I'm reminding myself to be.
NOTE to the Sunday Collegium: this podcast is directly related to our discussion during the November 26 Collegium. Give a listen!
Tag(s): spiritual+formation
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ADDED A NEW THINGY
I added a ClustrMaps thumbnail down the sidebar (updates begin tomorrow). Not that I actually get that much traffic, but I do think it's nifty.
Tag(s): blogging
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Tag(s): blogging
See CC License
BIBLE 'TIL I'M DONE: NOV 25
Isaiah 14:28-18:7Isaiah 15:5-7; 16:4b-5, 14 ESV
My heart cries out for Moab;
her fugitives flee to Zoar,
to Eglath-shelishiyah.
For at the ascent of Luhith
they go up weeping;
on the road to Horonaim
they raise a cry of destruction;
the waters of Nimrim
are a desolation;
the grass is withered, the vegetation fails,
the greenery is no more.
Therefore the abundance they have gained
and what they have laid up
they carry away
over the Brook of the Willows.
...
When the oppressor is no more
and destruction has ceased,
and he who tramples underfoot has vanished from the land,
then a throne will be established in steadfast love,
and on it will sit in faithfulness
in the tent of David
one who judges and seeks justice
and is swift to do righteousness.
...
But now the LORD has spoken, saying, "In three years, like the years of a hired worker, the glory of Moab will be brought into contempt, in spite of all his great multitude, and those who remain will be very few and feeble.
Tag(s): bible+reading
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
IMMODERATE MINISTRY?
- In the context of Matthew’s Gospel, the range of places mentioned is significant. Do we have here glimmers of the broken down wall of Ephesians 2?
- What does teaching look like if teachers maintain Jesus’ trajectory?
- Teaching, proclaiming, and healing all sorts
- All sortsfor healing
- Therefore, Jesus sat down to teach.
I serve a God who teaches, proclaims the kingdom to, and heals all sorts. Then he sits down to teach all who come.
This passage seems to cry out for immoderate, outward traveling teaching, proclamation, and healing. I wonder what this looks like, for I do not think any church I have been part of truly practices such immoderate outreach. So, here’s a small what if:
- What if TFB practiced active, immoderate outreach ministries that taught truth, proclaimed God’s rule, and healed bodies and souls?
- What if TFB intentionally focused on-campus programs on teaching whoever came to learn—by whatever means most effective?
- In other words, what if outreach was truly OUT?
- What if we equipped our people with the skills of whole life, Spirit-filled, Jesus-following 24-7 ministry?
- What if we stopped relying on professionals and started relying on God?
- What if…?
Tag(s): lectio
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
LEAD STUDENT?
Matthew 23:8-12 ESV
But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exal ted.
I came across the above passage while reading the assigned section of Ancient Church as Family. I know that I've read it before, but today it struck me--as in smacked upside the head:
- What if I'm really a lead student (instead of a teacher)?
- How does that change teaching?
Tag(s): bible+teaching teaching learning
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
TRINITY and the NEW HUMANITY
Tonight at the college Gathering, I'm teaching Ephesians 2:11-22, focusing on the necessary relationship between the Trinity and the New Humanity.
Syntactical Display
Passage Outline
Tag(s): theology trinity
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
Syntactical Display
Passage Outline
- At one time, without Christ, humanity was broken,; but now, with Christ, humanity is whole, 2:11-14.
- There is one whole, peace-owning, partnering-with-God new humanity in Christ, 2:14-18.
- This new humanity in Christ is a dwelling place of the Triune God, 2:19-22.
Tag(s): theology trinity
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
THE DOODLERS’ DISCONTENT
Most committees are broken. Some are bogged down in conversation that talks around the edges of the topic at hand. Others rubber stamp everything and discount the few voices brave enough to speak out. I fear the souls who carry a glimmer of hope are left to slouch in their chairs, doodling on their notepad and wishing for something altogether different.
This essay pokes about one possible reason for the doodlers’ discontent: Committees are a broken creation of a culture of individualism awkwardly stumbling toward communal decision-making.
First, three stories.
True, these stories are dreams—or nightmares, as the case may be. Stories one and two seem unlikely, if not impossible. Yet they are comfortable, like a pair of slippers, just right after a long day. The third story wears like ill-fitting shoes. The terrain requires footwear, but these are not what feet desire.
