Living with Jesus – an Ordinary Discipleship

What we consider “extraordinary”, Jesus put front and center as the heart of being his disciple.

Launching the new course “Living with Jesus – an Ordinary Discipleship” is the outcome of a variety of conversations, readings and musings regarding the state of our current understanding of discipleship. It appears that the concept of being a disciple of Jesus has grown dusty in the backroom of modern American Christianity; and the practice has suffered far worse. I am hugely challenged in my own life by the need to reconsider the call that Jesus has issued to all who believe…”Come, follow me!”

For instance…

 What is the difference between living FOR Jesus and Living WITH Jesus? One sounds quite spiritual, but may actually leave us in the driver’s seat. The other suggests the relationship that Jesus intended when he called the first disciples, as well as confessing the reality of His presence in the here and now.

 What is the ‘norm’ for the follower of Christ? Have we created a two-tier discipleship, with all of those great ‘saints’ living at a super-sonic level the rest of us will never reach? Or, is their experience the real deal; and the rest of us have settled for merely being ‘nice’.

 How do we avoid both the solitary, isolationist, personal devotion that keeps us from loving our neighbors(except from our kitchen windows)and the doing good deeds that can slowly become a source of pride and spiritual exhaustion because it is untethered from the love for God?

 What does the shape of Jesus Call look like for us today? Is it really any different from the very first calling…which meant a complete shift in the paradigm used to make choices at every level.

 There are many more hard questions that come out of examining this idea. It is not a comfortable place to be. However, if what I read is true, we are in danger of presenting an impoverished gospel at the least; and, at worst, a false one. The implications are extensive. As Kendra Dean puts it ,in her book “Almost Christian”, instead of doing a bad job of teaching our youth, the church is doing “…an exceedingly good job of teaching…what we really believe: namely, that Christianity is not a big deal, that God requires little, and the church is a helpful social institution filled with nice people focused primarily on ‘folks like us’ – which begs the question of whether we are really the church at all.”(p 12) And that is only one of a myriad of critical implications for allowing our understanding and practice of discipleship to remain as it is.

I am indebted to articles from Christianity Today, Leadership, the old Discipleship Journal (Navigators- now out of print) and the every present internet for some of the stirrings that have resulted in this course. But, more importantly, it has been the interaction with Pastor Doug, several other elders at Grace, and the following authors that has given form to the many ideas swirling in my heart and head. I hope that those who become a part of this course will be able to cut through the static that surrounds us in this world, and hear again the clear call of Jesus…”Come. Follow me!” I want to learn to live WITH Him.

 Transforming Discipleship by Greg Ogden

Missional Spirituality by Helland and Hjalmarson

Whole Life Transformation by Keith Meyer

Radical by David Platt

Almost Christian by Kendra Dean

A host of the old timers such as William Law, A.W. Tozer and Thomas A’Kempis.

            

Summer Reading

Book reports were never a highlight of my educational experience. As a result, I am very grateful for those who can write them well. They are usually quite helpful in keeping up with the current hot topics without having to buy every book, while at the same time providing enough information to make a good decision about a possible purchase. While I wouldn’t consider myself a great reviewer, nor even a good one, I would like to offer a few comments about three books that have recently crossed my desk; books that have challenged me and added to the greater dialog among friends and fellow believers. Two are well known; the third is a relatively obscure book unless you have attended, or have children who have attended, Calvin College.

Radical, by David Platt, is subtitled “Taking back your faith from the American Dream”. I was really intrigued by this bold call to action because it resonated with a deep concern that has been growing in me for some time regarding the state of the American church. The book delivered in every way but one, challenging me to reconsider the underlying values that drive much of what I do, day to day, as a believer. Platt calls us to take seriously the clear commands of Christ to live first for the Kingdom, and turn from our consumer-driven, accumulating-to-feel-secure culture. The story in the book that impressed me most was when the author related how, on one particular mission trip to Africa, the church leaders there asked him to teach through both the Old and New Testament straight through over the course of two days. During that time, he rarely saw the eyes of those who were listening to him. They were copying down every word solely, for the purpose of sharing it with others. The primal hunger for the Word, and the concept of taking it in precisely to give it away, is a stark contrast to our half-hearted and un-purposed approach. The only criticism I have of the book is that all of the action that results from taking up this radical call of Jesus is set in third world countries. Living for the Kingdom, taking the gospel to the poor and the hurting has countless outlets across the street, downtown and in the remote places of the American landscape as well. Yet, Platt holds the beauty and power of the gospel up for all of us to not only admire, but also embrace wherever it may take us.

