Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Yes.
You know...part of me wants to tell people who read this blog that people do actually comment a lot on my posts when I put them on Facebook. But that would be proud.
Truth.
So, I really wanted to stop and write a (hopefully) short blog/note about a thought/conviction that just started running through my mind.
It seems as though Christians in our increasingly pluralistic, postmodern, whatever you want to call it, society may in some ways be affected by such an environment in ways they don't realize. I don't want to talk about the obvious ramifications of that sort of culture...the ones like the scores of "Christians" who begin proclaiming that Christ is just one of many ways to heaven...but effects that are more subtle.
It's something I've noticed in the way that many Christians talk to others about their faith (and I'm guilty of it as well)...a sort of "to each his own" way of speech, in which we frequently use phrases like "I think," "I believe," "My opinion," etc. etc. Basically, expressions that almost sound doubtful and timid. It's like...we don't want to "infringe" on other's beliefs, so we share our faith like, "this is my opinion, you have your opinion...hopefully you'll come to share my opinion and everything will be peachy." We may believe, in our heads, that our opinions are true, but we don't speak like it. We don't want to infer to anyone that they're wrong and we're right (and no, I'm not suggesting anyone just come right out and say, "you're wrong, I'm right").
I think...well, I don't think...I know that there is a way for Christians to proclaim the truth...that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life...with boldness, but still in love and gentleness...without a shred of condemnation or disrespect for someone else's beliefs. Sure, people might take offense, but the gospel is not a comfortable message, and Jesus was practically in the business of offending people (though He didn't offend them for the sake of offense...it's just...truth is offensive!!). It's okay to say that something IS truth, even though the world would strongly oppose that. If we keep talking about our faith like it's just our opinion, it facilitates the mindset which I mentioned earlier...that Jesus is only one truth...and for some who may be weaker in their faith, it may even send them down that road!
Take that, Oprah!!!
P.S. This was kind of written off the cuff...feedback?
It seems as though Christians in our increasingly pluralistic, postmodern, whatever you want to call it, society may in some ways be affected by such an environment in ways they don't realize. I don't want to talk about the obvious ramifications of that sort of culture...the ones like the scores of "Christians" who begin proclaiming that Christ is just one of many ways to heaven...but effects that are more subtle.
It's something I've noticed in the way that many Christians talk to others about their faith (and I'm guilty of it as well)...a sort of "to each his own" way of speech, in which we frequently use phrases like "I think," "I believe," "My opinion," etc. etc. Basically, expressions that almost sound doubtful and timid. It's like...we don't want to "infringe" on other's beliefs, so we share our faith like, "this is my opinion, you have your opinion...hopefully you'll come to share my opinion and everything will be peachy." We may believe, in our heads, that our opinions are true, but we don't speak like it. We don't want to infer to anyone that they're wrong and we're right (and no, I'm not suggesting anyone just come right out and say, "you're wrong, I'm right").
I think...well, I don't think...I know that there is a way for Christians to proclaim the truth...that Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life...with boldness, but still in love and gentleness...without a shred of condemnation or disrespect for someone else's beliefs. Sure, people might take offense, but the gospel is not a comfortable message, and Jesus was practically in the business of offending people (though He didn't offend them for the sake of offense...it's just...truth is offensive!!). It's okay to say that something IS truth, even though the world would strongly oppose that. If we keep talking about our faith like it's just our opinion, it facilitates the mindset which I mentioned earlier...that Jesus is only one truth...and for some who may be weaker in their faith, it may even send them down that road!
Take that, Oprah!!!
P.S. This was kind of written off the cuff...feedback?
Monday, November 17, 2008
Un-ejookated Krischins
"Now as they observed the confidence of Peter and John, and understood that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were marveling, and began to recognize them as having been with Jesus."
~Acts 4:13 (emphasis added)
I wonder if many Christians in the West today realize that the original twelve apostles never attended seminary. I would think that this would be a no-brainer, so it amazes me how seminary attendance (or ANY sort of formal education, for that matter) is a requirement in so many of our churches, ministries, missions organizations, etc. Such requirements are unbiblical, and in many cases, an insult to the Holy Spirit. God uses whomever He desires, regardless of their educational background and vocation, and He equips His followers with whatever they need!!
"And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him."
~1 John 2:27
When it comes down to it, the only prerequisites that the church should have for its pastors, teachers, leaders, missionaries, etc. are Holy Spirit obedience, the Word of God stored in their hearts, and the appropriate spiritual gifts. And honestly...from what I have seen and heard...I think a person can get through seminary and miss all of them. And then that piece of paper means absolutely nothing in the long run.
