John 7-9

These three chapters of John contain some of the most famous quotes, quips and confrontations of Jesus' ministry. Chapter 7 contains a lively discussion between Jesus and some of his fellow citizens. Chapter 8 is the story of the Woman Caught in Adultery, and then the famous verse: the truth will set you free...if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed. Jesus ends the chapter with almost getting stoned by rocks. Chapter 9 is a funny, insightful and realistic story of two reactions to Jesus.

What themes did you find in these three chapters? Key words like light/dark, sin/freedom, belief/blindness, healing/hope.

C.S. Lewis famously described three options that people can have about Jesus: upon reading the Gospels you can come to one of three logical conclusions - Jesus was either a lunatic (see the comments about Jesus made in chapter 7), Jesus was a liar (see comments made about Jesus in chapter 9) or Jesus was Lord (see the response of Nicodemus, the Woman, the Blind Man).

As you read through the Scriptures, be praying for the Spirit to illuminate your mind and open up your heart to what He needs to teach/transform in you. Don't just read to get through the content, be reading to get God's Word in Your Heart.

Note also the contention surrounding Jesus: he is a prophet confronting the established religion of the day - he is getting the same general reception as all the other prophets (Isaiah was, according to legend, sawed in half; Jeremiah was put in stocks, thrown in a sewer pit, and beat up; Ezekiel was mocked...etc). Jesus came as a son of Abraham, the Blessing promised in Genesis 12. Jesus was come to fulfill the Torah and the Promises of the Prophets. What made it so hard to accept Jesus and his Message was that, in regard to the established religion people he undermined their power, exposed their falsity, pointed out their wickedness and greed; in regard to the average person Jesus' teachings were way too good to be true.

Jesus has the same effect today. He calls a spade a spade, and his promises seem too good to be true. We struggle with believing what Jesus teaches and we struggle with accepting it and we struggle with obeying it. We like to pretend something we're not (usually posing as better then we really are); and we get a bit jaded and cynical about what good can be done in the world. And yet for those that dare to believe and follow Jesus (Nicodemus & power, Woman and Blind man & news too good to be true), life ends up different...if the Son sets you free, you are free indeed...

...how free do you feel these days?

...how burdened do you feel?

...how blind do you feel?

"Does no one condemn you?"

"No one, Master."

"Neither do I" said Jesus. "Go on your way. From now on, don't sin."

Is that your story too?



Tim

James 3

James 3 is a fascinating chapter. It has several layers to it that are worth noting. He starts the chapter with a warning: beware of becoming a teacher - the stakes are high and the accountability is higher. With that warning he launches into a masterful teaching of the tongue - masterful for his use of metaphor and simplicity. His teaching on the tongue is potent, and memorable. His brother was a masterful teacher, and so is he. The second half of the chapter takes an interesting twist. He moves from a fascinating section on the tongue (full of metaphors), to a section on wisdom that is unlike his section on the tongue. The section on wisdom sounds like he took some of Paul's teachings and Jesus' teachings and meshed them together. How do these three sections tie together (the warning to teachers, the metaphors on the danger of the tonue, and the benefits of wisdom)? A teacher must use the tongue wisely and use the tongue to teach wisdom, since teachers will be judged more strictly.

Did you notice how many questions James asks in this chapter? Do you prefer to have people ask you questions or tell you what to do? What did you learn from this chapter about teachers, your tongue, and the benefits of wisdom? Did you notice that the last verse of the chapter sounded a lot like one of the Beatitudes? Which Beatitude?

Tim

Genesis, Abraham, and the Origins of Israel's Enemies

As you read through Genesis, remember that the story (stories) is about people, specifically Abraham. In a larger context, the book of Genesis is about the origins of Israel, and Israel's enemies. The Hebrew people were meticulous in their geneaological records. You already read several geneaological records in the first eleven chapters. In one sense, Genesis 12-50 is a short geneological record with lots of stories attached to some of the characters. For example: the story of chapter 19 - what is the main point? Is it about Sodom and Gomorrah? No. Is it about Lot? No. Why even have Lot involved in the story, he doesn't even figure favorably in any of the situations. The story of Lot is included because of the two sons he fathered incestously via his daughters: Moab and Ammon. The end of chapter 19 is the clue to the point of the story: the future enemies of Israel- the Moabites and Ammonites came from an incestous relationship, from a dirty old man who lived in a dirty old city that God judged and punished in a most spectacular way. You can only imagine how much little Jewish boys loved telling that story, especially when they played on the recess playground with little Moabite and Ammonite boys. Or how about the story of Ishmael, what does it reveal historically? From him came twelve sons that would in the future be enemies to Israel. What's the story of Abimelech about? He is a Philistine, and the story shows that Abraham has more power then the king of the Philistines (future enemies of Israel). Again, a favorite story for little Jewish boys to recount when the Philistine bullies come down the alley.

The stories have many layers of value. We have just explored one layer of meaning - these chapters of Genesis 19-22 give the origins (genesis) of Israel's relationships with their future enemies. But within those stories are complex character themes regarding Abraham, Sarah, Lot, and others involved in their lives. For example, note the deceptiveness of Abraham's heart in chapter 20 as he deals with Abimelech. And then note the faith of Abraham's heart in chapter 22 as he deals with the sacrifice of his one and only Isaac. Maybe chapter 20 provides the background to why God needed to see what was in Abraham's heart, as unveiled in chapter 22.

One last note, did you have fun reading the barter story in chapter 23? Notice how Abraham and Ephron broker the deal - it is classic Middle Eastern deal-making.

So if you are willing, mark out the different character traits of Abraham that you discovered in reading about him in chapters 19-23. Abraham had the marks of a real human being - prone to goodness and wickedness, capable of greatness and of pettiness. A man alot like you and I. God is the God of Abraham...what does your study of Abraham reveal to you about God?

Let me know your thoughts...

A Note about Hebrew Poetry

About 75% of the Bible is Old Testament. And much of the Old Testament is poetry. Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, all of the Minor Prophets and most of the Major Prophets; plus poetry shows up in all of the other books of the OT. Poetry shows up in the NT, but it is not as noticeable - I will help make it noticeable since it will be helpful towards your understanding of what Jesus and Paul (and others) are teaching (the Beatitudes are poetry, for example).