Going in a completely different direction is Rob Bell’s latest, Love Wins. We should always be grateful for books that open up conversations on important theological questions. Certainly, this book has accomplished that task. However, it was a sad day when I turned the last page and all my worst fears were confirmed. Bell unleashes unabashedly poor interpretive methodology and his own unique brand of proof texting (which he abhors in others) to make the point that he believes everyone will be saved. He also attempts to stand tall on the shoulders of those who, in church history, have themselves fallen outside the lines of the gospel once delivered to the saints. He nicely covers his trail with open ended questions that often mislead, and double speak that leaves us scratching our theological heads. Let me let him speak for himself. Commenting on John 14:6, Bell offers this interpretation, “And so the passage is exclusive, deeply so, insisting on Jesus alone as the way to God. But it is an exclusivity on the other side of inclusivity.” Huh? He goes on to say, “What Jesus does is declare that he, and he alone, is saving everybody.” (p.154 & 155) Gulp! Much more could be said; and it probably will be by many others. But this is a book that I would be very careful about recommending to anyone still early in their theological growth.

The third book is a delightfully refreshing look at the core principles of the reformed view of Scripture and life, by an author who is both theologically rooted and a great communicator. The book is Engaging God’s World, A Christian vision of Faith, Learning, and Living. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to get a brief, but sound overview of the great themes of Scripture, and how they can shape our view of life. Cornelius Plantinga, Jr. is the author, and his main goal was to help incoming students to Calvin College understand the role of the Christian university as a means of learning to live fully in the gospel of Christ. Along the way, he has provided us with a wonderful tool for seeing “Christ in context, at the center of a Christian’s view of the world…”(p16)

May your summer be filled with much good reading…of real books with paper and typeset ink. Ah, but that is a topic for another blog!

Discernment: The Scalpel We Need

A timely article in light of our discussions about Truth.

Discernment: The Scalpel We Need.

Behaving Well

“Behaving Well – the Church in Real Life”

Starting this Sunday, January 9th, we will launch a 5 part study on the key traits that the apostle Paul states should mark those who are a part of the church – the household of God. In any healthy family there are certain behaviors which are considered worthy of the time and effort to develop. Our lives have the unique opportunity to make the Gospel a beautiful thing to behold; or to display a twisted version that repels those who are hungry for the love of Christ. These are not “rules” that Paul lays out, but rather the result of serious attention to the life of the Spirit in us. 

Does our best really matter?

In 1944, an unknown sales representative wrote down a phrase on a napkin that became one of the best-known marketing slogans in American history. “When you care enough to send the very best.” That simple sentence shaped the business vision of Hallmark Cards; but, interestingly enough, I think it also echoed a timeless truth. There is a connection between what and how we give to others and the condition of our hearts. Giving someone the best seems to say that we consider them worthy of the effort. Because of the place they hold in our hearts we are called to think beyond the casual and convenient. Lest you think that I have suddenly become a greeting card salesman, let me tie this with what we have been studying lately on worship; and in particular, the lessons of Malachi chapter 1.

Perhaps some quick background information would be appropriate. When it came to the sacrifices, offerings, and payment of vows, God required that the Israelites bring their best animals and goods to Him. Nothing with a defect was allowed (Lev. 22:20–23). By the time Malachi came on the scene as a prophet, Israel had turned from God, gone through long years of suffering and warfare and ended up exiled into foreign lands. They had experienced the mercy and power of God by creating a way for them to return to their homeland, rebuilt the temple, the walls around the city and reinstituted the worship patterns outlined in the law. But, after all that, there was a problem. According to Malachi 1:6-14, their worship of the God who had rescued them had become corrupt. The people had started to offer diseased, crippled and injured sacrifices – leftovers and hand me downs. Worse yet, the priests were allowing it! God took exception with that!

We can only surmise what was going through the people’s minds as they prepared to bring their offerings. “God will understand. I need to keep the best for the market.” “God will understand. Besides, we have not heard from Him in awhile. He probably won’t notice.” “God will understand. It’s the thought that counts.”

Unfortunately, God didn’t and doesn’t understand. Refusing to remain silently on the sidelines, the “Lord of all heavenly armies” speaks – directly, concretely and scathingly. How is it possible that God’s people could ever find Him “contemptible?”

