many theorists hypothesize that laughter and language must be associated.
I agree... I wonder if there is some connection with getting a joke and getting a metaphor. Both require language and cognitive ability... and both have an "Ah, ha!" moment.
One experiment was performed at the college of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Here, one researcher elucidated the unique pattern of brain wave activity via electroencephalograms during the perception of humor. He found that during the set up to the joke, there was activity in the cortex's left hemisphere. This is where the brain begins its analytical function of processing words. Shortly afterward, most of the brain activity moved to the frontal lobe. This is the center of emotionality. An instant later, activity spreads to both the right and left hemispheres as the right hemisphere's synthesis capabilities joined with the left's processing to find the pattern and "get the joke." A few milliseconds later, before the subject laughed, the increased brain wave activity spread to the occipital lobe. This area of the brain processes sensory information. The increased fluctuations in activity reached a peak and crested as the brain "got" the joke and the external expression of laughter began. (Derks, 1992)
Could it be the same with metaphor?
One of the theories on why we laugh is called the incongruity theory. This theory suggests that humor arises when logic and familiarity are replaced by things that don't normally go together. Researcher Thomas Veatch says a joke becomes funny when we expect one outcome and another happens. When a joke begins, our minds and bodies are already anticipating what's going to happen and how it's going to end. That anticipation takes the form of logical thought intertwined with emotion and is influenced by our past experiences and our thought processes. When the joke goes in an unexpected direction, our thoughts and emotions suddenly have to switch gears. We now have new emotions, backing up a different line of thought. In other words, we experience two sets of incompatible thoughts and emotions simultaneously. We experience this incongruity between the different parts of the joke as humorous.
Wow, I am reminded of all the metaphors Jesus used to teach us... just when we think we know the ending, he turns it at the last second like a good stand up comedian. Was the sermon on the mount given at the local improv?
William Fry, M.D., professor of psychiatry at Stanford University Medical School and expert on health and laughter, reports the average kindergarten student laughs 300 times a day. Yet, adults average just 17 laughs a day. Interesting that Jesus says that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these and that in order to enter heaven, we must do so like a little child.
Chuck Gallozzi says: "Our five senses are not enough for ideal living. We need to use our sixth sense: our sense of humor. Humor isn't about merely telling jokes; it's the way we view the world. We can be sincere about life without taking it so seriously. We can laugh about our mistakes and pain."
Louis Kronenberger explains: "Humor simultaneously wounds and heals, indicts and pardons, diminishes and enlarges; it constitutes inner growth at the expense of outer gain, and those who posses and honestly practice it make themselves more through a willingness to make themselves less."
William James (1842-1910), said, "We don't laugh because we're happy, we are happy because we laugh."
Ah, the power of language to effect change.
5.11.2005
Canon
Is there ever a time that a church or religious organization becomes it's own canon to the point in which is in conflict with God's canon? Are there times in which the community overrules God? What is our response to be within that community, if this is the case... and what has God done Biblically in cases such as this, supposing they do exist?
I realize this is a loaded question with lots of definitions to be made and articulated, but I thought it might be a good topic to jump start my blog. :)
I realize this is a loaded question with lots of definitions to be made and articulated, but I thought it might be a good topic to jump start my blog. :)
4.25.2005
The Birth of a Rock & Roll Band
Sunday night, I joined a slew of Horizonites traveling on 2 school buses to DC for an Ashes Remain show... I've got to say, I'e seen these guys a lot in concert, but this was perhaps their best. All of them gave the performance of their lives... Absolutely astounding. I think I witnessed something beautiful, something miraculous. Though the idea of AR came about years ago, there is something just different about the band as of late. The change is apparent to all... I can only imagine what the future holds! :D
4.07.2005
Everyone's a Critic
Stealing this title from Alicia Farrell's blog. Seems as though her small group focused on fasting from criticism for 2 days. She mentioned how doing this made her realize how much she was critical of others in nearly everything. I imagine I would have the same experience. It's so easy to cast stones. It's easy to condemn. It's easy to compare and say, "I'd never do that" or "I'd never say that," etc. Yet, when truth is revealed, we are all found wanting.
