Paul - a Man, a Super-Saint, a Male Chauvinist?

There seems to be not shortage of opinion about the Apostle Paul. To some he's a hero, to others he be cited as a male chauvinist, to others he's criticized as changing (ruining) what God had planned through the Old Testament - making Jesus something he's not and to some he's but a historical figure - just a man! I wonder what Paul thought he was or did he even care.

I doubt that as he wrote his second letter to Timothy, (all scripture is God-breathed) he realized that it would one day be canonized into the whole of scripture. This leads me to believe that although God foreknew the potential of his writings, Paul himself wasn't writing to be remembered, rather Paul was communicating truth to the 'hear and now' of the early church. Unlike Moses who knew he was about to record history (certainly before his time) and his notes would set the pattern of worship, law and revelation for the Jewish people for centuries, Paul was writing to share his new-found faith in Christ for what was taking place at that time.

In my opinion, Paul was a man who hadn't realized the depth of his theology, but knew how to live it out. He was the ultimate 'experiential theologian' - which I believe makes him as relevant today as he was in the first century. Based on the current cultural that lives for the 'experience', Paul lived out his experience and faith in a way few Christians really understand or follow! It's certainly not my place to judge, but I am allowed to make an observation! For Paul who writes "For me to live is Christ" it not only impacts his belief, but it changes everything about his life - Christ is his experience! He [Jesus] is not an add-on or a show one day a week, but he is 'only'! No doubt, that ties into God's holiness - 'being set apart' for the Gospel.

Relating to this relationship with Jesus, Paul uses a word to define the power that he now lives within - that Greek word 'dynamis' - root word to our English: dynamite. His conversion to follow Jesus was nothing short of explosive. It changed everything. It's interesting for Paul to use such a word, after all he lived under the 'powerful' Roman empire where Roman Caesars were consider to be 'god's' as well. Biblical commentor Robert Jewett writes: "In contrast to the Roman imperial cult, which fancied the Caesars as saviours and benefactors of the universe, Paul offers a counterclaim. The gospel shatters the unrightous precedence given to the strong over the weak, the free and well-educated over slaves and the ill-educated, the Greeks and Romans over the barbarians . . . The theses of Paul's letter to the Romans therefore effectively turns the social value system of the Roman Empire upside down."

Although there is much debate on the topic of woman within Paul's writing, especially as it relates to minitsry, I believe Paul was doing something no other had done before, but Jesus - That being - the valuing of women to a place of importance - again something that had not been done before (even within scripture we see very little of this). How quick we are to quote a single verse and decide that the theology within it is sufficient to treat others (woman, different races & cultures) as second-class and 'less-then' ourselves. Paul, I believe when taken within the entirity of his writings is actually elvating woman to a respctable and valued place 'beside' men - not above, nor below. I'll leave it there at this point!

As I think about the world we live in, I wonder what could happen if everyone who claims to follow Christ lived in the prespective of Paul (and of Jesus) when we look at how he viewed the value and priorities of this world and his expience in Christ. I wonder how things might have be different throughout the ages. And I wonder if tomorrow will look any different?

For me, Paul was but a man! A man who just like ever other person created had/has the opportinity to know and expeience Christ. I don't believe his revelation of Jesus was anything less or more than any one of ours, yet his experience sure looked different! If not a different God, perhaps it's what we as men and woman do with that knowledge that detemines our experience as well.

Interesting . . . a Letter to Rome changes the World?

If I seem a little presumptuous in my title, I can only imagine the joys and struggles of men like Martin Luther and John Calvin when they re-read the familiar words of Paul's letter to Rome (the book of Romans) and were somewhat awestruck not with what they had read, but what they had missed previously in their studies. When you consider the amount of study these two man actually did through the volumes of writings and the influence that followed . . . well, let's just say it makes 'War and Peace' seem like a very short, short story!

As I share from my own thoughts and journals over the next number of weeks and as our church goes on this journey through the book of Romans, I realize that what can be said through a message might only touch the surface of what is contained in this letter. I'm hoping to use the technology of blogging as a way to 'go deeper' in the things I choose not to share in the message from each Sunday.

Let me begin by stating that it's hard not to imagine Paul's intent in the writing this letter. After all, it must have been one of the most concise and informative theological thesis ever written to this point in time and without sounding sarcastic to the more recent writers of commentaries, it certainly stands alone in both its content and style. Yet, we get a sense Paul's heart was never to be a scholar, nor teacher (although he certainly attained greatness in both), rather he was consumed with a passion to share his relationship with Christ to the world. He was an evengelist (thank goodness, TV hadn't arrived yet)! I would suggest before us is not a work or theology, but a work of evangelism - i.e. Church Planting, Sharing one's faith, Missionary Work, etc!