There are several reasons why bringing the best to God was so important. First, doing so said a lot about God. He is the “Lord Almighty”, the top of the heap, the great “I AM”, the most important and worthy being in (and outside) the universe. Bringing our best acknowledges that. If we wouldn’t bring a broken or ‘white elephant’ gift to a friends wedding because we intend to honor them, why would we think God is less worthy of the very best.

But there is a second reason as well. It is vital to remember that God didn’t “need” their offerings. He doesn’t “need” ours. What we bring to Him ultimately communicates the condition of our hearts, and the relationship we have with Him. When Israel brought their very best, it required faith, and love and thankfulness – all matters of the heart. Whether it was the very best pigeon if you were poor or the very best sheep if you were rich, the offering of the best was a declaration of the state of affairs in the heart of the worshipper. Nothing has changed about that in the centuries in between then and now.

There is a direct and forceful warning to the worship leaders, the priests, in the context of Malachi’s prophecy. They were to be the “quality control” guys in regard the offerings brought to the Lord. They failed. Rather than call the people on their inauthentic worship, they took the casual, easy and politically correct path. No one cared – neither people, nor priests. The result was a twisted version of what was meant to be a shining declaration of the wonder and majesty of God’s name and their love for Him. Despite sticking to the formality of the process, their hearts were betrayed by the fact that they didn’t care to send the very best.

I asked this question in class, and I ask it again here as a point to ponder. How would we respond to our spiritual leaders if they really called us out on the quality of what we offer to the Lord? Do we care enough to send God our very best in worship and in every way?

A Review of “The Jesus Manifesto”- by Sweet and Viola

There is no more noble or needed theme to be studied, preached or dedicated to than the centrality of Christ and His Lordship. The fact that we need to be reawakened often to that theme speaks to our tendency to drift into doctrinal and practical dreaminess, and so any book written with that intent is worth giving a serious look. Unfortunately, this book by Sweet and Viola, two well respected teachers and leaders, fails to live up to the hope of a solid examination of how Jesus has slipped from the central focus of the church and what we need to do to regain that focus. It reads like an unending series of sermons or sermon snippets. There is no clear development of any one idea, and little of practical application to help us renew our sense of the majesty of Jesus. It is as if the mere piling on of concepts and quotes will somehow add up to a more glorious Savior.

While I agree wholeheartedly with the direction of the authors, the effort to glean much of substance from this book was exhausting.

It’s for All! It’s for Life!

It’s that time of year again. Schools on every level are ramping up their programs and the familiar sounds of paper rustling, books dropping and lockers clanging fill the air. The Adult Discipleship Ministry classes at Grace are no exception…except for the lockers! Two new classes begin on Sunday September 19^th at 9:30am. Here is the line up of great classes for you to attend:

Jeff Johnson will lead “Worship – a way of life!” Spend each Sunday morning exploring the practical and daily experience of worship as seen through the example of the lives of the people of the Bible. What do people like Moses, David and Mary have to say to us about living a life of worship? Find out!

“Unblemished”- studies in Malachi – This Old Testament prophet became the quality control representative regarding the worship of God’s people in his day. As we work our way through this rarely studied book of the Bible, we will learn some very important truths about our own worship experience; like, why half-hearted worship might be worse than no worship at all. Tom Ghena and Roy will teach this class.

This fall is a good time to be a learner again!

Safety first?

After a fairly lengthy hiatus, we are back online and ready to add our two-cents about learning about and living out the grace of God. Are you glad we’re back?

I wanted to start this new season of blogging with a thought or two that came out of our study on being pilgrims-aliens and strangers in this world. A couple of months ago, I was intrigued by the story of the teenaged girl, Abby Sunderland, who was attempting the solo circumnavigation of the globe. Her voyage was cut short by storms and seas that damaged her ship and put her life in eminent danger. She had to be rescued, and the firestorm of criticism began. How could parents allow such a thing? How reckless to let a mere youth, alone, out against the mighty and fickle power of the seas – the audacity! Here is her father’s response: “Sailing and life in general is dangerous. Teenagers drive cars. Does that mean teenagers shouldn’t drive a car? I think people who hold that opinion have lost their zeal for life. They’re living in a cotton-wool tunnel to make everything safe.” – Laurence Sunderland in an interview with the Associated Press.

What a powerful statement. Moreover, it is a great metaphor for our journey through this life. Everything we do in our culture seems to aim at making us safe. We are addicted to control – of the environment; of the lives of those around us, the future and even our bodily functions (How many drug ads can you fit into a 3-minute commercial spot?) Even in the church, it seems our highest goal for people is that they be “nice.”

