When I was over at Snap Fitness a few moments ago I heard on the news that Alan Chambers, the director of "Exodus International" had apologized to the "members of the LGBTQ community."
When I got home, I read the apology. You can read it at exodusinternational.org/2013/06/i-am-sorry/.
I don't know know Alan Chambers, nor do I know much about his organization. I
don't know if the changes at Exodus International are completely (or
even generally) going in the right direction because I don't know much about where he and his organization started from.* (This is not a subject that I am an expert in, though I have done extensive study on the scriptural and theological issues connected with sexuality in general.)
I can, however, completely agree with parts of what he writes. Christians have often acted in hateful ways to people with same sex attraction. I hope we can all repent of that. Those of us who don't experience same sex attraction in the very center of who we "are" have a very hard time relating with those who do. I've written some about this before.** But even when it is hard, we need to always act first with love.
At the same time, I was glad to see that Alan Chambers has not reversed course in every way. He writes:
I cannot apologize for my deeply held biblical beliefs about the
boundaries I see in scripture surrounding sex, but I will exercise my
beliefs with great care and respect for those who do not share them. I
cannot apologize for my beliefs about marriage. But I do not have any
desire to fight you on your beliefs or the rights that you seek. My
beliefs about these things will never again interfere with God’s command
to love my neighbor as I love myself.
I'm not sure that what Alan Chambers says about stopping the "fight" against what many of us see as the dangerous direction that activists are pushing the church and society in regard to "gay rights" is a good idea. But I am grateful that he has not surrendered the clear message of scripture about sexuality and marriage, and I'm thankful that the love of Jesus is right in the center.
Please pray that we will all maintain truthfulness and act with love--both together--in all things.
----------------------
*I've met and have communicated some with a formerly allied group
called "Outpost" and am looking for a time to have an in depth
conversation with them. I know there have been stresses and strains in
that former alliance. I know that Outpost is no longer part of "Exodus
International."
**In regard to homosexuality, I've been attracted to the testimony of Wesley Hill and his book Washed and Waiting. You can read about it at "When the Road Is Long."
----------------------
Note as of 6:00 p.m. - As I was working in the kitchen I listened to the opening address that Alan Chambers gave yesterday at the 38th annual "Exodus Freedom Conference." Here's the link new.livestream.com/accounts/859828/events/2170680/videos/21999952. I don't know how long that video will continue to be available, so if you can, watch it soon.
www.equalsharing.com
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Note From the Campground
I’m writing this piece [Monday evening] at a campground in southern Minnesota. Toni and I came down here for a two day get away. We did a little biking and have set up our tent and now, at 8:30, I’m taking a little time to write something that I’ll most likely post on my blog tomorrow.*
Many times during the day today I’ve thought about what a luxury it is to be able to get away like this. Though it’s always possible to compare my life (our life) with those who are better off, the truth is that we are so very privileged, so very bourgeoisie. It all comes from how pastors have been well “kept,” well-fed, and, in many ways, tamed. We have a car that runs well (in fact, we have 2 plus an old van), enough money for gas and the $50 we spent for the 2 night campground reservation, and we’re able to get away for this little vacation. And, besides all that, Toni and I enjoy spending time together. There isn’t much stress. It’s really nice.
As I sit here, and as I’ve been driving, I’ve thought about the many people Toni and I know who for many reasons just could never have time like this. I think of particular people whose lives are troubled in various ways or who have huge responsibilities that don’t let them get away like this. And, of course, the poor. What can I do? One thing I can do is to pray. To pray fervently for them and then to be open to those times when the Lord calls me to be directly involved in their lives.
Well, Toni has started the campfire, so I’m going to put this away now. God bless you all.
------------------------
* Now it's Wednesday at about 4:30. Toni and I are home after a truly excellent time away. We camped at Forestville State Park in southeastern MN where there are almost NO mosquitoes! We left home on Monday morning, stopped to see my parents in Minneapolis and then again in Mendota where we did some biking along the Big Rivers trail, and then drove past Rochester to Forestville park where we explored what remains of a little town by the same name. On Tuesday we spent some time in Harmony while waiting for a rain shower to end, biked a bit there but then went to Lanesboro where we had a very sweet time biking a piece of the Root River trail. (We didn't work too hard.) Today we hiked a bit in the Forestville park before heading home. So wonderful to get away.
www.equalsharing.com
Many times during the day today I’ve thought about what a luxury it is to be able to get away like this. Though it’s always possible to compare my life (our life) with those who are better off, the truth is that we are so very privileged, so very bourgeoisie. It all comes from how pastors have been well “kept,” well-fed, and, in many ways, tamed. We have a car that runs well (in fact, we have 2 plus an old van), enough money for gas and the $50 we spent for the 2 night campground reservation, and we’re able to get away for this little vacation. And, besides all that, Toni and I enjoy spending time together. There isn’t much stress. It’s really nice.
As I sit here, and as I’ve been driving, I’ve thought about the many people Toni and I know who for many reasons just could never have time like this. I think of particular people whose lives are troubled in various ways or who have huge responsibilities that don’t let them get away like this. And, of course, the poor. What can I do? One thing I can do is to pray. To pray fervently for them and then to be open to those times when the Lord calls me to be directly involved in their lives.
