April 24, 2008
You can now find me on facebook. I am not sure exactly why but you can now find me there . . .
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Difficulties
February 16, 2008
The past two years have taught me many things. Creating and maintaining momentum is very difficult in a simple church. Recently I have been reminded of Jesus words to Nicodemus:
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
I have planted many seeds over the last two years and very few have grown. However, I am not discouraged but challenged to find better soil.
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First Peter and Missional Living 1.2
September 6, 2007
Living in a foreign place that does not share your faith, customs, or values is extremely difficult. This why Peter tells his friends in Asia Minor that it is going to require a new type of community. First, tells them to prepare their minds for action. Literally, he is telling them to gird the loins of their minds. They need to prepare their minds for some difficult things ahead. They need to be prepared, ready for action. He is getting ready to tell them about a new way forward into this new and difficult life they have entered.
In addition, he tells them that God judges each man’s action impartially. Each one of them have been saved by God through Jesus Christ. It was not a cheap price. God’s only son gave his life so that they could live. What God has done for them through Jesus, cost more than silver or gold. His advice is to live their lives in reverent fear, knowing that the one who set them free will judge the way they live.
The life should now be characterized by love. He says, “By obedience to the truth, having purified yourselves for sincere love of the brothers, love one another earnestly from a pure heart . . .” (HCSB). The word translated “earnestly” is ektenos. The picture is that of a runner stretching out their neck to cross the finish line. It is a love that strenuously and intentionally seeks the best of their brothers and sisters.
Peter prescribes this type of love because he knows it is not going to be easy. Most likely they are small Christian communities spread throughout Asian Minor. And as such the need to be able to depend on one another, to look past indifferences, and to help one another. It is not easy to love, but love is necessary for our survival and our witness.
C.S. Lewis said, “Loving one another is a great idea, until you have someone you don’t like that you are summoned to love.†This is why Peter described love as the result and outcome of their salvation.
As we live in this strange place that consistently challenges our faith and values, may we strive towards a love that will build each of us up.
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