The life we have received and the life we have been called to in Christ are not those of niceness, safety or control. It is one of pioneer danger and explorer adventure. It is a life where the mantra is “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” (Romans 12:11) That word “fervor” has the underlying meaning of straining toward some destination. Zeal is more than just a nice zest for living, a quicker step. It is “boiling over” with a purpose. Talk about pushing the envelope.

I am reminded of that scene from “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, where Mr. Beaver responds to the question as to whether or not Aslan, the lion and Ruler of Narnia, is “safe”. “Of course he’s not safe!” was the reply. “But he is good!”

We do not follow a safe God. Our path is not a safe and comfortable one through this life. We are pioneers. We are pilgrims. The Scriptures call us to remember that it is “Through many hardships that we enter the kingdom.” We live Life on the edge. Here is a similar thought, from Paulo Coelho. “The ship is safest when it is in port. But that’s not what ships were made for.”

I admire that young lady. I wish her spirit toward life in general were mine. More precisely, I long for the day when I will boil over and strain toward the adventure of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

The Reviews are in…

Following up on our first experience with The Reel Story, we seem to have gotten off to a good start. The discussion was very insightful and I think we were all challenged to think a bit more deeply about the movies that we see. It was great to move past the all too common approach of whether a movie was “a good Christian movie”, or had “redeeming value”, into looking at the way in which the human condition is portrayed by those who may not recognize the God of the Bible. Thanks to all who shared in the dialog. May we continue to have eyes to see the Spirit of God working behind the scenes. See you in July for “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”

Hollywood and God – The Reel Story

“Art is the embodiment of man’s response to reality and his attempt to order his experience of that reality. Man has always and will continue to express his hope and excitement, as well as his fears and reservations about life, death, and what it means to be human through the arts. He will seek to express his world through all available means, and presently that includes film.” – Todd Kappelman of Probe Ministries.

“Too many film critics and scholars have underestimated (or even missed) the transcendent, revelatory possibilities of film.” – Craig Detweiler from his book, Into the Dark

For a long time I have kicked around the idea of doing a discussion series on current films in light of their spiritual and cultural significance. I love movies! (Almost as much as ice cream.) The seed for this was planted long ago as I watched a film called “The Emperors Club” starring Kevin Kline. The topics of integrity and truth telling nearly jumped off the screen and sat in my lap begging to be talked about. It occurred to me that I might not be alone in wanting to explore how Hollywood flicks could convey scriptural truths in a way that mimics Jesus storytelling via the use of parables. This idea was reinforced when we (Grace Chapel) launched the “Just Walk Across the Room” effort to reach our neighbors with the gospel. One of the suggestions was to invite a friend or neighbor who wasn’t a believer to a movie night. Afterwards, talking about the movie could lead to some serious dialog about the human condition and God’s answer. Several years have passed and the timing never seemed right to attempt a discussion series like this. Until now! With the encouragement, support and involvement of two other likeminded movie freaks…

Enter “The Reel Story”, a planned adventure into the movies of our day to discover what the Spirit, who still calls, might be saying to us as well as to a world that isn’t even expecting to hear from Him.

Dan Rose, Matt Lesniak and I have been scouring the archives of recent and not so recent films in order to come up with the top three films to launch this project. The list went through several revisions and it was remarkable how many films we shared in common because of the great themes for discussion embedded in them. Our goal and hope is that, by viewing and interacting with these films together in a group setting we can catch a glimpse of the work of God behind the scenes (no pun intended).

The format will be simple…gather, watch a good movie, talk about it, go home with a fresh insight or two into life, truth and God’s work in the world. This will be open to all, church family, friends, neighbors, those who are searching for some answers. It will be a great way to keep our minds and hearts on tip toe through the long hot summer. We will meet once a month, in June, July and August. This is a pilot program; we didn’t want to try to bite off more than we could chew with schedules and such.

What are the top three films you ask? In June we will view and discuss the incredibly popular and highly controversial film “Avatar”. July’s selection will be “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” and we will round things out with ‘The Dark Knight” in August.

Jesus said that the work of the Spirit is like the wind blowing where it will; the evidence is only the rustle of leaves and the way it feels across our skin. Perhaps together we can catch a glimpse of branches swaying in the breeze as these scenes pass before our eyes.

The dates are June 25, July 23 and August 20. Give us a shout if you want to know more. Or check out the bulletin and announcements at church.