Paul articulates his background well in Acts 22 but in his encounter with Christ he becomes a new man; a transformed individual. Everything Paul considered valuable to that point in life was now being observed through a new set of lenses - a lens of eternal signifiance. This of course altered the way he cared for himself and the way he viewed others. Paul had moved from night to day, from enslavement to liberty and from murderer to lover! For Paul, there was but two ways to view this world: the one he had held on to for so long, but provided no fullness or completeness to life (as he defines it - the rule of sin and death as given through Adam as the first of creation) and the freedom he now expereinced in Christ (the rule of grace and life through the declartion [justification] of Christ).

When a follower of Christ is able to not so much understand that (the intriacies of justification), but is able to accept them, it too changes the way in which we view ourselves and others. The problem so often comes in trying to process the details, we loose sight of the effect. For example, I (and you) breathe without thought, nor complete understanding of the process of oxygen, neither it's origin or the complete process of photosynthesis (at least I sure don't) in reproducing it, yet we apply it's effect on us ever second of our life. Paul is calling the disciple of Christ to this outcome and effect, where instinctivelly our life responds to the divine nature of Christ, rather than the human nature of humanity (Adam). This is what a Christ-follower [Christian] looks like!

If I could sum up the letter in short, I would suggest the heart of the author wants to re-affirm to his reader that the life that is found in Christ and the response thereof changes the way in which we live . . . and die! He has written an invitation to any who would read the words to consider the liberty and joy he has found in Christ over the enslavement and brokeness found in themelves. It is a letter of hope! As he states in Romans 1.16 "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes."

I look forward to opening up the thoughts of Paul in a fresh way as the gospel is not bound by time or personality, but enlightens every generation to know Paul's God.

I will also try to suggest some further reading for your own study . . . If you're looking for a great and exhaustive commentary on Romans, one of the best in print currently is written by Leon Morris (not the cheapest, but a treasure to be opened often)

Worship . . . Understanding the heart of Awe!

It seems lately I've run across some 'odd' and what I'd call 'weird' thoughts on worship, thus my message this coming Sunday (Sept 6) on Worship. No doubt everyone has an opinion on the subject and probably everyone has a piece of the truth at least at some level. I certainly don't believe I've figured it all out, by any means. After living through the 'worship wars' of the 90's and in devouring everything written on the subject, I still think as 'the church' we often miss the point, or more importantly the purpose of what God is doing through us as it relates to this subject.

For many, 'worship' is what the church does in a set time frame (usually on a Sunday morning) allowing us to feel and express ourselves in love and awe towards God. It is often expressed best (we think) during music. Yet there is where it kind-of ends. Others sense worship can happen anywhere at anytime as meditation or reflection dwell up inside of us and we're once again in awe of our creator. In directing his thoughts to worship within the community or church, Kiekegaard defines the process and our role within worship as: Leaders (worship leader, worship team, song leader, organist, choir) are the prompters of worship; the Congregation are the performers; and God is the audience. Personally I am OK with all of these expressions but sense there is so much more.

All too often the worship of God through music becomes more focused on us and our feelings become the audience rather than the focus of our worship: God. I, like many have fallen into this trap as I reflect often on a Sunday morning service stating "that was good" or "not" based on how the "performance"went. If I'm the prompter or even the performer, the real statement of my worship has to be based on what the audience thought! And the audience of one (God) knows whether or not, I truly worshiped. I'm always reminded of Cain & Abel at this point. Only God could have really known the heart of these two worshipers.

As I said, I believe there's more than simply a song at the heart of worship (as Matt Redmond articulated in his song - Heart of Worship).

Worship I believe may be best sum up in a small and remote scripture text - Micah 6.8

He (God} has showed you, O man, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God

Although it's recorded in the midst of God's anger towards Israel the prophet Micah pauses and outlines the call of one who truly seeks to know (and may I suggest - worship) God. Worship is a life surrendered completely to God. Once again as with Cain & Abel "What does the LORD require of you?" Isn't worship what God requires of us? YES! And so in defining worship, does not Micah outline through "justice" (doing what's right, also called integrity), "mercy" (a reflection of God's response to us, also given as grace) and "humility" (surrendered before God also know as the absence of pride) all within the intentional act of walking with God (following in relationship with God).