Briefly, OT Hebrew poetry has three basic patterns: Agreement, Contrast, Extension; Hebrew OT poetry generally has two lines as well. Thus Line One and Line Two agree with each other, but it is stated differently (Psalm 119:1 "Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD" ESV). In Contrast, Line One and Line Two state opposite statements to make a point (Psalm 119:3 "who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!" ESV). In Extension, Line Two extends the thought begun in line one, (Psalm 119:9 "How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word." ESV).

I'll explain more about OT Hebrew poetry as we go along - it is a rich experience, and since the bulk of the OT is poetry, be sure to take the time to understand its significance, to understand what it is communicating.

For now, your task is to try and identify these three types of poetry when you read the Psalms, Job, Proverbs and wherever else you find it in Genesis, James and John. Look for Line One and Line Two to either Agree with each other in thought, to contrast each other, or extend the thought of the other.

Have Fun!

Tim

Children's Ministry Starts at Home

Today in my Anthropology for Missions class, the professor made a point to state boldly that a missionary's first and primary ministry is to his own wife and children. This is true for pastors, and it is true for all believers.

A father and mother ought to take their child's spiritual formation into their own hands. They, not the church community, bear the primary responsibility for raising up whole and holy children who love God and serve humanity as Jesus Christ.

So what is the role of the church community in helping parents raise up these kind of children? And what is the role of the church community when children are part of a church without their parents? Or just one of their parents? Or what if they only are with one parent at at a time? And so what does children's ministry look like in a local church? It depends on where that church is located. And it depends who are the people being that church and doing ministry.

I know for me, my two biggest success in ministry will be 1) Is my wife more beautiful, wise, loving, holy, just/merciful, serving due to my husbanding her over the years; 2) Are my children more beautiful/handsome, wise, loving, holy, just/merciful, serving due to my parenting (with their mother/my wife) of them? Following my ministry to my wife and children is my ministry to fellow believers. My effectiveness in ministering with other believers hinges on my ministry at home. And my ministry with other believers primarily consists of helping them minister to other believers.

The question ends up being - how does my ministry with other believers over time result in them becoming more beautiful, wise, loving, holy, just/merciful, serving? The church community is only as vibrant as the homes that make up that church. The children/youth ministry is only as vibrant as the homes they come from and the homes of the leaders that work with them. So where do I spend my time? Who helps me become more beautiful before God? Wise, loving, holy, just/merciful, serving? Out of what do I help that happen with my wife, children and fellow believers? It starts at home...what kind of home am I constructing...what is life like around my kitchen table...who am I inviting to sit around my kitchen table? Who's welcome?

The goal of my family and my church is not just to be healthy, vibrant, good - the goal is much larger then that. Health, vibrancy, goodness are means to another end - God's work on earth to bring about reconciliation in a fractured world, redemption for those enslaved to vices, renewal for those burnt out and dried up, restoration for those defiled and wounded. Jesus himself was good news - his words, his work, his way was the Gospel. You can leave the darkness behind, you can be full of light and life. God's work will result in a New Heaven and a New Earth - my work, my family's work, my church's work is in line with Jesus' - to BE good news, and thus live out the Kingdom of God. Our ways, our words, our work will be the means through which God helps our friends, family and enemies trust Him and join his redemptive, restorative, renewing work.

If this is to be...in my life...I must make sure that God's redemption, restoring, renewing, reconciling is at work in me...and then in my wife and my family...and then my church.

Hmmmm....I said more then I intended...

Walking in the Woods

Emma, Levi, Isaac and I went walking through the woods again today. We went walking through them yesterday too. I never see other dads taking their kids for a walk through the woods. Today was a wet, yet warm morning - a perfect day to walk through the woods. You'd think other dads would want to take their kids walking through the woods - getting all dirty, picking up sticks, throwing leaves in the stream, wiping cobwebs off your face, slapping the occasional mosquito. Isaac likes to pick up as many twigs and acorns as possible and carry them to the bridge, and then he dumps them into the water. Levi likes to hold my hand and find just one or two sticks, and then throw them over the bridge. Emma likes to run ahead and pretend she is Dora and I am Boots - she is a very loud pretender. We always have fun in the woods. It reminds me of the few times me and my brothers walked through the woods out in the middle of my grandfather's farm. We'd have to walk through the corn field to get to this oasis of trees. There were trails, lots of fallen logs and plenty of birds. And no adults! Ah, what fun. Someday I'll maybe let my kids walk through the woods by themself...maybe. I don't want to miss the fun though!

John 1-3 and Genesis 1-3

Take a few extra minutes and re-read the first three chapters of John and Genesis. They were placed as readings in the same weak purposefully. The John 1-3 chapters have been referred to as the Genesis account of the NT. Both John and Genesis begin with the same three words "In the beginning". That is not a coincedence. John wrote the first part of chapter one to sound similar to that of Genesis 1-2. What we have in John 1 is another side to the Creation story.

Look at how John uses the following words which are famously used in Genesis: beginning, light, dark, man, world/earth, flesh. In one sense John the Baptist is contrasted against Adam. What differences do you see between Adam's actions and John the Baptist's?

I don't want to push the similarities too far, but I think it is worthwhile to read the first three chapters of John and Genesis together and ask the question, "What is John teaching me about the Creation Story, and about the Creator, and about the New Work of the Creator come to the World?"

The Letter from James Chapter 1

Did you know that this James is a brother of Jesus? James was also the bishop of Jerusalem. Initially James had rejected his brother Jesus as the Messiah. But following his resurrection, Jesus appeared to James and they had a little chat. Life was never the same for James after that.

What is unique about James' letter is its strong Jewish feel to it. The letter is addressed to the twelve tribes of Israel - this is in contrast to Paul's letters, which are addressed to mostly Gentiles. Reading James' letter is a different experience then reading Paul's, and interesting enough, it seems that James' letter tends to be more popular and more often a favorite then any of Paul's letters.

