What is a healthy doctrine of worship?
Ever thought deeply about worship? Why do we, as Christians, do what we do on Sundays? We call our meetings "worship services" but what do we mean? Are we really worshipping in the biblical sense? Are we really giving God our hearts as the expression of praise that he deserves?
It's easy to see worship as a "pattern" to be replicated. It's easy, takes very little effort, and it doesn't engage our hearts. In fact, the NT never asks us to replicate the early Christian's worship services. It simply calls us to see ourselves as they saw themselves - as recipients of the grace of God in Christ who are now indwelled by the Holy Spirit. Ideally, worship will automatically flow out of this union like streams of living water. Worship is meant to reinforce this living relationship rooted in our faith in Christ's accomplished work of redemption.
Identity: Healthy worship is an encounter with God that blesses us, blesses God's work in Christ, is Spirit-led, and removes all judgment, egotism, arrogance, or pride from our sinful human hearts. There is no room for comparison and competition in true worship. Worship reminds us of our creatureliness and reinforces God as the Creator. Authentic worship is a momentary glimpse of and experience of heaven. Worship is when God says, "I Am" and "you are mine."
Character: We are to draw strength from that relationship for each week's battles. Worship prepares us to go into the world to make disciples (Matt 28:19-20), and to deal with the troubles of the world (John 16:33). Worship is also ethical as it informs our values, reminds us of who and whose we are, and calls us to a higher righteousness reflected in holy living (1 Pet 1:13-16; 2:9-12).
Freedom: Worship reminds us that we are not God and we don't set the agendas of our lives. So too, we don't set the agenda of worship. Granted, we are free to worship and express our love for God within the bounds set in Scripture (in both OT and NT). So, we are not locked into a "pattern" hidden somewhere within the pages of only the NT. There is more freedom in worship than we have been willing to see. As Paul contrasts Law and Spirit he writes, "Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom" (2 Cor 3:17).
Finally, I love what John Calvin said, "Worship lifts us up into the throne room of God."
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Qualities of Involvement Ministers
What are the top 5 qualities an Involvement Minister should have?
Note - try to avoid the obvious, like, loving Jesus, etc., and there's no particular order.
I'll go first:
1) People centered
2) Creative
3) Servant heart
4) Spiritually energetic
5) Mentor
Note - try to avoid the obvious, like, loving Jesus, etc., and there's no particular order.
I'll go first:
1) People centered
2) Creative
3) Servant heart
4) Spiritually energetic
5) Mentor
Monday, June 18, 2007
Involvement, Family Life, Spiritual Formation ...
Feeling Overwhelmed? Get some help!
Church life is busy! It doesn't take much eye strain to notice the ministry needs of the church: people are sick and hospitalized; visitors and new members long for assimilation into the body of Christ; ideas for outreach outnumber the actual hands-on-count; marital counselling is desperately needed; spiritual counselling too is at a premium; special body-building activities to help strengthen fellowship are always welcomed; worship needs a jolt, a kick, a spice, something or someone to get it out of the rut. The list goes on and on. Face it. You need help!
The church is a volunteer army and most of your active, serving members already have full time jobs and families and the burden to produce fruit at church is taxing, often exhausting. Let's face it, it's like having a second job that you're not being paid for. People's time and loyalties get divided by default. You want to serve. You need to serve. But the demands of the church outweigh the supply. Granted, there are certain ministries that receive ample attention - preaching, teaching, curriculum, children's programs, LIFE Groups, church finances, and administrative areas. These ministries are flowing rather smoothly. If it ain't broke don't fix it. But there are more opportunities ....
Perhaps what the church needs is another hired servant. A servant committed to the spiritual and relational health of the family. The ministry burden is too great for any one minister to carry. Stated more positively, ministry opportunities may and must be shared. Two hands are better than one. The church needs a cheerleader like Barnabas who is known as an encourager (Acts 4:36); a helper like John Mark who simply serves (Acts 13:5). It needs someone intent on strengthening the bonds of fellowship that mysteriously unite us in Christ. A servant is needed who is a true lover of people, and there are so many to be loved.
