Introduction
It was great having Dr. Douglas Jacoby with us last Sunday. I heard so many comments about how encouraging it was to hear how archaeological discoveries have impacted our understanding of the Bible. The reality is that our faith is based on events that occurred between 20 -35 centuries ago! We can’t go back there ourselves and personally confirm that the people and events of the Bible actually took place. So how can we know that our faith is based on reality, and not fiction, fairy-tales and fables? How can we know that Abraham or David or Isaiah existed, that there was a nation known as Israel or that Jesus walked its roads and preached to its people?
And why do we need to know? Does it really matter? Read Luke 1:1-4. We need to know the “certainty of the things we’ve been taught.” The more certainly you know that what you've been taught about God, Jesus and the Bible is true, the more confident and motivated you will be in your Christian life. Anything that confirms our faith in the words written by Nehemiah or Amos or Luke or Paul strengthens our faith.
Read Philippians 1:7. The gospel needs to be defended and confirmed. Many are they who would say that the Bible is just a collection of myth, fables and fairy tales. Atheists and other critics who attack the veracity of the scriptures abound (e.g., Richard Dawkins and his book "The God Delusion"). We need more Christians, who like Dr. Jacoby, can stand up publicly to defend and confirm the gospel.
But every Christian needs to be able to defend and confirm the gospel. Read 1 Peter 3:15. People who are sincerely seeking to know God have some honest questions to ask us. They want and need to know not only WHAT we believe, but WHY we believe it. God calls on each of us to do our best to have some answers. How would you feel as one who was seeking God, if you asked a question of a Christian such as, “Why do you believe Jesus rose from the dead?” and then you go the answer, “I just decided to believe it”? That could end your search right there as you concluded that there isn’t any evidence; it’s a fable or a fairy tale.
I did a little poll with the church after Dr. Jacoby's presentations. The results? Over 90% of those responding wanted to learn more about how archaeology has impacted our understanding of the Biblical text. Dr. Jacoby did a very broad overview last week; I want to get more specific. But first, I want to remind you what Dr. Jacoby said last week about the limits of archaeology.
First, at this time there is no archaeological evidence to confirm anything in Genesis 1-11: the creation account, Adam & Eve, the garden of Eden, Noah and his ark or the tower of Babel. Second, even where there is archaeological evidence, it mostly serves to either “illustrate” or “confirm” but doesn’t often prove absolutely.
But that isn’t just true about the biblical account of history, but of so many ancient historical accounts. Why does archaeology not provide us with rock solid proof of everything in the bible? Because only a fraction remains, of which only a fraction has been discovered, of which only a fraction has been excavated, of which only a fraction has been examined, of which only a fraction has been reported. What we know from archaeology is only a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of what was done, made or written in the history of the world! And in spite of that reality what has been unearthed and what we do know is sometimes mindboggling and incredibly informative.
The Early History of the Israelites: Fact or Fiction?
One of the ways the minimalists have tried to undermine the integrity of the scriptures has been to question the early history of the Israelite people. Finklestein and Silberman are two minimalist scholars who have denied the historical reliability of everything from Abraham through Solomon. They say that everything in the Hebrew scriptures written about these events was written after the Israelites were taken into captivity by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. As such they are purposely inaccurate and thus fictional accounts in order that the Israelites might create for themselves a history to give their existence meaning and their continued existence purpose. They claim that there is no external confirmation of the main individuals mentioned: Abraham, Joseph, Moses, any of the judges, Saul, David or Solomon. They also claim that certain nations, peoples, cities and practices are mentioned that were not known until much later than when the OT has them existing: Philistines, Aramaeans, Chaldeans, domestication of camels, right of the first born, etc.
But what does the archaeological evidence say? Hoffmeier and Kitchen are two of many scholars who argue for the accuracy and reliability of the OT books. Of course there is no external confirmation of most individuals in the early history of Israel, (from Abraham through Solomon). Archaeological sources for this period (1500-1000 B.C.) are few and far between even for the much larger nations that existed. Therefore, it only makes sense that the history of one little family, as far as the world is concerned, would not make a significant mark so as to be mentioned in any record.
Joseph & Moses
However, while we don’t have direct evidence, we have evidence that illustrates that the history written in the OT is plausible.
Take the life of Joseph for example. We now know that population groups from Palestine lived in Egypt at the time the Bible claims that Joseph lived. Also we now know that foreigners (non-Egyptians) were known to have risen to power in Egypt, as the Bible states that Joseph did. Indeed, the account of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 37-50) contains details that demonstrate an intimate knowledge of Egyptian culture at that time, to a degree that seems very unlikely were these writings the fictional creations of Jewish scribes who lived a thousand years later!
