Ongoing Spiritual Renewal

Spiritual renewal is understood as a transformative journey that invites us to shed our old selves and embrace a new identity in Christ, as articulated in Ephesians 4:17-24. This passage urges believers to abandon the futility of their former ways and be renewed in the spirit of their minds, putting on the new self created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This process is an ongoing occurrence which the believer in Christ continuously cycles through in the Christian Life. It is a cycle that only finds its end as we stand before the Lord after our death. Even so, this process, called sanctification, which is a fancy theological term for undergoing personal transformation by the power of the Holy Spirit and our faithful obedience, is littered with a bountiful harvest of joy, hope, and love. Richard Lovelace, in his insightful book, The Dynamics of Spiritual Life, elaborates on this concept by identifying the Preconditions of Renewal, the Primary Elements of Renewal, and the Secondary Elements of Renewal that took place not only throughout the biblical story, but throughout church history.1

The Preconditions of Renewal begin with an awareness of the Holiness of God and the depth of our sin. If we aren't aware of our need, then God's solution will have little appeal to our hearts, minds, and wills. Calvin, in talking about knowledge of self and of God, states it this way:

"Our wisdom, in so far as it ought to be deemed true and solid Wisdom, consists almost entirely of two parts: the knowledge of God and of ourselves. But as these are connected together by many ties, it is not easy to determine which of the two precedes and gives birth to the other. For, in the first place, no man can survey himself without forthwith turning his thoughts towards the God in whom he lives and moves; because it is perfectly obvious, that the endowments which we possess cannot possibly be from ourselves; nay, that our very being is nothing else than subsistence in God alone. In the second place, those blessings which unceasingly distill to us from heaven, are like streams conducting us to the fountain. Here, again, the infinitude of good which resides in God becomes more apparent from our poverty. In particular, the miserable ruin into which the revolt of the first man has plunged us, compels us to turn our eyes upwards... For as there exists in man something like a world of misery, and ever since we were stript of the divine attire our naked shame discloses an immense series of disgraceful properties, every man, being stung by the consciousness of his own unhappiness, in this way necessarily obtains at least some knowledge of God. Thus, our feeling of ignorance, vanity, want, weakness, in short, depravity and corruption, reminds us, that in the Lord, and none but He, dwell the true light of wisdom, solid virtue, exuberant goodness. We are accordingly urged by our own evil things to consider the good things of God; and, indeed, we cannot aspire to Him in earnest until we have begun to be displeased with ourselves. For what man is not disposed to rest in himself? Who, in fact, does not thus rest, so long as he is unknown to himself; that is, so long as he is contented with his own endowments, and unconscious or unmindful of his misery? Every person, therefore, on coming to the knowledge of himself, is not only urged to seek God, but is also led as by the hand to find him."2

 Thankfully, the knowledge of these realities do not put God's elect in an irredeemable box of despair. Lovelace delineates how the Lord has providentially executed His saving grace via the Primary Elements of Renewal throughout time despite the knowledge of our fallen selves.

The Primary Elements of Renewal emphasizes the necessity of a personal encounter with God’s grace, highlighting how an authentic relationship with Him ignites genuine change within our hearts. In particular, the doctrines of Justification, Sanctification, the indwelling spirit, and knowing the authority we have in the spiritual conflicts of our lives are central to our ongoing renewal. Lovelace states that these elements provide 'an in depth presentation of the gospel' to the core of who we are. This phase of process places a high emphasis upon what the Triune God has initiated, completed, and continues to provide by the redemptive work of Jesus Christ by the Holy Spirit. Even so, the God-driven activity in this phase occurs with the participation of His redeemed people responding to His gracious redemption, reconciliation, and restoration in their lives. This continuous and interdependent scenario is in line with the Apostle Paul's description in Philippians 2:12-13:

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.

The Secondary Elements of Renewal encompasses the ways in which collectively and individually God nurtures our spiritual growth and sustains our renewal over time. Disciplines such as Missions, Prayer, Community, Dis-enculturation, and Theological integration put the Church and its members 'in step' with what the Triune God is doing within all of creation. In particular, it is our engagement in these endeavors that the Lord brings about what he stated in Ephesians 1:7-10:

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth."

By integrating these biblical principles, and Lovelace's insights drawn from Scripture, we can cultivate a deeper awareness of our need for renewal and actively participate in God's transformative work in our lives. Perhaps a better way to state this hope is to keep ourselves engaged with where the Lord has directed us and states that He will be present with us in. While a campus minister in the 1990's I used a common refrain to point out how the Lord would bring about His covenantal promises, via marriage, if my disciples would simply be about God's purposes. The illustration went something like this: "if you are running with and for the Lord, on the path he has laid before you, the chances of running into God's best provision of a Godly mate for you are much higher than if you were trying to find that very same provision at the uptown bars where all kinds of temptations and sins are being carried out. It's not that it is impossible to find your future mate in the faith at these locations, but one's chances go down considerably in places where the Lord is not going to be condoning much of the activity in that location. So why not go and do the things, in the places, that the Lord has called us all to? If both man and woman were to do so, their chances of 'bumping into' God's best for their lives goes up exponentially." In the same way, as it relates to ongoing spiritual renewal, if the believer and church were to commit themselves to the Lord's purposes and presence, then we are all certainly more likely to experience the promises given to us in Christ and by the Holy Spirit. Paul states it this way in speaking about life in the Spirit:

"Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ." Ephesians 5:17-21

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another." Galatians 5:16-26

May the Lord empower us to commit ourselves to this sacred journey, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us toward a life characterized by holiness, purpose, and abundant joy.

1Lovelace, Richard, Dynamics of Spiritual Life, Inter-Varsity Press, Downers Grove, Ill., 60515, 1979, page 75

2Calvin, John, Institutes of the Christian Religion, 1599, Book 1.1.1-2,

Columbus Day (or Indigenous Day)

I wasn't sure if many of you were aware that Monday was Columbus Day, or is now referred to as Indigenous Day. To be honest, I was reminded by accident. Even so, it got me thinking about the gospel and our country's history with the people of the First Nations.

The historical treatment of Native Americans is a profound source of sadness, marked by injustice, displacement, and cultural erasure over centuries. This sorrow is not just a chapter in history books; it echoes in the hearts of Indigenous communities today. How might Jesus and His redemptive work speak to these communities? Is the idea of Jesus, 'the white man's religion', able to be received by these deeply traumatized followers of Jesus? I believe it does. But not just to the First Nations, but also to the descendants of many Western pilgrims who set out to make a new life for their families. Both groups are carrying forth a great amount of guilt and shame as a result of that tragic past.

The Christian Gospel offers a message of hope and healing that can resonate with both Native Americans and those who were related to those who perpetuated their suffering. (Even though I acknowledge that none of us were involved in those atrocities; regardless, I think many of us feel a deep sense of shame and sadness for how these people were treated.) In Ephesians 2:14-16, Paul reminds us that Christ has broken down the walls of hostility between peoples, creating one new humanity through His sacrifice. This verse speaks to the possibility of reconciliation and unity, urging us to acknowledge our past wrongs while looking forward to a future of peace. The Gospel calls us to repentance and humility, inviting both oppressors and the oppressed into a transformative journey where healing can occur. By fostering dialogue grounded in love and respect, we can participate in a collective restoration—embracing our shared humanity and celebrating the rich heritage of Native cultures as we walk together toward justice and hope.

