Bonhoeffer on Reading Scripture

    There is no single pastor or theologian at this point in my life whose writing has influenced me more than that of Dietrich Bonhoeffer (other than the work his mentor, Karl Barth). I've been blessed over the past year or so to read a variety of Bonhoeffer's writings and--most recently--a fantastic biography written by Eric Metaxas, which I highly recommend you read. One of the best things we can do to be encouraged and challenged as followers of Christ is to read about the life of great men and women of faith who, "finished well," and Bonhoeffer is no exception.

     The following quote comes from a letter Bonhoeffer wrote in 1936 to his brother-in-law who did not have a high view of Scripture. I found I resonated with Bonhoeffer's words, and through them discovered a greater desire to experience the truth of God's word in the depths of my soul. My hope is that it would encourage you to engage with Scripture with renewed passion and intensity, and my prayer is that God would use it to create in you a greater hunger to hear His voice.

First of all I will confess quite simply – I believe that the Bible alone is the answer to all our questions, and that we need only to ask repeatedly and a little humbly, in order to receive this answer. One cannot simply read the Bible, like other books. One must be prepared really to enquire of it. Only thus will it reveal itself. Only if we expect from it the ultimate answer, shall we receive it. That is because in the bible God speaks to us. And one cannot simply think about God in one’s own strength, one has to enquire of him. Only if we seek him, will he answer us. Of course it is also possible to read the Bible like any other book, that is to say from the point of view of textual criticism, etc.; there is nothing to be said against that. Only that that is not the method which will reveal to us the heart of the Bible, but only the surface, just as we do not grasp the words of someone we love by taking them to bits, but by simply receiving them, so that for days they go on lingering in our minds, simply because they are the words of a person we love; and just as these words reveal more and more of the person who said them as we go on, like Mary, “pondering them in our heart,” so it will be with the words of the Bible. Only if we will venture to enter into the words of the Bible, as though in them this God were speaking to us who loves us and does not will to leave us alon[e] with our questions, only so shall we learn to rejoice in the Bible...

If it is I who determine where God is to be found, then I shall always find a God who corresponds to me in some way, who is obliging, who is connected with my own nature. But if God determines where he is to be found, then it will be in a place which is not at all congenial to me. This place is the Cross of Christ. And whoever would find him must go to the foot of the Cross, as the Sermon on the Mount commands. This is not according to our nature at all, it is entirely contrary to it. But this is the message of the Bible, not only in the New but also in the Old Testament...  

And I would like to tell you now quite personally: since I have learnt to read the Bible in this way – and this has not been for so very long – it becomes every day more wonderful to me. I read it in the morning and the evening, often during the day as well, and every day I consider a text which I have chosen for the whole week, and try to sink deeply into it, so as really to hear what it is saying. I know that without this I could not live properly any longer.

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards

     Jonathan Edwards (1703 – 1758), was possibly the greatest mind America has ever produced and certainly the greatest of the Puritan theologians. He was well known for his prolific writing and revivalistic preaching, as well as for his passion for God's glory in all things. 

     As you prayerfully consider your New-Year's resolutions this year, I’d highly recommend you spend some time reading Jonathan Edwards’s resolutions. He had written seventy of them before he turned 20, and they are among the most inspiring and convicting of his writings. My prayer is that they would challenge and inspire you to growth in godliness as they have me. Enjoy!

The Resolutions of Jonathan Edwards:

Being sensible that I am unable to do anything without God’s help, I do humbly entreat him by his grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreeable to his will, for Christ’s sake.

Remember to read over these Resolutions once a week.

Life Mission

1. Resolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God’s glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriad’s of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavoring to find out some new invention and contrivance to promote the aforementioned things.

3. Resolved, if ever I shall fall and grow dull, so as to neglect to keep any part of these Resolutions, to repent of all I can remember, when I come to myself again.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of thing, whether in soul or body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

22. Resolved, to endeavor to obtain for myself as much happiness, in the other world, as I possibly can, with all the power; might, vigor, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of.

62. Resolved, never to do anything but duty; and then according to Eph. 6:6-8, do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to man; “knowing that whatever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.” June 25 and July 13, 1723.

Good Works

11. Resolved, when I think of any theorem in divinity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if circumstances don’t hinder.

13. Resolved, to be endeavoring to find out fit objects of charity and liberality.

69. Resolved, always to do that, which I shall wish I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723.

Time Management

5. Resolved, never to lose one moment of time; but improve it the most profitable way I possibly can.

7. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last hour of my life.