Committees are the broken creation of a culture that has forgotten how to tell stories together, to cry together, to yell together, and to whisper together. They are the broken creation of a culture that spends too much time together alone. They are the broken creation of a culture that places inordinate value on individual needs and too little value on the needs of the community. They are the broken creation of a church culture that has forgotten the Spirit binds us as a people and does the work of God through the gathered people.
In the best of all worlds, we would realize that the committee structure rarely accomplishes its task. We would realize that to continue using the same ineffective means is insane. We would realize that deciding together (in Christ, through the Spirit, and for the sake of the mission of God) is more important than whether or not any one particular point is heard. It is more important than whether or not we can keep the meeting to an hour.
For now, we are stuck in the system, left to doodle on our notepads or to exit the system, gather at the pub (or its teetotaler alternative: Starbucks).
Related Post: WHY NO SCOT-FRIENDLY COMMITTEES?
Tag(s): ecclesiology
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This essay pokes about one possible reason for the doodlers’ discontent: Committees are a broken creation of a culture of individualism awkwardly stumbling toward communal decision-making.
First, three stories.
- The village crowds into the gathering space. The chief stands, tells the story, and sits to signal the beginning. Old men and old women speak fears and wisdom and memory. Young men and young women speak hope and passion. Children ask questions and speak obvious things that all must hear. Stories, tears, and raised voices fill the space for endless moments. The seeming chaos slowly fades and the chief stands to announce, “This is what we have decided…”
- Three friends gather at a pub. Mugs of warm stout and a corner table signal the beginning. One by one, they speak their lives and cares and dreams. They listen and cry and laugh. With the last gulp, one among them says, “So, we agree then…”
- The committee members gather around a rectangular table. Last month’s minutes and copies of the budget make their way around the table. The meeting starts, as they always, with a short prayer followed by old business, new business, and reports. The apparent structure disguises a cacophony of disconnected monologues. Votes punctuate. Finally, the meeting stops; they pick up their belongings and their separate ways.
True, these stories are dreams—or nightmares, as the case may be. Stories one and two seem unlikely, if not impossible. Yet they are comfortable, like a pair of slippers, just right after a long day. The third story wears like ill-fitting shoes. The terrain requires footwear, but these are not what feet desire.
Committees are the broken creation of a culture that has forgotten how to tell stories together, to cry together, to yell together, and to whisper together. They are the broken creation of a culture that spends too much time together alone. They are the broken creation of a culture that places inordinate value on individual needs and too little value on the needs of the community. They are the broken creation of a church culture that has forgotten the Spirit binds us as a people and does the work of God through the gathered people.
In the best of all worlds, we would realize that the committee structure rarely accomplishes its task. We would realize that to continue using the same ineffective means is insane. We would realize that deciding together (in Christ, through the Spirit, and for the sake of the mission of God) is more important than whether or not any one particular point is heard. It is more important than whether or not we can keep the meeting to an hour.
For now, we are stuck in the system, left to doodle on our notepads or to exit the system, gather at the pub (or its teetotaler alternative: Starbucks).
Related Post: WHY NO SCOT-FRIENDLY COMMITTEES?
Tag(s): ecclesiology
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BIBLE 'TIL I'M DONE: NOV 18
Isaiah 11:1-14:27Isaiah 12:5-6; 14:24-27 ESV
"Sing praises to the LORD, for he has done gloriously;
let this be made known in all the earth.
Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion,
for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel."
...
The LORD of hosts has sworn:
"As I have planned,
so shall it be,
and as I have purposed,
so shall it stand,
that I will break the Assyrian in my land,
and on my mountains trample him underfoot;
and his yoke shall depart from them,
and his burden from their shoulder."
This is the purpose that is purposed
concerning the whole earth,
and this is the hand that is stretched out
over all the nations.
For the LORD of hosts has purposed,
and who will annul it?
His hand is stretched out,
and who will turn it back?
Tag(s): bible+reading
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
WHAT HAPPENS IN HERE?
We've started asking this in the college ministry at Torrance First Baptist.
Thoughts?
Tag(s): missional ministry college+ministry
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
WHAT OF FLUX?
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.
[Therefore, go] make disciples of all the nations…”
Matthew 28:18b-19a ESV with modification by lks
Preliminary Notes
- Consummation of authority: what Jesus’ hearers have pondered is now made complete and clear.
- Delegated authority: Jesus has authority and he is sending; his follower-learners have a delegated authority.