Well, Toni has started the campfire, so I’m going to put this away now. God bless you all.
------------------------
* Now it's Wednesday at about 4:30. Toni and I are home after a truly excellent time away. We camped at Forestville State Park in southeastern MN where there are almost NO mosquitoes! We left home on Monday morning, stopped to see my parents in Minneapolis and then again in Mendota where we did some biking along the Big Rivers trail, and then drove past Rochester to Forestville park where we explored what remains of a little town by the same name. On Tuesday we spent some time in Harmony while waiting for a rain shower to end, biked a bit there but then went to Lanesboro where we had a very sweet time biking a piece of the Root River trail. (We didn't work too hard.) Today we hiked a bit in the Forestville park before heading home. So wonderful to get away.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Jesus is the Best
This is one of those days when I'd just as soon drive truck for a living. There are days (and this is one of them) when what I have done in leading worship and preaching was not up to what I hope for. I'm okay, and I don't want anyone to think I'm looking for people to say "It wasn't that bad," and I'm not saying that there was nothing of value in what the Lord was doing. It's just that today it was harder work than it is sometimes. It was long, I said too many things, and I'm sure some of the people were lost along the way.
Strangely, one of the reasons it's "okay," maybe, is that when I don't "shine" in my own abilities, perhaps the focus can go more on Jesus. That's what I hope for anyway. Jesus is the best, not me.
Here's the text from today's worship. Beginning with verse 21 we hear Paul speak about how we human beings have been "enemies in our minds" because of our evil behavior. One of the things I tried to share today was the fact that because of what Jesus has done, we really aren't enemies. Jesus, as you see from what is written here, has done everything necessary to bring us back into friendship with Him. That's true even when we misbehave, and even when we are less then our best.
Take these words from God's Word and let them permeate your soul. And keep learning Colossians 1:1-20 by heart.
Colossians 1:13-23
www.equalsharing.com
Strangely, one of the reasons it's "okay," maybe, is that when I don't "shine" in my own abilities, perhaps the focus can go more on Jesus. That's what I hope for anyway. Jesus is the best, not me.
Here's the text from today's worship. Beginning with verse 21 we hear Paul speak about how we human beings have been "enemies in our minds" because of our evil behavior. One of the things I tried to share today was the fact that because of what Jesus has done, we really aren't enemies. Jesus, as you see from what is written here, has done everything necessary to bring us back into friendship with Him. That's true even when we misbehave, and even when we are less then our best.
Take these words from God's Word and let them permeate your soul. And keep learning Colossians 1:1-20 by heart.
Colossians 1:13-23
13 God the
Father has rescued us from the
dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14
in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of
sins.
15 He, that is, the Son, Jesus Christ…is the
image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16
For by him all things were created: things in
heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers
or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. 17
He is before all things, and in him all things
hold together. 18 And he is
the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from
among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19
For God was pleased to have all his fullness
dwell in him, 20 and through
him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in
heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.
21 Once you were alienated
from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. 22 But now he has reconciled you by Christ’s physical body through death to
present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation— 23 if you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the
hope held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has
been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have
become a servant.www.equalsharing.com
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Call to Prayer
The following went out as an email from Crossroads a few moments ago. Please join us in prayer.
www.equalsharing.com
Crossroads Friends -
This is a special
call to prayer on behalf of the families and friends of those who are
in a special season of grief and spiritual warfare (see Ephesians 6
quote below).
I am scheduled to be at
Vacation Bible School to lead games tonight but I'm doing my best to see
if the rest of the game team can take my leadership role so that I can
be at Crossroads for our regular 6:30 PM Tuesday prayer time.
This
is a critical time for certain families and their friends and it would
be good for us to raise our hearts to the Lord in prayer together on
their behalf.
Please come to Crossroads tonight if you can at 6:30. If you cannot do that please pause during the 6:30-7:15 time period to put on the armor of God.
Sincerely yours, Pastor Steve Thorson
Ephesians 6:10–20 (NIV84)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.
www.equalsharing.com
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Crossroads Summer
Sunday (June 9)
- 8 AM Bible Study
- 9 AM Worship led by "New Wine" group from Cloquet
- 10:30 Worship at Cokato Manor
- 6 PM Vacation Bible School
Monday (June 10)
- 6 PM Vacation Bible School
- 7 PM Crossroads Board of Directors meeting
- 7 PM Holy Spirit Group at Cokato Lake RV Park
VBS continues every evening through Thursday.
