Tuesday, August 30, 2011

vacation

My Hebrew final was yesterday. I don't yet know exactly how I did, but I do know I survived. Now I get a week to relax (aka find a job and apply for loans) before the semester starts in full swing on the 8th. Between now and then, I also get a weekend trip to the Lake where I don't have to spend most of the time studying under a tree. It's safe to say I am eagerly looking forward to my extended weekend.

My brain functioning has dwindled since ceasing my intense Hebrew study, so I have nothing at this moment to write about. So while I take a break here (unless something should inspire me), my writing will continue at 4thanddone.com for the next week or so. My brother and I are doing our annual preview of the entire NFL season prior to the start on Thursday, September 8th.

In all honestly, I look forward to this (both the preview and the season) every year. We used to do the same thing as kids sharing a room with bunk-beds. For eight nights before the start of the season we would break down one of the eight divisions as we prepared for sleep. It is a very fond memory I have, and I thoroughly enjoy any chance I get to relive it.

Plus, I really enjoy football.

Friday, August 26, 2011

seemingly simple

God's Word is filled with difficult passages. You would be hard-pressed (at least I hope) to find someone who hasn't found at least one passage they consistently wrestle with. Some are hard to read. Some are hard to follow. Some are hard to understand. Some are hard to accept. Some are hard to respond to. And some are just plain hard.

Surprisingly (to myself), I am wrestling with a seemingly simple and familiar passage. Anyone who knows anything about the Bible has heard the passage more than once. It isn't filled with mystery or deep theological concepts. It's clear and to the point.

Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? ...
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’...But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.                      ~Matthew 6:25, 31, 33-34

In the English, it sounds as if Jesus is stating one imperative three times; Do not be anxious. In between He uses pictures from nature to explain why. You could really sum all ten verses as, "Do not worry because God knows, God cares, and He is faithful" (and for all I know the Message might say just that). 

Again, it's not rocket-science. God is Creator, therefore He knows exactly what each and every creature needs. God is Father, therefore He gives exactly what each of His children need. God is God, therfore He is who He's always been: lovingly faithful. And yet I would rather add on to today's troubles the troubles of tomorrow.

When I read it, I keep coming back to the three imperatives. They don't seem like our imperatives where Jesus would be wagging His finger, screaming "DO NOT WORRY!" at His disciples. However, they are still imperatives. He isn't suggesting or being passive. He is saying "don't do it." And He is saying it more than once.

Our culture tells us the opposite. We are supposed to worry about everything. Because nothing in this life is certain, all we can do is plan as best we can and worry about the rest. Look at advertisements and see how many start with something along the lines of "are you worried about...?" Look at our conversations with other people. We replace the word "worry" with the friendlier version "concern" (and the dictionary backs me up on that one). "Does it concern you that...your marriage...your job...your kids...your money...your house..." and the list goes on. We fully embrace worry as a perfectly acceptable and normal response to life.

And this is exactly what Christ is telling His followers not to do. Worry is normal because we are sinners. Worry is acceptable because our sin teaches us to rely on ourselves. But we belong to Christ which also means we belong to the Father, and God's Spirit reminds of this each and every day. That eliminates any and all room for worry.

But with all that said, it's not easy. I want to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, but the concerns of this life appear weightier. I know by doing so all these things will be added to you, but my needs can't seem to wait.

Thankfully, God graciously allows me to wrestle with Him even when the issue is seemingly simple. He doesn't berate for lack of faith, but draws me in. For it never did (or ever will) depend on me. 

Out of my shameful failure and loss,
Jesus, I come; Jesus, I come.
Into the glorious gain of Thy cross,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,
Out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
Out of distress into jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee.

Friday, August 19, 2011

no faith

I thoroughly enjoy CNN-Opinion. I am fairly confident they are not the only ones, but, since CNN is my news of choice, I go there. The page offers pieces that touch on an assortment of subjects from all points of views. And I typically enjoy understanding what others believe, even if I don't necessarily agree with them.

Penn Jillette, of the infamous Penn & Teller, wrote a piece about why he is both a libertarian and atheist. While the entire article is interesting, the following paragraph stood out the most.

What makes me libertarian is what makes me an atheist -- I don't know. If I don't know, I don't believe. I don't know exactly how we got here, and I don't think anyone else does, either. We have some of the pieces of the puzzle and we'll get more, but I'm not going to use faith to fill in the gaps. I'm not going to believe things that TV hosts state without proof. I'll wait for real evidence and then I'll believe.

