FROLF

"I live to frolf!" Andy Bernard, The Office.

I have a friend at work who introduced me to Disc Golf. It is played like golf, except that instead of a ball and clubs, you throw a disc...and instead of a hole, you aim for a raised basket. At first impression, all I did was mock my friend incessantly. Disc golf...who does that??? 

After playing with him, I figured out that he was on to something. The game has many of the enjoyable elements of golf: par scoring, drives, putts, camaraderie, and the great outdoors. It is also a fraction of the price. For the price of 18 holes at a local golf course, I can buy a season pass of disc golf, good for an entire year. Instead of expensive golf clubs, I bought two discs, one for driving and one for putting (the hardcore guys have a bag full of 20). Instead of searching for a small white ball in the woods, I search for a large flat, brightly colored disc. Oh, and the best part, when I am tempted to get angry at a bad throw, I just remind myself, Nick you are chucking a UFO-shaped piece of plastic into the woods, then I laugh myself back into mental health.

Let's recap...

Equipment costs: Marginal

Green fees: Minimal

Stress Level: Minuscule 

This is a Win-Win-Win.

Even better, I have discovered another way to get to know people. I often wrestle with evangelism and I am much more suited at preaching the gospel on a platform than one-on-one outside of a church building, but I am a firm believer in organic relationship.

Disc golf is just another way I can connect with people, in and out of the church. After all, Jesus calls us to be in the world. 

So, what is your means of connecting with people? 


Sunday afternoon football party?
Play dates?
Cookouts?
Going out to dinner?
Helping someone move?
Encouraging card/email/gift?
Being available to listen more than talk?


There are a host of ways to reach people, and only two ingredients are necessary:


Time.
Genuine Care.


Who will you connect with today?

(It's official. I have just told the world I play disc golf...wow.)

Get Dirty in Gym Class!

Gym class. Arguably the easiest "A" in high school comes from gym class. Why? Because in most schools there are only two requirements for an "A":

1.) Dress out.
2.) Participate.
(There are even some schools that omit number 1.)

That's all! You don't have to be good at sports or win any games, just show some effort. Do some push ups. Get your chin over a bar. Run a lap. Easy. (If you need some motivation, here's a freebie...)

However, there is a fear among some students that keeps them sidelined. There is a negative expectation that turns an easy "A" into an "F". A BEAST so dreadful that it's very name raises a groan from the belly of the gym class challenged...

That's right. I'm talking about a fear of...SWEAT!

and dirt,
and foul odors,
and disheveled hair,
and chafing!

For some, these words create panic and pandemonium. But it's part of the territory. To succeed in gym class, you have to get a little dirty.

Ministry works the same way. People come in with their hurts, offenses, problems, bad relationships, addictions, questions, doubts, fears...and they are messy! The temptation for leaders is to say, This person is beyond me!

Did you see what she said on Facebook?
Did you hear him talking about his weekend?
He wants to serve in the Children's Ministry???
What a mess...

When Jesus sent out his disciples to share the good news about his purpose, he told them that if they weren't listened to, then they should shake the dust off of their feet. When you are walking out the purposes of Christ, your feet will get dirty. The dust off of people's lives will accumulate on you. That's okay.

It's actually one of the perks.

Other people's dirt on you means you are willing to walk right into someone's situation and help them walk through it. It does not mean you have every answer, but it does mean that you earn the opportunity to point them to the answer - Jesus Christ.

That's ministry.

The Bible says that Jesus cleanses the church by the washing with water through the word. Let Jesus wash the situation by the Word and by His Spirit.

Without sin, there is no room for redemption. Without hurt, there is no avenue for reconciliation. Without fear, there is no space for bravery. Without YOU to stand with and guide people through the challenges of life, there are people aimlessly wandering, searching for someone to help them. So, the next time you recieve that call, or see that Tweet that causes you to cringe at the thought of how much "clean-up" time 140 characters creates, remember the best way to change a life is to be willing to get dirty.

Still Small Voice...



Christmas 2010



These are my kids.


Look at them.


Aren't they ridiculously cute?!!?


It's okay. I'm a dad. I can brag about them. One day they'll be old enough to read this and I want them to know that I brag about them.

My daughter loves to dance. She will play music on her CD player (yes, we still have one), or demo music on her electronic keyboard, and put on little shows for us.

(sigh) Precious.

My son is what my wife calls a "chunk of love". I was laying on the couch with him the other evening. It was quiet. Mom and daughter had gone out. He had a pacifier in his mouth, but I could here him rehearsing in a soft voice.

He was saying, "Da-da-da-da". He kept repeating it.

So soft. So sweet.

It touched my heart.

It reminds me of 1 Kings 19. Here God touches a man's heart.

Elijah, a prophet of God, is shook. After absolutely decimating the prophets of a false god, reminding the King of Israel there is only one true God, and essentially spitting in the face of the Queen, Elijah is fleeing for his life! Why? Queen Jezebel ordered a hit.

Elijah fled until he found cover in a mountain, awaiting guidance from God.

While he lingered there, a great wind arose and tore into the mountain, shattering rocks, and leveling trees, but God was not in the wind.
An earthquake shook the foundations where Elijah stood, raining rocks and dirt upon him, but God was not in the earthquake.
A great fire sparked, (I like to imagine it was like Ryu's "Hadouken" from Street Fighter), but God was not in the fire.

Where was God???

The church loves big displays of God: powerful evangelistic outreaches, intimate worship experiences, engaging teaching, and ridiculously big fun...well, if you go to my church, anyway. God loves these too, but sometimes the most impacting moments with God are the often elusive, quickly passing moments of stillness.

and after the fire, a still small voice (verse 12). The NIV calls it "a gentle whisper".


Simple. Profound. It wasn't to get Elijah's attention; Elijah had to be paying attention to hear it.

So the real question isn't where was God, but where was Elijah?