As the beginning of my post alluded to, I normally would not give two minutes to even think about this stain on the American tapestry. I (we) are so far removed from such incidents. Even so, the scars, pain, and shame that many Native Americans still wrestle with every day are prevalent in various walks of life. There is still a need for healing and restoration for the First Nations' descendants and their oppressors. I have been reminded of this reality due to having a friend who is involved in a ministry to Native Americans in the American Northwest. The updates and pictures convey a story of various people groups who are still recovering psychologically, culturally, and economically.

It is easy for me to forget or ignore their pain and humiliation because I don't see Native Americans and their families in my world. (President Andrew Jackson used the U.S. Army to relocate the Indians to Oklahoma via the infamous 'Trail of Tears.') But I was reminded of how Jesus went out of his way, or took the out-of-the-way route, to address the Samaritan Woman at the well. It is through this narrative that Jesus shows me that He is in the 'out-of-the-way' business; that as He lives His life through me I should expect Him to prompt and move me to do the same in my daily life.

I don't know what that will mean for my family and me, but I can pray, give, and learn how the Lord is working in the lives of First Nations people and the descendants of American citizens. I can pray specifically that God the Father would further heal the hostility and shame that resides within both people groups. And, I can invite other Christians to do the same. Therefore, consider yourself invited. Feel free to join me in praying that the Lord Jesus will continue this transformative work of healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation amongst First Nations peoples and the American descendants they come in contact with. 

Education, Development of the Mind, and the Glory of the God

We find ourselves in another academic and ministry year by God's providence. Routines and sanity are being restored. We are beginning to get into the grind of daily mental and social development.  However, I wonder where this grind leads us? How exactly are our minds being formed? I ask these questions because many of us submit our children and ourselves w/out much thought of what and why we are educating. Of course, the obvious answers are; being able to get a job, to progress to the next level of education, etc. If we are honest, as parents of young kids who have spent the summer, 24 hours a day, trying to keep their children fed, entertained, clean, and alive, many are just grateful to have some space away from them during the day. (In part, there is nothing wrong with that motive.) Others realize that a good education is the key to success in life. Regardless, of whether child or adult students, we all pursue our education for mostly utilitarian purposes: achievement, scholarships, entrance to the next level of study, securing job opportunities, or simply seeking to grasp a sense of vocational calling.  

Unfortunately, I do not hear many Christians talking about education from a biblical or Christian worldview, asking questions about God’s thoughts and purposes for education in general. And even when there is dialogue around the issue the topics lean towards answering the question of whether one should pursue Christian school versus Public school versus Homeschooling. Do not misunderstand me, these are valid considerations and deserve thoughtful discussion. Even so, these conversations tend to remain focused on how education in these different iterations will get our kids or ourselves where ‘we want to go.’ (Usually with a focus on opportunities, economics, cultural preferences, status, position, and comfortability) But the silence is deafening when more penetrating biblical and theological questions about education and the life of the mind are posed. 

As we are starting another ministry calendar year, which includes education both in and outside of the church, I think it would serve us well to spend some time contemplating God’s heart for our minds and their development. Therefore, the staff and I will be writing 3 to 4 pieces to stir the pot in hopes of developing a greater appreciation and purposefulness for our education to the glory of God and His kingdom purposes. 

From Stone to Sword: Facing the Shadow of Shame in King Arthur and the Garden

The 2017 film "King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" takes the Arthurian legend to a gritty, visceral place, using our familiar hero's tale as a powerful metaphor for the devastating consequences of childhood trauma. Arthur, ripped from his birthright and raised in the brutal underworld of Londinium, embodies the internal struggle of someone buried beneath the weight of shame and violence. His story, though fantastical, mirrors the universal human experience of betrayal, its rippling effects, and the potential for redemption.

The film draws a striking parallel with the fall of humanity in Genesis 3. Arthur's uncle, Vortigern, embodies the serpent's deceit, orchestrating a bloody coup that casts Merlin and the mages into hiding and leaving Arthur a witness to the carnage. Like Adam and Eve's expulsion from Eden, Arthur is thrust into a harsh reality shaped by fear and mistrust. This resonates with Ed Welch's concept of "shame," a deep existential wound that erodes our sense of worth and isolates us from true connection. Just as Adam and Eve hid their shame (Genesis 3:7), Arthur submerges himself in the brutal underbelly, burying his true identity under layers of self-protection.

Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 6, reminds us that this "sinful nature" inherited from Adam's fall distorts our relationship with God and one another. Arthur's journey embodies this distorted reality. Shame fuels his violent outbursts, pushing him further away from his destiny and into self-sabotage. He wields weapons with ease, a symbol of the internal warfare waged against his worth. Curt Thompson, in "The Soul of Shame," describes how shame's deceptive whispers can lead us to believe we are unworthy of love and grace. Arthur echoes this struggle, fearing to claim his birthright and the responsibility it carries by wielding Excalibur.

Yet, within the film's dark tapestry, glimmers of hope catch the eye. Merlin, emerging from the shadows, represents the ever-present whisper of truth. He challenges Arthur to face his past, offering a mirror to the shame that defines him. This echoes the gospel's message, a call to confront our sins and receive God's forgiveness. Like Romans 5:20 proclaims, "Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more."

And this is where Arthur truly rises. When he finally grasps the sword, Excalibur, forged from the flames of betrayal, it signifies a pivotal moment. He chooses to confront his shame, his past, and the demons they created. Taking up the sword becomes a metaphor for claiming his true identity as God's image bearer (Genesis 1:27), empowered by the grace offered through Christ's redemptive work.

New Testament passages like Romans 8:1 testify to this freedom: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." The shame that imprisoned Arthur begins to crumble as he embraces his calling. As the film progresses, we see this transformation reflected in his leadership, his compassion, and the rallying of the people around him. Arthur's journey exemplifies the possibility of stepping out of the shadows of shame and into the light of Christ's love, not just for ourselves, but for the world around us.

"King Arthur: Legend of the Sword" is not simply a medieval action film; it's a poignant and relatable parable that reminds us of the darkness we all face within. But, through the film's lens, we see that shame doesn't have to define us. Just as Arthur drew strength from Excalibur, we, too, can find our redemption in the transformative power of Christ's love. So, let us rise from the ashes of our own "Londiniums," take up the sword of truth, and step into the light of our true calling as sons and daughters of the King of Kings.

The Big Brother We Can Depend On: Finding True North in Christ

Have you ever followed an older sibling around, seeking their protection and guidance? Or perhaps, like many, you've encountered the disappointment of an unreliable brother, leaving you to navigate life alone. This powerful metaphor paints a picture of our spiritual yearning: the desire for a dependable Big Brother, one who can truly provide the blessing, protection, and direction we crave.

In Luke 2:22-38, the apostolic physician offers a fresh perspective on Jesus Christ as the Big or Firstborn Brother we can finally rely on. He isn't like the flawed elder siblings of our past. He's the Firstborn of Israel, the one entrusted with fulfilling God's promise of restoration and blessing for all humanity.

But here's the catch: throughout history, humanity, including Israel, has repeatedly failed to live up to the role of being God's faithful Firstborn brother. This failure leaves us emotionally, relationally, and spiritually exhausted, searching for hope amidst unfulfilled promises and unmet expectations.