What about Moses and the Exodus. The places where the Israelites were said to have served the Pharaoh were known to have existed during the time period suggested. Remains of one tomb are particularly interesting at it contains scenes of laborers making bricks for Thutmose III with inscription referring to “the workers as prisoners of war from Nubia and Syria-Palestine”. Paintings from the tomb of Khnumhotep II in 1800 B.C. are of a Syro-Palestinian family migrating to Egypt.
So what does archaeology tell us about the Israelites from Abraham to Moses? While there is no direct evidence, there is consistency between the text and what we know of history for that period and thus archaeology gives credence to the Biblical account.
Does It Really Matter?
What is the relevance of all this to our daily lives? Read Luke 19:37-40. For those who can no longer speak for themselves and personally testify to the truth of God's word, God has indeed made the stones cry out that the Bible is trustworthy, that there is a God and that Jesus is his Son.
So what do we do with all this? What opportunity and responsibility does this create for those of us who call ourselves Jesus' disciples today? Is it not that we should be like the disciples we read about here, that we would joyfully praise God in many and various public ways so that everyone else will hear?
How confident are you that the Bible reliably records the lives of Abraham, Jacob, Joseph and Moses? Are you prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you about the hope you have? Are you confident enough that you can provide the answers with gentleness and respect? If not, what can you do to prepare yourself to answer the questions of people who are truly seeking after God?
Friday, March 26, 2010
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Sermon 02.14.10 - "Caught in the Very Act"
Introduction
Around Valentine’s Day there are a lot of people who talk about love. Valentine’s Day is a shortened form of St. Valentine’s Day – but who is St. Valentine? The answer is that we don’t really know. There were two (maybe three) leaders in the early church whose name was Valentinus – Valentinus of Rome (martyred in 269 A.D.) and Valentinus of Terni (martyred in 197 A.D.). When it was first established as a holiday in 496 A.D. it had nothing to do with celebrating love or giving gifts to our loved ones. That tradition seems to have developed much later in England and France. Then in modern times a story about St. Valentinus was embellished by American Greeting, Inc. (a greeting card company - imagine that). Now more than one billion Valentine’s Day cards are sold (2nd only to Christmas) and men spend twice as much on cards as women do on those cards.
But love is not about Valentine’s Day or cards or flowers or chocolates – real love is so much deeper than that and expresses itself in so many ways. Love is what the Bible is all about, because, as the Bible says, “God is love”. Read 1 John 4:7-12. Wow! What a challenge we have before us – to learn about what real love is and to put it into practice in our daily lives.
We can know what love is in practical terms by looking closely at the life of Jesus and especially his interactions with various people. If we understand that Jesus always acted with love towards everyone, we can examine situations in Jesus’ life and we can learn a lot about love. Today, let's consider John 8:1-11; the woman caught in the act of adultery. Most early manuscripts do not have this story in John’s gospel, or any other gospel account for that matter. However, even if it is a later addition, it is certainly completely consistent with how Jesus acted and interacted with people.
Consider the Circumstances
Read John 8:1-2. Jesus was in the temple teaching the people who had come to him. He was in an completely public place that was open to all and there was, presumably, a large crowd gathered around him. What happened? Read John 8:3-6a. The Scribes and Pharisees lead a woman, who had been caught in the very act of adultery, into the midst of the crowd and stand her before Jesus. Try to picture the scene. The scribes and Pharisees were full of rage, both at the woman and Jesus. The woman, perhaps clothed in a bed sheet or a robe, was disheveled, frightened, ready to die of embarrassment and filled with shame and guilt. Probably a hush fell over crowd as they whispered finger-pointed and joked coarsely. Then the scribes and Pharisees made a pronouncement and asked a question: “In the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women as these. So, what do you say?" Their motive was not obedience to the law or justice for the offended parties; they were using the woman to test and hopefully trap Jesus. Can you feel the tension, the anticipation, the anger and even the self-righteousness?
What does Jesus do? Read John 8:6b-11. He stooped down and scratched away with his finger on the ground! What was he doing? Why was he ignoring the religious leaders as they continued to question him, yet he remained unmoved? When, finally, he looked up he said to them, “The one among you without fault (sin), let him be the first to cast a stone.” And he bent his head down again and wrote on the ground! What was he writing? Many have speculated that he wrote a list of sins on the ground – lying, cheating, lust, overindulgence, anger, self-righteousness. And that may be, but given what Jesus was about to say, I would rather think he wrote things like: faithfulness, mercy, kindness, love, forgiveness or patience.