God's voice is sweet to our ears; a "Da-da-da" that ignites our hearts, rejuvenates our resolve, and winds the crank of our grace. Be still before God, and the other big, explosive moments will gain even greater perspective and value.

I love my kids.

God loves his kids too. That's why he is speaking to us...

Rivers

I shared this message June 25, 2011 at The City Life Church in Newport News, VA.

2 SOULS

Several months ago, I was part of a leadership life-group at my church and we read through a book called The Empowered Leader.

I returned to the book recently to read the last chapter and there was a quote that struck me. The author, Calvin Miller, stated, "We who believe are an odd mixture of sin and supplication."

Sin,
AND
Supplication.

Now if I learned anything from studying the Bible at a Christian University, I learned this: context is everything. To this point, Miller has been discussing King David's blatant hypocrisy in his adulterous affair with Bathsheba--that led to the homicide of her husband Uriah 2 Samuel 11. That would be the "sin" aspect of his quotation, but the striking part of David's story is the other half of Miller's statement: the supplication.

The Bible is not direct in answering, but the questions must be asked:


Did David still continue to pray and worship while blatantly living in sin? 

Is it possible to actively posture worship before God, while sin is lurking in the heart, and still genuinely love God? 


Does this paradox please God?

Miller then introduces James 1:8: "He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." The literal Greek word dipsuchos means "two-souls". Clark, in his commentary states about the two-souled man: "[He] has one for earth, and another for heaven." He has one soul for sin and one for supplication. James molds an image that is not only unhealthy for the believer, but downright schizophrenic!

We are not called to serve both God's purpose and our own fallen longings. Not only does it rob God of worship, but it also robs us of peace. Shame breeds as the two souls co-mingle; the ultimate end is we are robbed of our joy and destitute in our spiritual walk, but so many of us do it every day...hence the paradox...

This way of life does not please God...but it does not mean we don't love God.

We all find ourselves somewhere on the "Sin-Supplication" spectrum. None of us are totally free in all our passions to wholly sell ourselves out for the purposes of God. Temptation lurks around every corner seeking to hook us, but that should never prevent us from pursuing God and having a heart for transformation.

Never be resigned to living in compromise; like David, continue to pursue God.

Pray.
Study.
Worship.
Fast.
Aggressively pursue accountability.
Find some positive hobbies.
Serve.
Give.
Believe.

Whether you have been disenfranchised, dissatisfied, or disqualified, always fall forward in supplication.

Crappy Cars & the Contents of Our Hearts

All this can be yours, but act now!

There is a car for sale in the hills of Virginia. It is a faded black VW Bug with some sort of flame-thrower strapped onto the back. A haphazardly hung slice of cardboard displays a crudely scribbled sign that reads: For Sale.

Now, I know this is America and we have a right to sell whatever we want to the highest bidder, but this purchase, aside from some comedic value, has zero appeal to me. Perhaps some look at it and see an opportunity; I see a liability.

I see car repairs, towing fees, and annoyed insurance companies. I see sweat, aggravation, and a splintering barage of profanities. I see the evening news headlines reading, "MAN BLOWS UP CAR JUST TO WATCH IT BURN!" & "MAN BUGGED BY VW, DESTROYS CAR, CLAIMS CHINESE CONSPIRACY."

In case you haven't noticed, I am not going to buy this car...

Does this mean this car is a total waste?

Are its best days behind it?

Should we write it off because we cannot deem it any worthy value by our own standards?

???

I know a girl who is wrestling with a tough decision. She feels God pulling her in a direction and has been looking for advice. She has sought counsel on the subject from some key people in her life, both in her family and in the church. I don't know exactly what advice she has been given, but I know she has walked away from those conversations feeling hurt, confused, and wrong.

Wrong???

Just because she thinks God is leading her...

I am all for wisdom in a multitude of counselors. The Bible teaches this and I have seen it play out successfully with people, but wise counsel is much more than giving a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to someone's dreams. When we talk about dreams, we are talking about the contents of a person's heart. This demands the utmost care and attention, especially for those who wear a mantle of authority. God says that he will give us the desires of our hearts (Psalm 37:4); a leader's job is to cultivate those desires.

If God gave those desires, then I don't want to crush them. I want to nurture them. Yes, temper them if necessary, but, ultimately, I am a vision facilitator, not a vision decider.

Whether it is the bright, young student who could be a worship leader, but her character is in question, or the walking Bible Dictionary who is ackward around people, or anyone in between, each person deserves some room to dream--even if you know that dream is completely unrealistic...

Somebody will value that little black VW enough to keep it -- even if that someone happens to own a junkyard. Value in people, on the other hand, is measured beyond utility, but in the currency of the heart. Gain the trust of a person, and that person will fight on your side in every situation you face in your leadership. Attempt to control that person, no matter how subtly, and you will create just another church burn victim.

That girl may change her mind in three weeks about what she feels leapping in her heart, but for any of us who speak into other's lives, it is paramount to remember that how we speak to, and treat, people lasts far beyond whatever "advice" we give.

"MUCH" pt. 3

The crowd is staring in shock and awe. A man in the crowd scratches his head asking, "What have I gotten myself into?" The once quiet discussion with the teacher has turned into a chaotic affair. Some woman is making a fool of herself. She's crying uncontrollably at the feet of Jesus, wiping his feet with her hair. The host, Simon, mutters to himself in disgust, "If he were a prophet, he would know this woman was a sinner." Jesus perceives this and begins to tell a story:

Two men owed the bank money. One owed about what he earns in two months . The other owed about what he earns in a year and a half. Neither man had any money to pay off his debt. So, the bank manager did something unheard of: he forgave the debts.

Then Jesus turned to Simon and asked, "Which one loved the manager more?"

Simon replied, "I suppose the one with the bigger debt."

Simon understands the parable, but he misses the lesson's application.

Jesus then begins to "drop some knowledge" on him. This is what Simon did not do when Jesus crossed his doorstep.