In regards to his libertarian point, I have no pressing response. If someone wants to belong to the Democratic, Republican, Tea, Libertarian, Independent, or whatever party they are more than welcome to it. All of them have ideas worth being heard, especially given the current state of our government.

But how do we respond to his atheistic claim? Anger? Aggression? Scoff? Mockery? Ridicule? Religious arrogance?
Yes, his beliefs contradict what the Bible declares. Creation is filled with proof of its Creator. We don't know all the answers, mostly because we (humanity as a whole) are the reason for our problems. But God is faithful and sovereign. Faith in Him is not meaningless faith.

Hopefully we can read (or hear) such statements of belief and respond with compassion and grace. Jesus did not berate his disciples for doubt. He stood up and gave them the proof they needed. He calmed the storm (Matthew 8:26), healed the demon possessed boy (Matthew 17:17-20), and let Thomas touch His wounds (John 20:27).

We are more than capable of doing the same, but not with a spirit of arrogance. Grace tells us we were in the same boat before Christ saved us. And apart from Him, we would believe similarly. Grace teaches us humility, which is exactly how we need to respond to those lacking the faith necessary for belief.

Monday, August 15, 2011

A year of travels

It's not New Year's, but today feels like a good day to reminisce on my past year (maybe the midterm I just took is having an effect). Today does mark five months since I returned from my time in India. If you believe me, I haven't been counting. I simply saw the date and said "well look at that." But I have seen other places as well in the last year.

Last August, I traveled to Italy with two friends for a crash-course in sight-seeing, delicious food, good wine, and fun. If you've never gone, may I encourage you to do so. My taste-buds continue to thank me.

After a brief stop in Harrisburg to start off the year teaching, I traveled to Boston for a weekend visit of a friend attending Gordon Conwell. We toured Quincy Market, Fenway Park, and downtown making room for oysters and chowder. (Please read all those names and foods with a thick, Boston accent please).

My traveling took a break over the holidays are I prepared for the major excursion of the year. I serve three months in India with a God-glorifying ministry. I lived with a wonderful family, served alongside a hilarious and devoted group of godly men and women, saw God move time and time again, and saw my call for ministry grow. I hope to return someday.

After three months filled with recuperation, a sprained ankle, a Spruce Lake trip as a substitute teacher, and a plethora of Messiah girl's lacrosse games I traveled once again to my favorite place in all of New York. I studied religiously for my Hebrew course, but filled the extra time enjoying the best family (immediate and extended) a guy could ask for.

And finally, before the grind of another Hebrew semester, I ventured to Wildwood, NJ for a quick frolicking in the surf and sand. I would have liked to stay longer, but I am grateful for the twenty-four hour period I had. (And since my time was so limited this picture is the only proof of my attendance.)

God is good. I can't say it enough. I don't always take the time to see it, but it doesn't mean it's not true. He has blessed me with plenty of opportunities to see His creation, enjoy His people, and find rest through His good gifts over the course of the past year. I am grateful for each and every one.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good ~Psalm 136:1

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

the seminary bubble

I wish I could say I read these two articles over and over again in attempt to fully dissect the writer's point. Unfortunately, the limitations of my time remain. I could wait until my summer class is over, but I will most likely forget to come back and revisit it altogether. Even so, my opinion is limited seeing as I am only two "theoretical" semesters into my program. I am not (yet) in debt from seminary, although that day is fast approaching. It will add to my existing debt, but apparently debt is "in" (or so says our government).

Instead of writing a rather lengthy response, I am simply going to list a few lines from the article and respond to those. I picked ones which I either nodded in agreement with, clearly disagreed with, or a little of both.

...young men graduate from seminary $60,000 or $70,000 in debt with few employment options other than very low-pay youth minister positions. Everyone has debt, and labors through low-pay positions. I taught for two years. Many teachers (and other careers) are in the exact same position. What I don't like about this argument (which really has nothing to do with the author's main point) is the reality of youth ministry being used as a launching pad or a place to stash people until they are "ready." First, it hurts the youth. Too many churches see the youth pastor position as a revolving door. Every 2-3 years someone new comes in. This directly affects the ability of the kids to grow as nothing is ever stable. Second, youth isn't the only place where passion and energy are needed. The older generations (college on up) need to be rejuvenated and kicked in the pants every so often as well. Some men are gifted towards one group or the other. Placing him where he doesn't belong frustrates both him and the group he is expected to minister to.