There was a silence among the crowd – no one was speaking. Who would make the next move? One-by-one, the scribes and Pharisees started leaving, with the older men going first. Finally only Jesus was left (presumably the crowd was still there), alone with the woman standing right where the religious leaders had left her. “Where are they?” Jesus asked. “Does no one condemn you?”She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on, sin no longer.” If you are the woman, what are thinking and feeling at this moment? What do you do? If you’re in the crowd, having seen all this, what are you feeling and thinking?
Consider the Implications
The response of the scribes and Pharisees was far too typical of them. But before we get too critical and self-righteous towards these religious leaders, think about our own reactions to those who sin in ways that we don’t. Think about drug use, child abuse, driving under the influence, assault, bribery, fraud or robbery. How quick are we to criticize, judge and condemn? Aren’t we often ready to be prosecuting attorney, judge and jury all in one?
Is our first response, one of grace or one of law? How about when it is a Christian who is “caught in the very act” of sin? And it isn’t just the religious who are often quick to judge, but it is an all too human response; it is self-elevating and it is hypocritical. For when those who constantly denounce people of faith and pass judgment on them as hypocrites are they not acting as hypocrites themselves? Are they not trying to justify their own lack of faith by criticizing and condemning those, who though imperfect, are at least trying to follow Jesus.
The scribes and Pharisees had no compassion for this woman and no concern for her soul or her relationship with God. In exposing her sin, they weren’t trying to help her – they didn’t care about her at all. They cared only for themselves and tried to justify their lives and their theology.
The woman was caught in the very act! She was a sinner – absolutely guilty of sin - as she stood there wrapped in a bed sheet or a robe, disheveled and still reeking of her sin. What could she say? But what can we say? We are that woman – each and every one of us. We have been caught in the act, over and over and over again. God knows exactly what we have thought, said and done this week – every slanderous thought, every angry word and every lustful look. Nothing is hidden from his sight. We can say nothing in our defense. We made choices. We gave into temptation. We are guilty of spiritual adultery, as we choose sin and self over God!
But then there is Jesus with a love that is in perfect balance: honesty without condemnation, truth with grace. Love puts us all in the same boat – we’re all sinners; no one is better than another – "Let him who is without sin be the first to cast a stone at her!" Honesty – Jesus confronts and exposes sin, not to shame or embarrass or humiliate, but to help us overcome our self-deception and see our need for God. He was honest with the scribes and Pharisees as he called upon them to see their self-righteousness, hypocrisy and lack of love. He was honest with the woman – she was guilty, caught in the act, and had no excuse; he doesn’t excuse her sin or feel sorry for her. But he did extend grace – “Go and from now on sin no longer!” He gave her another chance – he forgave her adultery and he called her to live for righteousness and not for sin. Love is honest enough to confront with the truth but graceful enough to forgive and show others a different way to live.
Conclusion
Can you see yourself there? Do you understand and accept that you are the woman? You were caught in the very act of sinning and Satan and his demons have dragged you before the throne of God and his angels. They are screaming and appealing to the word of God, “This person is a sinner and sinners must die!” But Jesus says, “I am the only one who can judge, because I alone am without sin and I say to you, ‘Go and from now on sin no more.’”
Think about how you, this week, have been that woman. What sin did Satan catch you in the very act of doing? What accusations did he bring against you? What scriptures did he use to try to convince God that you are worthy only of judgment and condemnation? Have you heard Jesus say, "Where are they? Has no one condemned you?" Have you heard him offer you grace and say, "Go now and sin no more"? How have you responded to the honesty and forgiveness of God this week?
Around Valentine’s Day there are a lot of people who talk about love. Valentine’s Day is a shortened form of St. Valentine’s Day – but who is St. Valentine? The answer is that we don’t really know. There were two (maybe three) leaders in the early church whose name was Valentinus – Valentinus of Rome (martyred in 269 A.D.) and Valentinus of Terni (martyred in 197 A.D.). When it was first established as a holiday in 496 A.D. it had nothing to do with celebrating love or giving gifts to our loved ones. That tradition seems to have developed much later in England and France. Then in modern times a story about St. Valentinus was embellished by American Greeting, Inc. (a greeting card company - imagine that). Now more than one billion Valentine’s Day cards are sold (2nd only to Christmas) and men spend twice as much on cards as women do on those cards.