Simon did not:
1. Wash the dust off of his feet or even offer water for him to cleanse his feet.
2. Anoint him with oil.
3. Greet him with a kiss.

Why not? These were all typical middle-eastern greetings. Contrast this with the woman.

The woman did:
1. Wash the dust off his feet with her tears.
2. Anoint him with costly oil.
3. Kiss his feet repeatedly.

What caused the woman's affection to exceed Simon's?

Her great love for him.

In fact, the New King James Version (NKJV) says "she loved MUCH" 1 (emphasis added). She loved much because she recognized that she was forgiven much. Compare that with Simon. His actions and comments show that, at best, he liked Jesus. He wanted to hear what Jesus had to say, but he had no intentions of following him. This woman saw him as her savior; Simon saw him as just another rabbi to critique.

Jesus' message to Simon (and the woman) is clear: You are both debtors, Simon. This woman showed greater love and gratitude because she recognized that she had been forgiven of a great debt.

We all have debt. Like those in the parable, we do not have the means to make a single payment on the debt. The size of our sin is irrelevant. The response is everything.
Does your sin lead you to the feet of Jesus?
Do you recognize your need for a savior?

Forgiveness births love in our hearts. How MUCH that love is depends on how great we recognize our need to be.

"MUCH" pt. 2

Did you miss out on part 1 or need a refresher? Click here.

When I think of someone from the Bible who went to a ridiculous length to get what she wanted from God, I think of the woman from Luke 7:36-50.

Luke introduces this unnamed woman as she is breaking into a party to see Jesus. The party's host, Simon, was a Pharisee and religious scholar, who had invited some colleagues over to have a round table discussion. Jesus was reclining with the group when this woman rushed into the room and threw herself at his feet. She carried with her a costly jar of perfume, which she shattered in order to anoint His feet with the contents. All the while, she was uncontrollably weeping. Great tears poured down her face and onto Christ's feet as she wiped his feet with her own hair.

Insane? Perhaps.

It is possible she had clinically lost her mind. Maybe she even believed she was operating under the whim of some supernatural force (i.e. "the devil made me do it!"), but there is nothing in the story to suggest she had any negative mental or spiritual influences. Jesus did not respond to her in a harsh manner (something he did with demons). Instead, he treated her gently; not as someone out of her mind, but as an innocent child. In fact, he permitted her to persist.

Instead of insanity, her actions reveal her gratitude. This woman had realized her brokenness and need for God's forgiveness. She was realizing her love for a God who can remove the disgrace of sin, restore dreams and aspirations, and appraise value to those who feel the bankruptcy of inferiority.

In short, she had come to believe Jesus is God. Because he is God, He can turn her life around for the better. He desires to do this for everyone, regardless of what life decisions or regrettable mistakes have occurred. Some scholars suggest this woman may have been a prostitute, which may explain the depth of submission she shows Jesus. However, Luke does not outline her story, only her reaction to seeing Jesus.

When you see Jesus, who do you see? Is he some maniac who wanted to make the evening news? Or is he more? Is he the world's most famous lunatic, or is He God, in human form, deserving our lives laid down at His feet? If you believe the latter, then consider this: If he can forgive the heart of a simple, unnamed, broken woman, how MUCH can he do for you?

Today, let's go to the feet of the one who can forgive us of all of our sins. Let's live for the one who does not reject us, but receives us with open arms. He longs to forgive us MUCH.

"Love Wins" Final Thoughts

As a way to wrap up this blog series, I thought I would share some of the dialog out there about the book. I am starting with the video that sparked the fire that led to everyone calling Bell a heretic; by the way, this is a phrase he welcomes--he did some etymological study to prove his point (See article The Heretical Rob Bell and Why Love Wins). This video is more about peeking interest than laying down his beliefs--after all, who would buy the book if he summarized it in a 3 minutes youtube clip???

This next clip is from a news interview with Martin Bashir. Bashir blitzes Bell with questions, but Bell holds his own quite well. He even chuckles a couple of times...I would have done the same thing...

Here is a critique of Bell's book (and an advertisement for his own book) from Francis Chan--author of Crazy Love. I appreciate some of the points Chan brings up, but I think he neglects Bell's purpose in writing the book. Bell wants to talk to people that have felt the way he has, regardless of what the doctrinal truth may be.

Here is the now infamous "tweet heard 'round the church" from John Piper.

The release date for the book wasn't until March 15, so I am fascinated by Piper's preemptive strike against Bell. You can read the url Piper listed here if you'd like.


If you have some time and what to read a lengthy rebuttal of Bell's work, you can check out God Is Still Holy and What You Learned in Sunday School Is Still True: A Review of “Love Wins”. Who knows? You might not agree with his thoughts either! If you would like to learn some more information about hell, and who wouldn't, right? Check out Gospel.com


Lastly, I close with this interview of Bell. It's not as intense as Bashir's interview, but it captures Bell's heart behind this piece.

"Love Wins" ch. 7 & 8

"Love Wins"...unless you are Rob Bell. Ever since the release of his new book, Rob Bell has seen praise from the New York Times and backlash from the evangelical church. It seems there has been no end to the opinions expressed by those that have not even read the book. So, in an effort to find out if "Love Wins" for me, I have bought a copy and will be blogging my reflections through it as I read. My hope is that I will be affirmed, edified and enlightened in the truth of the Gospel message, but if not, then the $24 I spent on the brand new hard cover edition can just be my early birthday present for Rob...

___________________________________________________

Chapter 7

Bell discusses the Parable of the Lost Son and the two stories it tells. One story is about a son who flees from his home, squanders his inheritance, and returns to his father with regret and repentance; his father throws a huge party! The other story is about the son who stayed. He grew bitter and jealous because he believed that his father did not truly care for him or desire to celebrate him. His heart was dry and calloused. Yet both sons were both at the party. True, the celebration was for the repentant son, but instead of joining in the celebration, the son who had stayed...pitched a fit. Bell teaches that this parable reveals a truth about the next life: heaven and hell are both at the party.