Prayer Ministry every Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM
Saturday, June 15, True Identity Seminar in Fridley
Saturday, June 15, Franklin Avenue Mission
Tuesday, June 25, "My Hope" rally in Sauk Rapids
(info on church website announcement page on all of these)
Upcoming Sundays
+ June 16 AND June 23
8 AM Bible Study
9 AM Worship (Colossians "I.D." Series)
10:30 Worship at Cokato Manor
+ June 30
8 AM Bible Study
9 AM Worship with Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge
10:30 Worship at Cokato Manor
+ July 7 - Toni and I will be out of town
8 AM Bible Study
9 AM Worship led by Monday Night Holy Spirit Group
7 PM Community Worship at New Life Assembly
Monday, July 8 - 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World begins
+ July 14
8 AM Bible Study
9 AM Worship (Colossians "I.D." Series)
7 PM Community Worship hosted at Stockholm Lutheran
Saturday, July 20, Franklin Avenue Mission
+ July 21 - Toni and I will be out of town
8 AM Bible Study
9 AM Worship with message by Steve Basney
YOUTH "URBAN VENTURES" Mission Trip begins
7 PM Robin Mark Praise & Worship Event
7 PM Community Worship at Albion Free
+ July 28
8 AM Bible Study
9 AM Worship (Colossians "I.D." Series)
with music & testimony by East Coast "Captive Free" Team
7 PM Community Worship hosted at Evangelical Lutheran
+ August 4
8 AM Bible Study
9 AM Worship (Colossians "I.D." Series)
7 PM Community Worship at Crossroads
August 4-10 High School Leadership Quest
+ August 11
8 AM Bible Study
9 AM Worship (Colossians "I.D." Series)
7 PM Community Worship at Peterson Park
+ Monday, July 12
Corn Carnival Parade (depending on interest)
Rachel Kurtz concert following the parade
+ August 18 & 25
8 AM Bible Study
9 AM Worship (Colossians "I.D." Series)
with message by missionary Andria Jasper
on either Aug. 18 or 25
www.equalsharing.com
Friday, June 7, 2013
Things To Do
A REPEAT OF THE EVENT MENTIONED BELOW will be held at Crossroads Community Church on Sunday evening, June 30, 6:30 PM. Please invite friends! for more about the June 30 event go to "Taking Care..."
Just a quick note before I resume the various things I've been up to since getting up this morning. (First day without bus driving! Still got up at about the same time.) There's a long list of "things to do" that I've been putting up on the fridge white board and a significant number of immediate prayer concerns sitting in my brain.
On Wednesday evening about 50 people from the Dassel-Cokato area got together to hear a presentation from representatives of Meeker County Social Services and Prairie's Edge Counseling Center. The event was organized by the local Roman Catholic community and was entitled: “Taking Care of Our Selves and Others: Discussion on Grief, Depression and Suicide."
The first slide I remember from the presentation was like the one above. The normal brain (at right) is a flurry of activity. The depressed brain, at left, is darker, including what is known as the "frontal lobe," the part of the brain that is involved in decision making.
When there is less activity in that part of brain, it's more difficult for a person to choose between good and bad actions. When we are depressed, it become physically more difficult for our brains to make good decisions. Out-of-control pleasure seeking or destructive behaviors can result.
When we are depressed, it's hard for us to keep going with our lists of things to do. Even praying becomes difficult.
I'm in the process of contacting the presenters from Wednesday evening's gathering to see if we can have a follow-up event so more people can learn about these things. That's one of my "things to do" today. See "Taking Care..." for more.
If you or a loved one is having a hard time, please don't try to handle things alone! If things are really desperate, just call 911. If you're just looking for advice about which way to turn, don't hesitate to call (leave a message) or email me. I'll help you find the help you need. 763-291-3499 steve@equalsharing.com
www.equalsharing.com
On Wednesday evening about 50 people from the Dassel-Cokato area got together to hear a presentation from representatives of Meeker County Social Services and Prairie's Edge Counseling Center. The event was organized by the local Roman Catholic community and was entitled: “Taking Care of Our Selves and Others: Discussion on Grief, Depression and Suicide."
The first slide I remember from the presentation was like the one above. The normal brain (at right) is a flurry of activity. The depressed brain, at left, is darker, including what is known as the "frontal lobe," the part of the brain that is involved in decision making.
When there is less activity in that part of brain, it's more difficult for a person to choose between good and bad actions. When we are depressed, it become physically more difficult for our brains to make good decisions. Out-of-control pleasure seeking or destructive behaviors can result.
When we are depressed, it's hard for us to keep going with our lists of things to do. Even praying becomes difficult.
I'm in the process of contacting the presenters from Wednesday evening's gathering to see if we can have a follow-up event so more people can learn about these things. That's one of my "things to do" today. See "Taking Care..." for more.
If you or a loved one is having a hard time, please don't try to handle things alone! If things are really desperate, just call 911. If you're just looking for advice about which way to turn, don't hesitate to call (leave a message) or email me. I'll help you find the help you need. 763-291-3499 steve@equalsharing.com
www.equalsharing.com
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Learning By Heart
The Lord is speaking powerfully to us. Will we listen? Will we learn?
One of the best ways to learn and listen to the Lord is to learn scriptures by heart, and the Lord is inviting us to learn the following this week. It will be a challenge. I'm starting to learn this by heart by using the following guide. It helps to read it out loud. Go to http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1%3A1-20&version=NIV to see what is missing...
4 b_c__s_ w_ h_v_ h__rd _f y__r f__th _n Chr_st J_s_s _nd _f th_ l_v_ y__ h_v_ f_r _ll th_ s__nts—
5 th_ f__th _nd l_v_ th_t spr_ng fr_m th_ h_p_ th_t _s st_r_d _p f_r y__ _n h__v_n _nd th_t y__ h_v_ _lr__dy h__rd _b__t _n th_ w_rd _f tr_th, th_ g_sp_l 6 th_t h_s c_m_ t_ y__.