Matthew 7.2: "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Props to Alicia and that small group for such a great idea. Anyone wanna fast with me?
Matthew 7.2: "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Props to Alicia and that small group for such a great idea. Anyone wanna fast with me?
4.06.2005
Celebrating the Life of Jason Wallace, Jr.
This morning I made a trek to Essex to Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church to share in the grief of Jason and Allison with the death of their son. The service was beautiful. The transcendent nature of the sanctuary was a reminder that all of us in Christ transcend this world to the next. Graphic reminders abounded that our Lord suffered the same fate we all will soon face, that of death... stations of the cross were all around. Yet, this little one has beaten us all to the punch. He's there already...
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these... Amen.
I was reminded of the day Joshua was born. There simply is no other feeling in the world than to feel your newborn's grip on your pinky. To see a child, your child, brought into the world is such an amazing thing. I couldn't help but think... what if I had lost him after a week? Each hour would mean so much. Each breath. Each touch. Wow, what things we take for granted in this life. Jason... you have been a great teacher for me today.
My prayers are for your mom and dad, my friend. May they see you again in time.
Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them. For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these... Amen.
I was reminded of the day Joshua was born. There simply is no other feeling in the world than to feel your newborn's grip on your pinky. To see a child, your child, brought into the world is such an amazing thing. I couldn't help but think... what if I had lost him after a week? Each hour would mean so much. Each breath. Each touch. Wow, what things we take for granted in this life. Jason... you have been a great teacher for me today.
My prayers are for your mom and dad, my friend. May they see you again in time.
4.05.2005
How did we get the Bible?
Just how did the events of history become recorded in the texts of sacred scripture? Just as a reminder to any that happen to check out my (rather unbusy and vacant as of late) blog that this Saturday from 2-4 @ our house there will be a study about this very topic... Hope some of you can make it! :)
3.13.2005
Horizon's Baptism Service Last Night
What a great night it was! Thanks to Leslie for really taking the lead to make this happen. The MAC was a great place for this event in the cold of winter.
I told Clay it's amazing to think it all began years ago in NOLA. The call. The dream. We looked through a glass dimly and the future was there for the taking... and one day at a time, God put the pieces together... connected us with the people that would lead with us, etc. There are times I just pause and take it in, and look around and think: "Look at all of these people!" God has really blessed. Good stuff yesterday... esp. the new lives of Jess and Suzanne.
I told Clay it's amazing to think it all began years ago in NOLA. The call. The dream. We looked through a glass dimly and the future was there for the taking... and one day at a time, God put the pieces together... connected us with the people that would lead with us, etc. There are times I just pause and take it in, and look around and think: "Look at all of these people!" God has really blessed. Good stuff yesterday... esp. the new lives of Jess and Suzanne.
2.27.2005
Storytelling...
Ah, the power of a good story. Is this the calling of all Christians? To tell their story? Our story? Our family's story? God's story? The story of Jesus... the Greatest Story Ever Told? I think so... choose the canvas... choose the the oils... choose the clay... choose the screen... choose the scene, but these must be told, shared, remembered. Something I was reminded of today: Horizon's new message series named after a book entitled: "The Story We Find Ourselves In," and the great storytellers of our day at the Oscars... Dave Reichley? Paul Morrell? Holly Briscoe? someday...
Thank you God for my story, as insignificant as it may be in the scheme of things. Use it to your glory...
Thank you God for my story, as insignificant as it may be in the scheme of things. Use it to your glory...
2.18.2005
I'm in love...
Strange. I've always heard it said by married people that their flame died out years before... that the fire was gone, etc. How is it that after 10 years of marriage and 15 of being a couple that I can say that I am more in love with Kimme than ever before? How is it that our love is hotter than ever? She is more beautiful than ever... she is my support; my advocate... she challenges me, encourages me, and gives me strength. She is my absolute best friend. And while I've had lots of great friends over the years, she is the one that's always there. I am such a blessed man... She is the most beautiful woman I've ever seen and no one knows her like I do, and no one ever will. What we have is so special. :) Marriage is a wonderful friendship with some killer benefits. Like the feeling of accomplishment after working hard on something challenging and beating the odds... that's how I feel. The results are stunning, unique, and beautiful. I'm in love.