The party in this parable represents the return of Jesus, the wedding celebration of the lamb. This is the event where the church and Jesus are united in the ultimate reception (I hope Reverend Run is the DJ)! Jesus evens refers to himself as the bridegroom. Bell seems to suggest that this party goes on forever.

Until now, I have gotten behind a lot of what Bell had to say. His corrections of our cultural understanding of hell are fantastic, his uncanny way of bringing the Bible to life inspires me to read, pray, and study deeper, and his ability to probe truth and ask challenging questions has helped me see that God can handle tough questions and truth will always be revealed. But, I can't quite go here with Bell.

I see where the Parable of the Lost Son discusses reproach, redemption, rebellion, and reconciliation, but I don't see where it's focus is on eternity. The Parable of the Bridegroom, however, clearly speaks about our entrance into the life to come. Ten virgins are preparing for wedding. The bridegroom (representing Jesus) comes at an unexpected time and only some of the virgins are able to enter the celebration. There is a key phrase in verse 10, and the door was shut.

There is a finality there, a sense of either being in...or out...in this life.

Further, I would ask Bell:

What about those not "in Christ" in 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17?

What about those who are taken and those left in Matthew 24:40-41? 

What about the lake of fire, in whom the devil, hell, and those not written in the Book of Life will be thrown from Revelation 20 & 21?

In...or...out. That's what I see in these passages--although, I am always open to some new perspectives.

Throughout this book, Bell has stuck to his purposes in the preface of raising questions about what the Bible teaches concerning heaven, hell, and eternal judgment, and about helping those outside the church understand what the Bible teaches. He strives to use research, manners and customs, and boldness to craft his understanding. I respect it, but don't agree with all of it. I do not see a picture of eternity with heaven and hell combined.

Bell's strongest point in this chapter is that the Gospel cannot simply be reduced down to an in or out mindset. Life in Christ is about heaven on earth, reconciliation, redemption, creativity, life, joy, expression, and the boundless love of God--that is something I want to be in, and I won't look for reasons to keep others out. We should live godly lives in plain view, so others can see it and flock to it.

Chapter 8

Bell's final chapter is more of a epilogue that he wanted to make sure people read, so he called it a chapter. It is rich, it is heartfelt, it is honest, and I think reveals more of what Bell truly believes.

His recounting of praying to become a Christian as a child shows an innocence in becoming a Christian that, perhaps, he resented until he was ready to embrace the life (as an adult). I see a tone of urgency as he begins to discuss how the Bible teaches that there is a finality to this life; we don't get a "do-over", so our current decisions matter.

I don't see a Universalist, a Heretic, a Lunatic, or a Liar. I see a man who wants people to get closer to God and live like Jesus, something I can't argue with...even if I don't agree with all of his points. His benediction says it all:

May you experience this vast,
expansive, infinite, indestructible love
that has been yours all along.
May you discover that this love is as wide
as the sky and as small as the cracks in
your heart no one else knows about.
And may you know,
deep in your bones,
that love wins.


Thanks Rob...I'm happy with my purchase.

"Love Wins" ch. 6

"Love Wins"...unless you are Rob Bell. Ever since the release of his new book, Rob Bell has seen praise from the New York Times and backlash from the evangelical church. It seems there has been no end to the opinions expressed by those that have not even read the book. So, in an effort to find out if "Love Wins" for me, I have bought a copy and will be blogging my reflections through it as I read. My hope is that I will be affirmed, edified and enlightened in the truth of the Gospel message, but if not, then the $24 I spent on the brand new hard cover edition can just be my early birthday present for Rob...

___________________________________________________

Chapter 6


My predictions about this chapter were way off! When I saw the title: There are Rocks Everywhere, I immediately went to Luke 19:40 where all of Jerusalem marches into the streets to celebrate the arrival of Jesus! The Pharisees rebuke Jesus and urge him to order his disciples to calm down. Jesus replies, If they keep quiet, the stones will cry out. I thought Bell would talk about the victorious Jesus, deserving of our worship and praise, and he does...just not how I thought...

Instead he quotes Paul in 1 Cor 10, who talks about a different rock--this one from the Exodus out of Egypt in (ch. 17). Here the people are complaining to Moses because they have been traveling through the desert without water. Moses cries out to the Lord, frazzled because he has no idea what to do. The Lord orders him to strike a rock with his staff.

Moses strikes the rock and water gushes out. Wild stuff, right? But here's what's even wilder...Paul, in discussing this event, says that the rock was Jesus.

Jesus. Rock.

Jesus?

Rock???

Now I'm interested.

Paul was teaching that Jesus is everywhere...and everywhen--if you'll excuse my liberties with the English language. Jesus is the great mystery (Ephesians 3) that joins Israel and the Gentiles (everybody else) and allows us all to access God. This is the heart of the Christian message.

Bell also asks people not to corner the market on Jesus. He says:

[Jesus] didn't come to start a new religion, and he continually disrupted whatever conventions or systems or establishments that existed in his day. He will always transcend whatever cages and labels are created to contain and name him, especially the one called "Christianity".

Here's something to consider. When the church was in its infancy, the author Luke referred to it as The Way (cf. Acts 9). A little later in Acts, we see the Gentiles have begun referring to the followers of The Way as Christians (Acts 11:26). Scholars debate whether this name was adopted by the church or branded by those not in the church. The real issue here is once something has a name, it becomes exclusive; people either wear that name, or they don't, but that doesn't mean they accurately represent it.

Few would argue that there are people who wear the tag Christian, but do not follow the life or even believe all of the teachings of Jesus. Where it gets hairy (like thick hair growing out of a mole hairy!) is when we ask: Are there "Christians" outside the church? Can there be "Christians" who haven't received Jesus as their personal savior and made him Lord of their lives? This is an argument Bell raises with this chapter. If Jesus says that all people will be drawn to him (John 12:32), how does that look? If God does the saving, where do we fit?