That's when Simeon and Anna, two individuals at the end of their own journeys, enter the scene. They represent those who have "seen it all" and "tried it all." In their humility and dependence, they are brought to the temple by the Holy Spirit, where they encounter Jesus, the true Firstborn.

Simeon, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognizes Jesus as the source of salvation, not just for Israel, but for all peoples. He sees in Jesus the one who will bridge the gap between God and humanity, offering forgiveness, acceptance, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.

But Jesus' role as the Big Brother isn't about comfort and ease. Simeon also prophesies of a "sword piercing through your own soul," hinting at the challenges and disruptions that Jesus' kingdom will bring. His teachings will upend our cultural assumptions and challenge our human perspectives.

So, what does this mean for us? Here are three key takeaways:

1. Recognize our need for a dependable Big Brother: We all long for guidance, protection, and blessing. In Jesus, we find that reliable source, the one who truly fulfills the role we've been searching for.

2. Humility is key: Like Simeon and Anna, letting go of our own attempts and acknowledging our limitations opens us to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the embrace of true salvation.

3. Embrace the disruption: Following Jesus requires a willingness to challenge our assumptions and accept the "upside-down kingdom" he offers. His call is not for comfort, but for transformation and a radical reorientation of our priorities. This perspective can transform how we view the interruptions in our lives; death of a spouse, prolonged singleness, barrenness, not getting the job promotion, not meeting academic expectations, and much more can now be seen as avenues by which our Father is putting us in a position to be more dependent upon our elder brother Jesus to provide the covenants blessings that our souls ultimately long for. 

This narrative isn't just about unsatisfied elderly people; it is an invitation to a relationship. An invitation to trust in ‘The Big Brother’ who can truly guide us, protect us, and bless us. Are you ready to embrace life’s disruptions and discover the true North that only Jesus has, can, and will provide? For this is an invitation worth waiting upon because it’s an invitation that finds its ground in a resurrected savior; our Savior, who followed through until the end for the benefit of His Father’s family. 

Finding Extraordinary in the Ordinary: A Call to Live in and to God's Glory

Have you ever felt caught in the relentless pursuit of "extraordinary"? Driven by societal expectations, social media feeds, family dreams, and perhaps even internal whispers, we chase achievements, adventures, and accomplishments that seem to define success. But amidst this frenzied race, the poet William Martin offers a counterintuitive insight:

Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives. Such striving may seem admirable, but it is the way of foolishness. Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life. Show them the joy of tasting tomatoes, apples and pears. Show them how to cry when pets and people die. Show them the infinite pleasure in the touch of a hand. And make the ordinary come alive for them.  The extraordinary will take care of itself.

–William Martin

Martin, instead, invites us to cultivate wonder and marvel in the ordinary. In the vibrant taste of a fruit, the bittersweet tears for a lost pet or loved one, and the simple touch of a hand, lies an untold depth of beauty and meaning. And it's here, in the seemingly mundane, that we encounter the extraordinary presence of God. Revelation 1:4-5 explodes with a declaration of grace and peace from the ever-existing, ever-present God:  

John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood. 

This God isn't confined to the extraordinary moments of mountaintop experiences or dazzling revelations. We are shown that there is not one sliver of space or time in which God is not only present, but is hinting at the reality that He is guiding all of creation to its intended purpose, which is to glorify Him.  Time and history are God’s playground where He orchestrates human lives toward His glory and His people’s satisfaction in Him. He whispers in the wind, dances in the sunlight on leaves, and holds us close in the quiet moments of our ordinary lives. Our Lives and work were and are destined to move into this space and posture as God’s image bearers; discerning how the Lord is moving us into this state in relation to Him.  

Living in the light of this glory transforms our perspective on everything, including our vocation and work. It's not just about finding the "perfect" job or achieving personal glory. It's about aligning our hearts with God's purpose, offering every task, big or small, as an act of worship.

Paul, in Colossians 3, beautifully articulates this shift in mindset. He urges us to work for the Lord, not for human recognition or reward. The true prize, he reminds us, is the inheritance we receive from Christ. Our work becomes a sacred offering, a way to connect with God and participate in His grand symphony. Work, or any kind of performance, provides us with an opportunity to give what my former ministry post liked to call, ‘a thank you performance.’ Because of the finished work of Christ on our behalf, the need to justify myself to God or other people was removed. Jesus met all of the righteous requirements of God’s law, which are higher than any human entity, while at the same time being a substitutionary atonement by His death on the Cross for all of our failings. As a result of this work and the invitation to receive or accept such grace from Him, humanity is given the opportunity to enjoy and receive His accepting presence and power in every endeavor we partake in.  Our lives are no longer driven by a need to earn God’s favor, but instead becomes a platform wherein we can use everything that we put our hands and minds to express our deep love and gratitude for how He has loved us.  

This spiritual reorientation can shift the vocational conversation quite dramatically from "what" to "why." Instead of obsessing over titles and career paths in an effort to earn our worth and acceptability, we can instead ask ourselves: How can I say ‘thank you’ for how the Lord has saved me through His life, death, and resurrection? How might I glorify God in this moment? How can I bring His presence into my daily tasks? How can I offer this work as an act of worship, not to a distant God, but to the One who dances in the sunlight, whispers in the wind, and engages in everything that I do? 

This Gospel re-calibration challenges us to step off the treadmill of the extraordinary and rediscover the profound beauty of the ordinary. This gracious reality, provided by the saving work of Jesus, needs to be what is discipling and forming the hearts and minds of soon to be and longtime workers. As a result, the typical ‘christian vocational talk’ will be turned on its head.  This ‘glorification of God’ posture will move us from a focus on self-actualization to that of offerings of Worship to our creator. Let's taste the wonder in a ripe tomato, feel the sting of tears for a beloved pet, and hold the hand of a friend. In these seemingly small moments, let's invite God in, allowing His glory to transform our work, our lives, and the world around us. For when we live in the light of God's glory, the extraordinary truly takes care of itself.

When Life Crashes In: Recognizing the Serpent's Narrative & God’s Greater Victory

Amid life's storms, it's easy to lose sight of God's promises and fall prey to the "alternative narrative" whispered by the serpent to Adam and Eve, which calls into question God’s truthfulness. This narrative tells us that we must take control, rely on our strength, and abandon hope in God’s Word to us. But the Bible offers a different story, a story of hope and redemption built upon God's unwavering promises, which are centered in His unilateral covenant made to Abraham and his offspring. 

In Genesis 15, we saw Abraham struggling with doubt and fear after years of waiting for God's promised blessing. His circumstances didn't align with God's promises, and the centuries-old lie of the ‘serpent voice’ tempts him to take matters into his own hands at different points along the way. Yet, God steps in, offering reassurance and reminding Abraham of his covenant; a covenant that is entirely dependent upon God Himself. He reveals the fruit of His commitment by sharing a grand vision, one which extends far beyond Abraham's immediate desires, and promises him a legacy beyond his wildest dreams. 

This passage reminds us that even when life gets tough, God's vision for our lives and His Kingdom’s purposes remain unchanged. He is our comforter and shield, and His promises are our anchor in times of uncertainty. In the power of the Holy Spirit, we can resist the serpent's narrative by holding fast to God's word and His commitment to follow through on His promises made available by His Covenant-keeping Son, our high priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews states it perfectly, 

Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They serve as a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. For he finds fault with them when he says: “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.” Hebrews 8:1-12

You will make it to the finish line because Jesus has already finished and won the race for you. All we have to do is keep putting one foot in front of the other and He will be sure to make His ultimate triumphant and victory ours! 