James is writing about a very Jewish Christianity. His background is thoroughly Hebrew, and his conversion to Jesus did not change his background. Paul was a Hebrew as well as James, but Paul seemed to be influenced by much more Greek philosophy and Roman law then James. James hits on key themes with direct force: don't play favorites between rich and poor; ask for wisdom without doubting, suffering leads to righteousness, etc. These are themes taken right out of the Old Testament.

The major theme of James is not about faith and works. The major theme of James is about true religion: taking care of the widows and orphans. The suffering referred to at the beginning of the chapter is a reference to the hard times that the poor endure at the hands of the greedy and wealthy. Faith and works is stressed as a motivation for Christians to take care of the poor. As you read James 1, think hard about what he has to say about favoritism, true religion and holiness. How true is your religion. Be slow to speak/answer....


Tim

The Book of Genesis Characters

The stories in Genesis move fast, and each is rich in content - don't rush through them. The characters in Genesis are the main focal point - if you read the book and don't really notice the characters, you've missed the joy of reading Genesis. The word Genesis means "beginning", which is what all the stories of the book are about. Adam is the beginning of the human race, Noah is the beginning of a covenant people (God makes a covenant with humanity - the rainbow is a sign of his promise); Abraham is the beginning of the Chosen People, Isaac is the beginning of the Promised People, Jacob is the beginning of the Israelite people, Joseph is the beginning of the Blessed People (see the promise to Abraham in chapter 12 - and see how it partly comes true in the life of Joseph).

Each of these characters are crucial to the identity of Israel, of how they would think of themselves, and how God would think of them. In the future, God will refer to himself - not as Sovereign Lord, All-knowing and All-powerful, BUT as God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob! So as you read through the first eighteen chapters, take time to notice what the characters are like. What is likable about them, what is sad, what is wrong with them, what is right with them. They are very real people, and God is able to use them as they are....that should be an enouragement to you.

Come up with a one or two word description of each of the main characters of Genesis, as you read their stories, try to see yourself in them, and in others. And note how God is faithful to them.

Enjoy!

Tim

The Book of Genesis

Did you know that the Book of Genesis is background story to the Book of Exodus?

The point of Genesis for the Israelites was to give them a history, to explain how they ended up in Egypt.

The nation of Israel did not exist until they left Egypt (which is called an exodus...hence the name of the book). The book of Exodus is the story of Moses leading the twelve tribes of Jacob (whose other name is Israel) out of Egypt, of Moses leading the exodus out of slavery into the promised land.

Tradition teaches us that Moses wrote the first five books of the Old Testament, the first five books are called the Torah. Torah is a Hebrew word that can have several translations depending on the context. A good word to use is "instruction", the purpose of the first five books was to instruct the nation of Israel about their God, their calling, their purpose, their history (mistakes and victories) and to forge an identity for them.

The book of Genesis clearly describes God as the sole source of the nation of Israel: he creates Adam and Eve, and from Adam and Eve come Seth, and from Seth (you can trace the many geneologies provided in Genesis) comes Noah, and from Noah comes Shem, and from Shem comes Abraham and from Abraham comes Isaac and from Isaac comes Jacob and from Jacob comes the Twelve Tribes, and from the Twelve Tribes comes Moses and the nation of Israel. We have Genesis so we know where Moses came from, how the Israelites got to Egypt. The Exodus is the birth place of the nation of Israel. Genesis is the pre-history of Israel. So when you read the first 9 chapters, you're reading ancient history. The point of the stories about Creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Able, Lamech, the Flood, Babel is not so much the truth of the stories (it is very valuable to read them as true), the stories are stories which help explain why the world is the way it is, and for Israel, they are the foundational stories for how they got to where they are, and why they are to do what they are called/created to do.

Hope this background information helps. Feel free to ask for clarifications, post questions or make comments.

There's more background to this Genesis story...check the next post later today...or tomorrow...

Tim

Reading the Scriptures in a Year

If you are reading this post, I hope that means you've chosen to try and spend the year reading the Scriptures on a regular basis. It will be fun to be spend the year reading with a bunch of your friends at Anchor.

Please give me some feedback on what I can do to encourage you to keep reading. If you have questions about any of the material you are reading (either in the Bible or content I provide), please leave a comment on this blog (just hit the comment button and follow the VERY SIMPLE instructions).

If you choose to start this week you'll find that the issue is not whether you have the time to read it, it will be trying to remember to read it. Please give me suggestions to pass on to others of tips to remember to read the Scriptures regularly.

Did you you know that Psalm 119 has 22 sections to it? Each section has eight verses. Each section corresponds with a letter from the Hebrew alphabet. Some of your Bibles may write the Hebrew letter. There are 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet, and each of the eight verses begins with that corresponding letter. It is called an acrostic poem. Obviously in the English language this kind of acrostic poetry is not noticeable. But it helps to know the background of the psalm. And just so you know, the reason they did Psalm 119 as an acrostic poem was so that it was easier to memorize: that's right, easier to MEMORIZE! It is not uncommon for many orthodox Jews even today to memorize the whole Psalter! That's right, they commit all 150 Psalms to memory. But they also chant the songs, and songs are easier to remember, and you probably know the lyrics to more songs then you realize. If you can find a way to put the Psalms to music, let me know and we'll try to sing them on Sundays.

Check in later this week for more background on the Scripture readings for this week,

Tim

Soul Care

Today a friend asked me about the condition of my soul. We hadn't met for several years, and he noted in me note of hurriedness that is uncharacteristic of maturing Christians. I'm glad he called me on it. He commented that becoming more like Christ translates into a less frenetic pace of life. Steps are slower, thoughts are slower, actions are more measured. Not out of doubt, uncertainty, indecisiveness; but out of wise contemplation. I feel busy and at times frenzied, and I also concurrently feel unsuccessful. I'm going to fast to really help anybody who is standing alongside the road needing help. And in passing by the opportunity to be like Christ, I pass into a darkness of soul. But to walk in the light is to walk in the way of Jesus. And that has to do more with how I use my time, and who I spend it with. If I want my soul to grow wise in Christ, I need to unclutter my heart with the fear and anxiety that fills the space. If I want to care for the souls of others, I need to have Christ working through my soul, working in my soul. Marana tha - Come Lord Jesus.