[Use it together with your Bible to see how much you can guess at. After you have gotten good at reading it without the vowels (out loud), copy the above to a word processor and begin to "find and replace" other common letters... replace, for example, every "s" with an asterisk ("*"). Then do the same with "t" and "n" etc. You'll be amazed how quickly you can learn a long passage by heart... don't worry about getting it perfect though. Just get as much of it in your heart and head as you can.]
Does that seem challenging? Here's part of an early copy of Paul's letter. (To learn more go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papyrus_46.) Like this sample, the original Greek New Testament was written in all capital letters, without spaces, punctuation, accents or diacritical marks. It was meant for reading aloud!
www.equalsharing.com
One of the best ways to learn and listen to the Lord is to learn scriptures by heart, and the Lord is inviting us to learn the following this week. It will be a challenge. I'm starting to learn this by heart by using the following guide. It helps to read it out loud. Go to http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1%3A1-20&version=NIV to see what is missing...
C_l_ss__ns 1:1–20 (NIV84)
1 P__l, _n _p_stl_ _f Chr_st J_s_s by th_ w_ll _f G_d,
_nd T_m_thy __r br_th_r,
_nd T_m_thy __r br_th_r,
2 T_ th_ h_ly _nd f__thf_l brethren _n Chr_st _t C_l_ss__:
Gr_c_ _nd p__c_ t_ y__ fr_m G_d __r F_th_r.
3 W_ _lw_ys th_nk G_d, th_ F_th_r _f __r L_rd J_s_s Chr_st, wh_n w_ pr_y f_r y__,
4 b_c__s_ w_ h_v_ h__rd _f y__r f__th _n Chr_st J_s_s _nd _f th_ l_v_ y__ h_v_ f_r _ll th_ s__nts—
5 th_ f__th _nd l_v_ th_t spr_ng fr_m th_ h_p_ th_t _s st_r_d _p f_r y__ _n h__v_n _nd th_t y__ h_v_ _lr__dy h__rd _b__t _n th_ w_rd _f tr_th, th_ g_sp_l 6 th_t h_s c_m_ t_ y__.
_ll
_v_r th_ w_rld th_s g_sp_l _s b__r_ng fr__t _nd
gr_w_ng, j_st _s _t h_s b__n d__ng _m_ng y__ s_nc_
th_ d_y y__ h__rd _t _nd _nd_rst__d G_d’s gr_c_ _n
_ll _ts tr_th.
7 Y__ l__rn_d _t fr_m _p_phr_s, __r d__r f_ll_w
s_rv_nt, wh_ _s _ f__thf_l m_n_st_r _f Chr_st _n __r
b_h_lf, 8 _nd wh_ _ls_ t_ld _s _f y__r l_v_ _n th_ Sp_r_t.
9
F_r th_s r__s_n, s_nc_ th_ d_y w_ h__rd _b__t y__,
w_ h_v_ n_t st_pp_d pr_y_ng f_r y__ _nd _sk_ng G_d
t_ f_ll y__ w_th th_ kn_wl_dg_ _f h_s w_ll thr__gh
_ll sp_r_t__l w_sd_m _nd _nd_rst_nd_ng.
10
_nd w_ pr_y th_s _n _rd_r th_t y__ m_y l_v_ _
l_f_ w_rthy _f th_ L_rd _nd m_y pl__s_ h_m _n
_v_ry w_y: b__r_ng fr__t _n _v_ry g__d w_rk, gr_w_ng
_n th_ kn_wl_dg_ _f G_d, 11 b__ng
str_ngth_n_d w_th _ll p_w_r _cc_rd_ng t_ h_s gl_r___s
m_ght s_ th_t y__ m_y h_v_ gr__t _nd_r_nc_ _nd
p_t__nc_, _nd j_yf_lly 12 g_v_ng th_nks t_
th_ F_th_r, wh_ h_s q__l_f__d y__ t_ sh_r_ _n th_
_nh_r_t_nc_ _f th_ s__nts _n th_ k_ngd_m _f l_ght.
13 F_r h_ h_s r_sc__d _s fr_m th_ d_m_n__n _f d_rkn_ss
_nd br__ght _s _nt_ th_ k_ngd_m _f th_ S_n h_
l_v_s, 14 _n wh_m w_ h_v_ r_d_mpt__n, th_ f_rg_v_n_ss _f s_ns.
15 H_ _s th_ _m_g_ _f th_ _nv_s_bl_ G_d, th_ f_rstb_rn _v_r _ll cr__t__n. 16
F_r by h_m _ll th_ngs w_r_ cr__t_d: th_ngs _n
h__v_n _nd _n __rth, v_s_bl_ _nd _nv_s_bl_, wh_th_r
thr_n_s _r p_w_rs _r r_l_rs _r __th_r_t__s; _ll th_ngs
w_r_ cr__t_d by h_m _nd f_r h_m. 17 H_ _s b_f_r_ _ll th_ngs, _nd _n h_m _ll th_ngs h_ld t_g_th_r. 18
_nd h_ _s th_ h__d _f th_ b_dy, th_ ch_rch; h_
_s th_ b_g_nn_ng _nd th_ f_rstb_rn fr_m _m_ng th_
d__d, s_ th_t _n _v_ryth_ng h_ m_ght h_v_ th_
s_pr_m_cy.