Kimme, I love you...
Kimme, I love you...
1.06.2005
I love the Moby Boards
Ah, yes... a mass ball of confusing thoughts and ideas all put into one forum: the Spiritual Discussions Forum @ Moby.com. Clay rightly calls it the Tower of Babble. lol
But, here is why I go there... here is one conversation with someone asking questions about Christianity...
Sapphire Dragon: My opinion and my question:
I don't think he was a lunatic. I think he was just different, like the Buddha. Jesus proclaimed he was the son of God, and I believe he was as much as we all are. I don't worship Jesus because I don't feel he was any Supreme Being, though I don't deny his greatness. Does that mean I'm not a Christian? Is not the basis of Christianty worshiping Jesus Christ?
---
DCCowan: The basis of Christianity is finding grace because of what Jesus did for the whole world: dying and coming back to life. At least, that's the basics of the Christian faith...
Mark 10.45:
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
---
Sapphire Dragon: hmm... so believing in the 'coming back to life' part's kinda crucial too, eh?
And if you don't mind could you also tell me what 'Jesus died for our sins' means? I've never understood it fully.
---
DCCowan: In reply to: "hmm... so believing in the 'coming back to life' part's kinda crucial too, eh?"
Yes... it is. There are a lot of claims about Christianity that make it sort of like a house of cards. If one is taken away, the house falls. One of these is the resurrection.
The Apostle Paul says it best:
1 Corinthains 15.12-19:
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all people.
If Jesus did not raise from the dead, he died in vain. Christians, like me, would live their lives in vain... the most pathetic on the planet. It would then just be (frankly, like the Passion of the Christ) like a story of a man that died a brutal and horrible death... and that's it.
But, for a Christian, that's NOT it. For us, Jesus was both 100% man and 100% God... he was like us in every way, except he didn't blow it like we do. Even when he lost his cool, it was appropriate. His death, in a way, shows the full extent of his humanity... real blood.... real tears... real death. And, his resurrection shows the full extent of his divinity... true life... true miracle... true victory over sin and death.
In reply to: "And if you don't mind could you also tell me what 'Jesus died for our sins' means? I've never understood it fully."
The only way to understand this concept is to understand, at least briefly, about the sacrificial system mindset of the Hebrew people thousands of years ago. The idea is basically that if a wrong is committed (of any kind), someone has to pay for it.
A modern day example: if someone commits a crime, like murder, all family members of the deceased seek justice. The murderer should do time and face the consequences. If the crime goes unpunished, one would say that there was a lack of justice.
Well, back up a few thousand years... the same applied then, too. Out of this came the sacrificial system. People would bring an offering/sacrifice to God for their sins... the ways in which they fell short, etc.
One sacrifice of note, was a spotless lamb. Each year, people would bring their offering as an atonement (a forgiveness, cleansing) of sin. In other words, the crimes/sins of the people were placed upon this poor lamb.
So... year after year after year... this was done.
In steps Jesus, and a new way of looking at this. In Christianity, Jesus became the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (as John the Baptist described him). Once and for all, a final sacrifice was made. A spotless "Lamb" was given up in our place... and the sins of the world (even yours, even the most hideous hypocrites of the world like me as well) were placed upon him on our behalf.
In Christianity, we see the judge that pronounces us "guilty as charged," step down from his bench to take our place of judgment and pay for our crime in our place.
In fact, according to the Gospel of John, Jesus' last words from the cross were: "It is finished." The word was really one word in Greek. It was a word used for business transactions, purchases, and the payments of debts. It means "Paid in full." Like when you fully purchase your house, or your car, etc. In other words, our debts were all paid... once and for all. And of course, I don't mean in a true monetary sense, but figuratively.
Hope this helps a bit.
---
Sapphire Dragon: ohh yeah, it helps. 'specially the explanation of the whole sacrificial system. and this
"His death, in a way, shows the full extent of his humanity... real blood.... real tears... real death. And, his resurrection shows the full extent of his divinity... true life... true miracle... true victory over sin and death."
is about the coolest thing I've ever read concerning Christianity.