Neighborhood Churches Working Together

I met for lunch today with the pastor of a Mennonite church. His church is located a few blocks away from where Anchor meets. We're farily different people, but one thing we have in common is to make a difference in our neighborhood as Christ-ones, and to do it in step with other churches. It's a new thing for me to be part of a church that wants to do ministry with another church down the street.

I am energized by it, because I think that if done well, the neighborhood can be better served by the Gospel. I think that when several churches commit together to serve their neighborhood together, good things can happen. People will see our good works and give glory to our Father in Heaven. Especially when we demonstrate Christ in our serving. Christ promises the restoration of all things, his salvation from sin is how all things are renewed. If we want to see renewal in our own lives, renewal in neighborhood families , the the Gospel must come to them in such a way that they actually experience restoration.

Maybe it starts with bread, or clothing, or shelter - but then it moves to mind, and heart, and soul.

Stage of Life

It's difficult to appreciate each day for what it is. My tendency is to value a future scenario instead of value what is current in my life. This is true of my relationship with my wife, my children, my family and my ministry. My tendency is to also be foggy on past details, it is easy for me to become absentminded about how I got to where I am at today. Maybe that is why it is so easy to daydream and drift out of today's events.

Maybe I am too busy? Maybe I am too unfocused? Maybe I am too indecisive? I don't know...

I know that I want to enjoy each day. I also know that in order to enjoy each day, it is vital to have some sense of purpose, of vision of where these days are heading, how do they fit together. And I know that it is important to remember the past...I would be better served to remember and review how I arrived to this current day.

If I want tomorrow to be better then today, I have to reflect and then act on what I learned yesterday. I need to learn more about who I am and who I am supposed to become. And then I need to find work and play that molds well with me. But more important then my work and play is my family, my life as a husband and father. I don't want to ever forget that no matter what kind of contribution I make to ministry, my most important success will be with my children and wife. I hope and plan to be successful in my work and to have lots of fun at play.

But instead of daydreaming so much, I need to remember and learn. And then act wisely. Oh God, that you might continue to grant me wisdom.

How Can A Church Make Its Neighborhood A Better Place To Live?

How does that really happen? The question is imbedded with my goal for Anchor's impact on our immediate community. But can we do more? What? Our initial goal was to be a church for the neighborhood - we wanted to see lots of families walking to church every Sunday. That's happening, and it is always very cool to see. We wanted to serve kids and youth and their families, so we started LUYC. It was a great experience for all involved, and we learned alot, but it didn't necessarily lead to the change I envisioned.

What obligation does a church have to its neighorhood? What can a church offer that is unique and a genuine part of its calling? What can Anchor do about poverty in our neighborhood? How do we get involved in the economic, social, transportation, education, housing and cultural issues as a church? What does the Kingdom of God have to do with these? What does the Gospel mean in these contexts?

The Mystical Leader

Yesterday I listened to a sermon by Bill Hybels on "Leadership Fundamentals". It was a good talk, especially since it began with a really cool story. As he came to his final point, he mentioned that much of his leadership was mystical, a word he acknowledged is not commonly associated with him. Yet he regularly, over the years, has referred to the role of Spirit-promptings in his ministry. And his example has been an encouragement and model for me. Hybels made a point to not downplay the role of leadership skills, but he wanted to make clear that those skills are worthless to God apart from His promptings. Following those promptings for me that last two days has been rewarding...it's lead to very good contacts and conversations. It usually does. So why do I not lean harder on those promptings?

When I think about the ministry year ahead of me, it's like a fog. I'm nervous as I step into it, I don't think I have all the leadership skills necessary to succeed like I want. But then I remember how much good has come from following the Spirit's promptings. So I'll take what I know and follow faithfully Who I Know. I don't usually think of myself as a mystical leader, even if that is really what I am. I suppose another way to refer to it is the Faithful and Fruitful Leader. Either way, I'm sure the fog will be fun.

Sunday Sermon Notes - 6.4.06

This week's sermon begins the series, Bad Boys of the Bible. I'll be preaching two sermons, Chris Kuntz will do the other one. My first sermon will explore the life of Bad Boy Manasseh, a King of Judah. His life would be characterized as Bad for a Season, but Not Forever.

Manasseh was the worst king of Judah in terms of moral, spiritual and Godly authority. He became king at age 12, and reigned for 55 years - the longest reign of any king of Judah. His father was Hezekiah, a Godly king who ruled for 29 years. Hezekiah's life includes a famous and interesting story: When Hezekiah was 39 he became deathly ill. He prayed to God for help, and God healed him and gave him a promise: you will live another 15 years. Three years later he had born to him his first son, Manasseh.

One wonders about the kind of relationship that Hezekiah and Manasseh had, since Manasseh went in the total opposite direction of his father politically, spiritually, morally. Some people are just born bad, rebellious against God and the good. Was that the case with Mannasseh? Maybe, but there may be more to it.

Think about Hezekiah for a moment: he knew that he would die in fifteen years...what would it be like to know that you have an appointed time to die, and that you know the appointed time. That would mess with a man's approach to life, including fatherhood. Think about it from Manasseh's point of view: he knew his father would die at the age of 54. What was it like around their house? Did they savor life, the good royal life that being king brings? Or was it morbid? Did they keep a calendar, counting down the years, months, days till the big funeral? What's it like for an eight year old kid to know that his father is going to die in four years, that as a young man he will become king before he is ready, before he is grown up, while he is still so young. Did Manasseh grow bitter against his father, and his God? Hezekiah initially understood the extra fifteen years as a promise, did Manasseh experience them as a curse? Hezekiah was grateful to God, and Manasseh became hateful.