We Have a Trust Source

Over the course of one’s Christian life, we will be asked by others, or by our own curious minds, ‘how we know what we know about truth, God, or ultimate reality? How do we justify things that we say we believe?’ These types of questions point to an activity that we all do everyday; seeking a justification for what we think, believe, and do. The pursuit of answering these type of questions is an area of study called Epistemology. For example, we make use of various means to develop a sense of certainty in our hearts and minds; things like news/media, science, discussions with peers, rumors at work or within the family, video evidence, and most prevalent, the use of our reason.

This scenario unexpectedly happened to me while I was sharing my faith with a couple on a beach in San Diego, California in 1989. In the midst of explaining the gospel, the thought popped up out of nowhere, ‘how do we know any of this is true?’ I would be lying to you if I said that I was not distracted from my task at hand. In fact, the thought was so disturbing that I had to embarrassingly end the conversation. It was like I was living through a spiritual earthquake; trying to make sense of the world as it was being shaken to core. Thankfully, the Lord provided me with viable and suitable answers via my spiritual leaders to meet the historical and philosophical concerns I had about my faith. But most importantly, the crucial anchor for my soul at that time was being shown the reliability of the Bible; that the Church/Christians has/have a trusted source in God’s Word.

The last two weeks we have examined aspects of the Scriptures reliability in our sermon series. We have seen that:

• Language starts in the Godhead; the Trinity has been in conversation within itself for all eternity.

• God’s voice has been interrupted by the serpent and Man.

• Gods voice has been restored by the Word of God; namely, Jesus, as the Logos.

• That Jesus’ Word has been spread by the Breath of God in the Scriptures by the Holy Spirit.

• And finally, this past week Pastor Hace helped us see that no matter where we go or when we go, God’s presence and voice are made available to his people.

This last point is significant, because God‘s voice has not only been manifested over significant periods of time, but His track record to fulfill His promises serves to further anchor us in the trustworthiness of God and His Word. God’s word is consistent. Through every era of redemptive history the patterns that we see in each period reveal the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God’s dealings with His people. Studying the various patterns of teaching we find in the Bible over each period of the biblical story is called biblical theology. This discipline allows us to see that the Lord is true to Himself and His plans for the world over a long period of time. Therefore, we can have great hope knowing that His future plans for the world and His people are are more than likely to play out.

The writer of Hebrews alludes to this phenomenon this way: “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.” Heb 1:1–2

And following in this example of Scripture, the Westminster Standards puts it this way:

“Although the light of nature, and the works of creation and providence, do so far manifest the goodness, wisdom, and power of God, as to leave men inexcusable; yet they are not sufficient to give that knowledge of God, and of his will, which is necessary unto salvation: therefore it pleased the Lord, at sundry times, and in divers manners, to reveal himself, and to declare that his will unto his church; and afterwards, for the better preserving and propagating of the truth, and for the more sure establishment and comfort of the Church against the corruption of the flesh, and the malice of Satan and of the world, to commit the same wholly unto writing; which maketh the holy scripture to be most necessary; those former ways of God’s revealing his will unto his people being now ceased.” WCF 1.1

An image that helps me grasp how the Lord has been progressively leading and speaking to His people over the centuries is the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel. As the Triune God leads His people through life’s twists and turns, He has graciously left us ‘bread crumbs’ or markers in the Scriptures to let us know that He has been with us throughout the generations and that He will lead us through all of the challenges that our worlds can put before us moving forward. As we find ourselves moving in and out of ever changing cultural and philosophical climates, we can rest assured that His Word will not only help us navigate them, but he gives us a glorious picture of how the journey will end. Unlike Hansel and Gretel, we do not have to hope to be found and rescued from some terrible danger, but we can move with confidence that our leader and King has already blazed the path forward, while at the same time leaving His markers of direction for us in His Word.

Therefore, be encouraged by the redemptive patterns throughout biblical history that have shown both the Lord’s faithfulness and the hope that He will lead us all into a better and greater story to come.

Visualizing Daniel 1

Over the years of preaching and teaching, I have come to the realization that not everyone learns in the same way. We each have different learning styles that help us grasp what is being communicated. For me, my preferred method of learning has always been conversation or talking through material. As someone shares information, I am learning and evaluating what it is being said. However, this is not the only way to learn or teach all people.

My wife and daughter, Samantha and Hailey, learn by reading. They can read something once, whether it is a book or class notes, and they will remember everything. I used to be jealous of their ability to do this! Riley, my oldest son, learns by hands-on interaction with material. Doing is what brings about comprehension for him. Anthony shares the same learning style, with a touch of analytical skill mixed in. As you can imagine, I have driven my family crazy with my verbose style of learning, along with many congregants. Sorry! Therefore, in an attempt to expand my teaching styles, I will seek to find other ways to communicate with you for your spiritual enrichment.

So let us begin with clarifying the central tenants of the sermon from Daniel 1. First, Daniel paints the scene of Israel being disciplined by the rival Babylonian empire. Specifically, Israel is unfaithful to the Lord, they are taken into exile, and then oppressed by the Babylonian culture and its king,  Having reached this point in the narrative, Israel and the church in our day are forced to consider the question of how one is to be set free from such a predicament. 

Redemptively speaking, it is obvious that someone would need to enter into their captivity, oppression, remain faithful to God, and use their power and giftedness to set their people free. In this particular text, Daniel, in the role as a prophet, serves as a typological savior for the people of Israel: 

1. He enters into captivity.

2. He experiences the pressures of cultural and religious oppression.

3. He remains in a spirit of dependence. 

4. Daniel uses his rights, privileges, and skills to be a blessing to both Israel and Babylon. 

Next, we looked at how Jesus Christ ultimately fulfills this redemptive need for all those who find themselves in spiritual and relational captivity by doing each of the tasks mentioned above. 

And finally, we took a look at the implications of Christ’s saving work upon those who have been captivated and carried away by the idolatries of our hearts.  Namely, our Father strategically places each of us in spheres of influence to walk in:

1. Our new freedom in Christ

2. Our new identity in Christ

3. Our new hope in Christ

4. Our new mission in Christ to help other captives

Alright, I have once again explained the meaning of the text with a lot of words. But what if we could add some graphic illustrations to further shed light on this passage’s intentions; to simplify the central message of passage? For instance:

Daniel the Savior Type into Israel’s captivity

Israel Into Captivity

Equipping saints to proclaim Christ’s release of the captives around the world

Jesus the fulfillment of the type of Daniel

Now I realize these illustrations are an oversimplified explanation, but used in conjunction with the verbal description, I hope they help some to obtain a better grasp of th meaning of the passage. The hope behind this exercise is to provide another tool to assist others in their understanding of the Bible’s meaning. I am not under the illusion that this is a perfect description, but it is an attempt at improving our communication. If this was at all helpful, please feel free to interact with this post and leave your thoughts one way or the other. In the meantime, may the Lord Jesus enter into all of our areas of captivity, set us free, and empower us to be liberators for others.