17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so at all times, as I think is best in my devout frames, and when I have clearest notions of things of the gospel, and another world.

19. Resolved, never to do anything, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should hear the last trump.

37. Resolved, to inquire every night, as I am going to bed, wherein I have been negligent, what sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied myself: also at the end of every week, month and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722.

40. Resolved, to inquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in the best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1723.

41. Resolved, to ask myself at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly in any respect have done better. Jan. 11, 1723.

50.Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723.

51.Resolved, that I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723.

52. I frequently hear persons in old age say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. July 8, 1723.

55. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of heaven, and hell torments. July 8, 1723.

61. Resolved, that I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it-that what my listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, etc. May 21, and July 13, 1723.

Relationships

14. Resolved, never to do anything out of revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least motions of anger to irrational beings.

16. Resolved, never to speak evil of anyone, so that it shall tend to his dishonor, more or less, upon no account except for some real good.

31. Resolved, never to say anything at all against anybody, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of Christian honor, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the golden rule; often, when I have said anything against anyone, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution.

33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining, establishing and preserving peace, when it can be without over-balancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722.

34. Resolved, in narration’s never to speak anything but the pure and simple verity.

36. Resolved, never to speak evil of any, except I have some particular good call for it. Dec. 19, 1722.

46. Resolved, never to allow the least measure of any fretting uneasiness at my father or mother. Resolved to suffer no effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of speech, or motion of my eve: and to be especially careful of it, with respect to any of our family.

58. Resolved, not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretfulness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheerfulness and benignity. May 27,and July 13, 1723.

59. Resolved, when I am most conscious of provocations to ill nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-naturedly; yea, at such times, to manifest good nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. May 12, July 2,and July 13.

66. Resolved, that I will endeavor always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all companies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise.

70. Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.

Suffering

9. Resolved, to think much on all occasions of my own dying, and of the common circumstances which attend death.

10. Resolved, when I feel pain, to think of the pains of martyrdom, and of hell.

67. Resolved, after afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them.

57. Resolved, when I fear misfortunes and adversities, to examine whether ~ have done my duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty and my sin. June 9, and July 13, 1723.

Character

8. Resolved, to act, in all respects, both speaking and doing, as if nobody had been so vile as I, and as if I had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings as others; and that I will let the knowledge of their failings promote nothing but shame in myself, and prove only an occasion of my confessing my own sins and misery to God.

12. Resolved, if I take delight in it as a gratification of pride, or vanity, or on any such account, immediately to throw it by.

21. Resolved, never to do anything, which if I should see in another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to think any way the more meanly of him.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my trust, that that in Prov. 20:6, “A faithful man who can find?” may not be partly fulfilled in me.

47. Resolved, to endeavor to my utmost to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, compassionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere temper; and to do at all times what such a temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every week, whether I have done so. Sabbath morning. May 5, 1723.

54. Whenever I hear anything spoken in conversation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me, Resolved to endeavor to imitate it. July 8, 1723.

63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one individual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete Christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true luster, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed: Resolved, to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan. 14 and July 3, 1723.

27. Resolved, never willfully to omit anything, except the omission be for the glory of God; and frequently to examine my omissions.

39. Resolved, never to do anything that I so much question the lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no; except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest temperance in eating and drinking.

Spiritual Life

Assurance

25. Resolved, to examine carefully, and constantly, what that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God; and to direct all my forces against it.

26. Resolved, to cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance.

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost niceness and diligence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that I may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence respecting this to repent of. May 26, 1723.

49. Resolved, that this never shall be, if I can help it.

The Scriptures

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.

Prayer

29. Resolved, never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass as a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, which is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it; nor that as a confession, which I cannot hope God will accept.

64. Resolved, when I find those “groanings which cannot be uttered” (Rom. 8:26), of which the Apostle speaks, and those “breakings of soul for the longing it hath,” of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm 119:20, that I will promote them to the utmost of my power, and that I will not be wear’, of earnestly endeavoring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and August 10, 1723.

The Lord’s Day

38. Resolved, never to speak anything that is ridiculous, sportive, or matter of laughter on the Lord’s day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722.

Vivification of Righteousness

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every week to be brought higher in religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week before.

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the communion of the church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth day of January, 1722-23.

43. Resolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God’s, agreeable to what is to be found in Saturday, January 12, 1723.