You've heard the titles: Associate minister, Involvement minister, Family Life minister, Spiritual Formation minister, Fellowship minister, Outreach minister, etc. Whatever name you choose reflects the task at hand. Sound strange? Many of us grew up in a fellowship with one preaching minister ("pulpit minister") who functioned much like a CEO - handled business and office affairs, visited the sick and hospitalized (all of them), wrote weekly bulletin articles, drafted sermons, Bible classes (Sundays and Wednesdays), wrote educational curriculum, led small groups, went to all the fellowships, all the activities, chaperoned youth outings, counseled, performed weddings, unlocked the building, locked the building, lived next to the building, etc. Again, the list goes on. We should ask the questions, Is this biblical? Is this practical? Is this realistic? Is this working?
The New Testament does not tell us exactly how to "do" church. It doesn't tell us how to set up a ministerial infrastructure that supports the needs of the church in the 21st century. But it does describe the church as a family composed of many Spiritually-gifted men and women who combine their gifts for the common good (Rom 12:3-8; Eph 4:11-13). Outside of Jesus Christ, the NT never leaves the task of ministry to just one person, and even he had twelve helpers. Simply put, the ministry model of one minister pulling the majority of the ministry load is unbiblical and unhealthy. The 21st century church calls for a united front to address its multifaceted needs. Two ministers are better than one.
How shall the church proceed?
Church life is busy! It doesn't take much eye strain to notice the ministry needs of the church: people are sick and hospitalized; visitors and new members long for assimilation into the body of Christ; ideas for outreach outnumber the actual hands-on-count; marital counselling is desperately needed; spiritual counselling too is at a premium; special body-building activities to help strengthen fellowship are always welcomed; worship needs a jolt, a kick, a spice, something or someone to get it out of the rut. The list goes on and on. Face it. You need help!
The church is a volunteer army and most of your active, serving members already have full time jobs and families and the burden to produce fruit at church is taxing, often exhausting. Let's face it, it's like having a second job that you're not being paid for. People's time and loyalties get divided by default. You want to serve. You need to serve. But the demands of the church outweigh the supply. Granted, there are certain ministries that receive ample attention - preaching, teaching, curriculum, children's programs, LIFE Groups, church finances, and administrative areas. These ministries are flowing rather smoothly. If it ain't broke don't fix it. But there are more opportunities ....
Perhaps what the church needs is another hired servant. A servant committed to the spiritual and relational health of the family. The ministry burden is too great for any one minister to carry. Stated more positively, ministry opportunities may and must be shared. Two hands are better than one. The church needs a cheerleader like Barnabas who is known as an encourager (Acts 4:36); a helper like John Mark who simply serves (Acts 13:5). It needs someone intent on strengthening the bonds of fellowship that mysteriously unite us in Christ. A servant is needed who is a true lover of people, and there are so many to be loved.
You've heard the titles: Associate minister, Involvement minister, Family Life minister, Spiritual Formation minister, Fellowship minister, Outreach minister, etc. Whatever name you choose reflects the task at hand. Sound strange? Many of us grew up in a fellowship with one preaching minister ("pulpit minister") who functioned much like a CEO - handled business and office affairs, visited the sick and hospitalized (all of them), wrote weekly bulletin articles, drafted sermons, Bible classes (Sundays and Wednesdays), wrote educational curriculum, led small groups, went to all the fellowships, all the activities, chaperoned youth outings, counseled, performed weddings, unlocked the building, locked the building, lived next to the building, etc. Again, the list goes on. We should ask the questions, Is this biblical? Is this practical? Is this realistic? Is this working?
The New Testament does not tell us exactly how to "do" church. It doesn't tell us how to set up a ministerial infrastructure that supports the needs of the church in the 21st century. But it does describe the church as a family composed of many Spiritually-gifted men and women who combine their gifts for the common good (Rom 12:3-8; Eph 4:11-13). Outside of Jesus Christ, the NT never leaves the task of ministry to just one person, and even he had twelve helpers. Simply put, the ministry model of one minister pulling the majority of the ministry load is unbiblical and unhealthy. The 21st century church calls for a united front to address its multifaceted needs. Two ministers are better than one.
How shall the church proceed?