I have often heard it said that the preoccupation of heaven with be the worship of God and I believe it will be, however I have a great difficultly in seeing us gathered in a circle singing Kum-Ba-Yah (and even feeling really close to God) as the eternal pastime of eternity. Rather I see the creator finishing what he started in the Garden of Eden with all of it's fulness being enjoyed as we live in harmony with God and with each other underscoring the relationship through these values Micah shares as our worship before God.

Our worship is more what happens outside of our circle of "church" and "worship services". We have been called to be the church, not attend it! Worship as the apostle Paul states in Romans 12.1-2 "in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual^ act of worship . . ." Worship is how we live!

^

A Week of Castles & Churches!

Hard to believe how fast a vacation can really go, but that's how I spent my last week - Traveling through the country side of Great Britain. In so many ways I now understand why they call it 'the Old Country'. Beyond the relaxation and site seeing I was a little over whelmed with number of churches and castles we saw.

What do castles and churches have in common in the land of history? Well both are generally big! Most have taken many years to build! Most are old (anywhere from the younger ones at 300 years to the ancient bricks of 1,000 plus years)! Most attract thousands of tourists! And the sad reality is that neither of them are actually fulfilling the purpose of why they were created in the first place.

Now the fact that the castles no longer stand as protection and security against opposing enemies is no doubt a good thing. Few are lived in and have become yet another tourist 'trap' - although a very pretty site, they are but a piece of history, crumbling away at their foundations. On a side note, I found a potential and quite lucrative career while there (if I ever need to move on) In just about every town and city we were in there is one business that seems repression proof: Scaffolding! That's right 'the rental of scaffolding' is booming as it seems just about every old building has some high point of restoration needing repair. My conclusion: Castles have become architectural items of beauty, history and decay in need of much repair!

As I viewed the hundreds of churches we traveled by and through I also realized most of them just might fall into the same category as the castle - beauty, historical and decaying as very few of them actually function to their original intent. Now we know 'the church' has really nothing to do with a building, a tradition or a country, yet these mass buildings were erected to live out the call of Christ to 'build my church'. Today beyond a special choir presentation, a celebration of Christmas and the occasional historical town event these large, beautiful buildings have become like castles - drawing the masses (tourists) to take a look as they travel through (and often leave a pretty healthy fee along the way - someones got to pay for the repair work) with very little to say of why they were built in the first place.

Is there a lesson in all of this? I guess as I share my passion for the church and do consider it as the 'hope of the world' I'm reminded once again the church is and must be about people. Not programs, not buildings and with a healthy respect for the past, not about traditions that like these ancient buildings that no longer serve the purpose in which they have been created for! They are but a reminder that the church is also in need of repair!

I Don’t Believe in Atheists - Me Neither!

It was just over a year ago when throughout the land of Books, specifically ‘Best Sellers’ that the top five within the Religious Section were all written by atheists (thankfully ‘The Shack’ was released to move into top spot). Interesting dynamic – Top five best sellers in religion don’t have anything good to say about the subject – They don’t even believe in God – How could they? It was that phenomena that lead me to read this book: ‘I Don’t Believe in Atheists’.

Author Chris Hedges opens a door to a post 911 world where he fears the potential of the fundamentalist not just from the world of Islam, but from the heritage of his own nation, the world of Christianity in the USA. Hedges is not writing from a personal Christian or Muslim experience, but (if possible) a subjective observation highlighting the dangers of both, as well as any other extreme position found in religion. In a statement about the book, Hedges states “the book was motivated by debates he had with atheist authors Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens who overly demonized religion, particularly Islam, in ways that Hedges believed were eerily similar to the thinking of Christian fundamentalists”.

His work at times rises through humour with brilliance, but sadly much is lost in the plethora of philosophy. It was somewhat like the college reading ancient philosophers once again; a lot to say, but people spend a lifetime trying to figure it out! He no doubt comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in this subject (English Literature Degree from Colgate University and a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity School) however his views are limited to observation without participation in any formal religious belief. The son of a Presbyterian minister, it would seem from the last chapter of the book he no longer embraces a faith.

If I may suggest the ‘good’ of the book it comes in challenging once again a believer’s faith! Hedges is a ‘thinker’ and those who read him will have no choice but to respond in the same manner. He pushes the envelope through science and reason. He challenges the very essences of human relationships through the dangers of extreme‘ism.’ He addresses the ‘right-wing’ of US Politics in his chapter: ‘The New Fundamentalism.’ His conclusion is probably best summed up in two thoughts: His chapter titled ‘Self-Delusion’ and his quoting the Biblical scripture of Ecclesiastes (although poorly contextualized) – all is vanity!