44- Resolved, that no other end but religion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan.12, 1723.

45. Resolved, never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sorrow, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relating to it, but what helps religion. Jan. 12-13, 1723.

Mortification of Sin and Self Examination

23. Resolved, frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unlikely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it; and if I find it not to be for God’s glory, to repute it as a breach of the 4th Resolution.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, to trace it back, till I come to the original cause; and then both carefully endeavor to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it.

35. Resolved, whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it down, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722.

60. Resolved, whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without, I will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4 and 13, 1723.

68. Resolved, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns religion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23 and August 10, 1723.

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be.

Communion with God

53. Resolved, to improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate myself wholly to him; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723.

65. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this all my life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my ways to God, and lay open my soul to him: all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and every circumstance; according to Dr. Manton’s 27th Sermon on Psalm 119. July 26 and Aug. 10, 1723.

Intellectual Virtue - Knowing Why We Believe What We Believe, and Having a Good Reason For It

     I have come to believe that it is crucial for each person to closely examine each of their beliefs, and to understand what they are and why they hold to them. This is why I often stress the importance of theology. One cannot hope to interact well with a God about whom they know nothing, and one certainly cannot present an apologetic for a system of belief which they do not understand and have not fully explored. Furthermore, I would say that to hold a belief without knowing why you believe it, or to accept something simply because it is what you have always been told is sheer folly. One simply cannot accept anything and everything they are told simply on the basis of the source, or because it seems to make sense in the context of their already established belief system. No, our beliefs must find their source in the ultimate pursuit of truth. Christ says, “you shall know the truth and the truth will set you free.” We cannot settle for anything less than the truth. 
     Many of the students at Johnson University where I study are at a point in our lives where we must make our faith our own. It would be easier simply to believe what we have always believed, and it would certainly be more comfortable. But we cannot afford to be comfortable, we are not called to be comfortable. We are called to challenge ourselves, to step out of our comfort zone, to be willing to be outside of our tradition, rejecting what he have always assumed to be correct if it leads us to the truth. Why is truth so important? Because ultimately truth is not some abstract idea, It is a person. God is the embodiment of all truth, and the only way for us to know him who is infinitely higher than we could ever imagine is to pursue truth.
      I greatly admire the way in which Descarte boiled down his belief system to one foundational belief that he knew was absolute, and built his system from there. “I think, therefore I am.” As I boiled down my own system of belief I decided to add to that statement. “I think therefore I am, I am therefore god is.” I say little 'g' god because all I can be sure of based only on the surety of my own existence is that there is something that caused me to be here. Something that made the place that I am in and gave me the capacity to think. Now, through rational deduction and research one can come to the conclusion that 'god' little 'g' is God big 'G,' and that 'God' big 'G' is Yahweh, the Sovereign Lord of the Judeo-Christian tradition. To do this one merely has to follow the train of historical evidence and determine the authority of the Scriptures. That is easily begun through something as simple as watching the prophecy of Scripture fulfilled in history. Once the authority of the Scriptures have been established, the rest is smooth sailing. As Christ says, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” The Scriptures tell us of a perfect Creator God who is synonymous with truth. Therefore, we can build our lives and belief on the Scriptures which we have established as true and reliable through rational deduction established from the simple thought, “I think therefore I am, I am therefore God is.” Obviously this is a greatly simplified argument, but I truly believe that should one approach this proposed line of thought with an open mind, one would come to a similar conclusion.
      The way in which we examine such beliefs, it would seem, is hotly contested. A variety of systems of justification were described in Wood's text. I do not think that the three systems he presents are mutually exclusive. On the contrary, I have come to believe that if we are to be truly intellectually virtuous, we must examine our beliefs in light of each of these systems of justification.
     First we must examine our beliefs to see if there is enough solid evidence based in things we know to be true for us to accept them as verifiable beliefs. When we have gathered the evidence we must ask ourselves, did it come from reliable sources? What was our condition when we gathered it? Were we tired or in an altered state of mind that would affect our clarity of thought? In short, is the source of the evidence (and thus the evidence itself) a reliable basis for justified belief? Finally we must evaluate it in light of our already justified beliefs. Does it fit in with what we have already determined to be truth? And since we are pursuing truth, should we find that ourselves convinced that our new belief is more true than previously held ones, we must revaluate both. This is not a process that can be rushed. Nor is it something that we will ever complete, but that is the beauty of it. Our theological and philosophical systems are always developing. When they cease to do so, we must quickly repent, for we have become unteachable.