Formal education can actually become a hindrance to believers if it is not viewed with a kingdom mindset. It is easy to rely on all of our "knowledge" and "wisdom" that we've received in school rather than on God's knowledge and wisdom. We may become too confident in that degree and in our own accomplishments. We may rely on our communication or debating skills rather than letting God speak through us. Methods and strategies can diminish the power of God in our lives if we let them. Our theological pursuits can overtake simple obedience to His Word. It's not about our strength, but HIS strength.*
Now, not by any means am I saying that God does not use educated people (He can use ANYBODY), nor am I saying that people who have been educated have missed the mark. If this were the case, we wouldn't have these God-breathed words to guide us:
"For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God. And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God."
~1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5
Written by Paul...a very educated man, trained at the foot of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Yet God broke Him. There is no doubt in my mind that God used Paul's past education and circumstances for His glory..."God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). But we see here that Paul relied on GOD'S strength in his preaching to the Corinthians...not on persuasive speech...not on some tips and tricks he learned in a sermon development class.
Obviously...some callings WILL require formal education. If God wants you to be a public school teacher...a doctor...a lawyer...yer gonna need sum schoolin'. And I'm also not saying that God never calls people to any sort of formal, spiritual education. However, I do firmly believe that if Christians were more sensitive to God's Word and the Spirit, there would be less of us being formally educated. Some of the most valuable learning and training comes not in a college classroom, but through informal classes, mentoring relationships, on-the-job training, and even simply living in communion with the body of Christ...letting iron sharpen iron (Proverbs 27:17). Let learning be a life-long experience...let us have a Mary spirit and continue to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His Word!!
The bottom line is this: do not think that you need special, formal education in order to do that which God has called you to do!! If God DOES call you to obtain a formal education, then by all means, obey!! But do not let the people around you (and trust me, many of them will be Christians) convince you that you need anything other than God's equipment to carry out your calling!!
*As a side note, I continue to struggle with this and would appreciate prayer...that's part of why I feel compelled to speak on it.
~Acts 4:13 (emphasis added)
I wonder if many Christians in the West today realize that the original twelve apostles never attended seminary. I would think that this would be a no-brainer, so it amazes me how seminary attendance (or ANY sort of formal education, for that matter) is a requirement in so many of our churches, ministries, missions organizations, etc. Such requirements are unbiblical, and in many cases, an insult to the Holy Spirit. God uses whomever He desires, regardless of their educational background and vocation, and He equips His followers with whatever they need!!
"And as for you, the anointing which you received from Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him."
~1 John 2:27
When it comes down to it, the only prerequisites that the church should have for its pastors, teachers, leaders, missionaries, etc. are Holy Spirit obedience, the Word of God stored in their hearts, and the appropriate spiritual gifts. And honestly...from what I have seen and heard...I think a person can get through seminary and miss all of them. And then that piece of paper means absolutely nothing in the long run.
Formal education can actually become a hindrance to believers if it is not viewed with a kingdom mindset. It is easy to rely on all of our "knowledge" and "wisdom" that we've received in school rather than on God's knowledge and wisdom. We may become too confident in that degree and in our own accomplishments. We may rely on our communication or debating skills rather than letting God speak through us. Methods and strategies can diminish the power of God in our lives if we let them. Our theological pursuits can overtake simple obedience to His Word. It's not about our strength, but HIS strength.*
Now, not by any means am I saying that God does not use educated people (He can use ANYBODY), nor am I saying that people who have been educated have missed the mark. If this were the case, we wouldn't have these God-breathed words to guide us:
"For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God. And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. And my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God."
~1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5
Written by Paul...a very educated man, trained at the foot of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Yet God broke Him. There is no doubt in my mind that God used Paul's past education and circumstances for His glory..."God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28). But we see here that Paul relied on GOD'S strength in his preaching to the Corinthians...not on persuasive speech...not on some tips and tricks he learned in a sermon development class.
Obviously...some callings WILL require formal education. If God wants you to be a public school teacher...a doctor...a lawyer...yer gonna need sum schoolin'. And I'm also not saying that God never calls people to any sort of formal, spiritual education. However, I do firmly believe that if Christians were more sensitive to God's Word and the Spirit, there would be less of us being formally educated. Some of the most valuable learning and training comes not in a college classroom, but through informal classes, mentoring relationships, on-the-job training, and even simply living in communion with the body of Christ...letting iron sharpen iron (Proverbs 27:17). Let learning be a life-long experience...let us have a Mary spirit and continue to sit at the feet of Jesus and hear His Word!!