Interestingly enough, statistics indicate that these less “professional” churches are growing and the top-heavy cousins are rapidly shrinking. Personally, I don't think this has anything to do with whether or not the pastor went to seminary. I think it's more of a reflection of the individual church. There are plenty of seminary and non-seminary education pastors leading thriving churches which are passionate about seeing the gospel of Jesus Christ reach all corners of the globe. There are also plenty of seminary and non-seminary educated pastors leading churches that are passionate about all the wrong things or nothing at all. These churches don't need a man with the gift of speech or a specific degree, they need Jesus Christ as their top priority.

Seminary training has almost nothing to do with the talent for public speaking, and often leaves any evaluation of that talent later in the student’s training. Interesting point. It can make it tough when you are learning about sermon preparation, but rarely given a chance to implement a sermon. People want good speakers, which only comes through practice and God's grace. I hope it's not the case for Westminster, but I won't know until I keep moving along. But I do have opportunities in my local church to foster my speaking skills should the need arise. This is another one of the many blessings of being committed to a local body instead of floating around until you are welcomed in as a shepherd.

Another common criticism is that enduring the financial privations of a seminary education is somehow a spiritual obligation. (This is technically a rebuttal against one of the criticisms) Christianity is not about obligation. It's about grace. Attending seminary does not earn me any extra points nor does not attending seminary subtract points. Christ requires I faithfully serve Him and follow where He leads. For some, it may mean seminary. For others, secular careers where God's people are just as needed. Still others, a plethora of other things. If we head into them with a mindset of obligation, we won't be serving with joy or with the proper motivation of bringing glory and praise to Christ.

Christ was not, Himself, a seminary graduate, nor did He establish an institution of higher learning. This one sounds like a cop-out. I could say Jesus never went to college. I could say Jesus never bought a home. I could say Jesus never ran an official church service. The point is Christ didn't establish a lot of things during His time on earth. It wasn't His purpose. He came to do the Father's will (John 6:38), which eventually meant His death and resurrection. Plus, Jesus grew up as a devote Jewish boy. He spent a good deal of His upbringing receiving formal training in the Scriptures (Old Testament at that time). And that training was more akin to higher education than apprenticeship.

Otherwise it was parties, stories, healings and alms. Here, Jesus sounds like a hippie from the 60's walking around with a guitar, a tie-dye shirt, a peculiar aroma, a radiant glow, and pockets full of coins. Limiting Jesus' ministry to "parties, stories, healing, and alms" is not faithful to Scripture. Jesus' ministry was to serve and give His life as a ransom (Matthew 20:28). And He left His disciples with a call to follow in His steps. They were to go, make disciples, baptize, and teach (Matthew 28:19-20) through the means by which the Spirit led. The aforementioned list was Jesus' declaration that the kingdom of God has come, but not yet to its fullest. Jesus was showing how God will one day redeem all which has been corrupted by sin.

Why, then, do we put classrooms in the middle of pastoral formation and apprenticeship at the edge? I actually really like this point. Seminaries will require a semester (maybe two) of ministry experience. That semester is important, but it would be wonderful (at least I think it would) for a student to be active in some means along the way. Getting a chance to use the intellectual knowledge gained in practical ways is extremely important. And yes, it would be nice if seminaries could help bridge the gap. However, it doesn't necessarily have to rest solely on the seminary to provide the opportunity. Churches are always looking for more hands and people to lead. Getting more involved in a local church body (this seems to be a running theme) is a great way to learn more about ministry. Help run the children's program. Become a youth leader. Start a Bible study. Join committees to get a flavor for church meetings and functions. Ask to try something new which would benefit the body and those it is trying to reach. Sure, it won't lead to extra pay, but what's more important anyway?

In fact, I think theology is so important that I’d like to see it taught efficiently, at low cost, to far larger numbers of people. Isn't that what the church is supposed to do!?!?!? Confession. I used to hate Sunday School. I thought it made Sunday mornings seem that much longer. Now my church isn't perfect, but I like our Sunday school (or at least the one I attend). We pour over books of the Bible in order to wrestle with theological topics (soteriology, ecclesiology, eschatology etc.) contained in them so that we may grow more in love with God and better serve those around us. A lot of churches would rather use Sunday school as a social event or take it off the table altogether.