Recalling God’s Story in Your Life (Based upon a devotional reading of Ps. 44)

While sitting around the dinner table last week, celebrating my 54th birthday, my children shared stories of their childhood memories with me. One of them recalled the stories I would tell them at bedtime. Another mentioned how I would share silly stories from my childhood. When I looked at my youngest and asked if he remembered me telling stories, he said, with furrowed brow, “Of course, dad.”  As you might imagine, my heart welled up with gratitude and a sense of pride. I was so glad to know my practice of sharing stories from my life, their mother’s life, and their grandparents’ lives remained so endearing to them as they aged. I had always hoped the stories would communicate moral virtue and humor that would appear in their own lives. I had always hoped that somehow the stories would help shape their hopes, dreams, and expectations for life. I don’t know if I always consciously thought about it back in the day, but as I look back, I definitely wanted to give them a positive framework for understanding their family history, despite its brokenness and dysfunction.

Upon reading Psalm 44 this morning, I was struck by how the Sons of Korah—the stated authors of the psalm—described the stories their fathers told about God’s provision for the people of Israel. It’s clear that the Sons of Korah heard tons of amazing narratives about how the Lord miraculously provided land, salvation, and hope through his mighty hand. Psalm 44 is all about recounting their fathers’ stories, and they recount them not simply for their own benefit or only to have warm feelings in their hearts—they were also reminding God of what He had done for their fathers and were telling Him how it gave them hope for today (their today). Facing considerable suffering and violence at the hand of their enemies, they expressed hope that God would do for them what he had done for their fathers.

The last verse of the psalm, verse 26, especially highlights why the Sons of Korah recount their fathers’ stories. “Rise up,” they declare, “come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!” They want God to save them “for the sake of [his] steadfast love,” wording that signals a covenantal love. They are pleading with God that He remember His covenant! This covenantal love is eternal and based upon grace, not the performance of his people (notice the way God made the covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15). It’s as if the Sons of Korah are saying, “Father God, don’t discredit all the amazing, miraculous ways you’ve worked in your people’s lives by not fulfilling your covenant; instead, enable us to keep your law, and your name will be protected for all time.”

Friends, as we consider the arduous task of imparting the gospel to our children, I know we all share more stories than those appearing between Genesis 1 and Revelation 22. We also share our gospel-filled stories—the amazing ways the God of the Bible has been working and will continue to work in our lives! We all know there will be times when our kids encounter evil, pain, trial, and opposition. But, as Psalm 44 reminds us, we must call upon the Lord and plead that He would bring the stories of the Bible to life in our present moment—so that we might once again experience His strong, kind, and loving salvation in our lives. Don’t stop sharing your stories. They’re powerful. They will be remembered. They give hope and a faithful anchor, both for you and your children.

‘Three-fifths’ and the Gospel

Let me begin by stating that I admit that I am not a historian or a scholar of constitutional law. Even so, I have always been astounded by the ‘three-fifths’ phrase in the Fourth Amendment. What about the theology of the Imago Dei? And, to add insult to injury, this term is so contradictory to the words we find in the Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” How could this have been thought acceptable by such educated men, many of whom were committed Christians? For example, John Witherspoon, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, was a Scottish American Presbyterian minister and a Founding Father of the United States.[1] He was the only active clergyman to sign the Declaration. In 1789, he was the convening moderator of the First General Assembly of Presbyterian Church in the United States.[2] Being that the Declaration is so closely tied to someone in our own family tree, as Presbyterians, makes it all the more unsettling in its assessment of the value of other human beings. Naturally, it cuts at the core of how many African-Americans understand their self-worth. In an effort to understand this psychological wound, I thought it would be beneficial to better understand the driving forces behind the three-fifths wording. My hope is that my brief investigation may uncover damaging societal lies, while also discovering how the gospel might apply to the hearts of living with this part of American history, myself included.

My look into the “three-fifths” phrase took me back to the very founding of our country. The Constitutional Rights Foundation states that “at the time these words were written, more than 500,000 black Americans were slaves. Slaves accounted for about one-fifth of the population in the American colonies, most of which lived in the South.”[3] Even so, there were many colonists, even slaveholders, who opposed slavery; Washington, Jefferson, Madison, and others made disparaging comments about the practice. Despite public statements of disapproval, the issue of slavery and personhood was not even addressed until 1787, when the Constitution was finally ratified. It was during the creation of the House & Senate, which was addressing the power dynamics related to population and representation, that led to the designation of black people as “three-fifths” of a person.[4] So, this insane position was driven by the pursuit of power in our national politics, a compromise between the colonies of the North and those of the South. In particular, the “three-fifths” compromise functioned as a way of keeping a representative balance between the North and the South. Think about that for a minute! The dehumanization of Black people was partially driven by not wanting to lose control in national politics. Black people were a bargaining chip in the early days of our country’s creation, a tool for regional and national power. Of course, there were many other reasons for maintaining this system. Free labor and the greed of economic gain were vital. As a result, the structuring of our society in terms of race became all the more legally evident, even following the Civil War and the end of slavery in 1865.

Following the death of Abraham Lincoln, the presidency of Andrew Johnson began the period of Reconstruction, which was meant to help provide a mental, psychological, political, and economic corrective to a society that had gotten used to seeing Black people as less than human. From 1865 to 1877, the federal government, with the help of Union troops and temporary governors, were able to create a space where Black folks could fully engage in the life of the republic. During this period the constitution was amended to give them full access to American citizenship and its privileges. Of course, slavery had already been permanently prohibited with the passing of the Thirteenth Amendment in 1865, and the wording “three-fifths” was removed from the Fourth Amendment in 1868. In addition, African-Americans began to be elected to state and national offices and were making economic gains in various fields. However, following the end of Reconstruction, a leadership vacuum opened the door for the disenfranchisement of Black citizens through Jim Crow policies and White supremacist terrorism from the KKK.

Such dehumanizing acts and horrific organizations are nothing new in the breadth of human history. Unfortunately, at the core of all this is the human tendency to consider oneself more valuable than “the Other.” The starting point for this was the Garden of Eden, where the Serpent, Adam, and Eve thought they knew reality better than Creator God. By their act of defiance, they demonstrated their willingness to stage a coup against God. As a result, their sin started a chain reaction that has perpetuated such attitudes throughout human existence. This rebellious strain has been passed on through the generations (see Romans 5). Consider, for example, Genesis 11 and the scattering of the people at the Tower of Babel, where God confused the peoples by giving them different languages. With such confusion, an even a deeper level of uncertainty, fear, and anxiety worked its way into human experience. Consequently, power struggles increased between people groups and empires, which were driven by a desire to dominate others and prove the supremacy of their god(s). In fact, the ancient Israelites and other peoples in the Ancient Near East tried to convey their supremacy over defeated foes through ancient covenants, the language of which could be quite dehumanizing. Even God’s people, Israel, dehumanized their own people and others, just read Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, and Nehemiah, which all deal with the treatment of the poor, or John 4, which deals with their view of the Samaritans, or Acts 10 on treatment of the Gentiles, to name only a few.

The objective of this post has been to show that degrading the image of God in “the Other” has deep roots that trace back to the beginning of creation. As such, I do not believe there has been a culture in human history that has not been involved in some form of de-valuing of the Lord’s image bearers. So yes, the “three-fifths” designation for African-Americans is a deep stain on the American conscience and the American “record,” but it’s a stain on the garment of every human culture. We thus make ourselves into a mockery in mocking the image of God in others. And yet, the story of redemption is about how the only “true image-bearer” seeks to restore us to our true selves. Stay tuned... more on that story is coming throughout the month of February. 

1. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Witherspoon

2. [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Witherspoon

3. [3] https://www.crf-usa.org/black-history-month/the-constitution-and-slavery

4. [4] https://www.crf-usa.org/black-history-month/the-constitution-and-slavery

Ponce's "Bible-In-One-Year" Reading Plan

Well, it's Thursday, December 17th, and by now you have chosen to participate in the Ponce’s Bible-In-One-Year Reading Plan in some way, shape, or form. Perhaps, undertaking this task brings to mind a time when you tried reading through the entire Bible in a year. Maybe, because of those "failed" attempts, you've made the decision to not even try another, similar reading plan. I can relate. I have also experienced the discouragement that comes with struggling to keep pace with a Bible-reading program. Sometimes, I've just given up. Of course, some are motivated by regimented tasks--they immediately start tackling the daily readings. I've experienced moments like that in the past, but it's usually short lived. If in the first three days you're flourishing, praise God and keep it up! But, if you've just begun the program and already find yourself behind, let me encourage you with a couple comments. (As we go, I'll be sharing one or two encouraging comments each week)

A steady "Bible diet" is important for our encounter with the Triune God, not a badge of accomplishment. So, if an encounter with the Lord is our goal, then God's redemptive grace is the foundation of our reading. In other words, encountering the Triune God through a "Bible diet" happens only because the Triune God gives it to us as a gift. Encountering the Triune God through the Bible is fundamentally not about our accomplishments, but God's. When writing to the Galatians, Paul affirms this fact through several rhetorical questions, "Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?" If we were to rewrite what Paul says for our situation, we'd ask--"Why would you, dear Christian, believe experiencing God through His Word is about you? Wasn't it the Holy Spirit who drew you to God in the first place? Don't you believe it the Spirit who sustains your love for God?" Brothers and sisters, our efforts to read the Bible don't make us any more acceptable to our Lord Jesus Christ. But that's good news actually! We can relax. We can read the Bible out of a true love for God, not out of an obligation to somehow satisfy God. You weren't under the law before you were saved and you aren't under the law now.

So, friends, tackle today in the power of the Spirit. Pray that Our Father make Himself more real to you in the midst of your reading. Enjoy the greatest gift He has given you simply because He loves you--His presence.

Blessings—

Rev. Tolivar Wills

Walking In Light of the Kingship of Christ

"(14) Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, (15) and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel'." Mark 1:14-15

While recently reading the Gospel of Mark, these two verses at the beginning of the book stunned me. They present a simple, yet jarring transition in the focus of Jesus' ministry; Jesus moves from preparation to "actuality." Right when His cousin's (John the Baptist's) ministry abruptly ended, Jesus took the baton from John and, without skipping a beat, embraces His identity as the King of a New Israel. There is no panic or surprise from Jesus. It’s as if John’s tragic death was part of God’s plan (yes, it was), or it was a natural result of proclaiming God's kingdom--a kingdom that does not acknowledge or honor earthly kingdom-building. Regardless, right after John--the greatest man born of a woman, according to the text--dies, the show had to go on; Jesus followed John's death by immediately, and boldly, proclaiming that a new King and a new kingdom had come. It was, Jesus said, already here. 

Jesus' change in ministry focus was reflected in the boldness of the radical message as well: "repent and believe the gospel." Jesus proclaimed: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand…" In other words, the Kingship of the Triune God was and is present and NOW!  Taking the implications further, this Kingdom was and is challenging the authority of all other kingdoms, even in our present age. Jesus is disruptive--past, present, and future. When Jesus said "Repent," He was targeting all politicians and political systems, whether it was Herod, Rome, Caesar, the idols of our contemporary political parties, etc. Remember! Repentance means turning away from anything we elevate over the Kingship of the Triune God, including our political idols. 

Jesus went on to say, "and believe in the gospel." The command here was to trust (fully and completely!!!) the good news--that the King of the Universe has arrived, is re-establishing His authority, and will restore all things. To the Christ-follower, this is good news because it means we're set free from idolatrous allegiances, not only from idolizing the kings of this world, but also from idolizing anything politically oppressive that obscures the image of God in all people. In other words, Jesus was saying, "Yo, people! Stop following pretenders. Stop making idols out of politics and politicians. The ONLY true King is present. Come see the goodness of my kingdom."

This reality is helping re-shape my position, posture, and practice as it relates to politics. I have been asking myself: in following Jesus, am I seeking to challenge the "kings" of our day? Is my spiritual walk pointing to King Jesus or to my political/ideological agenda? If Jesus was more deeply in control of my mind, then wouldn’t my position, posture, and practice be different from any particular political party platform? Shouldn’t walking with Christ make aligning with any party or side more difficult? Just maybe, easily aligning myself with one group comes from my desire for acceptance. A stronger understanding of Christ's kingship should have profound implications for how I relate to worldly "kings." 

Therefore, as many of us soon head to the polls, I pray that Christ's kingship would enable each of us to transcend vicious bickering, and that we would call each other back to what we all really need: the Kingship of Jesus! 

Prayers That Transcend Time and Circumstance

Lord, there is a great tumult in the world right now: we pray you overrule it for your glory. Grant that the best ends of progress, of truth and righteousness, may be subserved; and may it be seen still, that the Lord reigns. Even though the people should riot and rebel against the truth, advance your cause; even by disaster and defeat if so it must be, or by success and prosperity.

-Charles Spurgeon (Taken from http://spurgeonbooks.com from their daily Pray with Spurgeon newsletter)

The  tendency in our day, and perhaps in every generation, is to think that our historical context is unique to the annals of time. However, as I have been talking with folks who are 20 years and older than me, it is amazing how many of them reference the tumult of the ’60s.  This pattern of comparison reminds me that as Solomon stated in the book of Ecclesiastes, ‘there is nothing new under the sun’ still proves itself true and relevant to our own times. Racial, political, global conflicts, and pandemic-like trials have been present in nearly every generation. But even more important is the fact that the witness of Scripture and the Church of Jesus Christ throughout the ages points to the centering and priority of its own life:  the Sovereign God of the Universe. 

These two sources provide us a biblical framework for how we are to think about our unique places in time. They point us away from humanity’s best thinking and onto the center of the universe. They reminded us that the story of history is not about us; but about the glory of God and His grand story to redeem all things back to Himself.  When I understand my life in view of this eternal perspective, I realize that our present scenarios are but small pieces of a grander story, which the Lord our God oversees.  

May the Lord help us to not lose sight of the centrality of God’s story in our lives. 

Emotions Spilling Over Brunswick (…now Minneapolis)

Brunswick, GA 2020. Minneapolis, MN 2020. A father & son duo hunting down a man of color. A police officer’s knee on the neck of a human being. A conflicted and compromised legal system. Four against one in handcuffs. GBI investigating the merits of the case. Bad International coverage in both cases. Two very long months of waiting for action. Only one policeman arrested.  And then the video release. These seemingly senseless, rash, and nearly covered-up murder of Ahmaud Aberry & George Floyd has caused a deep sadness to settle into my soul. Despite my best efforts to hold it together, I found myself, your black pastor, deeply troubled. You may be thinking, “Pastor, what took you so long to respond to such horrible situations; especially justice issues such as racism?” Well, to put it simply, the depth of varying emotions has forced me to slow down to listen to both the voice of God and my own heart. Being a person of color, these events have hit me extremely hard, unlike any other time in my life. As such, it has been nearly impossible for me to look at these scenarios in an objective way; it is hard to separate myself from Ahmaud’s & George’s murders because those scenarios could have been me. 