But love is not about Valentine’s Day or cards or flowers or chocolates – real love is so much deeper than that and expresses itself in so many ways. Love is what the Bible is all about, because, as the Bible says, “God is love”. Read 1 John 4:7-12. Wow! What a challenge we have before us – to learn about what real love is and to put it into practice in our daily lives.
We can know what love is in practical terms by looking closely at the life of Jesus and especially his interactions with various people. If we understand that Jesus always acted with love towards everyone, we can examine situations in Jesus’ life and we can learn a lot about love. Today, let's consider John 8:1-11; the woman caught in the act of adultery. Most early manuscripts do not have this story in John’s gospel, or any other gospel account for that matter. However, even if it is a later addition, it is certainly completely consistent with how Jesus acted and interacted with people.
Consider the Circumstances
Read John 8:1-2. Jesus was in the temple teaching the people who had come to him. He was in an completely public place that was open to all and there was, presumably, a large crowd gathered around him. What happened? Read John 8:3-6a. The Scribes and Pharisees lead a woman, who had been caught in the very act of adultery, into the midst of the crowd and stand her before Jesus. Try to picture the scene. The scribes and Pharisees were full of rage, both at the woman and Jesus. The woman, perhaps clothed in a bed sheet or a robe, was disheveled, frightened, ready to die of embarrassment and filled with shame and guilt. Probably a hush fell over crowd as they whispered finger-pointed and joked coarsely. Then the scribes and Pharisees made a pronouncement and asked a question: “In the law, Moses commanded us to stone such women as these. So, what do you say?" Their motive was not obedience to the law or justice for the offended parties; they were using the woman to test and hopefully trap Jesus. Can you feel the tension, the anticipation, the anger and even the self-righteousness?
What does Jesus do? Read John 8:6b-11. He stooped down and scratched away with his finger on the ground! What was he doing? Why was he ignoring the religious leaders as they continued to question him, yet he remained unmoved? When, finally, he looked up he said to them, “The one among you without fault (sin), let him be the first to cast a stone.” And he bent his head down again and wrote on the ground! What was he writing? Many have speculated that he wrote a list of sins on the ground – lying, cheating, lust, overindulgence, anger, self-righteousness. And that may be, but given what Jesus was about to say, I would rather think he wrote things like: faithfulness, mercy, kindness, love, forgiveness or patience.
There was a silence among the crowd – no one was speaking. Who would make the next move? One-by-one, the scribes and Pharisees started leaving, with the older men going first. Finally only Jesus was left (presumably the crowd was still there), alone with the woman standing right where the religious leaders had left her. “Where are they?” Jesus asked. “Does no one condemn you?”She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and from now on, sin no longer.” If you are the woman, what are thinking and feeling at this moment? What do you do? If you’re in the crowd, having seen all this, what are you feeling and thinking?
Consider the Implications
The response of the scribes and Pharisees was far too typical of them. But before we get too critical and self-righteous towards these religious leaders, think about our own reactions to those who sin in ways that we don’t. Think about drug use, child abuse, driving under the influence, assault, bribery, fraud or robbery. How quick are we to criticize, judge and condemn? Aren’t we often ready to be prosecuting attorney, judge and jury all in one?
Is our first response, one of grace or one of law? How about when it is a Christian who is “caught in the very act” of sin? And it isn’t just the religious who are often quick to judge, but it is an all too human response; it is self-elevating and it is hypocritical. For when those who constantly denounce people of faith and pass judgment on them as hypocrites are they not acting as hypocrites themselves? Are they not trying to justify their own lack of faith by criticizing and condemning those, who though imperfect, are at least trying to follow Jesus.
The scribes and Pharisees had no compassion for this woman and no concern for her soul or her relationship with God. In exposing her sin, they weren’t trying to help her – they didn’t care about her at all. They cared only for themselves and tried to justify their lives and their theology.
The woman was caught in the very act! She was a sinner – absolutely guilty of sin - as she stood there wrapped in a bed sheet or a robe, disheveled and still reeking of her sin. What could she say? But what can we say? We are that woman – each and every one of us. We have been caught in the act, over and over and over again. God knows exactly what we have thought, said and done this week – every slanderous thought, every angry word and every lustful look. Nothing is hidden from his sight. We can say nothing in our defense. We made choices. We gave into temptation. We are guilty of spiritual adultery, as we choose sin and self over God!