I’d put my money on the 30-something apprentice with an iPod, some business experience and a day job over the 20-something with a piece of paper and a huge load of debt every time. Any God-fearing church puts their money on the whatever-something God has called to faithfully shepherd their flock. If he attended seminary, great. If he didn't, but it still able to faithfully teach God's Word and lead His people, then great. God is the one who calls (any and all of His people, pastors or not), and He does so for His purpose and glory. Our job is to faithfully respond and serve.

Friday, August 5, 2011

(insert sound of brakes screeching to a halt)

My older sister is a real peach. There is no doubt in my mind of her love for her youngest brother. I can recount many events in my past, which would speak to this as being true. She fed me at least twice a week my freshman year of college (and even let me bring friends along at times). Along with her husband, she chose me as a member of her infamous wedding party. Despite having two daughters and a busy husband, I am frequently invited to her city dwelling for food and fellowship. I could come up with a lot more, but those will suffice for now. But more importantly, I know my sister is interested in my development as a man, particularly one gearing up for a life of full-time ministry.

However, she does have a feisty streak in her as well. She has been know to mutilate teddy bears after convincing a mere toddler the bear would look better scarf-less. She breaks cribs (along with her younger brother) when all you want to do is sleep in them. She also might practice her developing punching skills when you least expect it. Or she sends emails attaching articles which challenge a trajectory you recently dove head-first into.

She sent me this and this in an email. I read both during a break in my seminary (note the irony) class. I plan on writing a reflection on the two articles considering they directly apply to my situation. And in actuality, the issues being raised are not foreign to me. I took many of them into account as I wrestled over whether or not attending seminary was right for me. In all honesty, I still wrestle with some of the issues. Certain points the author makes I found myself nodding in agreement with. For others, I was less enthused. While I may not agree with every point being made, I think the articles raise good questions about education, in general, and seminary education, in specific.

If anything it's a good challenge to assess where my heart lies and the motivation behind my attending seminary. Am I doing it all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31) or something entirely different?

(P.S. Danielle, I am appreciative of the articles. I just wanted to get in some good-natured ribbing seeing as I've been left to myself this week with nobody to pick on. You won my "find someone to playfully tease" drawing. Don't you feel special?)

Thursday, August 4, 2011

government (part 2)

Here is where I stop talking about America as a whole. But first, I do not want to diminish the work of non-Christians in trying to fix our nations mistakes. There are plenty of good individuals and organizations working for the good of the people around them. They are using their talents and gifts to serve others. They aren't motivated by greed and self, but the overall well-being of others. Their efforts should be praised, and Christians shouldn't fear to come alongside them. Praise God for people such as these who are living proof of His grace!

However, their efforts can only go so far. To go with Cal Thomas' quote, their attempts can alter the reflection of our decadence, but they won't transform the root. And the transformation of the root is where the cry for the followers of Christ can be heard the loudest.

The Bible is clear what the root problem is (Genesis 6:5, Jeremiah 17:9, Matthew 5:18-19, Romans 3 to name a few). Government can't fix sin. Programs can't fix sin. Individuals can't fix sin. Jesus Christ is the only one who can fix sin. And praise God, He already has through His perfect life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection!

We tend to lose this focus. Our aim at welcoming God back into our nation's operations is through petitions, elections, letters, and debates (all of which should compliment, but never supplement the gospel). Again, we should desire laws which reflect God's character and desires. But more than that, we should desire people with transformed hearts.

Our primary focus must be planting the gospel into every aspect of our culture. It is the only way it can be redeemed. Two examples from Scripture make this point clear.

In 2 Kings 22-23, the High Priest finds the book of the law among the temple ruins. He reads it and repents. From there he goes to King Josiah, but not to ask him to change the laws to reflect what he read. Instead, he reads it to Josiah who also repents. From there, they read the book before all the people who have their sin exposed by the truth, and respond with repentance. And the overall result is a massive transformation of culture. Nothing is left untouched by the truth of God's Word. Business changes, worship changes, government changes, and live are changed through the power of God's Spirit. Reforms were made by Josiah, but the reforms were a result of new hearts bent towards pleasing God.

In Jonah 3, we see a very similar event. Jonah is told to preach judgment upon the city. After a few self-inflicted detours, Jonah finally ends up in Nineveh. His message is simple, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown! And yet, the results are astounding. First, all the people mourn and fast over their sin. Then the kings hears of what's happening and follows suit. From top to bottom, people are transformed by God's Word. And we see another transformation of culture. God is made the top priority of every individual, which filters into how everything else is conducted. Nothing escapes the transformation power of the gospel.

