"The problem with the world is me. The problem is the fact that I do not acknowledge the supremacy of Christ in truth. The problem is that I start with myself as the measure of all things. I judge God based upon how well he carries out my agenda for the world, and I believe in the supremacy of me in truth. As a result, I want a God who is omnipotent but not sovereign. If I have a God who is omnipotent but not sovereign, I can wield his power. But if my God is both omnipotent and sovereign, I am at his mercy."
- Voddie Baucham, Jr., "Chapter 2: Truth and the Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World", The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World, ed. John Piper and Justin Taylor
Thoughts
I've started reading the book, The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World, it has been very challenging and thought provoking. If you want to read the book, you can download it in PDF form HERE. I'm still processing my thoughts around these concepts: it is very philosophical and, frankly, I feel like shutting the mind down sometimes.
However, one of the themes that I have been dwelling upon is the true philosophical nature of the postmodern world that we live in today. For Christians to be truly effective messengers of the Gospel, it will take understanding the philosophical roots and the many manifestations of the modern postmodern mindset. Its not JUST about the abandonment of objective truth and a sort of "kumbaya," "embrace everyone" culture. It is also about what REPLACES objective truth and reason. Ultimately, it is the embrace of subjectivity. Subjectivity in finding "the answers" within yourself, through your own thought processes, your own values. Because everyone's processes and values are different, a different truth.
We have to ask ourselves, how does this mindset affect views of God? How does it affect views of man? How does it affect how this world is to be fixed? These are deep issues, but ones that must be addressed.
It is alarming that this mindset is subtley (or not so subtley) creeping into the modern evangelical Christian culture (more on that later). The truth battle must not only be fought outside the four walls of the church, but on the pulpit, pews, and meeting rooms within.
We know that postmodern subjectivity cannot be the answer. God IS the Truth. He mas made it clear that we know the truth, if we know Him. God is a God of reason, and reason is connected to knowing the truth. He has made man in His own image with the capacity for reason (As a note, when talking about reason, I am referring to man's capacity to deductively or inductively determine truth, not "intelligence."). We can know the truth, and be certain that it is not just "our truth," but THE truth.
Verse of the Day:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.
- John 1:1-3
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
I Confess...NOTHING!
One thing that is a bit of a pet peeve of mine is the shallowness of "Christian accountability."
"Wow...what a statement?" "How can you say that?" "You like doing your own thing?"
Now...this is what I mean.
I am not a fan of the common idea of Christian accountability. What I think of most often is when people get together, sit around in a circle, and subsequently confessing how they skipped one day of reading the Bible. Or...going into painstaking detail on how they have "only" prayed an hour total this week. I'd qualify these critiques by saying that I do believe that we can have a REAL, TANGIBLE role in helping each other in our "spiritual disciplines." However, what I CANNOT accept is the fact that so often times, we leave our "spiritual accountability" at only that surface level. As if giving account of the aggregate prayer and Bible reading times should suffice in answering the question, "so how are you doing spiritually?"
I read this article from Christianity Today about the lack of "confession" in today's modern church context. It is can be applied to relationships we share with other people. Maybe its because we do not feel "comfortable" with one another. Maybe its because we do not see the need to do so. Who knows? I do agree with the thesis of this article that confession, before God and others, is not a big enough part of our spiritual lives. To confess, and to be able to share in the praises of fellow brothers and sisters in the forgiveness they found and the grace that we have from our God.
To share with one another our struggles in the ACTUAL LIVING of day to day life (in other words, not just limited to devotions or prayer life or church life) is something that not only lifts up the one who is sharing, but the hearer as well. It helps us appreciate the Gospel and fuels our spiritual growth. In neglecting to seek this kind of fellowship, modern Christians - from the most conservative to most liberal, from the youngest to the old - are stunted in a real way in their growth. I really love this line,
"We simply do not know the gospel unless we come to terms with our sin; even though we are "in Christ" and no longer under condemnation, real spiritual growth demands that we learn what it means to be healed."
As much as we find reading the Bible and Prayer to be important, the act of sharing with fellow brothers and sisters is likewise essential. Our Christian life is meant to be lived in COMMUNITY, and open, honest, communication is the lifeblood of growing a true spiritual relationship that is the foundation for such community. We not only share our STRUGGLES but our PRAISES as well. Not only focusing on how WE have FAILED, but how GOD has had success. But even in our failures, we can grow to appreciate and to behold the VICTORY of GOD over sin, and the sovereignty of God over our lives.