19 F_r G_d w_s pl__s_d t_ h_v_ _ll h_s f_lln_ss dw_ll _n h_m, 20
_nd thr__gh h_m t_ r_c_nc_l_ t_ h_ms_lf _ll th_ngs,
wh_th_r th_ngs _n __rth _r th_ngs _n h__v_n, by
m_k_ng p__c_ thr__gh h_s bl__d, sh_d _n th_ cr_ss.
[Use it together with your Bible to see how much you can guess at. After you have gotten good at reading it without the vowels (out loud), copy the above to a word processor and begin to "find and replace" other common letters... replace, for example, every "s" with an asterisk ("*"). Then do the same with "t" and "n" etc. You'll be amazed how quickly you can learn a long passage by heart... don't worry about getting it perfect though. Just get as much of it in your heart and head as you can.]
Does that seem challenging? Here's part of an early copy of Paul's letter. (To learn more go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papyrus_46.) Like this sample, the original Greek New Testament was written in all capital letters, without spaces, punctuation, accents or diacritical marks. It was meant for reading aloud!
www.equalsharing.com
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Fruitful
It's a beautiful sunshiny day here in Cokato. I'll try again today to get the rest of my garden planted. I tried yesterday but it was still too muddy out there for fruitful work.
Sunshine isn't just here to make me happy. Sunshine is one of the ingredients necessary for life. Whenever we get focused on our feelings, whether it's our happiness or sadness, God would turn us around and say, "It's not about you."
God loves life. God makes human beings to be the earth's masters and caretakers. We have a responsibility that goes beyond ourselves as individuals. Whenever we begin to say that God intends anything for mere pleasure, or any human emotion such as joy or love (as an emotion), God would say "Watch out. Be careful that you don't become self-centered."
As an example of this, see the article from National Public Radio about Big Mouthed Toucans. According to the article, human beings have built more and more homes in the Brazilian
rainforest, and, seeking pleasure in their living situations, humans
have sinfully broken the cycle of life there.
The same has happened around the world. Instead of honoring God's plan that we would be masters and caretakers of all God has given, we have exploited the earth for our own benefit.
Nothing in life is just about me. It's always about others, and, I would say, it's especially about the generations to come. That's why God connects, in scripture, the gift of sunshine with rain, and both as needed, not for good feelings primarily, but about life... and about "bearing fruit," that is, being fruitful and multiplying life.
We human beings are always on the lookout for more and more comfort. Our sinful selves crave more and more pleasure. As one looks out at the devastation that humans have caused on earth, reducing the number of species that God created instead of guarding and protecting them, one can see sin at work. It is so sad.
Nothing in life is really "about me" or my pleasure. Even the most personal and pleasureable things, for example, eating and sex, are guarded by God from being purely self-centered because both have more significant purpose for these activities. Eating is really for sustaining and maintaining life so that I can do what God has called me to do--to be "fruitful" in my work. Eating is not really about making me feel good, even though there is very little that makes us feel more loved and happy than a good meal. We find the same in terms of sex. Feelings of erotic love and the sexual acts are hugely pleasurable, but they have another purpose. Sexual intercourse, as wonderful as it is, is designed by God for begetting children, for being "fruitful."* We can see this as we consider God's purpose in putting strict limits on sexual relations.
Even in these most personal things, we get in trouble when we separate the pleasure from the purpose of "fruitfulness." The same is true when it comes to living for our own comfort in any way. We need to consider this as we, for example, consider turning on our air conditioners this summer. What effect is that having in the wider world? What's my environmental footprint? Will I care about the effects it has on others beyond myself and those I know personally? Or will I allow the Spirit of God to move me to follow Jesus, who lived for others instead of for himself? (Philippians 2:3-5)
I've written this quickly today (and revised it once) and I'm sure there are (still) things that could be sharpened about this post... Let me know what I've missed by commenting below, sending me an email, or by otherwise contacting me. Let's keep the dialog going.
---------------------------------------
*The fact that many sexual acts don't result in children does not make sex's purpose merely self- or couple-centered. For more on this see Why Not?
www.equalsharing.com
Sunshine isn't just here to make me happy. Sunshine is one of the ingredients necessary for life. Whenever we get focused on our feelings, whether it's our happiness or sadness, God would turn us around and say, "It's not about you."
God loves life. God makes human beings to be the earth's masters and caretakers. We have a responsibility that goes beyond ourselves as individuals. Whenever we begin to say that God intends anything for mere pleasure, or any human emotion such as joy or love (as an emotion), God would say "Watch out. Be careful that you don't become self-centered."
The same has happened around the world. Instead of honoring God's plan that we would be masters and caretakers of all God has given, we have exploited the earth for our own benefit.
Nothing in life is just about me. It's always about others, and, I would say, it's especially about the generations to come. That's why God connects, in scripture, the gift of sunshine with rain, and both as needed, not for good feelings primarily, but about life... and about "bearing fruit," that is, being fruitful and multiplying life.