I could also use examples from the New Testament. Peter saw thousands respond to the message of the gospel on Pentecost. Paul saw church after church turn away from idols and slavery to sin because of Christ. The books of Acts is filled with many more examples of cultural transformation due to the good news of Jesus Christ.

And this is the message, Christians are called to declare to everyone around us. Instead of throwing fits about the atrocities going on around us, we should take action the way God's Word tells us to. Share the gospel of Jesus Christ, and see what happens. We don't serve a weak God. He will accomplish what He desires, but He calls us to serve His purposes. As we are faithful in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, He will be faithful in transforming lives. For as He told Isaiah,

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (55:11)

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

government (part 1)

Recently, I have been using my down time (what little there is) to follow the debt crisis. I really can't get enough. I read almost everything the various media sites put out. Unfortunately, my knowledge of the financial world is extremely limited. I took economics in college, but only came away with supply & demand, the "trickle-down-effect," and guns & butter. Therefore, I read to educate myself in order to better understand the madness swirling around us.

I also read because I find the two sides extremely arrogant in their thinking. It's comical and saddening. Again, I have no clue what should be done. However, I am knowledgeable enough to understand there is not a "one-way" solution to the problem. Multiple tactics will be needed to correct our growing debt. Apparently, the two sides don't agree. They declare their "solution" as the only means by which America can be saved. All other ideas are stupid, worthless, and, ultimately, going to make things terribly worse. No wonder action has been moving at a tortoise pace.

But as I read, my mind keeps coming back to a quote I thought was far more famous than it is. I don't remember anything about the man (Cal Thomas), nor can I say where I first heard his comment. It's not Scripture so we can't take it as inerrant or inspired, but it does contain truths in it.

In a free society, government reflects the soul of its people. If people want change at the top, they will have to live in different ways. Our major social problems are not the cause of our decadence. They are a reflection of it.


People hate government these days. They see it as corrupt, self-motivated, and captivated by greed. Very little is done in the interest of the people. I would be one to agree with those statements. However, I will not pass all the blame on those serving in Washington. True. They should be held responsible as elected officials. Equally true. The finger should be pointing just as emphatically back at us.

Our government is doing exactly what it's people have been doing for decades: spending money they don't have. Both load up massive debts they will never be able to pay back in order to maintain lifestyles they can't afford. And the blame, I believe, goes much deeper than finances.


There is a large outcry, often from Christians, about the trajectory of our nation's morality. We claim laws have been passed which undermine the Judeo-Christian values our country was founded upon. Things clearly viewed as wrong in the past are now embraced as products of enlightenment, tolerance, and progress. Again, laws have been passed to allow such things. There is no denying that. However, the laws are merely responding to the "soul of its people."

Government hasn't ruined our morality. It has only added water to an already slippery slope. 
  • Prayer got removed from schools. Was it even in most of our homes? 
  • God's name was left out of the pledge. When was God's name last used other than as a profanity or comfortable tag at the end of a patriotic speech? 
  • God's laws were torn down from courthouses. How many of us even know God's laws, let along follow them? 
  • New laws have redefined marriage. How do we define what it used to be? Divorce? Adultery? Abuse? Swinging? Promiscuity? Self-serving? (And I could go on). 
  • Laws turned killing innocent children into a matter of "choice" and "rights." Have we not been begging for the rights and freedoms to serve our own interests above all else?
  • Government is isolating God to the private sector. When have we ever been public about God other than showing up at church?
  • And the list doesn't stop here.
Government didn't pull the rug out from under us. It gave us exactly what our lives demanded. Romans 1 is playing out before our eyes. We've been serving, worshiping, and glorifying self regardless of the consequences (And I am willing to throw Christians into this mix as well. We have allowed various compromises in our own lives which blatantly contradict Scripture. We look eerily similar to the rest of the world without any problem. We seek after, indulge in, and honor the same things as everyone else). Now, our government has fallen in line. And all of the results are terrible.

I pray for God's name to be exalted in government again. I pray for His perfect laws to be upheld. I pray for marriage to be valued as sacred and God-ordained. I pray for abortion to cease. I pray for the poor, needy, and sick to receive mercy. Ultimately, I pray for God's grace to be made evident in our government. But even as Mr. Thomas said, the change must come from the people first. God's grace must be evident in the lives of His people. And herein lies the problem.

(part 2 still to come)