And so on the heels of his father's royal funeral, full of national honor and celebration and glory, Manasseh prepares for his ultimate rejection and desecration of a father and God whom he harbored secret hate and rebellion. Manasseh inflicted and encouraged moral rebellion, religious degradation, spiritual darkness into Judah, the Scriptures cite the state of affairs as worse than the Amorites, the nation of people that God judged and removed from the land of Canaan through the arrival of Joshua and the nation of Israel. Manasseh's nation of Judah was politically tied to the nation of Assyria, a powerful nation in decline. Hezekiah kept his political distance from Assyria, no treaties, no alliances, no tributes. Manassah tied his fortunes to Assyria and their political leaders, their vile culture and idolatrous religion. Manasseh set up idols and altars all over the country, the capital city, and the God's temple. He desecrated all that was holy, he undid all the political work his father created, he rejected the spiritual heritage of his ancestors, he favored the vile practices of the ancient pagans.

In 2Chronicles 3:10 says that the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention to Him. They heard him, and they rejected his word through the prophets and writings. We must remember that the nation was a special nation, created and sustained by God, not by the king. The LORD was not going to let his plan for Israel and Judah be ultimately thwarted by a human king. Manasseh ignored the words of God, and it was easy to do when he was surrounded by his friends, his wealth, his power, his gods, his plans. But then the nation of Assyria charged in, took Manasseh captive and threw him into a dungeon. When all was quiet, when all was gone, when Manasseh was left with his dark soul in the dank cell, he remembered the words of the LORD. And he repented.

And he repented. No one's heart is so hard that God can't break it, no one's heart is so cold that God can't warm it, no one's heart is so dark that he can't light it.

Manasseh was proud, he was ambitious, he was bitter. God was patient, forceful, forgiving.

Manasseh's actions produced horrific consequences for his family, his friends, his nation. God's forgiveness couldn't erase the tragedies all ready set in motion. But God's forgiveness opens up the opportunities for Him to be acknowledged, worshipped, listened to, obeyed, honored, followed. God stayed after Mannesah, and Mannesah finally repented.

This gives us hope, that no matter how hard, cold, or dark our own heart becomes, God does not become impatient, passive or bitter towards us. Same goes for our family and friends.

Hebrew Class Week Two

Whew, made it! Week two is over and I'm keeping my head above water, barely. There is not enough time in the day to get this stuff understood and still get enough sleep. Last night I indulged and got six hours of sleep...I went to bed at 11pm because I could not keep my eyes open, I set my alarm for 4am but I couldn't get up till 5am. I should have gotten up at 4am because I needed another hour to study for my grammar quiz. It was my second grammar quiz, I don't think I did that well (I didn't have time to study for it). I have to keep reminding myself that this is only the second week, that I need time for this stuff to start making sense, but I hope it clicks soon, otherwise my grades are going to be too low. We have a lot of homework for the weekend, which is frustrating, because I want to be with my family. Fortunately on Monday we'll have a review day over all the material covered so far, it will be like a breather, but we have a vocab quiz that same day over 72 new words and a review of over another 288 already memorized words. He quizzes us on 15 new words and five review words. It is hard work to stay on top of all the words, it takes more and more time as the days go on, and I need more and more time to keep revieing the more and more grammar we are to be learning...and I have been swamped since the beginning.

But I am glad I am learning Biblical Hebrew. It already is opening up new insights into the text. By the end of the summer I hope to be able to preach from an Old Testament book and do exegesis straight from the Hebrew text. That would be cool,and encouraging.

Our professor is a good teacher, does lots of helpful review, helps us make connections with concepts, and really wants to help us learn. He is a good encourager, but he is rigorous and demanding. A good combination.

Hebrew Class - Week One...

I made it...I survived the first four days of Hebrew. On Monday at 8:30am I did not know how to pronounce any Hebrew letters...now I can read a bunch of words, and even some verses, and with some work Psalm 23. The professor read that Psalm in class today...well first his intern read it, she did a nice job, then each student took a turn, reading a few words at a time, and then he read it with "feeling"...it was inspiring. To hear a psalm in its original language was...very cool...I can't wait till I can read it better than I do right now.

Right now I have memorized about 50 words...by the end of the weekend I should be up to about 150.

I find myself careening back and forth between gladness and despondency. One moment I am glad and thankful that I am able to learn the Hebrew language so that I can read the Old Testament in its original language. But it is hard, it is very hard work (language work is very hard for me anyway, even English), and I worry that all this work will be for naught, that I won't get it, and that I won't be very good at it. I want so much to be able to read the Greek and Hebrew of the Bible competently...but it is so hard and takes time...and I am so busy and distracted...and I fear that I am not smart enough...Oh stupid fear! BE Gone!

Anyway, I'll update later next week with my progress.

Emma and Papa Ger

My dad read a story to Emma tonight. A Dora the Explorer book. Dad is not real good with spanish. My mom, who was sitting next to Dad, thought that this was very funny. Emma was sitting on Mom's lap. Emma looked nonplussed, more interested in Dad reading the story than my Mom's unstoppable laughter. Dad had a lot of fun trying to read the spanish words right, and not be distracted by my Mom's contagious laughter. I love seeing my Dad read stories to my daughter. I also love to see my Mom laugh.

It was a good way to end the evening.

Youth Task Force Recommendation

The Youth Task Force makes the following recommendations:

1. The goal of Anchor Student Ministry is to develop in students a Head-Heart-Hand Faith in Jesus. The Anchor Student Ministry will be considered Successful/Fruitful when this goal is met in the majority of the students.

How is this goal measured?

Head Faith In Jesus: Knowing and Understanding Basic Bible Stories, Doctrine concerning the Trinity, Salvation and Church, Chrisitan Character and Ethics. This knowlege and understanding develops according to age and life circumstances.

Heart Faith In Jesus: Affection for Jesus; Also, that the Knowledge and Understanding of Bible, Doctrine, Ethics is Meaningful in their present life. That they care about Jesus personally, and that they care about what they know, and care about other people, and care about themselves.

Hand Faith In Jesus: Practical Obedience that stems from what they know and understand, as well as from their affection for Jesus. This Hand-Faith is modeled after the life of Jesus, and actions are taken in direct connection with the teachings of Scripture towards God, towards oneself, towards other believers, towards those outside the Faith.