Friday, May 18, 2007
Eternal Tables
What images of heaven do you have? What excites you most about it?
So far, I have painted a very positive and uplifting portrait of table fellowship as it occurs throughout the Bible. But I would be doing the topic a great injustice if I failed to point out the one negative depiction of a “table” in Scripture. But rest assured it is a “table” at which Christians, i.e., believers in the Lordship of Jesus Christ, will not sit.
Revelation 19 offers a symbolic vision of what Judgment day will be like for believers and unbelievers. As believers in Christ, we will be seated at a wedding feast as we await the arrival of our groom (Jesus Christ) (Rev 19:6-9). It is a picture of unparalleled purity and magnificent glory! The church, the bride of Christ, will finally be married to her groom! This is the moment that history has been awaiting since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. All impurity has been taken away and the church comes face to face with her Lord.
But there is another “table” in Revelation 19. This scene is descriptive of what will happen to unbelievers and other enemies of the cross. It is not a wedding banquet but rather is a gory supper where the unrepentant and evil are reduced to corpses that will be eaten by buzzards (19:17-21). To be sure, it is a picture of victory since Jesus is shown to arrive at the battlefield as a blood-soaked warrior with a sword who has not yet stopped slaying his enemies (19:11-16). Once his enemies are slain they are then eaten by scavenging birds.
Revelation 19 is meant to form a contrast of ideas: what Judgment will be like for the followers of Christ (wedding banquet) and what it will be like for those who are evil (gory supper). Though the latter “table” scene is gory, it is one that we Christians should not fear. The identity of the enemies of God should be clear: the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars (21:8). Evil is personified as an army that opposes God and his people, wages war against them, but is ultimately defeated. In contrast, our “table” scene at the Judgment is a beautiful wedding feast. This wedding scene is the pinnacle of the Bible’s table fellowship scenes. Revelation 19 is worth meditating on when it seems as though the stakes are stacked against the followers of Christ. The victory is ours!
So far, I have painted a very positive and uplifting portrait of table fellowship as it occurs throughout the Bible. But I would be doing the topic a great injustice if I failed to point out the one negative depiction of a “table” in Scripture. But rest assured it is a “table” at which Christians, i.e., believers in the Lordship of Jesus Christ, will not sit.
Revelation 19 offers a symbolic vision of what Judgment day will be like for believers and unbelievers. As believers in Christ, we will be seated at a wedding feast as we await the arrival of our groom (Jesus Christ) (Rev 19:6-9). It is a picture of unparalleled purity and magnificent glory! The church, the bride of Christ, will finally be married to her groom! This is the moment that history has been awaiting since the fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. All impurity has been taken away and the church comes face to face with her Lord.
But there is another “table” in Revelation 19. This scene is descriptive of what will happen to unbelievers and other enemies of the cross. It is not a wedding banquet but rather is a gory supper where the unrepentant and evil are reduced to corpses that will be eaten by buzzards (19:17-21). To be sure, it is a picture of victory since Jesus is shown to arrive at the battlefield as a blood-soaked warrior with a sword who has not yet stopped slaying his enemies (19:11-16). Once his enemies are slain they are then eaten by scavenging birds.
Revelation 19 is meant to form a contrast of ideas: what Judgment will be like for the followers of Christ (wedding banquet) and what it will be like for those who are evil (gory supper). Though the latter “table” scene is gory, it is one that we Christians should not fear. The identity of the enemies of God should be clear: the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters, and all liars (21:8). Evil is personified as an army that opposes God and his people, wages war against them, but is ultimately defeated. In contrast, our “table” scene at the Judgment is a beautiful wedding feast. This wedding scene is the pinnacle of the Bible’s table fellowship scenes. Revelation 19 is worth meditating on when it seems as though the stakes are stacked against the followers of Christ. The victory is ours!
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Christ's Table
Do you see communion as an opportunity to serve or be served? Why?