But then there is Jesus with a love that is in perfect balance: honesty without condemnation, truth with grace. Love puts us all in the same boat – we’re all sinners; no one is better than another – "Let him who is without sin be the first to cast a stone at her!" Honesty – Jesus confronts and exposes sin, not to shame or embarrass or humiliate, but to help us overcome our self-deception and see our need for God. He was honest with the scribes and Pharisees as he called upon them to see their self-righteousness, hypocrisy and lack of love. He was honest with the woman – she was guilty, caught in the act, and had no excuse; he doesn’t excuse her sin or feel sorry for her. But he did extend grace – “Go and from now on sin no longer!” He gave her another chance – he forgave her adultery and he called her to live for righteousness and not for sin. Love is honest enough to confront with the truth but graceful enough to forgive and show others a different way to live.
Conclusion
Can you see yourself there? Do you understand and accept that you are the woman? You were caught in the very act of sinning and Satan and his demons have dragged you before the throne of God and his angels. They are screaming and appealing to the word of God, “This person is a sinner and sinners must die!” But Jesus says, “I am the only one who can judge, because I alone am without sin and I say to you, ‘Go and from now on sin no more.’”
Think about how you, this week, have been that woman. What sin did Satan catch you in the very act of doing? What accusations did he bring against you? What scriptures did he use to try to convince God that you are worthy only of judgment and condemnation? Have you heard Jesus say, "Where are they? Has no one condemned you?" Have you heard him offer you grace and say, "Go now and sin no more"? How have you responded to the honesty and forgiveness of God this week?
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Vancouver Church of Christ Update
It certainly is exciting right now in our city (and a little crazy, too) as hundreds of thousands from all around the world have come to celebrate the Olympic spirit. The opening ceremonies last night were incredibly inspiring for all Canadians, but it was particularly a night to be proud of being a Vancouverite.
At the same time, God is doing exciting things in our church. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Douglas Jacoby will be speaking at a very special service of the Vancouver church on March 7. His topic is "Archaeology and the Bible: The Stones Tell the Story." In two sessions, Dr. Jacoby will share about some of the most recent archaeological discoveries and how they impact our understanding of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. Please see our website (www.vancouverchurchofchrist.org) for the details and current updates.
Also, on May 28-30, David and Robin Weidner will be teaching at a Vancouver church Marriage Retreat. David is the founder of "Pure in Heart" ministry and Robin is the author of "Secure in Heart." Both are gaining an international reputation as they share vulnerably from their own lives and teach passionately from God's word. Again, for more information, please check out our website for current updates.
One of our main goals in 2010 is to "re-plant" the campus ministry. The target date is September 12, 2010, which is also the date of our 20th Anniversary service. We have the couple already who are committed and actively working towards moving to Vancouver this summer. We are in the midst of giving to a Special Ministry Contribution (SMC), much of which will go towards putting our newly appointed campus ministry on as full time staff. In addition, we are praying for Christians to step up and be part of this mission team that will be reaching out to more than 250,000 college and university students in our city!
At the heart of our prayers is this request: May God, by his power, fulfill every good purpose of ours and every act prompted by our faith (See 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)
At the same time, God is doing exciting things in our church. We are pleased to announce that Dr. Douglas Jacoby will be speaking at a very special service of the Vancouver church on March 7. His topic is "Archaeology and the Bible: The Stones Tell the Story." In two sessions, Dr. Jacoby will share about some of the most recent archaeological discoveries and how they impact our understanding of the Bible, both Old and New Testaments. Please see our website (www.vancouverchurchofchrist.org) for the details and current updates.
Also, on May 28-30, David and Robin Weidner will be teaching at a Vancouver church Marriage Retreat. David is the founder of "Pure in Heart" ministry and Robin is the author of "Secure in Heart." Both are gaining an international reputation as they share vulnerably from their own lives and teach passionately from God's word. Again, for more information, please check out our website for current updates.
One of our main goals in 2010 is to "re-plant" the campus ministry. The target date is September 12, 2010, which is also the date of our 20th Anniversary service. We have the couple already who are committed and actively working towards moving to Vancouver this summer. We are in the midst of giving to a Special Ministry Contribution (SMC), much of which will go towards putting our newly appointed campus ministry on as full time staff. In addition, we are praying for Christians to step up and be part of this mission team that will be reaching out to more than 250,000 college and university students in our city!