Thank you for taking the time to explain all that. :)
-------------
Man... I love stuff like that. I love it when the pieces come to together.
But, here is why I go there... here is one conversation with someone asking questions about Christianity...
Sapphire Dragon: My opinion and my question:
I don't think he was a lunatic. I think he was just different, like the Buddha. Jesus proclaimed he was the son of God, and I believe he was as much as we all are. I don't worship Jesus because I don't feel he was any Supreme Being, though I don't deny his greatness. Does that mean I'm not a Christian? Is not the basis of Christianty worshiping Jesus Christ?
---
DCCowan: The basis of Christianity is finding grace because of what Jesus did for the whole world: dying and coming back to life. At least, that's the basics of the Christian faith...
Mark 10.45:
For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
---
Sapphire Dragon: hmm... so believing in the 'coming back to life' part's kinda crucial too, eh?
And if you don't mind could you also tell me what 'Jesus died for our sins' means? I've never understood it fully.
---
DCCowan: In reply to: "hmm... so believing in the 'coming back to life' part's kinda crucial too, eh?"
Yes... it is. There are a lot of claims about Christianity that make it sort of like a house of cards. If one is taken away, the house falls. One of these is the resurrection.
The Apostle Paul says it best:
1 Corinthains 15.12-19:
But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God, for we have testified about God that he raised Christ from the dead. But he did not raise him if in fact the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all people.
If Jesus did not raise from the dead, he died in vain. Christians, like me, would live their lives in vain... the most pathetic on the planet. It would then just be (frankly, like the Passion of the Christ) like a story of a man that died a brutal and horrible death... and that's it.
But, for a Christian, that's NOT it. For us, Jesus was both 100% man and 100% God... he was like us in every way, except he didn't blow it like we do. Even when he lost his cool, it was appropriate. His death, in a way, shows the full extent of his humanity... real blood.... real tears... real death. And, his resurrection shows the full extent of his divinity... true life... true miracle... true victory over sin and death.
In reply to: "And if you don't mind could you also tell me what 'Jesus died for our sins' means? I've never understood it fully."
The only way to understand this concept is to understand, at least briefly, about the sacrificial system mindset of the Hebrew people thousands of years ago. The idea is basically that if a wrong is committed (of any kind), someone has to pay for it.
A modern day example: if someone commits a crime, like murder, all family members of the deceased seek justice. The murderer should do time and face the consequences. If the crime goes unpunished, one would say that there was a lack of justice.
Well, back up a few thousand years... the same applied then, too. Out of this came the sacrificial system. People would bring an offering/sacrifice to God for their sins... the ways in which they fell short, etc.
One sacrifice of note, was a spotless lamb. Each year, people would bring their offering as an atonement (a forgiveness, cleansing) of sin. In other words, the crimes/sins of the people were placed upon this poor lamb.
So... year after year after year... this was done.
In steps Jesus, and a new way of looking at this. In Christianity, Jesus became the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world (as John the Baptist described him). Once and for all, a final sacrifice was made. A spotless "Lamb" was given up in our place... and the sins of the world (even yours, even the most hideous hypocrites of the world like me as well) were placed upon him on our behalf.
In Christianity, we see the judge that pronounces us "guilty as charged," step down from his bench to take our place of judgment and pay for our crime in our place.
In fact, according to the Gospel of John, Jesus' last words from the cross were: "It is finished." The word was really one word in Greek. It was a word used for business transactions, purchases, and the payments of debts. It means "Paid in full." Like when you fully purchase your house, or your car, etc. In other words, our debts were all paid... once and for all. And of course, I don't mean in a true monetary sense, but figuratively.
Hope this helps a bit.
---
Sapphire Dragon: ohh yeah, it helps. 'specially the explanation of the whole sacrificial system. and this
"His death, in a way, shows the full extent of his humanity... real blood.... real tears... real death. And, his resurrection shows the full extent of his divinity... true life... true miracle... true victory over sin and death."
is about the coolest thing I've ever read concerning Christianity.
Thank you for taking the time to explain all that. :)
-------------
Man... I love stuff like that. I love it when the pieces come to together.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)