Can God save people without using the Bible, or even a Christian? I am reminded of Romans 1 where Paul teaches that God's invisible attributes have clearly been seen by all, so no one has an excuse. Can that revelation lead someone to salvation? What about Romans 10:9-10 where Paul states that we have to confess and believe that Jesus is Lord to be saved? Why is he saying that to the church in Rome? Don't believers know this? Bell shares several experiential examples of God speaking to people in unlikely situations and them recognizing Jesus as Lord, how does that factor in?

How do we boil all this down into a doctrinal statement?

Maybe we don't. Maybe we continue to operate how we believe it needs to be done, but we don't limit everyone else to our understanding. Maybe we can be okay if someone of a different set of believes has a convincing proof that contradicts what we think.

Maybe we don't have to know it all.

Bell argues: Jesus is bigger than any one religion.

It's these type of statements that cause people to label Bell a Universalist. I would say to these people, you are reading, but you are not listening. In Colossians 1, we learn that the Gospel was preached to every creature under heaven.

How? (white noise)

Why? Because Jesus is bigger than any one religion.

Bell's answer to the Universalist claim is this: Exclusivity on the other side of inclusivity.

Exclusivity states that Jesus is the only way. No one goes to heaven without being saved by him.

Inclusivity says good people go to heaven and there are many roads that lead to heaven.

Exclusivity on the other side of inclusivity says:

Jesus is the way, but...the all-embracing, saving love of...Jesus...will...include all sorts of unexpected people from across the cultural spectrum.

In short, you will be surprised who you see in heaven. Some people you were banking on being there, won't be; Some people you never expected, will...(Gandhi???) But Jesus is the way, the door, the redeemer.

This argument is compelling. It places Jesus into the driver seat. It means his grace is bigger than our doctrine. It means salvation can come to every creature through Christ (John 14:6).

"Love Wins" ch. 5

"Love Wins"...unless you are Rob Bell. Ever since the release of his new book, Rob Bell has seen praise from the New York Times and backlash from the evangelical church. It seems there has been no end to the opinions expressed by those that have not even read the book. So, in an effort to find out if "Love Wins" for me, I have bought a copy and will be blogging my reflections through it as I read. My hope is that I will be affirmed, edified and enlightened in the truth of the Gospel message, but if not, then the $24 I spent on the brand new hard cover edition can just be my early birthday present for Rob...

___________________________________________________

Chapter 5


The illustration at the beginning of this chapter made me laugh. Apparently, Rob Bell is an Eminem fan.

Wow. I guess I see Rob as more of a Coldplay kind of guy...I didn't know he dabbled in hip-hop. What other surprise musical tastes could there be? Gaga perhaps?

Regardless, this chapter begins with the cross. It's a symbol of death, sacrifice, and conversely, a symbol of hope, life, and resurrection. Bell discusses how the New Testament writers described Christ's work on the cross in a manner that was relevant to the culture of the day. The cross represented:

The Final Sacrifice once for all (Hebrews 9)

Reconciliation for all people (Colossians 1)

Justification for sinners (Romans 3)

Conquest of sin and death (2 Timothy 1; 1 John 5)

Redemption for all people everywhere (Ephesians 1)

The cross is bigger than just being for "me". It is the resurrection of life, hope, and dignity for everyone...even the people you least expect.

Awesome.

Bell's other point is: "Familiarity can lead to unfamiliarity."

We, as Christians, can too easily think we have church, religion, and God figured out and so we...stop...seeking. We stop asking. We stop knocking on the door of heaven to enhance our understanding of truth. We can too easily dig a trench in a position and aggressively defend that instead of searching for truth and a larger understanding of doctrines in order to be empathetic to others.

Further, I would argue that when the church adopts a limited, nonempathic view towards others, it creates an even more limited, nonempathetic view of church, religion, and God to those outside of the church. That's why we hear oversimplified, pluralistic statements like, All religions are the same, & Many roads lead to God (cf. John 14:6), because people feel they have been burned by church, religion, and God. Each person begins to do what is right based on their perspectives, experiences, and feelings, and not on truth.

Bell also discusses the significance of John numbering the miracles in his gospel. Jesus' resurrection was the 8th miracle. 8 represents "newness"--a new creation, free from death.

Bell also answers his own speculation from chapter one concerning having a relationship with God.

(Clearing throat noise) We can have a relationship with God.

However, Bell's premise is to argue that many people limit this relationship to seem almost like an acquantanceship. It is so much bigger than acquaintanceship. I don't simply "like" God on Facebook; I enter into an eternal, redeemed, walk with God symbolizing the liberation of everyone from sin and death! It is a huge reality! We don't take on a country club mentality, but a mentality to invite everyone in! It reminds me of the Parable of the Wedding Banquet.

Creation will be restored to the garden.

Life as a Christian is not about escaping death, but living life to the full.

It's not about avoiding sin, but embracing a righteous standard designed to breathe vitality and passion and selflessness!

Love Wins!

"Love Wins" ch. 4

"Love Wins"...unless you are Rob Bell. Ever since the release of his new book, Rob Bell has seen praise from the New York Times and backlash from the evangelical church. It seems there has been no end to the opinions expressed by those that have not even read the book. So, in an effort to find out if "Love Wins" for me, I have bought a copy and will be blogging my reflections through it as I read. My hope is that I will be affirmed, edified and enlightened in the truth of the Gospel message, but if not, then the $24 I spent on the brand new hard cover edition can just be my early birthday present for Rob...

___________________________________________________

Chapter 4


Does God get what God wants?


I came into this chapter having great expectations. Bell has used the first few chapters to ask questions and set some foundations about heaven and hell, but now I expect to start getting some answers. Reading this book has been like watching LOST, I constantly find myself asking questions and pondering outcomes. What this chapter revealed in my heart is that I am treating Rob Bell like Simon treated Jesus in Luke 7:36-50. Instead of simply setting my heart to receive, I am building a wall to in order to accept or reject his viewpoint. (Before someone flies off the handle, I am not likening Bell to Jesus, only my heart to the Pharisee's.)