Lectio Response
This passage comes when I in another state of flux. This flux happens when academic and/or ministerial stress bears down upon me, causing me to reexamine my calling and commitments. Most times the reexamination is internal.
But the fruit of my personal lectio is (by my own decision) a public matter and these responses are crafted as such. So, here I speak as a person in undisclosed flux.
The past few weeks, going through some of the teaching passages in Matthew, have brought to the surface a clear connection between teaching and authority. During his incarnation, Jesus exercised teaching authority delegated to him by his Father. We who are his disciples exercise a teaching authority delegated to us by Jesus. He has delegated authority. He has commanded that we teach.
I am left pondering the place of my flux in such a profound task.
Tag(s): lectio
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
NO MORE WORD VERIFICATION
I've made the brave move of turning off that annoying "Word Verification" feature.
If I start getting spam, though, I will turn on comment moderation. Comment away my lovelies.
Tag(s): blogging
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
If I start getting spam, though, I will turn on comment moderation. Comment away my lovelies.
Tag(s): blogging
See CC License
“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
WHY NO SCOT-FRIENDLY COMMITTEES?
For a more complete essay on the committee issue: The Doodler's Discontent
=========================
Here begins a small experiment. I've decided to brush up on my essay writing skills by writing a weekly essay/essay outline in response to someone's blog post. This is the first outing, complete with tiny training wheels :-) We'll see how long the stamina will last...
=========================
Essay Fodder: Committees Re-visited at Jesus Creed
Thesis: A culture of individualism hinders proper committee functioning, and proper committee functioning requires communal decision-making.
Point One: A culture of individualism inhibits the development of communal decisions-making skills.
Point Two: A culture of individualism assigns low value to communal decisions-making skills.
See CC License
“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
=========================
Here begins a small experiment. I've decided to brush up on my essay writing skills by writing a weekly essay/essay outline in response to someone's blog post. This is the first outing, complete with tiny training wheels :-) We'll see how long the stamina will last...
=========================
Essay Fodder: Committees Re-visited at Jesus Creed
Thesis: A culture of individualism hinders proper committee functioning, and proper committee functioning requires communal decision-making.
Point One: A culture of individualism inhibits the development of communal decisions-making skills.
- Sub-point A: Such a culture provides few opportunities to develop these skills.
- Sub-point B: Such a culture has few who are able to teach communal decisions-making skills.
Point Two: A culture of individualism assigns low value to communal decisions-making skills.
- Sub-point A: Communal decision-making skills are of little practical use in such a culture.
- Sub-point B: Communal decision-making skills add little to the bottom line in such a culture.
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
BIBLE 'TIL I'M DONE: NOV 11
Isaiah 10:1-34Isaiah 10:14, 20-23
My hand has found like a nest
the wealth of the peoples;
and as one gathers eggs that have been forsaken,
so I have gathered all the earth;
and there was none that moved a wing
or opened the mouth or chirped.
...
In that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no more lean on him who struck them, but will lean on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. A remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God. For though your people Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction is decreed, overflowing with righteousness. For the Lord GOD of hosts will make a full end, as decreed, in the midst of all the earth.
Tag(s): bible+reading
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
I'VE MIGRATED
Well, I've just migrated to blogger beta. Not sure if this was wise, but the eggs have been scrambled.
Tag(s): blogging
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Tag(s): blogging
See CC License
BEDROCK BELIEFS 4th of 4
I posted the fourth of four installments in the Bedrock Beliefs course.
TFB Academy: BEDROCK BELIEFS: SOTERIOLOGY, ECCLESIOLOGY, AND ESCHATOLOGY
TFB Academy: BEDROCK BELIEFS: SOTERIOLOGY, ECCLESIOLOGY, AND ESCHATOLOGY
SOME ONE ELSE’S STAFF
"By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?" v23
Matthew 21:23-27
Notes:
- The elders and chief priests saw Jesus’ teaching as an exercise of authority.
- Jesus’ response assumed his authority and did not attempt any proof.
We who are shepherds are also sheep,
privileged to use the Shepherd’s staff.
privileged to use the Shepherd’s staff.
Teaching is clearly an exercising of authority. Jesus knew this. His detractors knew this. The crowds knew this. His disciples knew this.
Jesus rightfully exercised the Father’s authority in his teaching. He had no need to prove this. His detractors wanted him to, but he refused, putting the ball back in their equivocating court. He knew he had his Father’s authority. He taught that way.
