"And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." -1 Cor. 6:11 ESV
On more than one occasion in my life, I've held to assumptions about certain "types" of people; and then, after actually spending time with them, my assumptions were radically altered, and my view toward their "type" was necessarily changed. As an inerrantist, conservative, evangelical Christian, I believe that the Bible never changes, but after studying church history a bit, it is obvious that some Christians' "application" of the Bible has been found wanting. Just before the verse I quoted above, the Apostle Paul has given one of his lists of those whose sinful ways will condemn them at the final Judgment, and then he takes the time to remind the Corinthians that some of them too were once in this state. But Christ and His gospel washed them!
Perhaps it is, at the moment, too much for me to ask some of my fellow believers to spend time with those of this world who are enslaved to self-destructive patterns - to take the light into the dark places and be the agent by which such men an women are washed, justified, and sanctified. I understand and honestly struggle with this at times as well. Yet I would humbly and strongly urge you to at least spend time with those whom you call "brother" or "sister," those whom you would claim are washed, but who still struggle with the painful and addictive effects of sin.
For me, it has only taken sitting with a Christian still struggling with alcoholism once. For me, it has only taken one time of talking to a drug addict just after they've fallen again. For me, it has only taken listening to a 40+ year old man talk about the fact that he's only ever been attracted to those of his same sex - listening to his choice to be lonely but chaste because he has been washed, while understanding that God may not free him from this struggle until he is free from his flesh and this world.
Some say we should redefine the Bible's definition of sin. Others say we should condemn all those who struggle in ways that are foreign to us. Neither are helpful or loving.
Why? Because sin is not just a choice, it is not only rebellion. It is also not just brokenness, not only a cause for pity. Those who would embrace only the former will become hypocrites, and those who cling to the latter will never really help anyone - their pity is powerless because it ignores God's holy standard. But if we understand that sin as both rebellion against God and an innate brokenness, we will be presented with an opportunity to be used by God to bring comfort and heart-change.
In all of this, I'm simply asking believers to not only mimic the message of Jesus and the apostles, but also emulate their methods. Sit down with the woman at the well, and since you don't have inexhaustible knowledge about her (as Jesus did)... just listen. Go into the house of Zacchaeus and Mary Magdalene, or, if you are not willing or able at the moment, at least reserve judgment until you do. This is not only prudent but essential, for James give us another warning that Christians dare not ignore: "So speak and so act as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment" (Js. 2:12-13 NASB). We show mercy because we have been shown mercy in the gospel, and we show mercy because we are continually being shown mercy as we are both broken and rebellious each day.
Yes, God forbid that we redefine His holy standard, and God forbid that we be found on Judgment Day lacking in mercy after the Son of God left Heaven to suffer crucifixion that we may be washed, justified, sanctified, and (Praise His Name!) shown mercy.
In Christ,
Andy
Monday, December 23, 2013
Friday, December 13, 2013
Wonder in Music and Theology
The past seven days I've been thinking a good bit about music and theology, which is no surprise to anyone who knows me. These are two of my greatest passions. Last Sunday our choir performed one of the most beautiful arrangements of Christmas music I've ever heard. For most of the performance I was able to simply sit back and enjoy worshiping God through listening. One particular piece, sung in Latin, was especially meaningful.
I know that choir music is, for the most part, no longer in vogue in popular church culture, but I'm so grateful that our church preserves this amazing picture of the unity of the body of Christ through music. When I heard that Latin piece, I could not help but think to myself, "There is another place... a better place... than this busted old world," and through music I really believe we got to glimpse into that new creation which is coming.
As the concert ended and the week moved on, my thoughts kept going back there; and I think it was yesterday that I realized how music and theology share some very important characteristics.
First of all, as I mentioned above, music offers an opportunity to gaze into the beauty and majesty of God. Theology, at its best, does the very same thing, for theology is simply the study of God and His ways.