Jesus talked much about the role of service in the kingdom of God. His most passionate discussion of the subject comes as he sits around the table with his apostles eating his last Passover meal before his death (Luke 22:7-27). Luke paints a beautiful picture of fellowship as Jesus re-interprets the Passover meal to fit his own mission (22:17-20). Jesus gives new meaning to the Passover meal as he adapts some of the symbols (bread and wine) to fit his mission of inaugurating the new covenant. But the beautiful picture painted by Luke is smudged by a “dispute” among the apostles as to who would have the most authority in the new kingdom spoken of by Jesus (v. 24). Jesus passionately points out to them that his kingdom is not focused on authority but rather on service. After all, it is his kingdom not theirs. He is the head of the table in his kingdom (v. 27). Yet, though he has all authority, he chooses to demonstrate that authority by serving (v. 27). Thus, his followers are to follow his lead and serve one another.
This text has profound implications as we sit around the Lord’s Table each week. It is Christ’s table not ours. He is at the head of the table as we gather together each week. Even so, he demonstrates his authority by serving us. Thus, we should serve one another. Gathering around the Lord’s Table is not a time for arguing and disputing about correct interpretations and authoritative power struggles. It is an occasion for serving one another the symbols (bread and wine) that proclaim our common deliverance given us by the only sacrifice to have ever been raised from the dead. Indeed, God has called us to his table to celebrate what he accomplished on the altar of the cross. May he grant us grace as we serve one another around his table.
Jesus talked much about the role of service in the kingdom of God. His most passionate discussion of the subject comes as he sits around the table with his apostles eating his last Passover meal before his death (Luke 22:7-27). Luke paints a beautiful picture of fellowship as Jesus re-interprets the Passover meal to fit his own mission (22:17-20). Jesus gives new meaning to the Passover meal as he adapts some of the symbols (bread and wine) to fit his mission of inaugurating the new covenant. But the beautiful picture painted by Luke is smudged by a “dispute” among the apostles as to who would have the most authority in the new kingdom spoken of by Jesus (v. 24). Jesus passionately points out to them that his kingdom is not focused on authority but rather on service. After all, it is his kingdom not theirs. He is the head of the table in his kingdom (v. 27). Yet, though he has all authority, he chooses to demonstrate that authority by serving (v. 27). Thus, his followers are to follow his lead and serve one another.
This text has profound implications as we sit around the Lord’s Table each week. It is Christ’s table not ours. He is at the head of the table as we gather together each week. Even so, he demonstrates his authority by serving us. Thus, we should serve one another. Gathering around the Lord’s Table is not a time for arguing and disputing about correct interpretations and authoritative power struggles. It is an occasion for serving one another the symbols (bread and wine) that proclaim our common deliverance given us by the only sacrifice to have ever been raised from the dead. Indeed, God has called us to his table to celebrate what he accomplished on the altar of the cross. May he grant us grace as we serve one another around his table.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Tables of Holiness
Why do we often reduce Christianity to an hour a week on Sunday? Is the "worship hour" a biblical concept?
The Pharisees had a hard time blending the Sabbath day’s call for righteousness with the other six days of the week. They would follow the letter of the Law on the Sabbath and then fail to practice the weightier matters on the other days of the week. One day, as he was eating with a Pharisee, Jesus pointed out this inconsistency (Luke 11:37-52). He described out how the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law would tithe properly, wash properly, and worship properly, but failed to practice the weightier matters like love, forgiveness, and mercy. They knew the letter of the Law but were clueless as to the spirit of the Law.
These Jewish “ministers” created a false division between their sacred lives and their secular lives. They made the Sabbath day an exclusive day of holiness and all but ignored the others days of the week. So Jesus, while sitting around a table, took the opportunity to teach them that simply because the Sabbath day was holy did not mean that all the other days were unholy. For Jesus, every day is an opportunity to reflect the holiness of God. Holiness is not a once a week phenomenon, it is a lifestyle. There should be no division between our sacred lives and our secular lives. Every day is sacred for followers of Christ. Sitting at Jesus’ table involves living like him. May we not fall into the Pharisaical practice of practicing holiness once a week.
The Pharisees had a hard time blending the Sabbath day’s call for righteousness with the other six days of the week. They would follow the letter of the Law on the Sabbath and then fail to practice the weightier matters on the other days of the week. One day, as he was eating with a Pharisee, Jesus pointed out this inconsistency (Luke 11:37-52). He described out how the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law would tithe properly, wash properly, and worship properly, but failed to practice the weightier matters like love, forgiveness, and mercy. They knew the letter of the Law but were clueless as to the spirit of the Law.