It’s as though these traumas are happening to all black people. I have been, without a doubt, angry, depressed, full of sorrow, fearful and anxious, and many other emotions found on the ‘emotions wheel.’ I have been on the verge of tears several times over the past few weeks. Initially, I wasn’t really sure why, or maybe I was trying to ignore the growing story that has been placed before us on social media. I think, in some ways, I was trying to ignore them or maybe trying to suspend judgment until more details became available. However, as we all have been exposed to more information, the reality of these avoidable acts are too much to keep in the background of my mind and emotional life. The wave of emotions that have swooned over me has a range that I simply cannot share with most people. Yes, like many other people of color, I am sick of the hypocrisy that exists within our country and the false narrative that they paint about black men (and black people for that matter). Doesn’t society realize that narratives can go several directions and that they often go in a negative direction for the black man? 

At times, my flesh wants to lash out at my Anglo brothers and sisters so that they can hear the narrative that minorities have about them. But of course, that negative narrative would probably not be any more true of most Anglos in the same way that it’s not true of the majority of Blacks. Or Latinos. Or Asians. Etc. Etc. It is this type of emotional and rash thinking that has caused me to pause, grieve, and process my experience through the lens of the Bible and the people of God. In response, I have been amazed by the power and influence that distress and trauma have upon the human soul. Just today, as I was reading Isaiah 9, I looked at the use of the term “darkness” in that passage. The word is not in reference to physical darkness, or even spiritual darkness, but more so to emotional darkness as a result of intense distress. It is a distress that Judah and Israel were about to face with the attacks of Syria and Babylon. In a similar way, as I have been trying to work through the emotions of the past couple of months, I have found that the “distress” of these two cases, on top of COVID-19, has created a veil of emotional and spiritual darkness in my life. The pain and sorrow of the heart and mind make sealing oneself from God and others very tempting. Instead of coming to God with all of my emotions, I am finding that I tend to cut myself off from God. Instead, I construct a vault which I think will protect me from the pain that He and others may cause. Instead of being perceived as a God of comfort, He becomes a presence to be avoided or feared. 

Without a doubt, these experiences show me that I can err in not trusting anyone, including my own church family or God. The only thing that I really trust in those moments is myself and my tendency to anesthetize myself with something… anything. However, as one may surmise, this closing off of oneself to God and others quickly becomes the devil’s playground. One is left in isolation with one’s own fallen thinking, emotions, and the world’s broken views on what is the cause and solution of the tragedies of our society. This, my friends, is a breeding ground for misinformation, misinterpretation, and misguided ethics. This is the realm where many people of color live, both Christian and non-Christian alike; they’re trying to save themselves from the trauma, fear, and anxiety of racism and other prejudices. And unfortunately, most of us live in this psychological space alone, unable to share our pain with the majority culture for fear of having our experiences minimized or delegitimized. Many are left in a fog of shame for what we have experienced, and most certainly for how we have been told to interpret them. With no place to go with these traumas, heartaches, fears, anxieties, and wounds, we begin to escape into resentment, anger, rage, suspicion, defensiveness, isolation into our cultural ghettos, code-switching, and self-diminishment of the Image of God we’re created in… just so we can fit into the majority culture. 

Therefore, we find ourselves in a prison of deep woundedness and self-limitation due to our trauma and our own false beliefs about our worth as fellow image-bearers of God. Why do I share this bleak and momentary picture with you? For sure, it is not a complete picture of the African-American experience. But it is a close approximation of where many black Americans are living mentally, socially, relationally, and emotionally. I share this to give everyone at Ponce Church an idea of what many in the black and minority communities of our city are trying to overcome. As I have tried to think of biblical parallels to our current scenario, the ones closest to this description all reflect the theme of oppression; in particular, of God’s people going through the repentant and restorative process of recovering from the effects of their physical and spiritual captivity.1 With these various narratives in view, a few questions came to mind: How would a fellow traveler come alongside an oppressed person to help them? What would one say? What would one do? These are a few of the questions I hope we can delve into together as we seek to understand how the Gospel informs how we engage those who are working through their past and ongoing oppression. 

All this to say, though the confusion is profound for a lot of us, including me, Jesus is GOOD. He is the Man of sorrows (Isaiah 53), one we can relate to in the midst of everything going on. “… A bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice (Isaiah 42). Stay tuned… 

1. Exodus 2-3, 12-34; Deuteronomy, Joshua; Judges; Ezra; Nehemia; the Gospels, and the 1 Epistles—These each reflect the various captivities: Egypt, Babylon/Persia, Rome, and ultimately our slavery to sin and the evil one.

Joining with Jesus in Embracing the Dark

From the very beginning of our existence, we all have been keenly aware of our neediness and dependence. Our cries for nourishment, comfort, protection, and so much more set us on the path of intuitively knowing that we are both venerable and susceptible to things outside of ourselves. In short, we are aware that death and decay are never far away. Thus begins our journey of seeking to avoid all things painful, decaying, or dying so that we can stay amongst the living. Unfortunately, our human attempts to save ourselves from these dark experiences has only added fuel to the fire of decay and death. In many respects, our attempts have only exacerbated a sense of our impending doom. The story of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4 perfectly illustrates this dynamic.

Having been excommunicated with their parents from God’s presence in the garden of Eden, these brothers are having to do the hard work of surviving apart from the presence of God and with the ever-present effects of the Fall. As such, when Cain felt slighted by God, though it was actually Cain who presented an inadequate sacrifice, he was willing to sacrifice the life of his brother Abel so that he might be left with Abel’s brother’s blessings. Though the text does not give us much insight into Cain’s motives, a reasonable explanation could be that Cain attempted to save himself by taking out his brother—it was ultimately an act to preserve his physical and spiritual life. How? Well, if God was not pleased with his offering, then it would mean that Cain is entirely on his own to stay alive. However, instead of Cain preserving his own life, the ‘blood of his brother was crying out’ from the soil, condemning Cain for his murder of Abel. But the effects reached even farther: his parents grieved beyond belief and Cain’s act continued to sow seeds of mistrust among the inhabitants of the earth. Despite Cain’s best efforts to save himself, his efforts to keep death and decay at bay has only caused it to grow ever-faster. So it is often with us as well.

By recognizing the futility of fighting death and darkness, both within and without ourselves, we are forced to grapple with what can bring life out of death. Who can conquer our fears of death and decay, including our passions to avoid them ? What would the path to victory over death even look like? How can we experience the blessing of having ‘the sting of death’ removed from our body and souls? These questions are paramount to our ability to live joyous, hopeful, peaceful, and loving lives, for without adequate answers the acts of Cain are not only inevitable but are the logical outworking of a life without hope and meaning as the result of death. Considering only One has ever adequately answered these questions in both Word and deed, it only makes sense that we enter into a season of reflection surrounding the passion of Our Lord Jesus—our only hope out of the darkness of death.