The bottom line is this: do not think that you need special, formal education in order to do that which God has called you to do!! If God DOES call you to obtain a formal education, then by all means, obey!! But do not let the people around you (and trust me, many of them will be Christians) convince you that you need anything other than God's equipment to carry out your calling!!
*As a side note, I continue to struggle with this and would appreciate prayer...that's part of why I feel compelled to speak on it.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Instead of a Show
This is just a random post, but I think that you should listen to this song by Jon Foreman and read the lyrics. It's incredible, in my opinion...based on Scripture.
It's called "Instead of a Show"...listen to it here:
http://www.myspace.com/jonforeman
I hate all your show and pretense
the hypocrisy of your praise
the hypocrisy of your festivals
I hate all your show
Away with your noisy worship
Away with your noisy hymns
I stop up my ears when your singing ‘em
I hate all your show
Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show
your eyes are closed when you’re praying
you sing right along with the band
you shine up your shoes for services
but there’s blood on your hands
you turned your back on the homeless
and the ones that don’t fit in your plans
quit playing religion games
there’s blood on your hands
Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show
I hate all your show
Ah! let’s argue this out
if your sins are blood red
let’s argue this out
you’ll be white as the clouds
let’s argue this out
quit fooling around
give love to the ones who can’t love at all
give hope to the ones who got no hope at all
stand up for the ones who can’t stand up at all
I hate all your show
Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show
I hate all your show
It's called "Instead of a Show"...listen to it here:
http://www.myspace.com/jonforeman
I hate all your show and pretense
the hypocrisy of your praise
the hypocrisy of your festivals
I hate all your show
Away with your noisy worship
Away with your noisy hymns
I stop up my ears when your singing ‘em
I hate all your show
Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show
your eyes are closed when you’re praying
you sing right along with the band
you shine up your shoes for services
but there’s blood on your hands
you turned your back on the homeless
and the ones that don’t fit in your plans
quit playing religion games
there’s blood on your hands
Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show
I hate all your show
Ah! let’s argue this out
if your sins are blood red
let’s argue this out
you’ll be white as the clouds
let’s argue this out
quit fooling around
give love to the ones who can’t love at all
give hope to the ones who got no hope at all
stand up for the ones who can’t stand up at all
I hate all your show
Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show
I hate all your show
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Prologue
My purpose in creating this blog is not to keep people updated on my life, nor to write random thoughts and reflections on things that ultimately don't matter (though I can't guarantee that they won't be thrown in occasionally). My purpose is to pursue the truth and speak it...to reprove, exhort, rebuke, correct, and encourage when necessary. I do not consider myself wise in my own estimation...because I am nothing...but as a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, I DO know the SOURCE of truth in this world, and He lives in me.
If you don't consider Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, you will find yourself disagreeing with me constantly, although I invite you to read what I have written nonetheless. But it would be pointless for you to voice your disagreements with me if we don't agree on the same source of truth.
I know that I will not get everything right, for the flesh that battles with the Spirit within me still has the power to confuse. If you are a Spirit-filled believer, please, voice your disagreements if you feel I'm going astray on something! But please do it in love.
I hope in all of this to "refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will" (2 Timothy 2:23-26).
Most importantly of all, if you do not know the love and grace of Jesus Christ...if you've never confessed with your mouth that He is Lord and Savior, the Son of God...or if you even just feel as though the "Christianity" that you have experienced in your life has been short on grace and truth...please, contact me or another follower of Jesus.
I want to speak with all of you. But I am not here to argue with anyone.
Love, grace & peace,
Nick
If you don't consider Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life, you will find yourself disagreeing with me constantly, although I invite you to read what I have written nonetheless. But it would be pointless for you to voice your disagreements with me if we don't agree on the same source of truth.
I know that I will not get everything right, for the flesh that battles with the Spirit within me still has the power to confuse. If you are a Spirit-filled believer, please, voice your disagreements if you feel I'm going astray on something! But please do it in love.
I hope in all of this to "refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. And the Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will" (2 Timothy 2:23-26).
Most importantly of all, if you do not know the love and grace of Jesus Christ...if you've never confessed with your mouth that He is Lord and Savior, the Son of God...or if you even just feel as though the "Christianity" that you have experienced in your life has been short on grace and truth...please, contact me or another follower of Jesus.
I want to speak with all of you. But I am not here to argue with anyone.
Love, grace & peace,
Nick
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