Attitude is Everything: Developing a Missional Mindset

     The following is adapted from a sermon I preached at the beginning of the academic year. Never has it been more relevant to my own life, and so I thought I would share with you all, in the hopes that it might help you as it has helped me. While it has specific application to Bible college students (particularly JU students), my hope is that God may use it to speak to you wherever you find yourself today.

Acts 20:22-24

22“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. 23 I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. 24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon, arguably one of the greatest preachers outside of the Bible, once said this: “Every Christian is either a missionary or an imposter.” We are all called to missional living in some context. Wether this means we witness to co-workers, friends and family, or we travel across the world to reach the unreached in a foreign country, or even if we go into our own backyard to extend compassion to the poor and homeless, we cannot claim to follow Christ and yet ignore those who so desperately need him, those who he died to save.

Acts Chapter 2, verses 22 through 24 jumps right into the middle of a story. Paul is on his third missionary journey, going from Miletus to Jerusalem. From Miletus, he sends for the leaders of the Ephesian church. When they arrive, he begins to recount his ministry with them in Ephesus, the telling of which culminates in a tearful farewell, as he is nearly certain that he would not see any of them again this side of heaven.

This passage of Acts 20 gives us some invaluable insight into Paul's mindset as a man on fire for missions. So today I want to take a look at three characteristics of a missional mindset.

1. The first characteristic of a missional mindset is receptiveness and submission to the Spirit's leading.

Paul says that he is “constrained by the Spirit.” That wordconstrainedis the greek word Deó, which means bound, compelled, put in chains, imprisoned, constrained. This indicates the strength and extent of the compulsion Paul was given. In short, there was no doubt in Paul's mind that he needed to go quickly and directly to Jerusalem, even though the Spirit also made it clear that danger and persecution would await him. In this way, Paul was both receptive and submissiveto the Spirit's direction.

That being said, I cannot stress enough the importance of walking in daily communion with God. Now if you can use your required reading and study as your devotional time more power too you, but the reality is, that doesn't cut it for most of us. So I want to encourage you to be intentional about making time in your crazy schedule to just stop. Get alone with God, go on a walk with him and worship him for who he is, for his glory, for his power, for his sovereignty his love and his mercy. Tell him about your life and your struggles, and then sit in silence with him, and listen for his voice. Only when we have consistent connection with our heavenly Father can we grow spiritually, and only as we seek his direction in our lives will we become receptive to the guidance of his Spirit.

Paul was not only receptive to the Spirit's leading, but he was also submissive to it. This means that when he felt led to go to Jerusalem, he didn't say, “well God, I'm not so sure that's a good idea. I mean, look what happened to your Son when he went to Jerusalem, I might die too! No, God, I think I'll just stay here in Miletus instead.”

Paul could have tried to rationalize his way out, but he chose not to. There was instead a sense of urgency about his going to Jerusalem, and he wasted no time in getting there. Likewise, we should embrace the leading of the Spirit on our lives, trusting that what he has planned for us—difficult, impossible or terrifying as it might seem—will work out for our greatest good and his greatest glory.

2. The second characteristic of missional mindset is a willingness to face opposition for the cause of Christ.

I think as I said that I might have heard a bit of a sigh of relief. We are in America after all, and on top of that, we're in Bible college. Persecution for what we believe is not something that we're too concerned about. Because of this, It is so easy for us to become complacent and to embrace lukewarm Christianity—which in reality isn't Christianity at all. See, in America, we can blend in. And even more so in Bible college.

But what would happen if we were to step out of our comfort zones, to take the claims of Jesus seriously and challenge the ways of society? People would think we were crazy, backwards even. And were we to persist in having this radical counter-culture attitude, we might even face some persecution. Now again, I know that's hard to picture in this setting; we spend most of our time surrounded by Christian brothers and sisters, so it just doesn't make sense that we would face any opposition here. Christian living isn't against the grain!

I want to take a moment to challenge that idea, because I think its wrong. The more time I spend in the dorms talking with the guys, and the more I see the way people talk and act at events like sports games, or even while just hanging out in the lounge, the more I have to question that idea that Christian living isn't necessarily against the grain.

Now I want to be clear, I'm aware that I'm making a pretty broad generalization here, and I know that there are many godly young men and women on this campus who are passionate about living to make much of Jesus. Even so, I think, that even in this environment, if we where to truly live out the Christian walkin every aspect of our lives, we just might face some opposition.