We human beings are always on the lookout for more and more comfort. Our sinful selves crave more and more pleasure. As one looks out at the devastation that humans have caused on earth, reducing the number of species that God created instead of guarding and protecting them, one can see sin at work. It is so sad.
Nothing in life is really "about me" or my pleasure. Even the most personal and pleasureable things, for example, eating and sex, are guarded by God from being purely self-centered because both have more significant purpose for these activities. Eating is really for sustaining and maintaining life so that I can do what God has called me to do--to be "fruitful" in my work. Eating is not really about making me feel good, even though there is very little that makes us feel more loved and happy than a good meal. We find the same in terms of sex. Feelings of erotic love and the sexual acts are hugely pleasurable, but they have another purpose. Sexual intercourse, as wonderful as it is, is designed by God for begetting children, for being "fruitful."* We can see this as we consider God's purpose in putting strict limits on sexual relations.
Even in these most personal things, we get in trouble when we separate the pleasure from the purpose of "fruitfulness." The same is true when it comes to living for our own comfort in any way. We need to consider this as we, for example, consider turning on our air conditioners this summer. What effect is that having in the wider world? What's my environmental footprint? Will I care about the effects it has on others beyond myself and those I know personally? Or will I allow the Spirit of God to move me to follow Jesus, who lived for others instead of for himself? (Philippians 2:3-5)
I've written this quickly today (and revised it once) and I'm sure there are (still) things that could be sharpened about this post... Let me know what I've missed by commenting below, sending me an email, or by otherwise contacting me. Let's keep the dialog going.
---------------------------------------
*The fact that many sexual acts don't result in children does not make sex's purpose merely self- or couple-centered. For more on this see Why Not?
www.equalsharing.com
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Big J little i
I was getting toward the end of my preaching time on Sunday when I pushed the wrong button on the remote. I carry a remote with me when I'm preaching--a remote that controls what we have up on the screen at Crossroads. The remote has four buttons. I duct-taped over one of them so I wouldn't mistakenly push it and, behold, that's what I did. I pushed the "end" button and the slideshow I'd prepared to go with my message ended and there was no way to back up. I felt small. (You can hear the message and the worship service at this link: May 26 worship.)
Here's the slide that came up instead of what I had planned:
Not bad, is it. Not bad to have a call to prayer cut off the message. Not bad especially because the Lord had already impressed on us, by the Apostle Paul's example, the importance of prayer.
Preaching on Colossians 1:9-14, and specifically on verses 9-12 where Paul writes to the the Christian believers in the small town of Colossae and assures them that he and others were continually praying for them, I shared these words that had come to me from the Lord:
How does that work? How is it that simply stopping and talking with God can make such a difference, filling us with his will, giving us wisdom and understanding from the Holy Spirit, moving us toward a life worthy of the Lord that pleases him in every way?
How does that work?
It works because of JESUS!
This coming Sunday, on June 2, we'll focus on verses 15-19, where the Lord gives us this description of Jesus:
www.equalsharing.com
Here's the slide that came up instead of what I had planned:
Preaching on Colossians 1:9-14, and specifically on verses 9-12 where Paul writes to the the Christian believers in the small town of Colossae and assures them that he and others were continually praying for them, I shared these words that had come to me from the Lord:
...we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.On Sunday then we stopped and prayed--for 5 minutes.
How does that work? How is it that simply stopping and talking with God can make such a difference, filling us with his will, giving us wisdom and understanding from the Holy Spirit, moving us toward a life worthy of the Lord that pleases him in every way?
How does that work?
It works because of JESUS!
This coming Sunday, on June 2, we'll focus on verses 15-19, where the Lord gives us this description of Jesus:
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him...Prayer, that is, speaking with Jesus, the Big J, and listening to him speak to us, makes all the difference in the world. He's big enough to do it all. We'll share more of this on Sunday.
www.equalsharing.com
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Sunny Day for Youth
So today school was two hours late. They say there was fog. Not near us. I guess it was way out Litchfield way. Because of the fog our scheduled first grade field trip was shortened. Instead of driving to St. Paul's Children's Museum we ended up at Baker Park. And it was a beautiful day to be outdoors!
Last night at prayer we brought to the Lord many praises and concerns; and then, in a lighthearted sort of way, one of our prayer warriors just asked the Lord to provide a day of sun. She knew He could, and He did. We are thankful.
Tonight we have our final scheduled Wednesday evening youth meeting of the spring. They're on their way to Brooks Lake park for a cookout. I am so thankful for Ann Benson & Mark Koller, our key "up front" leaders, for Toni Thorson, Mary Kay Morris and Catherine Young (always here, always helpful), for kitchen leaders Libby Bayuk & Nancy Buschel (and recent addition Allan Sorenson). Ann says that we'll be having some occasional youth events this summer--we'll keep you updated at church, by email and on our church website.
Earlier this month I sent in application forms that some of our youth have turned in in advance of the "Urban Ventures" mission trip with North Heights Lutheran Church. We're still waiting for a couple more to be turned in. I've written to the North Heights youth leader checking to see for sure if the tardy applications can be accepted. I was told earlier that one or two more wouldn't be a problem so hopefully that is still the case. The pre-trip meeting at North Heights is this coming Sunday, June 2. The trip is late July. More at crossroadscokato.com/july-urban-ventures-trip.