If I have Jesus’ authority—through study, trust, and call—then I also should teach this way.
“This way” is with authority AND pointing clearly to the source of that authority: Jesus and HIS Word.
Tag(s): lectio
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
EXPAND or EMBODY?
...that is the question...
Last year I worked on my philosophy of ministry (see the related posts below). This year at College Briefing one of the speakers (can't remember who) caused me to rethink one of my verbs. I had been using "expand the kingdom" but he or she pointed out that the Bible never uses such language in reference to our kingdom responsibilities. We are called to enter the kingdom and proclaim the kingdom. In response to this I began changing the verb to "embody".
Last week, I turned in a draft of a small portion of the first section of my thesis, applying my three-part theology of ministry [know the story-be the people-expand/embody the kingdom] to emerging ecclesiology [the fit was rather nice, btw]. Today, in speaking with the director of the Th.M. program, I have begun to swing the other way. He pointed out that to embody the kingdom is rather like being the people...it's a bit redundant. He also pointed out that a theological case could be made for our expanding the kingdom, as long as sovereignty-of-God-insuring caveats were put in place.
So, to use a term I learned a few days ago: I'm swithering.
Here's some bits on both:
"expand the kingdom"
"embody the kingdom"
I'm really leaning toward "expand"
Related Posts:
College Ministry Ponderings (oct '05)
Philosophy of Ministry, draft one (jun '05)
Theology of Ministry (feb '05)
Summing up a Year (jan '05)
Tag(s): theology ministry theology of ministry
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
Last year I worked on my philosophy of ministry (see the related posts below). This year at College Briefing one of the speakers (can't remember who) caused me to rethink one of my verbs. I had been using "expand the kingdom" but he or she pointed out that the Bible never uses such language in reference to our kingdom responsibilities. We are called to enter the kingdom and proclaim the kingdom. In response to this I began changing the verb to "embody".
Last week, I turned in a draft of a small portion of the first section of my thesis, applying my three-part theology of ministry [know the story-be the people-expand/embody the kingdom] to emerging ecclesiology [the fit was rather nice, btw]. Today, in speaking with the director of the Th.M. program, I have begun to swing the other way. He pointed out that to embody the kingdom is rather like being the people...it's a bit redundant. He also pointed out that a theological case could be made for our expanding the kingdom, as long as sovereignty-of-God-insuring caveats were put in place.
So, to use a term I learned a few days ago: I'm swithering.
Here's some bits on both:
"expand the kingdom"
- expanded vertically through sanctification
- expanded horizontally through proclamation (disciple-making, AKA evangelism)
"embody the kingdom"
- verbal proclamation
- behavioral proclamation
I'm really leaning toward "expand"
Related Posts:
College Ministry Ponderings (oct '05)
Philosophy of Ministry, draft one (jun '05)
Theology of Ministry (feb '05)
Summing up a Year (jan '05)
Tag(s): theology ministry theology of ministry
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
BLOG ODDITIES
Here's the top key words for this blog (from Google Analytics), week of 10/31-11/06.I especially like number two. Very odd.
Tag(s): blogging
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THEY STUDY THIS?
I don't know. I think my presuppositions regarding the universal effectiveness of duct tape cause me to seriously question the validity of this study.
NOTE: I've not actually gone off my rocker...close, but not totally off...I'm just seriously over-stressed.
Duct tape no magical cure for warts, study finds | Oddly Enough | Reuters.com
Duct tape does not work any better than doing nothing to cure warts in schoolchildren, Dutch researchers reported on Monday in a study that contradicts a popular theory about an easy way to get rid of the unattractive lumps.
NOTE: I've not actually gone off my rocker...close, but not totally off...I'm just seriously over-stressed.
LECTIO FOR STAFF MEETINGS
JR Woodward posts on a simple group lectio divina:
A Great Way to Start Your Staff Meetings
Tag(s): lectio
A Great Way to Start Your Staff Meetings
Tag(s): lectio
TEACHING AND AUTHORITY
And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. (9:35)
Matthew 9:35-38
Notes
- Follows an authority issue in 9:34
- Teaching, proclaiming, and healing go together.
- The exhortation to the disciples flows from Jesus compassions for the shepherdless crowds.
- How do harvest laborers help harassed and helpless shepherdless sheep?
Apparently, even for Jesus, the earthly task is too large, for he tells the disciples to pray for more laborers. God gives the laborers for his own harvest.