The coolest thing to me though is that you do not have to have a trained ear to stand in awe of beautifully performed music that is glorifying to God. In fact, at times those with "naked" ears may be at an advantage because they are so easily caught up into its beauty. The same holds true for theology. When an untrained eye looks into the heavens or into a microscope and marvels and gives glory to God for His creation, good theology happens.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who devote their entire lives to the study of the intricate details of music and theology. Sadly, though, many in both fields lose their sense of wonder as they dig deeper and deeper into the minutia.
Speaking from the vantage point of one who loves theology... we must hold in delicate balance our quest to "figure out" God and His ways and the amazement that a starry night should always cause in us. If ever my examination of details hinders my worship of His Great Mystery, I pray that His Spirit will correct me.
The world needs articulate theologians, and the world needs excellent musicians. As these explorers discover new and exciting terrain, it should lead the whole church to worship and stand in awe. This is the goal after all - that our hearts would be lifted to that new and better place where the Holy One abides.
"How we fail to understand when we think that the task of theology is to solve the mystery of God, to drag it down to the flat, ordinary wisdom of human experience and reason! Its sole office is to preserve the miracle as miracle, to comprehend, defend, and glorify God's mystery precisely as mystery." -Bonhoeffer
I know that choir music is, for the most part, no longer in vogue in popular church culture, but I'm so grateful that our church preserves this amazing picture of the unity of the body of Christ through music. When I heard that Latin piece, I could not help but think to myself, "There is another place... a better place... than this busted old world," and through music I really believe we got to glimpse into that new creation which is coming.
As the concert ended and the week moved on, my thoughts kept going back there; and I think it was yesterday that I realized how music and theology share some very important characteristics.
First of all, as I mentioned above, music offers an opportunity to gaze into the beauty and majesty of God. Theology, at its best, does the very same thing, for theology is simply the study of God and His ways.
The coolest thing to me though is that you do not have to have a trained ear to stand in awe of beautifully performed music that is glorifying to God. In fact, at times those with "naked" ears may be at an advantage because they are so easily caught up into its beauty. The same holds true for theology. When an untrained eye looks into the heavens or into a microscope and marvels and gives glory to God for His creation, good theology happens.
On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who devote their entire lives to the study of the intricate details of music and theology. Sadly, though, many in both fields lose their sense of wonder as they dig deeper and deeper into the minutia.
Speaking from the vantage point of one who loves theology... we must hold in delicate balance our quest to "figure out" God and His ways and the amazement that a starry night should always cause in us. If ever my examination of details hinders my worship of His Great Mystery, I pray that His Spirit will correct me.
The world needs articulate theologians, and the world needs excellent musicians. As these explorers discover new and exciting terrain, it should lead the whole church to worship and stand in awe. This is the goal after all - that our hearts would be lifted to that new and better place where the Holy One abides.
"How we fail to understand when we think that the task of theology is to solve the mystery of God, to drag it down to the flat, ordinary wisdom of human experience and reason! Its sole office is to preserve the miracle as miracle, to comprehend, defend, and glorify God's mystery precisely as mystery." -Bonhoeffer
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Eternal Perspective in a Used Book Store
Yesterday I walked into a used book store where three very long and tall shelves were devoted to the Christian religion. These shelves were covered with Bibles, topical studies, theology, biblical languages, church history, and more. Some of these books were old...very old.
As I glanced at one particular multi-volume set of books, each book in the set containing at least five hundred pages, I thought to myself, "That's a man's life's work."
Obviously a person's value or contribution to the greater good cannot be boiled down to a set of books, but it's also sobering to think that so much of what this man had worked for now sat neglected on the bottom shelf in a used book store. Chances are... these books may never be read again. It was kinda sad to think about, but it was also sobering.
Having immersed myself for almost four years now in seminary studies while at the same time preparing weekly messages for our youth group, there has, in recent days, been a pull in my heart toward understanding more of the great theologians of church history and producing the kind of writing they are known for. Neither of these ambitions are, in-and-of themselves, absolutely right or wrong, because both carry with them a mixture of both fleshly and spiritual motivation. This is like most anything in life.