Verses of the Day:
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
- Galatians 6:1-6
"Wow...what a statement?" "How can you say that?" "You like doing your own thing?"
Now...this is what I mean.
I am not a fan of the common idea of Christian accountability. What I think of most often is when people get together, sit around in a circle, and subsequently confessing how they skipped one day of reading the Bible. Or...going into painstaking detail on how they have "only" prayed an hour total this week. I'd qualify these critiques by saying that I do believe that we can have a REAL, TANGIBLE role in helping each other in our "spiritual disciplines." However, what I CANNOT accept is the fact that so often times, we leave our "spiritual accountability" at only that surface level. As if giving account of the aggregate prayer and Bible reading times should suffice in answering the question, "so how are you doing spiritually?"
I read this article from Christianity Today about the lack of "confession" in today's modern church context. It is can be applied to relationships we share with other people. Maybe its because we do not feel "comfortable" with one another. Maybe its because we do not see the need to do so. Who knows? I do agree with the thesis of this article that confession, before God and others, is not a big enough part of our spiritual lives. To confess, and to be able to share in the praises of fellow brothers and sisters in the forgiveness they found and the grace that we have from our God.
To share with one another our struggles in the ACTUAL LIVING of day to day life (in other words, not just limited to devotions or prayer life or church life) is something that not only lifts up the one who is sharing, but the hearer as well. It helps us appreciate the Gospel and fuels our spiritual growth. In neglecting to seek this kind of fellowship, modern Christians - from the most conservative to most liberal, from the youngest to the old - are stunted in a real way in their growth. I really love this line,
"We simply do not know the gospel unless we come to terms with our sin; even though we are "in Christ" and no longer under condemnation, real spiritual growth demands that we learn what it means to be healed."
As much as we find reading the Bible and Prayer to be important, the act of sharing with fellow brothers and sisters is likewise essential. Our Christian life is meant to be lived in COMMUNITY, and open, honest, communication is the lifeblood of growing a true spiritual relationship that is the foundation for such community. We not only share our STRUGGLES but our PRAISES as well. Not only focusing on how WE have FAILED, but how GOD has had success. But even in our failures, we can grow to appreciate and to behold the VICTORY of GOD over sin, and the sovereignty of God over our lives.
Verses of the Day:
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
- Galatians 6:1-6
Monday, January 19, 2009
History is HIS (meaning God's) story
Tomorrow is the inauguration of our 44th President Barack Obama. The new president carries the expectations of millions of Americans seeking change. He is riding a wave of optimism and idealism in a country desperate for a reason to hope. The ascendency of a black man to the most powerful office the world holds special significance given the long and terrible history of racism in this country: through slavery to Jim Crow to the Civil Rights movement, and even through today. When he takes that oath, Barack Obama represents a new page being turned in the American narrative, a new chapter in a story being written now.
Despite the political and policy differences, I think that Obama has a chance to be great. He has a the opportunity to achieve great things in a moment of crisis in American history. Winning a landslide election, he will wield great power and rule with a strong mandate. He has the intellect and political intuition to govern in a popular, centrist, and judicious way. He understands that despite the historic nature of his election, he must tackle real problems immediately.
For all the things that President Obama has going for him, he must remember his place in history, and maintain the humility to continue to seek for wisdom and guidance from a source from above. I am greatly encouraged to read that he is seeking a church home in Washington. Visiting Nineteenth Street Baptist Church (which is actually on 16th St., for you Washington area residents), soon to be President Obama received a special message from Pastor Derrick Harkins.
Pastor Harkins used the story of Esther to encourage the President-elect to recognize the special position he is in and to encourage him to be like Esther who had the attitude of seeking to do God's work, even at potential the cost of her life.
I just love the book of Esther. It holds particular significance in our time, as Christians have the temptation to retreat further and further from the "culture" of society. Esther 4:14-16 says
(Mordecai speaking)
14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."
God's work will be done, whether we are on board or not. It is our unique privilege to use what we have been given in our gifts, profession, and position in this world for His glory. As we look forward to a new President, I hope and pray that Barack Obama will heed these words and recognize the special position he is in. I hope that he will seek justice and love mercy. To use his intellect and to seek the wisdom of God. Barack Obama carries responsiblity for leading and the burden of a nation with many problems. Let us pray he will have the strength and wisdom to be a good steward with the opportunity he has been given.