The book is not formally a ‘new age’ release with a self-proclamation of deity but there are threads throughout his work that fringe on much of Gnostic beliefs where all is one, equal and eternal. What may make this a conflict with new age philosophy is that Hedges highlights ‘The Myth of Moral Progress.’ He is convinced we are not moving in a good direction as human beings. May I suggest, a good read for some – challenging for a few and a difficulty for many! Thumbs Out!

Draw Close to the Fire – Terry Wardle - A Book of Drawing Close to God and Restoring the Broken

Given to me as a gift with the encouragement as a ‘must read’ I began to work my way through ‘Draw Close to the Fire’. The reality is that once started, I had trouble putting it down! Yet, I knew I had to reflect and process the depth of such carefully spoken words if I was to grow from it. His wounds, his thoughts and understanding as it relates to brokenness – a subject any human being who is being honest with themselves can relate to at some point (perhaps many points) in life.

Terry speaks a fresh to the subject of failure, hurt and pain with a heart for Jesus in a way that resonates with many in dealing with their emptiness and brokenness. He capture well the Biblical understanding of our humanity (in all is weakness) and blends it extremely well with recent philosophy and counseling. In the end, it is the Holy Spirit that actually does the healing within our lives only as one surrenders to him. Beyond a simple recognition of Christ within a believer’s life, he quick to underscore the real key lies in ‘intimacy’ – “Know about the Lord and serving Him faithfully are not enough to sustain people through a season of darkness. You and I must grow to know Him intimately” (page 34).

The book is really not a self-help book on overcoming hurt and brokenness (in what Wardle borrows from ‘St. John of the Cross’ - “the dark night if the soul”) but a writing that calls the follower of Christ to complete surrender – “Not just His words and works – you need Jesus himself. You need to be consumed in Him, the hope of glory” (page 44). Remaining faithful to a host of scriptural text, he suggest the work of the Holy Spirit within the believer’s life is taking one to that place where they may really ‘know’ Jesus –"Opening yourself to the instruction of the Holy Spirit will reshape your life. He will teach you that intimacy, not ministry, is to be the consuming passion of the believer" (page 64).

One of the most challenging parts of helping others is found in ‘working through ones past’ in relation to other people (i.e. family, friends, and enemies). This of course is only possible as it is reveal or recalled. Methods are not always agreed upon among counselors in bringing forth the past, however most realize the benefit it provides. Without writing a complete text book on the subject (not the intend of this work) he has highlighted the need to move beyond at some point, only after it has been adequately dealt with – “Too often we fail to resolve our conflicts, moving on in life without adequate reconciliation and in some cases restoration. Sometimes our solution is simply to avoid those people and move into the future. When we do, however, the unresolved issues become obstacles to our spiritual growth and a seedbed for the enemy’s work” (page 107).

If there is any thought of self-help (although only in surrender does one really find God’s complete healing), Wardle writes a chapter on ‘Spiritual Disciplines Move You Toward Christlikeness’. It’s not so much about ‘doing’ but in ‘being’ you grow in intimacy with the Godhead and are able to process the pain brokenness along the way. Drawing from the writings of Robert Mulholland, he suggests the correct term for this process is ‘Spiritual Formation’ – “a process of being conformed to the image of Jesus Christ for the sake of others” (page 217).

Through the book Wardle is relentless in drawing the reader back to both the words and nature of God – Words that remind one of their value in Christ, the eternal hope found in Christ, the need for forgiveness, restoration and grace, and that the real battle is spiritual, not simply emotional or physical. Building on the words of the apostle Paul in Ephesians six, we’re reminded just how valued the armour of God is when life doesn’t always work the way in which we would like.

I can only express my joy in reading the book as one who from time-to-time finds my world very fragile and occasionally broken! First, it is somewhat reassuring the battle I face are pretty much common ground among us all. Secondly, to be reminded of the love and acceptance we find in Christ provides an amazing amount of hope and healing for the journey. Third, although I certainly would recommend this book to one who at this moment finds themselves ‘in the dark night,’ I would also encourage anyone to invest in this as a resource to build upon no matter where in life they are at.

Thumbs Up!

The Challenge of Jesus: Rediscovering Who Jesus Was and Is

A fan of the author N. T. Wright, I found myself once again captivate by Wrights insight and unique expression on such an ancient subject: Jesus. Although Jesus is neither irrelevant nor ancient there is certainly no shortage of material written about him. Often, I like many have sought to define both the "who" and "why" of God in this eternal person with the hopes and expectation of understanding my existence, purpose and plans for the future.