Notice that I put a bit of emphasis on “every aspect of our lives” in that last statement. I did that for a reason. Its easy to give Jesus part of our lives, but that's not enough; he wants allof us.Let's lay a foundation for what following Christ in every aspect of our lives means.

Jesus is our example, and we are called to follow that example as closely as possible, Amen? Jesus says in John 8:29, “I always do what pleases [the Father].” So let me ask you, can you make such a claim? If Christ is the standard that we are to strive for, how can we settle for anything less? And please, don't say, “well Connor that's just too radical, the Bible doesn't mean that.” Well it really does, and I say this because I love you: you need to come to terms with that fact, and decide what to do with it.

So do the topics of your conversations please the Father? What about the way in which you discuss theological concepts or perspectives, is there any arrogance or divisiveness there? Let me be the first to admit that I'm certainly guilty of that. How about the words you use? For example, the last time you called someone gay, or a douche-bag, do you really think that pleases the Father? What about your relationships with your peers, or your relationships with the opposite sex? Are you striving to please God and pursue holiness in every aspect of your life, or are you holding something back?

3. The third characteristic of a missional mindset is a single-minded focus on the furthering of God's kingdom.

I think it is clear from the way that Paul writes, and from the lifestyle he lived, that there was nothing more important to him than the mission he had been given by God. That's why he is willing to lay everything on the line, even his very life. “Iconsider my life worth nothingto me,” he says, “my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”

In Paul's life, God came first. The primary goal of his life was his calling: the spread of Gospel to the unreached peoples of the earth. Likewise, we are called to give God first priority in all things, and get this: anything less would be a form of idolatry. It only makes sense, then, that if we claim to follow Jesus, we need to be willing to give up anything and everything that we find ourselves putting in front of God.

That's hard for us in America, isn't it. Because like it or not, we are very rich. Yes, even us broke college students. I'm convinced that the rest of the world laughs hysterically at us when we complain about money. And like the rich young ruler in Matthew's gospel, we often shy away from following Jesus because we are too attached to something else. The bottom line is this: we cannot serve two masters, as Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:24. We must choose wether we will serve him, or ultimately, ourselves.

I think this goes beyond just attachment to material possessions as well; in Luke 14:26 Jesus says, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” Friends, if we wish to be Jesus's disciples and receive the benefits thereof, we must first be willing to make sure absolutely nothing, comes before God and his purpose for our lives.

Maybe there is a call on your life that you are trying to ignore because it would mean giving up something you prize. Perhaps you're called as a missionary to a foreign country, but you are in a relationship with someone who just is not called in that way. Are you willing to give that relationship up for the kingdom of God?

Maybe you are feeling led to get involved in something like a local homeless ministry, but if you're being honest homeless people scare you to death, and you really just aren't comfortable ministering to them. Would you be willing to lay aside your anxiety, step out of comfort zone and follow God's leading?

Perhaps for you today there is a pattern of habitual sin in your life that you can't seem to shake. And maybe that's gluttony, or little white-lies, or an addiction to porn, maybe you're a closet klepto—I don't know what it is for you. But are you willing to bring that into the light, confess, and get accountability and the help you need to break free?

What is it that is holding you back from a single-minded focus on God's mission for your life?

Conclusion:

Three seemingly simple characteristics that are so difficult to put into practice in day-to-day living. In order to develop a missional mindset we must be receptive and submissive to God's leading, we must be willing and prepared to face opposition for the cause of Christ, and we must have a single-minded focus on God's mission for our lives, putting his purpose above all else.

Just take a moment at think about what the world would look like if each and every one of us in this room lived that out. Think about the lives that could be impacted and the souls that could be saved.

But Its easy to talk big, isn't it. It's easy to dream big for the kingdom. But when it comes down to it, many of us just aren't willing to take the steps necessary to make that dream a reality. And so we make excuses for why we aren't being intentional about reaching people for Christ.

W.E. Sangster, a former president of the Methodist Conference and a powerful speaker and evangelist said this, and I'll close with this thought: “How shall I feel at the judgment, if multitudes of missed opportunities pass before me in full review, and all my excuses prove to be disguises of my cowardice and pride.”

Friends, let us not allow fear of our inadequacy, or cultural norms, or desire for the affection of our peers overcome the still, small voice of the Lord Jesus telling us to go, make disciples.