At the heart of our prayers is this request: May God, by his power, fulfill every good purpose of ours and every act prompted by our faith (See 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12)
Friday, November 27, 2009
Spiritual Mentoring - Part 4
In the last three years, largely due to significant health challenges, I have been unable to keep up any kind of consistent workout schedule. As a result (and with some unfortunate side effects of the medications I am on) I have gained weight and gone flabby. Three years ago I could bench press 250 lbs. and run (OK, jog) 8 to 10 km. at a time (no speed records were broken)! As I'm trying to get back to consistent workouts again, I'm lifting 15, 20 & 25 lbs. dumbbells and walking at a brisk pace for 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week. How discouraging! But that's the reality I've got to accept and start working with in order to get stronger and healthier again. It does no good to regret what's happened, to "cry over spilt milk" or to blame circumstances beyond my control. Instead I've had to get honest about where I'm at (like getting on the bathroom scales) and commit and submit to a plan for improvement.
It's no different with our spiritual lives. There has been lots of spilt milk and many circumstances beyond our individual control. But if we're going to get growing and truly have an impact on this world, we've got to get honest about where we're at and commit and submit to a plan for change and growth. No plan is perfect, but when we do it for God and his glory, then with consistency over time, God will work in powerful ways in us and through us to bring him glory and to win and save souls through the gospel.
One last, but absolutely vital, idea: being involved in spiritual mentoring is not just about God's glory and having an impact on this world. The bottom line is this: it's about making it to heaven. No one has made it to heaven on their own, without God's help for sure, but also without the help of other godly people in their lives. Don't be fooled by pride - it is a lie straight from the depths of hell - we all absolutely need a "brother's keeper" or two, at least. The heart is indeed deceitful and beyond cure! You and I need the objective, honest, loving eyes, ears and mouths of people who are intimately and consistently involved in our lives. We will falter and stray, so we need, at times, people who will lead us by the hand back on to the "straight and narrow". We will all stumble and fall, so we will need people to lift us up and support us until we're strong enough to walk on our own again.
It is my intention to begin a Spiritual Mentoring Plan in the New Year in the VCOC. I've already invited several men in our congregation to participate in spiritual mentoring. My goal is to have this spread throughout the entire congregation throughout 2010, so that by the end of the year every disciple has at least one or two other disciples in their lives with whom they are meeting consistently for prayer, confession, bible study, evangelism, serving and fellowship. If you are a VCOC member and are interested in learning more about how this plan will work, please do not hesitate to contact me.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
It's no different with our spiritual lives. There has been lots of spilt milk and many circumstances beyond our individual control. But if we're going to get growing and truly have an impact on this world, we've got to get honest about where we're at and commit and submit to a plan for change and growth. No plan is perfect, but when we do it for God and his glory, then with consistency over time, God will work in powerful ways in us and through us to bring him glory and to win and save souls through the gospel.
One last, but absolutely vital, idea: being involved in spiritual mentoring is not just about God's glory and having an impact on this world. The bottom line is this: it's about making it to heaven. No one has made it to heaven on their own, without God's help for sure, but also without the help of other godly people in their lives. Don't be fooled by pride - it is a lie straight from the depths of hell - we all absolutely need a "brother's keeper" or two, at least. The heart is indeed deceitful and beyond cure! You and I need the objective, honest, loving eyes, ears and mouths of people who are intimately and consistently involved in our lives. We will falter and stray, so we need, at times, people who will lead us by the hand back on to the "straight and narrow". We will all stumble and fall, so we will need people to lift us up and support us until we're strong enough to walk on our own again.
It is my intention to begin a Spiritual Mentoring Plan in the New Year in the VCOC. I've already invited several men in our congregation to participate in spiritual mentoring. My goal is to have this spread throughout the entire congregation throughout 2010, so that by the end of the year every disciple has at least one or two other disciples in their lives with whom they are meeting consistently for prayer, confession, bible study, evangelism, serving and fellowship. If you are a VCOC member and are interested in learning more about how this plan will work, please do not hesitate to contact me.
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Spiritual Mentoring - Part 3
Let's move now to 2009. As a church, we've been through a lot of trials which have brought about multiple changes in our fellowship of churches, many of which have been very positive. However, we are truly in danger now of becoming a dying and declining church! Not one of us wants that to happen and we have the best of intentions to continue to grow personally and to have an impact on each other and the world. But here's the problem: the hurricane of life in the 1990s, for most of us, was a category 1 or 2 storm. Today, for most of us, it is a full blown category 5!
The demands and opportunities of living in our technologically advancing society are simply mind-boggling. Our time, our energy and even our hearts have become divided. Our lives are so filled with things that we've "got to do" and/or "want to do" that we simply have little or no time for what really (and eternally) matters. Our spiritual lives get so little attention because we think we can fly on spiritual autopilot and that one day we'll be able to come in for a safe landing in heaven. Work, family, hobbies and recreational activities (ours and our kids'), have basically taken over many of our lives, so that even meeting with other Christians twice a week has become a challenge. Daily encouragement via contact with other disciples is almost non-existent in most Christians lives, and yet God's word clearly states how desperately we need just that (see Hebrews 3:12-14; 10:24-25). Most Christians are trying to survive on "life support" via tidbits of infrequent spiritual input from brief encounters with God's word and with God's people. Is this not exactly what Jesus warned his disciples about in the parable of the soils when he said, "Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful" (Mark 4:18-19)?