So, what does this tell me about the task of teaching?
- Teaching is an exercise of authority. The authority is derived, for it belongs to the owner and originator: the Father.
- Teaching is a group effort for which God supplies the laborers.
- Teaching appears to be a protective task as well as a feeding task.
Tag(s): lectio christian education teaching authority
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“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
LIFE TOGETHER, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Life Together
By Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Translated by John W. Doberstein)
© 1954 Harper San Francisco
122 pages
Preliminary Thoughts and Questions
Post-Lectio Reflection
The greatest hindrance to learning the skill of recognition is lack of space. Life is filled with intellectual pursuits and entertainment distractions, leaving little space for the soul to rest and wrestle in God’s presence. For this condition, there is no excuse, no matter how many the soul may dredge up. How is it possible that entertainment should squeeze out time in God’s presence? How is it possible that it should squeeze out time with our siblings?
Fellowship is an essential part of our nature. God created us to be so and Jesus redeemed us to be so. Yet, this essential fellowship is nothing of us, but all of grace. The Triune God created us to reflect his own communal nature. The same Triune God gives the grace and ability to be communal despite our broken, rebellious insistence (or neglect) to the contrary.
Our culture is replete with substitutes for the reality of true fellowship. The legacy of individualism makes these substitutes all the more attractive. The individualistic infection in the church deceives the spiritually hungry, causing them to conclude that true fellowship is elsewhere. Indeed, Christians themselves hunger for this essential fellowship, yet fail to see that this is who we are.
Lord God, forgive me for allowing my many distractions to fill the space that belongs to you. I long for fellowship with you in the midst of my siblings, but my distractions are easier. Chasten my soul. Reveal the sinfulness of my sin. Make me increasingly aware of my restlessness. Thank you for creating this amazing fellowship.
Tag(s): books
See CC License
“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
By Dietrich Bonhoeffer (Translated by John W. Doberstein)
© 1954 Harper San Francisco
122 pages
Christian brotherhood is not an ideal which we must realize; it is rather a reality created by God in Christ in which we may participate. The more clearly we learn to recognize that the ground and strength and promise of our fellowship is in Jesus Christ alone, the more serenely shall we think of our fellowship and pray and hope for it (p.30).
Preliminary Thoughts and Questions
- There is a relational connection between and among us.
- Brotherhood is a matter of obedience and disobedience. There is nothing to create; there is only the choice whether or not to participate in this thing that God has done.
- What gets in the way of our learning to recognize? What is involved in this skill?
- Jesus is the basis, source, and foundation of our sibling-ness. Jesus is the means, substance, and power of our sibling-ness. Jesus is the end, goal, and intention of our sibling-ness. From start to finish, our sibling-ness is Jesus.
- What does it mean to think serenely of our fellowship? What does that look like when it is real?
- So then, is intercessory prayer then the fruit of recognizing the centrality of Christ? If I rarely pray, is my problem a lack of engagement with Jesus?
- What does it look like to hope for fellowship? Why is this important?
Post-Lectio Reflection
The greatest hindrance to learning the skill of recognition is lack of space. Life is filled with intellectual pursuits and entertainment distractions, leaving little space for the soul to rest and wrestle in God’s presence. For this condition, there is no excuse, no matter how many the soul may dredge up. How is it possible that entertainment should squeeze out time in God’s presence? How is it possible that it should squeeze out time with our siblings?
Fellowship is an essential part of our nature. God created us to be so and Jesus redeemed us to be so. Yet, this essential fellowship is nothing of us, but all of grace. The Triune God created us to reflect his own communal nature. The same Triune God gives the grace and ability to be communal despite our broken, rebellious insistence (or neglect) to the contrary.
Our culture is replete with substitutes for the reality of true fellowship. The legacy of individualism makes these substitutes all the more attractive. The individualistic infection in the church deceives the spiritually hungry, causing them to conclude that true fellowship is elsewhere. Indeed, Christians themselves hunger for this essential fellowship, yet fail to see that this is who we are.
Lord God, forgive me for allowing my many distractions to fill the space that belongs to you. I long for fellowship with you in the midst of my siblings, but my distractions are easier. Chasten my soul. Reveal the sinfulness of my sin. Make me increasingly aware of my restlessness. Thank you for creating this amazing fellowship.
Tag(s): books
See CC License
“Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.” http://www.esv.org/
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