Again, how is this goal measured?

Head Faith in Jesus: Teach content in age-appropriate manner, regularly test for retention of knowledge and understanding. Engage in conversations that start with what the student is interested in and help unpack ideas in connection with issues they are concered about. Give students ample opportunities to discuss and explain what it is they are supposed to know and understand (through conversation, writing projects, art, etc.)

Heart Faith in Jesus: Demonstrate personal affection for Jesus while interacting with students, whether in classroom setting, life situation, or during program events. Discuss what you understand in a meaningful way, be honest about what you do not understand, be gentle and clear on what you do understand. Give students opportunities to express their passionate beliefs and doubts. Walk with students at their pace, don't force them to articulate an idea they are not ready to accept. Listen to how they talk about what they do know and understand and give them feedback on where you think they are at.

Hand Faith in Jesus: Model for them the kind of obedient service you want them to follow. Be clear on what they are to do as an act of obedience, and why. Hold them accountable to the actions they state they are willing to do. Reward obedient actions, discourage disobedient actions. Give students many opportunities to serve others, in and outside the church and home. Help studnets make a connection between what they know and feel with what they do.


2. The plan for implementing this Anchor Student Ministry will be primarily through volunteers.
The church must take care of its own. Church participation is primarily demonstrated in volunteering with students and their parents, developing in them a Head-Heart-Hand faith in Jesus. By relying heavily on volunteers, the church opens itself up to more and more acts of love, as well as greater risk that not enough volunteers will volunteer, and thus an unsuccessful volunteer program. No matter how many staff people are involved in the student ministry, unless volunteers make up the bulk of ministers to students, no student ministry will be successful. Volunteers must make up the bulk of the student ministry.

Ephesians 4:12-14 "to equip his people (ministry volunteers) for works of service (to students), so that the Body of Christ (one another, each of us caring for the other as non-professionals) may be built up (in struggle, suffering and joy), until we ALL reach Unity in the Faith and in the Knowledge of the Son of God and become Mature, attaining to the Whole Measure (Head-Heart-Hand) of the Fullness of Christ."


What role does staff have in a successful student ministry at Anchor?

The Youth Task Force recommends that Anchor hire a Student Ministry Director to oversee all student ministry (ages birth through post highschool).

The primary task would be administration and support to ministry leaders and their volunteers. Each seperate student ministry will have a volunteer leader. That volunteer leader will work directly with the Student Minsitry Director in planning and implementing a program/event. The Student Ministry Director will take care of that volunteer leader, and help that volunteer leader take care of his/her volunteers with that minsitry. The Student Ministry Director is not primarily expected to teach or hang out with kids (this can happen, but is not the point of hiring this person).

We propose to hire a Student Ministry Director at 20hrs/wk with a pay range of $12-$15hr ($12,500-$15,500).
The primary spiritual gift would be administration. Must be able to manage volunteers and meet stated goals of ACC Student Ministry.
Student Ministry Director would oversee all student ministries and the leaders/volunteers. Student Ministry Director would work with ministry leaders and volunteers to encourage them, train them, direct them, work alongside them so that they can succeed. The ministry leaders and volunteers will do the personal work of leading, teaching and caring for the students.

We envision that as the quality of the Student Ministry increases, as it becomes more fruitful, Anchor would be able to hire a second Student Ministry Director at 20hrs/wk. We would then have a part time Student Ministry Director that oversaw kids ministry volunteers (birth through fifth grade) and another Student Minsitry Director to oversee youth ministry volunteers (sixth grade through post-highschool). This strategy would allow for greater specialization and attention to the nuances of each student ministry. As this phase of student ministry increases in quality and fruitfulness, we could potentially hire another Student Ministry Director at 20hrs/wk and further subdivide the kids/youth categories as needed to further the specialization and attention that each ministry will need at that time.

Two reasons for not automatically seeking a full-time person to oversee this work: one is specialization, second is cost. By focusing on quality and specialization we can further the fruitfulness of our student ministry. By utilizing a part time position, we open ourselves up to several different people who are able to operate in their primary area of giftedness and passion.
There are limitations and cost issues to be discussed that are inherent in this plan as opposed to hiring a full time person, and they ought to be discussed at some point.

The Student Ministry Director would report directly to the Senior Pastor. The Student Ministry Director would meet weekly/montly with every ministry leader for encouraging support, planning, evaluation/training and fun. The Student Ministry Director will also meet with each volunteer several times throughout the year for support, encouragement and training. The Student Ministry Director will utilize the Office Administrator to further the Student Ministry.

The Youth Task Force envisions this Staff Position to begin January 2007, assuming that funding is available and that the best candidate has been hired.


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If you have any questions, email Tim at tim@anchorpeople.org

Thanks,

Tim

Found my Resume

This morning I found my resume. By accident. I was searching for a document on my computer when I came across the file name. I didn't even know I had a resume. I have never had to use one before. I am serving my third church now as a pastor, and not once did my hiring process require a resume. Not sure how smart that is.. but that's the way it worked.

What I found most interesting was my stated objective: to lead, teach and counsel the church into Christian maturity.

That has a good, clean, clear ring to it. I really like it. I'm going to have to reflect upon it more...I think it could be a real encourager to me as I evaluate myself and my ministry. I have the disease of low-self confidence. Reading clear statements like the one above is an antidote to the vagueness I use to poison myself.

Sunday April 9 Sermon Thoughts

The Scripture text is John 12:25 "The one how lavishes special honor on his own life destroys his life. The one who is disinclined towards his life in this world will keep it unto life eternal." (TT)

Rudolph Bultmann writes about verse 25: "life is of so peculiar a character, it so completely eludes any desire to hold it fast, and it is won exactly when we give it up." This is the great paradox of faith and life in Jesus Christ.

I thought of the movie Braveheart, upon reading this quote. The prison scene, near the end of the movie, when the queen enters to provide him with a painkiller, but primarily to persuade him to confess that he might regain his freedom, and keep his life. But Wallace new better. His quote (my version TT) "All men die, but few men ever really live." Both Bultmann's quote and Wallace's have a redemptive theme, which is a pointer to the redemptiveness of Jesus Christ. Jesus' death is our provision of life. Jesus' resurrected life makes our life resurrectable.