Facebook Christianity

     Facebook Christianity... you probably know what this is, but if you don't, I will define it for you. Its when someone appears to be passionate about their faith through quotes and statuses and blogs that they post on various social networking sites. The irony in this is that many cases the words being typed onto a screen do not reflect the lifestyle that the person typing them is living.
My point is this: it is far easier to tweet about a bible verse or a evangelistic message than it is to live it. Now as I say this I want you to keep in mind that technology is a powerful tool. With the advent of social networks thousands of people can connect at the speed of light, and thoughts and ideas can be exchanged in an instant.
     Imagine if such ability to connect with people across the globe and share ideas had been possible in during the European Enlightenment Era, or the Protestant Reformation, or the Awakening... The world as we know it would be drastically different because great thinkers and theologians would have the power to conference and build on each others ideas, even share entire works of literature instantaneously. However, no matter how great or powerful and idea may be, it comes to nothing if it is not put into practice. Can you see where this is going?
     On the other hand, an idea put into practice can be revolutionary. Take for example, the recent revolution in Egypt. It started with an idea, a dream of a better home, a place for freedom and democracy, where all would have rights. The idea hit the web, appearing on Facebook and Twitter. In a short period of time the idea was viral among people the age of myself, the majority of my readers, and perhaps people a few years older. These young men and women began organizing protests via internet, posting political blogs, sharing ideas... starting a revolution.
     If they had just stopped there then it probably would have died out over time, just another idea in a long string of incredible but impractical ideas. But they didn't stop there, they put their ideas into action. That is what truly started a revolution. And their passion and perseverance made the revolution a success, they are now taking the first steps onto a long road of reforms.
It started with and idea, spread through instantaneous communication via social network, culminated in action, and ended in success. Do all revolutions that follow this path succeed? No. But I know of one that is guaranteed to.
     Because God has given us His Word, we know that the gospel will ultimately prevail.  That the work of sanctification that is being done in us will lead to our final justification when Christ returns, so long as we continuously put our faith in him. As long as we recognize our dependence on the Gospel, as long as we feed on it daily, and realize that we cannot save our selves, and live for the glory of God with joy (see Romans 1:15-18).... of course, that is another blog post entirely.
     What I mean in saying that is this: we have a task set before us, a commission to share the gospel with the lost and broken to the glory of God. It is a task that we do not have to be ashamed of because the gospel will ultimately prevail (Rom 1:16). Why then not start a revolution? Why not stand up and say that the direction society is going in is leading to self destruction, why not recognize that these trials and tribulations we face are the wrath of righteous and just God against unrighteousness, why not share the good news that their is hope and salvation in Christ Jesus, and that by the power of grace death becomes a gateway to paradise, futility and suffering become pathways to holiness, punishment is transformed into purification, and the power of sin is replaced with a growing love of righteousness. This is a revolution that cannot fail!
     A friend of mine wrote this on my last blog post, he said "Whenever I read what you say, I can only think of one much older and much more experienced. I don't know why. You just SOUND like a... religious leader, for lack of a better term."
     The fact that he put emphasis on sound works out nicely, because I want to point that out. Now, I don't believe that this is necessarily what he meant by this, but I'm making a point. I can write like a religious leader all I want, but am I living the life of a leader? Does my life reflect my blog? There is a radical love that we are claiming to know on our Facebook accounts, that we tweet clever sayings about, and yes, even write long redundant blogs posts about. The question is do we really know that radical love? Because a radical love cannot leave us unchanged. Are we truly allowing the love of Christ pervade our lives, every aspect of them? Are we truly living our lives to the glory of God to the extent that 1 Corinthians 10:13 commands us to? The very reason we were created?
     My challenge for you and I is this: Lets start our own revolution. The ideas are out there, God gave us a fantastic book as the final word, and there are thousands of theological resources on the web, get to really know God, really trust Him, and begin to develop a deeper relationship with Him. But lets not wait until we think we have all the answers. We will never have all the answers in this life, and we probably won't in the next either. Earnestly seek out truth, but the, the time is now to live radically for Christ. Not tomorrow or the next day. As a pastor friend of mine likes to say "Someday is the busiest day in human history." We will always be works in progress, but by the grace of God we have an opportunity even in the midst of our own brokenness to share the love of Christ with a lost and broken world.