These Jewish “ministers” created a false division between their sacred lives and their secular lives. They made the Sabbath day an exclusive day of holiness and all but ignored the others days of the week. So Jesus, while sitting around a table, took the opportunity to teach them that simply because the Sabbath day was holy did not mean that all the other days were unholy. For Jesus, every day is an opportunity to reflect the holiness of God. Holiness is not a once a week phenomenon, it is a lifestyle. There should be no division between our sacred lives and our secular lives. Every day is sacred for followers of Christ. Sitting at Jesus’ table involves living like him. May we not fall into the Pharisaical practice of practicing holiness once a week.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
A Prayer for Virginia Tech
Our Heavenly Father, we bow before your throne in humility and with much heaviness in our hearts. We confess our inability to understand such tragic events. But we trust in you oh Lord. We trust in your unfailing love and your providential care for us, your creatures.
We ask that you hear our cries this day as we mourn and ask "why?". God, it is because we trust that we cry out to you and to none other. Nonetheless, we still cry. Our pain is too great for us to bear on our own. We need you to heal our pain. We seek the comfort that only you can provide.
Father we thank you for experiencing our pain in the life and death of Jesus Christ. We trust that you know exactly how we feel this day. Thank you for being near to us. Though at times we wonder where you are, we acknowledge your presence even in the darkest of hours such as this.
Father we praise your holy name this day. We praise you for your power, especially the power that you have over death - demonstrated by the resurrection of Jesus. God we are so thankful for the victory we have in Jesus Christ. We are so thankful that you have triumphed over situations like today. No matter what Satan may throw at us we know that you have defeated it. Although at the present time we do not completely taste the sweet taste of victory, we long for that day. We long for the day when our victory will be finalized. We long for the banquet that we will enjoy with you.
God we pray for all our enemies. We pray that they will come to know you. We pray that they will repent of their deeds and turn to you. But if they have hardened their hearts, if they have resolved to oppose you and your people, we pray for your judgment. God we know that they will be placed under your feet. Though today we may not understand that they have lost we are confident in your ultimate victory.
Again, we praise you for this victory in Jesus. We ask now that you help us focus our attention on the future. Father we know this world is not our home. We know that it has undergone a radical change from the day it was created. We look forward to the day when it will be purified and purged from evil and sin. We eagerly await the peace and harmony of a life lived in your glorious presence.
Father we confess our own sins to you this day. We are thankful that you have forgiven us. Thank you for the power of the cross. We ask that you continue to make us holy. We ask that you continue to transform us into the image of Christ. Thank you for your Spirit. Thank you for the holiness and peace that he brings to our lives. Father our words have come to an end and we trust that the Spirit now groans for us. Father our words have ended and we now yield to silence so that we can hear your voice. And we wait. But we are confident that we do not wait in vain. Father we know that you are worth waiting for.
We acknowledge the authority of Jesus Christ as we offer this prayer. Let the children of God say “Amen.”
Our Heavenly Father, we bow before your throne in humility and with much heaviness in our hearts. We confess our inability to understand such tragic events. But we trust in you oh Lord. We trust in your unfailing love and your providential care for us, your creatures.
We ask that you hear our cries this day as we mourn and ask "why?". God, it is because we trust that we cry out to you and to none other. Nonetheless, we still cry. Our pain is too great for us to bear on our own. We need you to heal our pain. We seek the comfort that only you can provide.
Father we thank you for experiencing our pain in the life and death of Jesus Christ. We trust that you know exactly how we feel this day. Thank you for being near to us. Though at times we wonder where you are, we acknowledge your presence even in the darkest of hours such as this.
Father we praise your holy name this day. We praise you for your power, especially the power that you have over death - demonstrated by the resurrection of Jesus. God we are so thankful for the victory we have in Jesus Christ. We are so thankful that you have triumphed over situations like today. No matter what Satan may throw at us we know that you have defeated it. Although at the present time we do not completely taste the sweet taste of victory, we long for that day. We long for the day when our victory will be finalized. We long for the banquet that we will enjoy with you.