In a few minutes I'll be heading out to the high school "performing arts center" for the 2013 Dassel-Cokato Baccalaureate service. This service is sponsored by the Dassel-Cokato pastors--not by the school. It's always a good event.
I'm sure there's more I could write, but time to go!
www.equalsharing.com
Last night at prayer we brought to the Lord many praises and concerns; and then, in a lighthearted sort of way, one of our prayer warriors just asked the Lord to provide a day of sun. She knew He could, and He did. We are thankful.
Tonight we have our final scheduled Wednesday evening youth meeting of the spring. They're on their way to Brooks Lake park for a cookout. I am so thankful for Ann Benson & Mark Koller, our key "up front" leaders, for Toni Thorson, Mary Kay Morris and Catherine Young (always here, always helpful), for kitchen leaders Libby Bayuk & Nancy Buschel (and recent addition Allan Sorenson). Ann says that we'll be having some occasional youth events this summer--we'll keep you updated at church, by email and on our church website.
Earlier this month I sent in application forms that some of our youth have turned in in advance of the "Urban Ventures" mission trip with North Heights Lutheran Church. We're still waiting for a couple more to be turned in. I've written to the North Heights youth leader checking to see for sure if the tardy applications can be accepted. I was told earlier that one or two more wouldn't be a problem so hopefully that is still the case. The pre-trip meeting at North Heights is this coming Sunday, June 2. The trip is late July. More at crossroadscokato.com/july-urban-ventures-trip.
In a few minutes I'll be heading out to the high school "performing arts center" for the 2013 Dassel-Cokato Baccalaureate service. This service is sponsored by the Dassel-Cokato pastors--not by the school. It's always a good event.
I'm sure there's more I could write, but time to go!
www.equalsharing.com
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Tuesday morning note
We just came off an excellent day and a half down in New Ulm. Toni and I enjoyed Sunday night in a bed and breakfast and did some wandering in and around that historically German city. Now we're back to the life God has given us here in the Cokato area. I had my school bus run as usual this morning and Toni is at the drug store--another part-time job that she picked up last fall to supplement our income. We're continuing to help two of our grown "kids" with paying on their college loans while doing what we can to assist our youngest who will be entering his senior year at North Central University this fall.
There are so many blessings. I continue to trust that we are following the Lord's call as we are surrendered to Him in every area of our lives. I am thankful for prayers such as the one we shared at Crossroads this past Sunday:
www.equalsharing.com
There are so many blessings. I continue to trust that we are following the Lord's call as we are surrendered to Him in every area of our lives. I am thankful for prayers such as the one we shared at Crossroads this past Sunday:
We have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding... so you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work... (Colossians 1:10)Like everyone who may read or stumble upon this particular piece that I'm writing on this misty Tuesday morning, I am in need of people to pray for me just as Paul prayed those words for the Christian believers in the small town of Colossae. I am in need of the Lord's continual correction. I need to be continually growing in the knowledge of God. Please pray for me. Please ask me to pray for you.
www.equalsharing.com
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Hard Work
I'm working in the mud of the garden today, trying to get seeds planted before Memorial Day. The roto-tiller gained 20 pounds in the process, and I need to get back out there and finish this project before it rains once again.
As I work, I'm listening to some podcasts that have to do with homosexuality. I've done some reading again lately and am more sure than ever that this is a key issue. It is a key issue for many reasons, but partly because we need to be led in this, as well as in all other areas of life, by God's Word and not by our feelings.
This isn't a subject I enjoy discussing or debating. But, like working the garden, it needs to be done if we're going to have a good harvest in the end.
Yesterday I was listening to two interviews with Robert Gagnon, interviews that were done last year by Tony Reinke who works for John Piper's Ministry Desiring God. You'll find them below.
Today I've been listening to Tony's interview of Rosaria Champagne Butterfield--it's worth a lesson as she tells her story and shares insights from scripture. A certain part really caught my attention. Dr. Butterfield said:
---------------------------------
Here is a link to the recorded interviews with Robert Gagnon (posted October 30, 2012)--a scholar who has done very important work in this area, and below you'll find Tony Reinke's introduction and a summary of the points of the interviews. They are worth your time.
Tony Reinke writes:
"In modern cultures like America, every Christian is faced with the problem of homosexuality. Churches are pulled into the tension, too, because 'there is no demilitarized zone in the homosexual debate.'
"Shrugging isn’t an option. The implications are all around us, in schools, in politics, in denominational tensions, and — maybe most importantly — in determining how the Church lives out her faithful witness to a culture in desperate need of Christ.
"With the marriage amendment on the Minnesota ballot [in the fall of 2012], and with a growing list of personal questions in my Moleskine notebook, I contacted Dr. Robert Gagnon, a professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and a man who has for many years bravely addressed homosexuality from a biblical and theological perspective. In 2002 he published the 500-page book The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics. A decade later his work remains the most thoroughly exegetical and hermeneutical book on homosexuality and the Bible (John Piper).
"I put Dr. Gagnon on the line, peppered him with a dozen questions, and he kindly responded to each of them. The result is what I now get to share with you as episodes three and four in the Authors on the Line podcast series (iTunes).