A Retreat, A Pilgrimage, and The Reality of Glory

     There is an overwhelming peacefulness to Cape Cod that pervades your soul. The atmosphere is quiet and calm, and the area is rich in character and history, not to mention national beauty. It is a great place to go and relax, spend time with family, and refocus. Often times I overcrowd my schedule and I don't allow myself a second to breathe. I end up "squeezing in" God, so to speak. Which of course is a very dangerous thing. When we "Squeeze God in" to our busy schedule we develop an attitude that is counter-productive to spiritual growth. That is: God is no longer a priority. Instead of being an ever-present and developing relationship, God becomes someone to whom we pay attention to if we have the time.
     Back in March of 2011 I visted the Cape for a week. It was a retreat for me of sorts. I got an opportunity to spend time with some family, read, think, reflect, and study God's word. At the end ofa great week of rest and refocusing, we took a trip up to Orleans, Mass, where we visited the Church of The Transfiguration, which is maintained and used by an ecumenical order of Benidictine Monks know as the Community of Jesus.
     The first thing we noticed upon entering the campus was the genuine kindness of the Monks. Simply put: they radiated Joy, the kind of joy that can only come from a life lived for the glory of God. In fact there whole community is built upon the foundation of bringing about the glory of God among all peoples. That's one of the reasons they are an ecumenical community. As Paul begs the early church to do in Philippians, they are of "one mind, intent on one purpose." Catholics and Protestants, Methodists and Calvinists all come together, reconciling liturgy and worship from all traditions together and putting minor differences aside to come together and enjoy, worship, delight in, and glorify the one eternal God.
     The church itself is a work of art. It tells the story of Scripture from Genesis to Revelation, and displays how Christ relates as the central figure in all of scripture. The most commanding fresco is in the front of the church, in the great dome above the altar. It displays Christ as the King of Kings, as he will appear on the final day. From him flows a depiction of the river of life, and sitting beneath him, in the river, are four books representative of the gospels, the first line of each gospel is written on them in Greek. The river collides with the floor and flows out into a beautiful image of Gods creation, spreading out down the center aisle and ending in the baptismal chamber which is an intricate artistic rendering of the Trinity.
     As I stood beneath the image of Christ spreading his arms out over his creation and I stood in awe of the beauty and intensity of the moment, I noticed a few things. One being that the image was both comforting and discomforting. Its commanding presence brought into mind God's sovereignty, and the reality that he needs to be present and dominant in our lives. That presence also reminded me that that reality is not always comfortable. Christ was and is a radical, he disturbs us from our complacency and inspires us to action, one cannot encounter Christ and remain unchanged: Either we are radically transformed, or we harden our hearts and turn away, unwilling to make the changes or accept the gospel as the power and glory of God to transform our lives (Romans 1:16-17).
     The second thing that crossed my mind was that even this image, this church, this beautiful, powerful, artistic, inspiring, worshipful rendition of Christ and his story, can not come close to the glory, beauty, and majesty that will be revealed to his called and beloved on the day of his return...

I can't wait.

A conversation with Al Capone

     I lived in Lowell for eight years, grew up there. Those streets played a big part in making me who I am, formulating the person I am becoming. It's funny because I hardly remember them. That is to say, I remember walking past kids fighting on the street on my way to school, I remember the dirt and the crowded streets, I remember the Catholic school I attended for a while and the nuns that ran it. but I remember very little of the good. Kerouac Park, Expresso's pizza, all the time I spent with my family and friends in the city.

    One good thing does stand out in my mind, and one person. I grew up in the Catholic church, and while I never claimed the faith as my own, and my dad did not know Christ at the time, my mom had always been Catholic. We attended a church on Bridge street called The Church of Saint Michael. My mom told me that the reason we had made it our home was because the first time I heard the Reverend speak, I told her I wanted to go there. I didn't really know why, I just did.

     The Reverend's name was Father Albert Capone. And while the irony of his name (although he purposely pronounces it differently) did not escape me, there was something about him that drew me to him. He was compassionate, wise, and confident with great faith, and just by hearing the sound of his voice you could tell that he was a man of God. It's hard to explain the feeling you had when you were around him, but he just wasn't like other priests.

     One particular thing I remember about him was that he wasn't afraid of my questions. My CCD teacher used to tell me that I asked far too many, the Father later told me it was just because she didn't understand herself. Father Capone would answer my questions, every last one of them. I thought it was the greatest thing ever at the time, because Priests had always told me the same thing: "You don't question God!"