But as I looked at that expansive work on the bottom shelf, I wondered if my life's work, whatever it may be, might one day be confined to the bottom of shelf...or perhaps even the backyard bonfire. I stepped back from the shelf and said out loud, "This is ALL going to burn." From Calvin to Swindoll, it's all temporary. The greatest literary accomplishments of man will not last.
Embarrassed, I looked around to see if anyone heard my instinctive outburst. Luckily, I was alone, but as I left the shop, a profound (for me anyway) truth still rattled around in my head. It's a question I ask myself almost everyday, though it takes different forms: "What are you spending your life on?"
The wisest man (except for Jesus) who ever lived said, "My son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body" (Eccl. 12:12 NASB). Seminary students offer a hearty, "Amen!"
Do books have their place? Absolutely! Even the Apostle Paul desired to have his books by his side in prison (2 Tim. 4:13). Does writing have its place? Of course! We learn to clarify our thinking and grow in wisdom and are in turn able to share that wisdom most effectively with others through writing. No one would argue otherwise.
The point is... we should do all of these things with an eternal perspective. The number of books you have read is not equal to your value as a human being (You laugh, but I've met many who think this way, and, sadly, have at times struggled with it myself.). If I read, it should be to understand God or life better or to enjoy God or life in richer ways. It should press me toward sanctification and a fuller existence as a redeemed human being. If I write, I should do so to clarify my own thoughts about God and life or as a means to more fully enjoy God and the life He has given me. Reading and writing should be worship!
I'm thankful for the lesson those massive shelves of books taught me. I hope I don't soon forget it.
In Christ,
Andy
As I glanced at one particular multi-volume set of books, each book in the set containing at least five hundred pages, I thought to myself, "That's a man's life's work."
Obviously a person's value or contribution to the greater good cannot be boiled down to a set of books, but it's also sobering to think that so much of what this man had worked for now sat neglected on the bottom shelf in a used book store. Chances are... these books may never be read again. It was kinda sad to think about, but it was also sobering.
Having immersed myself for almost four years now in seminary studies while at the same time preparing weekly messages for our youth group, there has, in recent days, been a pull in my heart toward understanding more of the great theologians of church history and producing the kind of writing they are known for. Neither of these ambitions are, in-and-of themselves, absolutely right or wrong, because both carry with them a mixture of both fleshly and spiritual motivation. This is like most anything in life.
But as I looked at that expansive work on the bottom shelf, I wondered if my life's work, whatever it may be, might one day be confined to the bottom of shelf...or perhaps even the backyard bonfire. I stepped back from the shelf and said out loud, "This is ALL going to burn." From Calvin to Swindoll, it's all temporary. The greatest literary accomplishments of man will not last.
Embarrassed, I looked around to see if anyone heard my instinctive outburst. Luckily, I was alone, but as I left the shop, a profound (for me anyway) truth still rattled around in my head. It's a question I ask myself almost everyday, though it takes different forms: "What are you spending your life on?"
The wisest man (except for Jesus) who ever lived said, "My son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body" (Eccl. 12:12 NASB). Seminary students offer a hearty, "Amen!"
Do books have their place? Absolutely! Even the Apostle Paul desired to have his books by his side in prison (2 Tim. 4:13). Does writing have its place? Of course! We learn to clarify our thinking and grow in wisdom and are in turn able to share that wisdom most effectively with others through writing. No one would argue otherwise.
The point is... we should do all of these things with an eternal perspective. The number of books you have read is not equal to your value as a human being (You laugh, but I've met many who think this way, and, sadly, have at times struggled with it myself.). If I read, it should be to understand God or life better or to enjoy God or life in richer ways. It should press me toward sanctification and a fuller existence as a redeemed human being. If I write, I should do so to clarify my own thoughts about God and life or as a means to more fully enjoy God and the life He has given me. Reading and writing should be worship!
I'm thankful for the lesson those massive shelves of books taught me. I hope I don't soon forget it.
In Christ,
Andy
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