This chapter shattered that wall. This chapter isn't about what Bell believes; it's about what I believe.

Does God get what God wants?

There are a couple of viewpoints Bell shares that attempt to answer this question. One, that most Christians are familiar with, argues that all we have is this life to make the decision to follow Jesus. Bell's critique is valid, as he questions whether it is loving to only have this life to decide our eternity, then an eternity of punishment should we chose wrong (of course, if it is true, then Bell's critique of love is flawed).

Another viewpoint argues that we have the "image of God" inside us and we are responsible for cultivating that image. If we allow that image to evolve in us then it is conceivable that it will evolve us into a better, "posthuman", version of ourselves. This idea carries with it the concept that even after death, people can still choose to follow Jesus. It is the restoring or reconciling of all things discussed in Matthew 19 and Acts 3. Bell cites Clement of Alexandria, Origen, Gregory of Nyssa, and Eusebius as Church Fathers who espoused this idea. Bell summarizes their thought process this way:


At the center of Christian tradition since the first church have been a number who insist that history is not tragic, hell is not forever, and love, in the end, wins and all will be reconciled to God.


I hear critics argue that Bell agrees with this doctrine, but he never overtly states he believes it. I believe he expounds on this concept simply because it is a perspective not common in the modern church and because some would discount it as heresy without processing and engaging the scriptures for truth. I am not espousing this idea, however I am willing to admit that I have no empirical, experiential data to firmly proclaim that I know what happens after death. Bell's thought process helps remind me that, though I am called to represent Jesus to people, I am not all-knowing...which is a good thing!

Bell also discusses how the Book of Revelation describes the city of God as having gates that "never shut". A question I pose from that passage, however, is how does this argument factor in the Book of Life, which is also mentioned? Is it a static document and once your name is in, you are solid? Or is it an active document with names being added, even after death? Again, the only sure thing from scripture is that your name has to be in it. Which forces the questions: how does one go about having one's name written in the Book of Life? (cricket...cricket...)

But here is the most provocative portion of the chapter. Bell describes the life of God as almost irresistible. I say almost because he poses this question:


How could someone choose another way with a universe of love and joy and peace right in front of them-all of it theirs if they would simply leave behind the old ways and receive the new life of the new city of the new world?

The answer to how is "Yes".

Then he highlights the tragedies we witness daily: people selling themselves short for the temporary pleasures of this world -- incidentally, pleasures that have a knack for becoming permanent nightmares.

This is the reason we need a savior. This is the reason why I feel for people in their struggles and why I have grace for myself in mine. We somehow, time and again, say NO to the life God offers. Bell would argue this is because we have a flawed understanding of the life God has for us (but that comes later in the book). Regardless of the reason, we too often deny the free gift of life God offers, which brings us to Bell's climax:

It's not "Does God get what God wants?" 
but 
"Do we get what we want?"


I watch the show Intervention. Every episode is dedicated to this very idea. People want drugs, or purging, or sex, or alcohol, or whatever their hook may be. They have given themselves to it, and they feel good, but only until the chemical response fades. Sin operates the same way. It sells us short: Adam and Eve with the apple--when they could have kept eternal life, Esau with his birthright--he could have been Israel, and us with whatever has deceived us into a path other than God's best for us.

Yes. Sadly, for some of us, the answer is yes..we get what we want.

Today, let's reflect on what we are getting. Realize that God loves us enough to let us fall short of the life he promises, but he loves us enough to pursue us and empower us to embrace the gift of life he offers!

"Love Wins" ch. 3

"Love Wins"...unless you are Rob Bell. Ever since the release of his new book, Rob Bell has seen praise from the New York Times and backlash from the evangelical church. It seems there has been no end to the opinions expressed by those that have not even read the book. So, in an effort to find out if "Love Wins" for me, I have bought a copy and will be blogging my reflections through it as I read. My hope is that I will be affirmed, edified and enlightened in the truth of the Gospel message, but if not, then the $24 I spent on the brand new hard cover edition can just be my early birthday present for Rob...

___________________________________________________

Chapter 3

Hell on earth. Bell describes it as a state of suffering caused by abandoning the truths and boundaries of God.

People live in it every day. Many don't recognize it, but we all feel it. It causes me to ask, what am I doing to destroy it?

That's the conviction I walk away with from this chapter...

Bell begins with a thorough discussion of Sheol, Gehenna, Tartarus, and Hades in order to attack the inherited, distorted, societal definition of hell - trashing the pitchfork, red tights, and all!

            Sheol is an Old Testament Hebrew word for the place of the dead. Whether righteous or  
            wicked, all people went there. Learn more here.

            Gehenna is a New Testament Greek word that Jesus used to describe hell. A burning pile of
            garbage outside of Jerusalem, Gehenna commonly housed stray dogs that could be heard gnashing
            their teeth as they fought over scraps. Trash. Scraps of refuse. Stray dogs. This was no place meant
            for people.

            Tartarus was a word used in Greek mythology to describe the dark, murky, underworld very similar
            to Sheol. Peter uses this word in 2 Peter 2 to describe hell.


            Hades was used in Greek mythology to describe the place of the dead. Like Sheol, it is the place
            where all the dead exist. It was also the Greek god of the underworld. Learn more here.

What's striking about each of these definitions is the absence of our societal definitions of hell: no punishments, no demons poking and prodding, no screaming...just darkness, murkiness, and death. Also, these places, particularly Sheol, contain all the dead, whether righteous or unrighteous. Jesus' use of the word Hades, and Peter's use of Tartarus all reveal that the best word for hell is whatever word works for that culture, regardless of context.

Bell goes on to describe hell as a literal place after we pass on, but also a present reality. He provides several blunt examples to wake up the reader: genocide, mutilation, wrath, and molestation.