     Recently my family and I started visiting Lowell again. My mom decided to make a go of being a pen and ink artist (and she's doing an excellent job of it I might add), and so she joined the Arts League of Lowell. This of course means that her work is in several galleries in the area, so we travel back and forth quite a bit. It's funny, because I hadn't thought about St. Michael's or Father Capone for years, but the other day he just popped into my head, and I felt a prodding to go see him.

     Today, before my mom's artist reception, I went over to the rectory to visit. He welcomed me in with a big smile and listened with growing excitment as I told him about my life in nashua, my finding Christ, and my pursuit of ministry.

     After we had exchanged stories he began talking to me about a variety of things. While he was of course, mildly disappointed that I had not come to faith within the Catholic church, and my visit wasn't to tell him I was joining the priesthood, he rejoiced that I was now looking to serve God in ministry. He then gave me some advice that I had not gotten anywhere else. The first thing he told me was to balance my life. He stressed it as very important, reminding me that I was still young, and that Jesus did not start his ministry until he was 33 for a reason. That time between is a learning process, and Jesus later used ordinary everyday things to explain his message. He explained to me that Christ needs to be the center, but there's no reason you can't still do things you enjoy. In fact, with Christ as your center your enjoyment of these things should be magnified in him.

     We then got into a discussion about the Bible, and he told me that there was a difference between reading the bible, and praying the bible. The Bible is God's word, and we can't get so caught up in theological nuisances that we fail to hear God's voice. At the same time, it's important to immerse ourselves in scripture, in the historical context of the writing, taking in every word so that we understand it as best we can with the guidance of the spirit. The better we know His word, the better we know His voice. The more we know His voice, the easier it is to hear Him speak, and to recognize the things that are not of Him.

     I'd heard something along these lines before but this struck me anew. Those of you who know me well know about my sudden "discovery" of the scriptures and how intensely I have been studying them of late. I had to sit for a moment and think, I'm not just studying facts, I'm learning the sound of God's voice... am I leaving room among all of the theology for God to whisper to my heart? I'd encourage any reader to ask the same question.

     Our discussion pressed on, and soon we talked about the way that we lived life. There is no subject I am more passionate about than living for the Glory of God, in finding my deepest joy in him and letting that overflow as love in every aspect of my life. Once again, I found myself challenged by a man much older and wiser. He told me that it was a temptation to Preach what we think we should be preaching instead of what we are living. That didn't make sense to me for a minute, but then he explained further. If a Preacher is preaching what the bible teaches, and what all people should be doing, but is not doing it, his words are empty and hollow. And he is hypocritical. His life speaks much louder than his words ever could.

     I find my deepest joy in Christ... most of the time. But sometimes other things usurp His place and become an idolater. Sometimes ever when my deepest joy is in Christ I find myself living in a way that is contrary to what I know I should be doing. In other words, I think my deepest joy is in Christ, but life is speaking volumes to disprove that. When your deepest Joy is in Christ love, kindness, selflessness, and a desire to share that joy is the natural result. I cannot share the concept of surpassing joy with you if my life doesn't reflect that at least 90% of the time. Or rather, I could, but you wouldn't believe me.

      Finally we discussed something I saw as a flaw in my own character: my tenacity when it comes to things like theology, and my challenging argumentative spirit... what I call being an overzealous Evangelical. He told me that in the Catholic Church, the Apostle Paul is always pictured as carrying a sword. He asked me if I knew why. I told him I assumed it was because he had persecuted Christians. Father Capone told me that that was partially the reason. Paul was a man of extremes, as he saw that I was from my testimony and who I was now. When he persecuted christians, he went all out. And when he preached the Gospel, he went all out. He was an overzealous Evangelical. And it was because of this he was imprisoned, and from this imprisonment he learned a new way to go about things without loosing his passion. The Spirit showed him how to use that extreme passion to spread the Message without smashing people over the head with it. Likewise, my tenacity and challenging spirit was a gift, and was part of how God created me for a reason. My job was to learn how to best use that in a way that glorified God the most, without jumping on people and biting off their heads.

     Before I left he told me one last thing. I didn't find God, he had been with me all along, all I did was notice that he was there.

     It was true nine years ago and it was true today, no one understands me and how I work better than Father Capone does, and I just wanted to share some his wisdom with you all. I think it applies to more than just ministry, I think it applies to every aspect of life. And to any non-believers out there, God's been with you through everything. Just turn around and see Him waiting for you, it will be the best decision you'll ever make.