** UPDATED 1/23/09**
Some thoughts on the inauguration prayers by some prominent Christian thinkers
AMEN to this prayer for President Obama!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Rock On?
I read this story from the Washington Post.
Now, I'm not trying to make any judgment in regards to culture, or the justice of corporate punishment. One thing I don't get: If adultery is so serious, that you would stone someone to death over it, why would you give someone the opportunity to escape?
Now, I'm not trying to make any judgment in regards to culture, or the justice of corporate punishment. One thing I don't get: If adultery is so serious, that you would stone someone to death over it, why would you give someone the opportunity to escape?
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Resolved: 2009
Traditionally, I have never been very big on New Years Resolutions. I think that often times, coming up with these resolutions is an invitation to failure. It frames our minds to thinking what is a "successful" or "good" year. Life is not so easily predicted. A lot can change throughout the course of the year. What we may have wanted to accomplish at the beginning of the year may not be relevant at the middle or at the end. If we entered a year without any expectations in life, at the end, we can have true clarity as to what has been accomplished and how we have been blessed, rather than focusing on how we did not fulfill our resolutions.
In many ways, I still believe in the weaknesses of making resolutions. But in deeper reflection, I think the reason why I believe that these problems exists are that the "resolutions" we make are not resolutions at all. They are merely goals - things like, "I will lose 20 pounds" or "I will learn a new hobby." When I think of "resolution" its something more deeper than that. I like this definition of resolution: a formal expression of opinion or will. It's a statement of our true desire. Something that we TRULY want and will work hard for, and sacrifice for. Not something we can say flippantly or easily, but things that we will change our lives to achieve.
So here are my goals/resolutions for 2009 (It was too tempting NOT to put some goals in there, once I got to thinking about these things):
1. Read the New Testament and a To be Determined Chunk of the Old Testament
2. Finish five "Christian" books
3. Write in this blog at least 2 times a week to reflect spiritually
4. Refine my style in my personal Bible Study and as a Bible Study Leader to be more consistently: 1. Relevant/Relatable; 2. Engaging (Mentally and Spiritually); 3. Patient; 4. God-Centered; 5. Gospel-Centered
5. Grow in Christian character, particularly in the areas of: 1. Compassion; 2. Observable love to others; 3. Being "joyful" in the Lord; 4. Humility.
6. Re-kindle old friendships gone stagnant
7. Grow in Spiritual Friendship with others - to encourage more and to be encouraged
8. Develop new friendships through personal, academic, and professional interests
9. Be satisfied in God in everything
10. Stop being such a “hater” (having a less critical spirit)
11. Having a greater heart of obedience to God’s commands and ACTUALLY obeying them more
12. Be more aggressive and opportunistic in finding opportunities to share the Gospel
13. Truly do everything “unto the Glory of God”
In many ways, I still believe in the weaknesses of making resolutions. But in deeper reflection, I think the reason why I believe that these problems exists are that the "resolutions" we make are not resolutions at all. They are merely goals - things like, "I will lose 20 pounds" or "I will learn a new hobby." When I think of "resolution" its something more deeper than that. I like this definition of resolution: a formal expression of opinion or will. It's a statement of our true desire. Something that we TRULY want and will work hard for, and sacrifice for. Not something we can say flippantly or easily, but things that we will change our lives to achieve.
So here are my goals/resolutions for 2009 (It was too tempting NOT to put some goals in there, once I got to thinking about these things):
1. Read the New Testament and a To be Determined Chunk of the Old Testament
2. Finish five "Christian" books
3. Write in this blog at least 2 times a week to reflect spiritually
4. Refine my style in my personal Bible Study and as a Bible Study Leader to be more consistently: 1. Relevant/Relatable; 2. Engaging (Mentally and Spiritually); 3. Patient; 4. God-Centered; 5. Gospel-Centered
5. Grow in Christian character, particularly in the areas of: 1. Compassion; 2. Observable love to others; 3. Being "joyful" in the Lord; 4. Humility.
6. Re-kindle old friendships gone stagnant
7. Grow in Spiritual Friendship with others - to encourage more and to be encouraged
8. Develop new friendships through personal, academic, and professional interests
9. Be satisfied in God in everything
10. Stop being such a “hater” (having a less critical spirit)
11. Having a greater heart of obedience to God’s commands and ACTUALLY obeying them more
12. Be more aggressive and opportunistic in finding opportunities to share the Gospel
13. Truly do everything “unto the Glory of God”
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