Perhaps a key word within the title expresses it best for me: "Rediscovering". Is Jesus, new? Has he changed? No! Yet like all human beings, I am on a journey . . . a journey that accepts newness and seems to be always confronted with change (although I'm not sure I like or even embrace the second as much as I do the first). And so I expect this eternal, non-changing Christ to impact my world in the midst of new discoveries and changes often beyond my control.

In reading the book over the past few months, I found myself wrestling through a Message Series (which I would eventually call‘Sacred Encounters’) in dealing with the confusion and partial truths of the ‘New Age’. Wright presents the beliefs and historical setting in which Jesus lived and during which period of time the Christian Gospels were written. The last four chapters are practical applications with cultural relevancy to the ideas presented earlier. Wright offers precise historical evidence for the prevailing viewpoints held by the religious authorities and political leaders of Jesus' time and what the overarching purpose and mission of Jesus were.

Wright’s premise, although historical in nature moves the reader to deal with the current realities as in conflict critiquing the information of the Jesus Seminar and John Dominic Crossan (as well as others) in their published works about their respective studies of Jesus. Wright, however, proposes that many of the battles being fought today are out of step with the reality of our present world. Theological wars, arguments over whether or not Jesus was divine or human, whether or not the Gospels are reliable and a host of other subjects simply have been moved into a different sphere by the study of first-century Judaism and Christianity in particular. "There are new battles not totally different, of course, from the old ones but with significant new elements."

As he draws his thoughts to a close in the chapter entitled ‘The Light of the World’ he articulates the work and the power of the death and resurrection of Christ, suggesting many have missed the point. Wright’s conviction of a ‘new life’ in Christ moves us from simply enduring this life (awaiting the next) to a passion to begin living in eternity ‘now’ – He writes “From now on we are living in the new age, the already-begun new world. The light is now shinning in the darkness. Do not put all the eschatological weight in that which is still to come. The whole point of New Testament Christianity is that the End came forward into the present in Jesus the Messiah” (page 178).

N.T. Wright no doubt writes, speaks and lives in the world of academia, yet with an openness for insight and growth ‘The Challenge of Jesus’ will challenge you, no matter what your educational level or your spiritual maturity. Thumbs up!

The Shack - William Paul Young - Is it really that good?

I guess I may as well start off by stating ‘The Shack’ has been one of the most enjoyable and exciting books I have read in a long time as it relates to the nature of God. It is really that good! I know within seconds there will be those who applaud and those who will stop reading anything I’m about to say! Although, if you’ve made it this far on The Sanctuary’s web-site, I think you may line up in option A.

I will admit ‘The Shack’ has some tension and is far from the level of literature often achieved in such a writings (i.e. C.S. Lewis, John Bunyan and the likes of others in which the book has been compared to), but a careful read opens up the door to some pretty incredible understandings of the nature of God, the trinity, the work and power of Christ through the cross, the nature of fallen humanity and the redemptive plan of God towards his creation.

In relation to the success of the book one can’t help but see the instant connection to the reader – ‘The Great Sadness’ – This is part of our human journey. It’s here C. S. Lewis states: “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: It is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world”. No doubt the main character, Mack was awakened to a reality of God he would have never known if not for the loss and pain of an abduction. Of course he asks the universal question in the midst of suffering; “How could this have happened? God, how could this happen?” (page 53)

Brilliantly portrayed author William P. Young uses the story to highlight the nature of God as it relates to not only the tragedy, but the role and nature of God through it and of course the process of healing, including forgiveness.

Beyond the story itself there are some tensions that arise for many in relation to the trinity, the ‘look’ of God and some of the quotes Young creates and places in the story as reference to God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit.

There are of course theological differences rooted deep within people that may frustrate some readers (free will vs. predestination page 164; the nature of the Trinity – “Circle of Love” – “Chain of command” pages 122, 145, 222; God’s judgment on sin – “It’s not my [God] purpose to punish it; it’s my joy to cure it” Page 120), yet I would suggest remaining open to each of these as even within mature Christians these debates and differences have been fought for hundreds of years and will continue, yet in my opinion Young never crosses a line of misrepresenting the truth of scripture and the nature of God.

After leading a three week course on Exploring the Shack, I would only encourage anyone to read the book and then openly discuss it. My closing thought on what one does with it:

Great topic for conversation

Great discussion starter with friends

Re-evaluate your own beliefs about God (using scripture to support and help reveal a deeper understanding of God within your life)

Grow in deeper intimacy with God as you re-read The Shack.

Awesome read (and re-read), Thumbs up!