I like the idea of preaching this text on Palm Sunday: the picture of Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem - to his death, yet he is lavished with special honor by others. He is disinclined towards life in this world as it is - which is why he has come to redeem it, because he loves this world too much to leave it the way it is now.

The question for us: how do we get eternal life? What must we do to have eternal life now? We must let go of this life, become disinclined to this world as it is now. The decision to trust Jesus enables us to love this world and be disinclined towards it at the same time. Jesus came on a search and rescue mission to this world, a world of "flotsam and jetsam" (to quote Tolkein), hence one can see how Jesus loves this world, but why would he want to be inclined towards it as it is now? This world is his creation, but it is a creation populated by rebels who deface and devestate Him and His work. But he loves the creation and he loves the rebels, and he will redeem his creation, and he will redeem all rebels who trust that Jesus Christ is both willing and able.

What would make this world "disinclinable" yet "lovable"? See the world through Jesus' eyes. We are his body, so this should be feasible. Jesus says to trust, then you can see. To see the world as it really is, a world run amok, this we are disinclined towards. But the earth and its creatures are God's handiwork, no matter how defaced and polluted they become. And all humans are made in the image of God, and thus this world is lovable.

How uncomfortable does this world and its ways make you? If this world were a shirt, how easily would you wear it? Would it be a like a rough burlap undershirt? Or a tailored silk shirt?

I am not suggesting we become hard cynics, callosed skeptics towards anything and everything generated by the world. Just uncomfortable, disinclined. Anytime anything is accepted as status quo, it ought to be questioned. All presuppositions about what is acceptable beliefs, behaviors, and battles ought to be reacted to with a raised eyebrow and a questioning look. Everything about this world is tainted and essentially ruined by sin. At the end of all things (Rev. 22) God will remake everything, a new heaven and a new earth. How attached should I become to this world, which is tainted and ruined? I am born into a world to which I must become more and more uncomfortable with. The fruit of this? Deeper yearning for life eternal, the good life that gets better and better for ever and ever, starting now. It is the fresh water and tasty bread of life that both satisfies me in Jesus but leaves me disillusioned with the water and bread of this world.

So what do I do with my life in this world that I am becoming disinclined towards and learning to love like Jesus? I do two things which are really the same thing: I become like a Seed (v.24), which must be laid into the ground and die so that life can emerge from me - both for myself and others. I become a Servant of Jesus (v.26), following his steps into Life Eternal (the place), and as a Servant of Jesus I receive Honor from the Father. This is the honor I've always really wanted, and now I have become disinclined towards the honor the world bestows, I am disinclined towards honoring myself, of putting myself first in both pampering and promoting.

So what does this mean for everyday eternal life?

Each day is not about me. I am a Seed/Servant. How can I lay down my life today so that another can have the day God would bless them with, if only I would lay down my life. Who can I serve today, so that through my serving God can do his work that otherwise would be thwarted by my passive agressive rebellion of ignorance and business?

Hence our morning and evening prayers are so vital. Our meal time prayers could actually nourish us more than the food we scarf, if we prayed wisely and awarely. Our "unceasing prayer" could be our ongoing response to God's ongoing prompting of where to lay down our life, of whom to serve during the day. The day is all you have, the hour is all you have, really the minute (to be generous) is all you really have. What will you do with the next minute? What you dang well please? What you think God might approve of based on stuff you've read in the Bible? Or, what God has just prompted you to do in the moment? If I want life eternal, I must lay down this life on earth, to be disinclined towards it. If I want honor in this life, it will be from my Father, honor given for following Jesus in trust.

How much do I want eternal life now? The rich man walked away because he was too inclined towards stuff (the money, the influential job at the office, the family heritage, the great entertainment, the thrill of technology, the stimulating literature, the vivid landscapes, the whatever consits of life in this world).

How do I best enjoy the stuff of this world? Become disinclined towards it.

How do I gain honor in this life? Seek it from the Father who cares for you, not people who need to use (and abuse) you.

How do I live to attain greatness? Lay down your life as a servant of all, in the steps of Jesus.

How do I do this. It starts with trust: do you trust Jesus to provide you with the good life that gets better and better forever and ever with God everday?

Yes or no.

Elizabeth Johnson

Thursday, April 6, 2006 is the funeral for my wife's paternal grandmother. Grandma Johnson was the brightest spot for my wife while growing up as a child. I knew her as one of those spunky old ladies that still had a good sense of humor and a steady faith. The last four years she has been in a nursing home, her mind and body deteriorating. She kept her humor and faith nonetheless. I am glad for her life and her molding of my wife's life. I'm glad my wife wil miss her.

Ideas for a better marriage...

Why do so many marriages end up in divorce?

Why do so many marriages, which never end up in divorce, have so much unhappiness?

According to the seminar today, it is for very simple, solvable reasons. Outside of drastic, awful, evil acts perpetrated upon a person, most unhappy, divorce-prone marriages can be a lot happier in a very short time.

What is the basic solution? Change one little thing about your routine, especially the routine that almost always lead to the conflict/unhappiness. Make the change of biting your tongue, or giving the hug anyway, or opening the door, or asking a question and then listening.

It is the Butterfly Effect for marriages.

Thoughts on Sunday April 2 Sermon Text (John 6:54-56)

The text for the sermon is John 6:54-56 (TT) "The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has life eternal, and I will resurrect him in the last day. For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me and I in him."

The disciples described this teaching as "hard" and wondered who could accept it. Indeed! The Jews wondered how Jesus could give them his flesh to eat...a very disgusting thought. And this is a disgusting series of verses. Unless one understands what Jesus is talking about, why he is using the metaphors he does, and why he is even talking this way.

Two things to remember: 1) the book of John is not written in "real" time. The book is a construction of the life and teachings of Jesus - not for the sake of acurrately recording historical events, but rather, recording real events that really happened and giving an account of them in such a way that one will "believe that Jesus is the Son of God and have Eternal Life" (see chapter 20). 2) When one looks throughout the book of John, one can better understand the use of Jesus' metaphors, especially in chapter six.

