Honest with the Season

If we need a holiday to remember to say "Thank You" and carve out time for family how deep does our appreciation go? Shouldn't gratitude be a routine part of life? And let's face it, it seems like Thanksgiving is becoming more of a pause between us and "Black Friday!" The point is on the table. Weigh in!

The Season - roundtable

As Christian if we want to maximize this time of year for preaching the Gospel two thoughts come to mind: first, are we currently doing it; and two what would it require for us to raise the banner for Christ as this year draws to a close. Are we missing the opportunity by not taking up more bells to ring and offering more Christmas plays to attend? Or, if we invest our efforts in those activities do we miss more important opportunities?

Reminisce about the season. What are your thoughts?

Jesus: Republican, or Democrat

Riding to the office this morning the news indicated today was going to be busy on Capitol Hill. Having moved beyond the political season we now watch the politicians positioning themselves for power. This leaves me wondering if Jesus were to walk the political streets today which party would He be affiliated with? Would He make the Republican events, or the democratic? Would He long for an Obama re-election, or two years out, a defeat? All this of course presumes He cares about political parties and strategy formatting positions, speeches, and campaigns.

We turn on the news, or more likely catch a quick story when we start up our computer, and fidget nervously, or smile uncontrollably. Yet, I wonder which party would Jesus carry the banner for, or would he be passing out tea?

Wondering

OK so here is a thought for reflection. Feel free to wade into the water of thought. What does it mean to "speak where the bible speaks and be silent where it is silent?" Does this mean the same for thing for everyone? Do we define the phrase in a way which keeps us comfortable? Is there anything wrong with that?

Into the Water

I'm in the midst of preaching a series on baptism which I have described as an anecdotal look. Why anecdotal? Because it seems we approach the doctrine as a point of contention and I wanted to lead a rediscovery of the beauty of the experience. So, we are integrating stories from Scripture on baptism, doctrinal teachings from Scripture on baptism, and video stories of church members telling the story of their own baptism. In the final analysis perhaps it is more of an emotional journey through an experience historically at the heart of church life.

I wonder how many of us remember our baptism. Who were the people present? Who influenced us to make the decision? And to what extent does our baptism story continue to shape us? Perhaps it is in periodically recounting our own story which may not only influence others for Christ, but keep us faithful. Have you told your story lately?

Rich Faith/Rich Church

Ok, so here is a question for reflection – What makes for a rich faith? Is it doing the right things? Knowing the right things? Being in the right places? Having the right associations? Is it possible "right," while serving as the sum for religious living, still fails to fill the emptiness in the soul? To put it yet another way – Can we walk the walk and talk the talk expected of Christian conduct, but be a shell of faith with no real heart?

I know, I know we look at our society much less world and see humanity growing less God-centered (as in Christ centered) and say the problem is out there with too little Christlike conduct and lifestyle. But when do we look within at those openly professing a Christian connection and ask about the depth and sincerity of our faith. I remember one of those popular bible tracts (short pieces of writing, just a few pages, in booklet form and hanging in church foyer tract racks) when I was a kid whose premise was sincerity was not enough. I get it, pursuing right understanding is very important. Agreed! But sincerity is important, and too often it is relegated to the sphere of secondary concerns. But, check the prophet Isaiah, note the demonstrations in Amos, and listen to the Christological march through 1^st century geography, and sincerity finds elevation to a primary spot.

And the richness is not simply about personal faith, but also about church. What makes a church a rich place to be? Rich faith and rich church? How do you define someone with a rich faith? What does a church which is a rich place to be look like? What do you think?????

Left Me Behind

Sitting on the couch wondering when the dinner would cook itself Carolon and I finally decided to let a local restaurant do the honors. As we went through the outside doors into the lobby a lady who obviously had trouble with her feet, from the fact she was walking slowly and wearing house shoes out to dinner, passed in front of us to catch up with the rest of the family. Actually we stepped back to let her pass and as she did she jokingly remarked they left me behind. What she said in jest may reveal a bit of truth. If not for her at that moment it certainly does for many of us. I know Left Behind has been the rage for many in pop-eschatological theology in recent years. (Now there is a word worth coining, "pop-eschatology.") The point is not sudden departure out of the world, but the feeling of lagging behind people in this world.

Do you ever feel left behind? Ask a recent college graduate how it feels to be in no serious relationship and asked to join one wedding party after another of college roommates. Ask a draftsman who has spent a lifetime using tried and true techniques and suddenly finds them self competing for jobs with younger draftsmen who know the latest software. Ask a competitive heart who in their mid-twenties following a knee injury is no longer able to play competitive ball. Where is the fun in being left behind? And yet where is the advantage in letting it depress us?

I am competitive. I don't like to lose at basketball, or scrabble. My DNA says winning may not be everything, but it certainly has advantages over losing. That being said, when we do find our self pulling up the rear with little we can do to change it, why let it stress us out. The truth is the lady lagging behind was probably the one paying the bill so there is no way the rest of the family is going to move too far ahead.