He devotes time to the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The great tragedy of the rich man is that even in death, he wants Lazarus to serve him. In fact, the rich man is the slave; bound to a fallen mindset, while Lazarus is free at Abraham's side.

Bell reflects, [The rich man] is alive in death, but in profound torment, because he's living with the realities of not properly dying the kind of death that actually leads a person into the only life that's worth living.


Reflect on that. People are alive in hell, not being tormented by demons, but being tormented by the life they should have lived.

Bell describes our time on earth as being a purging and refining we experience. Trials, challenges, and corrections are all designed to make us more like Jesus. Even this idea of being "handed...over to Satan" is an example of this process.

Bell places believers into two camps: Often the people most concerned about others going to hell when they die seem less concerned with the hells on earth right now, while the people most concerned with the hells right now seem the least concerned about hell after death.

Which one am I?

Which one are you?

"Love Wins" ch. 2

"Love Wins"...unless you are Rob Bell. Ever since the release of his new book, Rob Bell has seen praise from the New York Times and backlash from the evangelical church. It seems there has been no end to the opinions expressed by those that have not even read the book. So, in an effort to find out if "Love Wins" for me, I have bought a copy and will be blogging my reflections through it as I read. My hope is that I will be affirmed, edified and enlightened in the truth of the Gospel message, but if not, then the $24 I spent on the brand new hard cover edition can just be my early birthday present for Rob...

___________________________________________________

Chapter 2

This chapter originated from a teaching at Mars Hill Church several years ago called When Heaven and Earth Collide. Bell's premise in that teaching series is the same as in this chapter: When Jesus returns, He's bringing heaven with him.

One point Bell underscores reminds me of a concept my Pastor teaches: the idea that eternal life is something we experience now, not just after we die. My Pastor, Fred Michaux, says that "Eternal life is not just measured on the time continuum, but on the depth continuum." Eternal life is not something simply to measure, but to experience. Bell reflects this idea in his discussion of the Greek word aion.

Aion is a period of time having a clear beginning and end. Bell argues that we will live in two aions, this life, and the next. According to Bell, another meaning of aion is transcending time, belonging to another realm all together.

It is boundless.

God is not affected by time. He has no beginning or end; He exists eternally. What Bell suggests is that aion shifts into an eternal realm, not bound by time, but by experience...experiencing God! I love this idea! It masterfully grasps the physical shift we experience as we return to the state we were in before the Fall of Adam and Eve. We will again walk with God in the garden.

This brings me to Bell's next point: Heaven is not some faraway mystical place. When Jesus returns, heaven will come with him to earth.

Baker's Evangelical Dictionary states:

"It is interesting that the imaging of eternity has humankind on a restored earth, not in God's heavenly realm. This is certainly the eternal state and not a millennial scene. The sea is gone from Revelation 21 but not from other millennial images. Human history climaxes where it all began: on the earth."

I love this idea. Just as God redeems people, so he redeems the planet we have corrupted through sin and negligent stewardship.

Bell also discusses the story in Matthew 19 about the rich man who comes to Jesus asking about eternal life. I love how Jesus' rebuke is nestled in what he didn't say. Jesus rattles off the commandments to the man as the means of entering heaven, but omits the very sin that the rich man struggles with: covetousness.

Indirectly, Bell suggests that what keeps us bound in sin and apart from eternal life now, will prevent us from being free to experience eternal life in heaven then.

Baker's says:


"Those claiming a heavenly inheritance are required to bring the earthly and the heavenly into alignment. Jesus linked entrance into the kingdom of heaven to repentance ( Matt 4:17 ), humility (5:3 ; 18:1-4 ), witness ( Matthew 5:10 Matthew 5:16 ; 10:32 ; 16:19 ), obedience ( 5:19 ), righteousness ( 5:20 ), compassion ( Matthew 18:10 Matthew 18:14 ; 23:13 ) and stewardship (19:23 ). Proactively, believers store up treasures ( 6:20 ) by being prudent managers of the little and perishable on earth in order to insure the abundant and enduring in heaven ( Luke 16:1-13 ). Either the earthly or heavenly value system will prevail. So, those who pray, "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" ( Matt 6:10 ) are obliged to live from a heavenly vantage point."


I think Baker, in this quote, echoes what Bell is introducing. It is not the words we pray, but the life we live before God that determines our place in the life to come. The sins we neglect to deal with now will be all we can see then...in the life to come.

I want to live the way Jesus calls me to live because I know it's a better life, and I know that what I am afraid to reveal now will be shouted from the rooftops then...in the life to come.

Bell closes:

How would I summarize all that Jesus teaches [about heaven]?


There's heaven now, somewhere else.
There's heaven here sometime else.
And then there's Jesus's invitation to heaven
here
and
now,
in this moment,
in this place.

Let's live this! Let's bring heaven to earth by modeling Jesus' example, so that when heaven arrives, we're ready.

"Love Wins" ch. 1

"Love Wins"...unless you are Rob Bell. Ever since the release of his new book, Rob Bell has seen praise from the New York Times and backlash from the evangelical church. It seems there has been no end to the opinions expressed by those that have not even read the book. So, in an effort to find out if "Love Wins" for me, I have bought a copy and will be blogging my reflections through it as I read. My hope is that I will be affirmed, edified and enlightened in the truth of the Gospel message, but if not, then the $24 I spent on the brand new hard cover edition can just be my early birthday present for Rob...

___________________________________________________

Chapter 1
Bell begins by doing what he does best...asking questions. His purpose in this chapter appears to be to challenge people. I found myself asking these questions while reading:

Do I really understand what I claim to believe?


Is what I believe built on Scripture...or on the traditions of men?

Bell's goal always comes down to attacking the comfortable, inherited, rote doctrines of our various church cultures - much the way Jesus attacked the Pharisees doctrine and practice.