Here is my summary: the disciples description of Jesus' teaching as "hard" does not refer to his use of the flesh and blood metaphors. The Jews thought it was revolting and unimaginable. But what were Jesus' own disciples referring to?
John 6:58 "This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever.” This is the summary point that Jesus makes, to which the disciples react. Since they are not convinced that Jesus is the Son of God, they are having difficulty beleiving what Jesus is teaching. The manna given to the Israelites in the Wilderness is a beloved story and symbol. Jesus is wiping the belovedness of that story away, and replacing it with himself. You can eat manna, but you will still die. You can believe me, and you will live. It was difficult to reconcile the apparent intelligence and brilliance of Jesus with what came acorss as ludicrous and outrageous statements. It was hard to accept - hard to turn away from the Mosaic covenant, the Mosaic traditions, the law and its culture. Hard to believe that God had come to replace the law with grace and truth. Hard to believe that a person was replacing the stone tablets. Hard to believe that the good life was to come at the hands of a person like Jesus, as opposed to coming as a result of my hard work, good deeds and religious devotion to YHWH. Jesus' use of flesh and blood didn't help matters.

Here is some helpful tidbits on unpacking the metaphors.

In John 1, the author writes that Jesus is the Word, and that the Word became Flesh.
In John 3 Jesus teaches that flesh gives birth to flesh, but Spirit gives birth to Spirit.
In John 5, Jesus teaches that if one hears the Word and believes God - the one who sent Jesus, this one has eternal life, will not be judged, has crossed over from death to life.
In John 6 Jesus says he is the Bread of Life.

Stay with me...Jesus is not just the author of words, he is the Word. Therefore the Word must get inside of us. Thus we hear it. But Jesus is the source of life, and refers to himself as bread. Thus to get Life into us, we must eat the bread.
The Word became Flesh: God meant to get inside of humans - as demonstrated in the Incarnation (Jesus the God-Man); and God means to get inside of humans like us - through our eyes (the Historical Jesus), through our ears (the Word) and through our mouth (Bread). But we live in this world as flesh, and we can give birth only to flesh, and the flesh is bound to die. So God comes to us, from Spirit only, to a perfect union of Spirit/Flesh. He must get us to make the move from only Flesh, to the perfect union of Flesh/Spirit. God wants to get inside of us, more than just words rattling around in our head, but the way food gets into every cell of your body. God wants our flesh to be saturated with His Spirit. So we eat his Flesh (Word/Bread), the flesh of Jesus is saturated with God's Spirit, thus when we "eat" and "drink" Jesus, we consume and are nourished by Spirit-saturated Flesh. This Spirit saturated flesh then gets into every cell of our body. We truly then become "conformed to the image of Christ" for he is in us and acting out through our spirit.

Jesus writes in John 6:63: "The Spirit gives life! The flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you - they are full of the Spirit and life."

Jesus said in 6:56 that the one who eats and drinks him will remain in Him and He will remain in the eater. From a food metaphor this is perceivable. Jesus as Word is not Bread to be eaten, digested, nourished by for a day, and then defecated. Jesus is Word to be consumed and nourished unto Eternity. Jesus is to be in us as food gets inside of us.

Partaking of communion is an act of remembrance: to remember the body given for us, the blood poured out for us, that we could die to this life and be born to a new life with Him forever. We partake of communion to remember that we only have Life Eternal because the Spirit of Jesus courses through our veins, he nourishes our cells.

How do we "remain in Jesus" how do we "eat and drink" Jesus everyday?

We find the answer in John 15 - we remain in Jesus and his word remains in us when we obey his commands. What is the one command that all other commands come from? Love one another AS I HAVE LOVED YOU!

What would it take to love another human as Jesus loves them? It would take a Jesus-saturated human to love another human as Jesus would. But the condition is this: Love another human as I love YOU!!!!!!

Think about that: In order to love another human in accordance with Jesus commands, I am to acknowledge, understand, accept, celebrate and enjoy Jesus' love for me. Is this an abstract love? Is it the idea of love? Is it a belief in love? Is it a doctrine of love? Or if I am to eat and drink Jesus, if I am to be nourished unto eternity by Jesus, and if for eternity I am to enjoy the love of Jesus, then I must experience the love of Jesus in my life. My life is to be saturated by the love of Jesus.

And if I cannot see how I am loved by Jesus, Woe Unto Me!

When I love others as Jesus LOVES ME, then I am obeying his command. To obey his command, I must trust him to help me do so, for it is IMPOSSIBLE to love another as Jesus loves me apart from being Spirit-saturated. To become Spirit saturated, I must trust Jesus the Word. To trust I must hear and accept. If Jesus the Word is bread and fruit of the vine, then I eat and drink Jesus. If Jesus is the Word made flesh (given for me) and If Jesus is the New Covenant/Testament as blood poured out for me, and I trust it to be so for me, then it is mine as a gift.

To take communion is to remember how much Jesus loves me - both in the historical past on the cross, but also in the daily present because of the resurrection. To take communion is the front end of obedience: to not follow up communion with loving others AS JESUS LOVES ME is to still be disobedient. One condemns oneself worse if one takes communion with no intent (or ignorance) of loving others as JESUS LOVES ME. To take communion is to remember, it is also a sign: I AM LOVED and I LOVE OTHERS AS JESUS LOVES ME. To say this is to be humble, under grace, moved by truth, and full of Joy. What greater experience is there then to love others as Jesus loves me.

What is Eternal Life? What is the good life that gets better and better for ever and ever with God? Loving others as Jesus loves me.

The First Post

Why have a blog?

Why not?

What to write...

Bono says to write about not knowing what to write about.

I have wanted to have my own blog for awhile now.

Why?

Why not?

Now I can ask questions in public, post my responses to my own questions, and hope that someone out there will read them and respond back with a better question.

Or maybe no one will ever read this stuff. Which would be like most of the stuff I write. So why have a blog? Now at least I can have my thoughts online instead of decomposable paper.