Spiritual growth does not happen "by accident". Spiritual survival is not possible if we live on autopilot. In fact, the only accident that is guaranteed is a spiritual "crash and burn" with no survivors, unless we get back to prioritizing our spiritual lives again, not just with good intentions, but with a practical plan to which we commit and submit. In our past there was a plan in place, and while not perfect, the fact that we are still here shows that it had an overall positive impact on our lives. Do you have a practical plan, to which you've committed and submitted, which truly prioritizes your walk with God, your involvement in the lives of other disciples and your personal outreach to a lost world? I'm convinced we need such a plan right now, not only individually, but collectively.
The demands and opportunities of living in our technologically advancing society are simply mind-boggling. Our time, our energy and even our hearts have become divided. Our lives are so filled with things that we've "got to do" and/or "want to do" that we simply have little or no time for what really (and eternally) matters. Our spiritual lives get so little attention because we think we can fly on spiritual autopilot and that one day we'll be able to come in for a safe landing in heaven. Work, family, hobbies and recreational activities (ours and our kids'), have basically taken over many of our lives, so that even meeting with other Christians twice a week has become a challenge. Daily encouragement via contact with other disciples is almost non-existent in most Christians lives, and yet God's word clearly states how desperately we need just that (see Hebrews 3:12-14; 10:24-25). Most Christians are trying to survive on "life support" via tidbits of infrequent spiritual input from brief encounters with God's word and with God's people. Is this not exactly what Jesus warned his disciples about in the parable of the soils when he said, "Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desire for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful" (Mark 4:18-19)?
Spiritual growth does not happen "by accident". Spiritual survival is not possible if we live on autopilot. In fact, the only accident that is guaranteed is a spiritual "crash and burn" with no survivors, unless we get back to prioritizing our spiritual lives again, not just with good intentions, but with a practical plan to which we commit and submit. In our past there was a plan in place, and while not perfect, the fact that we are still here shows that it had an overall positive impact on our lives. Do you have a practical plan, to which you've committed and submitted, which truly prioritizes your walk with God, your involvement in the lives of other disciples and your personal outreach to a lost world? I'm convinced we need such a plan right now, not only individually, but collectively.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Spiritual Mentoring - Part 2
What I had seen from a distance, but now came to experience, was the transformational power of spiritual mentoring (i.e., discipling), in the context of true "one another" relationships. Yes, the worship services a the Toronto Church of Christ were more exciting, inspirational and motivating and the weekly Bible Talks were fresh, challenging and effective in reaching others with the gospel. But the main instrument of personal growth in the lives of individual Christians was the weekly one-on-one times with a spiritual mentor (i.e., discipler), and the many points of contact in between (e.g., at worship services, midweek meetings, Bible Talks, evangelistic efforts, counseling appointments, Bible studies and almost daily phone calls).
For the first several years in the I.C.O.C., I was older in age, and in many ways more experienced in life, than were my disciplers. In fact, for one nine month period, both my wife and I were even discipled by two single ministry staff people. Some of my disciplers would later leave the church and go back into the world. Some of them said some false and hurtful things and at times "spoke the truth," but not necessarily "in love". However, I knew I could not control what others said or did, but only what I did with whatever they said and did. The sins and mistakes of my mentors were opportunities for me to grow in faith, forgiveness, patience and persistence. With the Bible as my standard, I was able to grow and change as never before as God worked through the imperfect mentors he had placed in my life.
These mentoring relationships were structured and followed a plan, but that didn't make them artificial and thus devoid of impact. Instead, in the midst of our all too busy lives and the ongoing demands of living in this world, I (and others), needed the expectations of a structured plan in order to have the consistency of interaction that resulted in impact and thus change and growth. Through these structured relationships I was able to experience the power of daily encouragement. Without this structure, the best of intentions would have simply been blown away like dust by the hurricane we call "Life". The demands and expectations of these discipling relationships did not hurt my marriage or my parenting, but rather by helping me to be a stronger, ever-growing Christian, I became a better husband and father, as well as a more confident and competent "minister of the gospel". I certainly would not want to be living my life now (in 2009), had I not experienced the impact that these relationships had on my mind, my heart and my soul! I am eternally grateful for what God has done in my life through discipling!