He starts off by talking about Gandhi in the context of a Church sponsored event. That's enough for some people in the church to stop reading right there! The words pluralism, humanism, and compromise can start running through the head of the most devout church-goers, but Bell's point is clear:

How do you know Gandhi went to Hell?

Were you there? Did you see him at the point of death? Did you read the Lamb's book of life to see if he was on the list?

I know I didn't.

This is a point he reiterates later with the story of a young girl at a friend's funeral. She was asked by a Christian if the boy who died in a car accident was a Christian. She replied that he was an atheist. His reply: "So there's no hope then."

Do you know he's in Hell? Were you there with him to learn his eternal fate? Did God give you some insider information? Is our main purpose as Christians to cast spurious judgments on people? Did Jesus call the church to be the accusers of sin? As I recall, that was someone else's title...and I don't want it...

By my reading, Bell also takes some jabs at Calvinism (the few, chosen), Arminianism (age of accountability), and even raises questions about the idea of a "personal relationship" as being a standard of salvation - I am particularly interested to see where this argument goes. He also seems to suggest that there is a process of knowing Jesus that is gradual. He is not tied to the "sinner's prayer", baptism, or any point of salvation. I am very interested to hear his viewpoints on this idea. Bell reveals in the Gospels that the only ones who knew Jesus' identity and purpose right from their first interaction with him...were demons (cf. Luke 4, Matthew 8 & Mark 1...here, actually).

Regular people needed time. Pharisees needed questions. Disciples needed to process. Demons came right out with Jesus' identity.

Fascinating.

The title of this chapter, What about a flat tire? asks what is the role Christians play in leading others to salvation.

Bell states, If our salvation, our future, our destiny is dependent on others bringing the message to us, teaching us, showing us--what happens if they don't do their part?


What if the missionary gets a flat tire?

It's the question I have heard before restated: What about the tribe nestled away in the deepest jungle of the Amazon that will never hear the Gospel? 


Great question! I anxiously anticipate Bell's response.

The second chapter will focus on Heaven...I hope I get to go!

"Love Wins" preface

"Love Wins"...unless you are Rob Bell. Ever since the release of his new book, Rob Bell has seen praise from the New York Times and backlash from the evangelical church. It seems there has been no end to the opinions expressed by those that have not even read the book. So, in an effort to find out if "Love Wins" for me, I have bought a copy and will be blogging my reflections through it as I read. My hope is that I will be affirmed, edified and enlightened in the truth of the Gospel message, but if not, then the $24 I spent on the brand new hard cover edition can just be my early birthday present for Rob...
___________________________________________________


Preface
I have read two of Bell's fledgling works Velvet Elvis and Sex God. Both books struck me as bold and catalytic. I gather from reading this preface that Bell's aim in Love Wins continues to be just that. He says:

I've written this book for all those, everywhere, who have heard some version of the Jesus story that caused their pulse rate to rise, their stomach to churn, and their heart to utter those resolute words, "I would never be a part of that."

So, he desires to connect with those outside the church; particularly those who feel alienated by the church in some fashion?

Cool.

He also wants to open up discourse around noteworthy topics in Christianity; in this case: Heaven, Hell & Eternal Security:

I've written this book because the kind of faith Jesus invites us into doesn't skirt the big questions about topics like God and Jesus and salvation and judgment and heaven and hell, but it takes us deep into the heart of them.

Besides overusing the word "and", Bell is actually presenting a strong point: it is necessary to ask tough questions and demand truth in its purest form. I respect this. I also respect his assertion that nothing he poses in this book differs from what he has preached in the past. (Perhaps this is a gentle aside to all the aspiring "haters" who didn't have an issue with Bell before the book was published?)

Regardless of what people are saying, thinking, or even blogging, Bell is glad to get people talking about these subjects.

Cool.

So far, I am excited to hear what will come next...

"MUCH" pt. 1

People will go to ridiculous lengths to get what they want from life. I found some great examples of this on MSNBC.com's "Weird News" webpage.

This first article talked about two prison guards fighting, while on the clock. The scuffle escalated so quickly that an inmate jumped in to break it up. It turns out the incident started over a bag of chips! "Inmate Separates Guards Fighting Over Food". 1.

This next, perplexing article is only one sentence, which I have quoted below:

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - Police arrested a 41-year-old man last week after he called 911 and told officers that he was not given the correct change after buying crack cocaine from a drug dealer. 2 (Was anyone else reminded of a Chapelle show skit?)

The most curious article had to be "Man Gets Probation for Mailing Cow Head to Wife's Lover" 3. A man became so upset about his wife's infidelity that he haggled for a cow's head from a butcher shop, froze it intact, and mailed it to his wife's lover. (Classy, right?)

The lengths these people went to seem, well...weird, but we "everyday people" have our own methods of coping with life's adversaties: smoking, over-drinking, over-eating, cutting, abusing over-the-counter medications, lying, lusting, over-working, over-gaming, cheating, etc. Due to our fast-paced, knowledge-based economy, we, as Americans, feel the pull to win at life. Unfortunately, in many cases, the desire pulls us too hard, too fast, and we lose our grip on who God has called us to be.

People will go to ridiculous lengths to get what they want from life: sanity, success, peace, or justice (even if it means fighting over chips, accusing a drug dealer of pety theft, or avenging a wrong with a decapitated cow head). But when I think about the things people get worked up over, I have to ask myself why? What are we really fighting for? Are the everyday battles we face potentially worth being cast in the same light as the people mentioned above? Their legacy will be immortalized in typed print; their foibles branding them; their true value masked by public impropriety. But what about us? For us our legacy could be that list, but it could also cost us our friendships, our family, and even our lives.

God has called us to something more, MUCH more.

So today, let's take an inventory. Let's look how at how we choose to cope with life's challenges, and remember: God values who you are, what you struggle with, and how you deal with your adversaties. Commit to trust Him more than the knee-jerk responses of our culture. As King Solomon once said, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." - Proverbs 3:5-6.