As you prepare to follow Christ to the Cross at our Good Friday services, take some time to meditate upon this triumphant journey that Christ took to give us the victory. (Matthew 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23; John 18-19). As you reflect and pray through the various passages related to His passion, which he undertook on your behalf, realize that there is no death and no darkness that the Lord has not seen or experienced. He has conquered all so that He may be united to you! Relish in the grace and love of our God expressed through His Son Jesus! May this Good Friday serve to massage ever deeper into your soul the depth of God’s love for you.

Setting Up Ezra + Nehemiah

As we move further into the Book of Ezra, and several of our ladies are also in the Nehemiah Bible study, a few of you reached out for a better understanding of the historical context of these two closely related books. Therefore, I want to use this brief post to help orient you.

First, the people of Judah are in a state of political and geographical exile. Due to their unfaithfulness to God, and after various warnings from the prophets Jeremiah and Isaiah, the majority of the Kingdom of Judah was attacked and carried into captivity by the Babylonians under the leadership of King Nebuchadnezzar. The process of exile happened in various phases and is detailed in 2 Kings 24-25. As a result, spiritually speaking, the exiles from the Kingdom of Judah are a people under the control of foreign gods in Babylon; they are separated from the presence, rule, reign, and blessings of the God of Israel. Due to their exile, the land of Judah/Canaan will undergo a 70 year period of Sabbath Rest, which has symbolic significance as it relates to the concept of redemption.

Second, the Babylonians were conquered by the Medo-Persian empire, shifting Judah’s captors from Babylon to Persia. This reality is described in Daniel 5-6:5. Judah’s remaining time in the Persian empire is described in the remainder of the Book of Daniel and in the books of Esther and Nehemiah. ‘The events in Ezra-Nehemiah take place from the beginning of the Persian Empire with the conquest of Cyrus the Great over Babylonia through the reigns of the Persian emperors Darius and Artaxerxes.’1

Third, King Cyrus, the king of the Persian empire, ‘freed the peoples who had been taken into exile in Babylonia and allowed them to keep their customs and religious identities. As a political and military leader, he was concerned about the stability of his empire, loyalty from subject peoples, and economic resources.’2 This reality, and the sovereign plan of God, is what informed his decision to encourage the people of Judah to return to Judah to rebuild the House of God and to give them all the resources needed to accomplish that task. In fact, as Isaiah prophesied in chapter 44, verse 28, the Persian King Cyrus had sent exiles led by Zerubbabel back to Jerusalem in 538 b.c. (Persia had defeated Babylon in 539.)

Fourth, ‘the people of Judah who returned from exile in Babylonia went to the westernmost outpost of the Persian Empire, an area bordering Egypt, Phoenicia, and Cyprus, to establish a community with limited autonomy but loyal to Persia. Accordingly, the people of Judah were subject to the Persian authorities and were heavily taxed. Judah was part of the province called Beyond the River, the Persian satrapy to the west of the Euphrates River that included Samaria and Judah.’ 3 This event showed forth the faithfulness of God to discipline, humble, and ultimately restore His people in light of His everlasting covenant that He made with their father Abraham. (Gen.12:1-3; chapters 15-17 & Leviticus 26:27-39) In particular, considering the Leviticus 26 passage, this restoration of Judah is symbolic of a ‘second planting’ of God’s seed, following a period of allowing His field to lay fallow for 70 years. (Some scholars refer to this as a ‘second exodus’, a starting over from the previous generation of God’s people who came out of captivity from Egypt.)4

Fifth, and finally, the period of Ezra-Nehemiah & the ‘Egyptian Captivity’ serves to demonstrate a primary point:

That God Graciously & Sovereignly works in impossible scenarios to return His people to His Place (Temple/Land), under His rule and blessing.

There can be periods when it seems like the kingdoms of the world are winning, whether personally, corporately, or geo-politically. But as we consider Ezra-Nehemiah, God shows us that He is sovereign over both the nations and our salvation.

1. Noss, P.A., & Thomas, K. J. (2005). A Handbook on Ezra and Nehemiah. (P. Clarke, S. Brown, L. Dorn, & D. Slager, Eds.) (p. 10). New York: United Bible Societies.

2. Ibid., p. 11

3. Ibid., p. 11

4. Breneman, M. (1993). Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther (electronic ed., Vol. 10, pp. 50–51). Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.

The Role of God and Spiritual Disciplines in Transformation

Megachurch pastor, Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Church, shares a beautiful metaphor for the nature of how change happens in the life of the church and individuals.  In the opening chapter, he shares the process that a good surfer goes through to be able to have a good day on the waves; needless to say, there is a lot of preparation that goes into such a quick and short ride.  Factors such as right board size, waxing of the board, weather reports, shark reports, knowing one’s skill level and much more need to be factored into the day.  Even so, there is one dynamic that not even the best surfers in the world cannot control:  ‘WHEN’ OR ‘IF’ THE WAVES COME! The only thing they CAN do is prepare for its arrival; and when it does, surf.  In much the same, Foster, and others like him (Dallas Willard, Kent Hughes, the Desert Fathers, etc.), are encouraging the body of Christ to put themselves in a place where they can catch the wave of the Spirit’s movement in their lives and churches.  

As we at St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church begin our journey of reading Richard F. Foster’s Celebration of Discipline together, I am reminded of one of the key principles of my reformed faith; namely, that all change that occurs in the human psyche, soul, and will for the glory of God is a result of what God is doing by His Spirit.  God is sovereign over all things, including my transformation.  While stating that truth, I realize that it smacks up against our western or human confidence to be able to be in control of ourselves and destiny.  A proclamation of ‘God’s sovereignty’ begs the question, ‘what about man’s role or responsibility?’ Are there things that we can do to be prepared or in a position where the Spirit’s movement will be greeted by receptive hearts?  

Chapter 1 of CoD lays out perfectly, in my humble opinion, not only a reformed view of the mechanical components of this sanctification process, but much of historical Christianity throughout the centuries.  

This basic position states that God moves within time to affect the hearts and minds of people to turn from their rebellion and to depend upon the redemptive work of Jesus Christ via His life, death, and resurrection. 

As a result, coming into this relationship with Christ one quickly learns that it is a connection initiated by God the Father, secured by Jesus His Son, and sealed by the presence of the Holy Spirit.  Upon the completion of this relational transaction, the nature of this connection continues in the same vain; the believer continues to be in a state of dependence upon the Triune God to bring about our spiritual growth.  This is a truth that both Jesus and Paul state repeatedly in the bible:

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.                                             John 15:5

and then in Paul:

What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.                         I Corinthians 3:5-7

And yet, despite these clear descriptions, we also read of the role of individual responsibility to pursue ongoing dependence and obedience:

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13 for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.                             Philippians 2:12-13  

So as we begin this journey of learning about and implementing the means of grace given to the church throughout the centuries, let us keep a few of these principles in mind.  

1. We need to do so with measured expectations.  Making use of these spiritual disciplines are not a magic pill or a rabbit’s foot; they merely put us in a place where we can wait on the lord to do whatever it is He chooses to do both in and through us.  
2. Two, and of paramount importance, is that we all keep in mind that the Word of God is the ultimate authority for the Christian life.  Whatever the Lord impresses upon us through these practices needs to be siphoned through His Word.  As our confession states, ‘the Word of God is our only rule of faith and practice.’  With these few caveats in mind, by God’s grace, may we all catch some ‘killer waves’ of the Spirit this summer.