Below are individual links to each recorded interview (podcasts) and a Tony Reinke's list of the questions considered in each:
The Church in a Homosexual Culture: An Interview with Robert Gagnon (32 minutes)
Going back to what Dr. Butterfield said about being available for questions and not being "squeamish" about what anyone may ask, part of being "not squeamish" means being well informed. Listen to these interviews or read what she or Dr. Gagnon have written, and then let the Word of God go to work. Be brave. And then be hospitable to those who disagree.
www.equalsharing.com
As I work, I'm listening to some podcasts that have to do with homosexuality. I've done some reading again lately and am more sure than ever that this is a key issue. It is a key issue for many reasons, but partly because we need to be led in this, as well as in all other areas of life, by God's Word and not by our feelings.
This isn't a subject I enjoy discussing or debating. But, like working the garden, it needs to be done if we're going to have a good harvest in the end.
Yesterday I was listening to two interviews with Robert Gagnon, interviews that were done last year by Tony Reinke who works for John Piper's Ministry Desiring God. You'll find them below.
Today I've been listening to Tony's interview of Rosaria Champagne Butterfield--it's worth a lesson as she tells her story and shares insights from scripture. A certain part really caught my attention. Dr. Butterfield said:
It struck me as I was reading the Bible that God says, quite clearly, that anyone who is going to be a Christian has to give everything up. Not just the easy things. Christianity isn't for people who just like to be a little cleaned up on the on the surface. And so, I don't know what my Christian friends might think of this, but I think it's important that anyone outside of the church feel invited and welcomed to ask any question of anyone who claims to know Christ, that no Christian should behave in squeamishness.Oh that we would all share that kind of hospitality with all, including those who experience same-sex sexual attractions! Tony Reinke's second interview with Dr. Butterfield, all about hospitality, can be found at this link: Hospitality On A Mission.
I also think it's really important that the church reach out to the gay and lesbian community. We the church... (I've been in both communities and I have to tell you which "we")... We the church... I think we have a delusion that we have been witnessing faithfully for years and years, the gay and lesbian community has not responded and therefore there is something hardened about that sin and we just need to move on. I think the reality is that the Bible-believing Christian church has indeed sinned against the GLBT community by failing to share the gospel in love and in some ways failing to do what Ken Smith did to me--Ken practiced what is called "hospitality." ...And hospitality is inviting the stranger in. [Ken Smith was the pastor who was instrumental in bringing Dr. Butterfield to Christ.]
---------------------------------
Here is a link to the recorded interviews with Robert Gagnon (posted October 30, 2012)--a scholar who has done very important work in this area, and below you'll find Tony Reinke's introduction and a summary of the points of the interviews. They are worth your time.
Tony Reinke writes:
"In modern cultures like America, every Christian is faced with the problem of homosexuality. Churches are pulled into the tension, too, because 'there is no demilitarized zone in the homosexual debate.'
"Shrugging isn’t an option. The implications are all around us, in schools, in politics, in denominational tensions, and — maybe most importantly — in determining how the Church lives out her faithful witness to a culture in desperate need of Christ.
"With the marriage amendment on the Minnesota ballot [in the fall of 2012], and with a growing list of personal questions in my Moleskine notebook, I contacted Dr. Robert Gagnon, a professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and a man who has for many years bravely addressed homosexuality from a biblical and theological perspective. In 2002 he published the 500-page book The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics. A decade later his work remains the most thoroughly exegetical and hermeneutical book on homosexuality and the Bible (John Piper).
"I put Dr. Gagnon on the line, peppered him with a dozen questions, and he kindly responded to each of them. The result is what I now get to share with you as episodes three and four in the Authors on the Line podcast series (iTunes).
Below are individual links to each recorded interview (podcasts) and a Tony Reinke's list of the questions considered in each:
The Church in a Homosexual Culture: An Interview with Robert Gagnon (32 minutes)
- What are the biblical and the structural prerequisites for a sexual union that magnifies God and honors his created design?
- From that, what constitutes sinful sexual practices?
- Does the Bible say anything about gender reassignment surgery?
- Is homosexuality a modern phenomenon? Just how pervasive was homosexuality in the Greco-Roman world of the Apostle Paul?
- By voting yes to the Minnesota Marriage Amendment, are Christians oppressing the freedoms of the gay and lesbian community? Why or why not?
- What advice do you have for churches seeking to preach against the sin of homosexuality, and make sure the church doors are wide open and welcoming to all those in the homosexual community?
- What role does the Church play in demythologizing sexuality in modern culture?
- In the life of a professing Christian, what makes homosexual practice “an act of unbelief”?
- Should we be okay with a professing believer who self-identifies as “a celibate gay Christian”?
- What advice do you have for Christian parents who are fearful that their children will experience same-sex attraction in the teen years?
- What are churches doing well in engaging those who struggle with same-sex attraction? What are churches doing poorly?
- What guiding principles will help us to love and reach out to our homosexual neighbors?
Going back to what Dr. Butterfield said about being available for questions and not being "squeamish" about what anyone may ask, part of being "not squeamish" means being well informed. Listen to these interviews or read what she or Dr. Gagnon have written, and then let the Word of God go to work. Be brave. And then be hospitable to those who disagree.
www.equalsharing.com
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