Archives For Gospel

Forgiveness

March 7, 2012 — Leave a comment

…forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4.32

The believers in Ephesus are reminded of Christ’s teaching to forgive and recieve forgiveness. In the Gospels it is framed as being conditional. If we don’t forgive we will not receive forgiveness; if we do forgive, we receive forgiveness. The writer frames this another way, the God who forgave us in Christ allows us to forgive each other. The forgiveness of God is complete(d) in Christ. We need to fully enter into it, walk it out, participate in it.

On this side of the cross of Christ, the forgiveness of God is complete and completed. “It is finished!” I can’t earn that forgiveness, I can only receive it. In receiving that forgiveness in Christ, I get to participate in it and extend it to others. For whatever wrongs or perceived wrongs, I can extend grace by forgiving.

Extending that forgiveness is not always an easy task. The memories of our hurts are not easily forgotten. The damage done by others comes to readily to mind. We may never forget, but we can forgive by giving what we have received. That forgiveness will change us and by the grace of God, we can receive healing and restoration of our relationships. Just as Christ stands between us and God, Christ also stands between each of us, reconciling brothers and sisters.

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Life as a Work of Art

August 15, 2011 — Leave a comment

“The enemies of the church seek to turn it aside its own way, in order to make it follow their way; the moment it yields it becomes the plaything of the forces of the world. It is given up to its adversaries.” – J. Ellul

‎”…remember that the meaning of life is to live it as if it were a work of art.” – A. Heschel

I came across these quotes today as I was reading. The first comes at the end of Ellul’s The Presence of the Kingdom. The second was quoted by Rob Bell in his book, Drops Like Stars. Both of these quotes can offer a new way of seeing both the church and the life one lives with the Body of Christ.

Ellul’s book is older than I am (at least the French version). Though he does not provide a detailed exposition, theologically or otherwise, regarding the Kingdom of God, the conclusion in which the above is found addresses tendencies within the church that have not aboted in 40 years time. His concern is that of teh church adopting the ways of the world be they Marxism, socialism, capitalism or any other -ism. This adopting of technical methods leads to teh church becoming nothing more than another social movement. Though the church is in the world and in history, her origin and destiny is eternal. The issue for the church in the present age is how to proclaim the Gospel when most of humanity does not care. His challenge is for the church to return to and find her way. In this struggle, much like Jacob’s wrestling, the church can discover two things. First, a style of living in the world, that engages teh world and also challenges the ways of the world. The second is working to provide a place/space in which the Gospel can be heard by the world today. He calls for revolution that transcends any tmporal revolution. A revolution of heart, mind and community that can only come through the work of the Holy Spirit.

The second quote, by Abraham Heschel, can be a jumping off point for creating such a space for a Gospel hearing. Though the quote refers to how one lives life, how would this look for those living together in Christian community, in the church? A few things come to mind but I’m open to further suggestions. Freedom is needed to allow the creatives in the church to pursue such ends. Like the blank page or canvas they face, such freedom is frightening because of the responsibility that come with it but it is also liberating when the creative work begins. Likewise openness is needed in supporting those pursuing such work. A space is needed for such pursuits without fear of judgment or cries of heresy or even worse, the expectation of overly literal (Biblical)  interpretations imposed on the work. My final point, though surely not the last, is the need to embrace the reality of the world. We live in a world filled with both goodness and pain, joy and horror. This is the source material for the artist, the life lived in the midst of joy and pain. The art that draws from the reality of the world will in some way reflect, enhance or challenge that reality. If we are the poetry crafted by God, can we not embrace the transcendent while embracing the world? If Jesus came to the world in love and reconciliation, why do we seek to avoid the world?

 

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Judgment and Obedience

August 5, 2011 — Leave a comment

1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. Romans 13.1-5 (NIV)

Rebellion brings both long- and short-term judgment. The terror of the rulers is against the wrongdoer. In that, they act as God’s servants for the good of all. The problem arises when you do the will of God and are punished as if you are a wrongdoer. This is the problem Jesus and the apostles faced. What takes priority: the will of God or the will of men?

God has established authority of government so opposition to government is bad, right? For those seeking a violent overthrow of government, expect violent opposition. Replacing those in charge with a different head of state will bring little lasting change. In addition, those seeking power are subject to the same power scheme as those who are being overthrown. The powers that be will always have their interests in mind. The violence of the system turns you into that which you seek to overthrow. So can change come in a different way?

For the faithful, only one option is viable, obedience to the will of God. In the Roman Empire, declaring anyone other than Caesar as lord was punishable by death. The Christian proclamation of Jesus is Lord brought the judgment of Empire. So what is Paul saying? Maybe it’s something along the lines of obey earthly laws until they come into opposition to the will of God. No question should arise for laws preserving life and property. If you kill or steal, expect punishment. Maybe it’s exceed the letter of the law in love of God and neighbor. In so doing, you will expose the nature of the powers when they bring wrath against you. Or maybe it’s, we live in a different realm and the will of the Ruler provides a contrasting and counter way of living, in love and service.

Many of God’s holy ones, past and present, have lost their life by obeying God rather than men. That is the ultimate meaning of being a witness. Death reveals the martyr or the one bearing witness to the living God. So, obey the laws of the land. If the law prohibits doing the will of God, obey God. In the process, don’t justify killing abortionists or those of other religions as ‘the will of God.’ The law is against you and by implication so is God. Likewise, if you oppose the government just for the sake of opposing its authority, this too is problematic. Speak the truth to power, then return to loving God and neighbor. If you proclaim the Gospel, help widows, orphans and the poor, and as a result, punishment comes from the powers, then you will expose the beastly nature of those in power.

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