For the first several years in the I.C.O.C., I was older in age, and in many ways more experienced in life, than were my disciplers. In fact, for one nine month period, both my wife and I were even discipled by two single ministry staff people. Some of my disciplers would later leave the church and go back into the world. Some of them said some false and hurtful things and at times "spoke the truth," but not necessarily "in love". However, I knew I could not control what others said or did, but only what I did with whatever they said and did. The sins and mistakes of my mentors were opportunities for me to grow in faith, forgiveness, patience and persistence. With the Bible as my standard, I was able to grow and change as never before as God worked through the imperfect mentors he had placed in my life.
These mentoring relationships were structured and followed a plan, but that didn't make them artificial and thus devoid of impact. Instead, in the midst of our all too busy lives and the ongoing demands of living in this world, I (and others), needed the expectations of a structured plan in order to have the consistency of interaction that resulted in impact and thus change and growth. Through these structured relationships I was able to experience the power of daily encouragement. Without this structure, the best of intentions would have simply been blown away like dust by the hurricane we call "Life". The demands and expectations of these discipling relationships did not hurt my marriage or my parenting, but rather by helping me to be a stronger, ever-growing Christian, I became a better husband and father, as well as a more confident and competent "minister of the gospel". I certainly would not want to be living my life now (in 2009), had I not experienced the impact that these relationships had on my mind, my heart and my soul! I am eternally grateful for what God has done in my life through discipling!
Friday, November 13, 2009
Spiritual Mentoring - Part 1
As a minister in the "mainline" Church of Christ, there were many reasons why I was intrigued, became a supporter, and ultimately a part, of what was originally known as "the Crossroads Movement." Later it was known as the "Discipling Movement", then the "Boston Movement" and finally the "International Churches of Christ".
Apart from attributing the results to Satan (which some did, and some still do), one could not deny the effectiveness of the movement. Too many people were confessing Jesus as Lord and being baptized into Christ. Too many Christians were growing in their faith, knowledge of God's word, righteousness and boldness in proclaiming the truth. For the first time in a very long time, once dead or dying and declining churches were rising up and growing in spirit and in numbers.
What I saw and experienced on visits to Boston and Toronto was closer to the description of the early apostolic church in Acts (especially 2:42-47) than any I had ever witnessed. The Christians were truly "devoted" to the word of God, to fellowship, prayer and to coming together for worship and encouragement. Although I had some initial hesitations and concerns (mostly the result of my own pride and fear), the overwhelming reality of changed lives through the bold and unapologetic proclamation of, and ongoing obedience to, the gospel simply could not be denied.
So in 1988, five days after having major back surgery, I moved with my wife and our two young sons from Kingston to Toronto to become part of the Toronto Church of Christ. It was a risky move, one that some warned and pleaded with me not to take, but one that we felt confidently was absolutely necessary for our spiritual lives. We left our work with the mainline church; Sara started teaching full time for the Metro Toronto School Board and I continued my studies in nursing at the University of Toronto. We knew our lives would be different, but little did we realize how much our hearts and lives would be challenged and changed by this thing they called "discipling".
Apart from attributing the results to Satan (which some did, and some still do), one could not deny the effectiveness of the movement. Too many people were confessing Jesus as Lord and being baptized into Christ. Too many Christians were growing in their faith, knowledge of God's word, righteousness and boldness in proclaiming the truth. For the first time in a very long time, once dead or dying and declining churches were rising up and growing in spirit and in numbers.
What I saw and experienced on visits to Boston and Toronto was closer to the description of the early apostolic church in Acts (especially 2:42-47) than any I had ever witnessed. The Christians were truly "devoted" to the word of God, to fellowship, prayer and to coming together for worship and encouragement. Although I had some initial hesitations and concerns (mostly the result of my own pride and fear), the overwhelming reality of changed lives through the bold and unapologetic proclamation of, and ongoing obedience to, the gospel simply could not be denied.
So in 1988, five days after having major back surgery, I moved with my wife and our two young sons from Kingston to Toronto to become part of the Toronto Church of Christ. It was a risky move, one that some warned and pleaded with me not to take, but one that we felt confidently was absolutely necessary for our spiritual lives. We left our work with the mainline church; Sara started teaching full time for the Metro Toronto School Board and I continued my studies in nursing at the University of Toronto. We knew our lives would be different, but little did we realize how much our hearts and lives would be challenged and changed by this thing they called "discipling".
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