God we pray for all our enemies. We pray that they will come to know you. We pray that they will repent of their deeds and turn to you. But if they have hardened their hearts, if they have resolved to oppose you and your people, we pray for your judgment. God we know that they will be placed under your feet. Though today we may not understand that they have lost we are confident in your ultimate victory.
Again, we praise you for this victory in Jesus. We ask now that you help us focus our attention on the future. Father we know this world is not our home. We know that it has undergone a radical change from the day it was created. We look forward to the day when it will be purified and purged from evil and sin. We eagerly await the peace and harmony of a life lived in your glorious presence.
Father we confess our own sins to you this day. We are thankful that you have forgiven us. Thank you for the power of the cross. We ask that you continue to make us holy. We ask that you continue to transform us into the image of Christ. Thank you for your Spirit. Thank you for the holiness and peace that he brings to our lives. Father our words have come to an end and we trust that the Spirit now groans for us. Father our words have ended and we now yield to silence so that we can hear your voice. And we wait. But we are confident that we do not wait in vain. Father we know that you are worth waiting for.
We acknowledge the authority of Jesus Christ as we offer this prayer. Let the children of God say “Amen.”
Monday, April 16, 2007
Tables of Healing
When do we fail to offer Jesus hospitality?
Jesus, the great physician, brings healing to the broken lives of people. Those who approach his table do so, in part, out of the need for his healing touch. The sinful woman in Luke 7:36-50 experiences such healing. She comes to a table where the Messiah is seated and offers him the kind of hospitality that the Pharisee host should have provided but pridefully neglected. The point of this story is there is no sin that is too destructive for the healing touch of Christ. Even those who have lived lives of consistent and willful sin, upon confession and repentance, can receive healing from the Savior and may “go in peace” (Luke 7:50).
In fact, those who have been plagued by “many sins” (7:47) receive the most healing and experience the most peace. You cannot appreciate the grace of God unless you first recognize the disastrous effects of sin. Jesus’ table is one of forgiveness and restoration. It is at the table of the Lord where we, as sinners, receive reconciliation and a renewed sense of peace. May we be comforted in the knowledge that Jesus has forgiven our many sins and calls us to his table to celebrate!
Jesus, the great physician, brings healing to the broken lives of people. Those who approach his table do so, in part, out of the need for his healing touch. The sinful woman in Luke 7:36-50 experiences such healing. She comes to a table where the Messiah is seated and offers him the kind of hospitality that the Pharisee host should have provided but pridefully neglected. The point of this story is there is no sin that is too destructive for the healing touch of Christ. Even those who have lived lives of consistent and willful sin, upon confession and repentance, can receive healing from the Savior and may “go in peace” (Luke 7:50).
In fact, those who have been plagued by “many sins” (7:47) receive the most healing and experience the most peace. You cannot appreciate the grace of God unless you first recognize the disastrous effects of sin. Jesus’ table is one of forgiveness and restoration. It is at the table of the Lord where we, as sinners, receive reconciliation and a renewed sense of peace. May we be comforted in the knowledge that Jesus has forgiven our many sins and calls us to his table to celebrate!
Monday, April 9, 2007
Tables of Repentance
How can we experience a deeper sense of Christian identity as we sit around tables?
One of the most important aspects of table fellowship is identity. Generally speaking, who you eat with says something about who you are. Our identity is intertwined with the people we eat with. For this reason, Jesus constantly got in trouble with the Pharisees. They could not understand why Jesus, a devout rabbi, would be willing to eat with “tax-collectors and ‘sinners’” (Luke 5:30). The Pharisees misunderstood Jesus’ intentions. Jesus did not eat with sinners in order to condone their behavior but rather to call them to repentance (Luke 5:32). Jesus ate with sinners with the hope that they would be responsive to his healing presence: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Luke 5:31).
As Christians, we sit at Christ’s table. He graciously welcomes us in spite of the sin that infects our lives. He eats with us in order to encourage us to be responsive to his healing touch. Jesus does not eat with sinners in order to promote their rebellion; he eats with them to promote their repentance. By sitting around Christ’s table, our identity as sinners is trumped by our identity as “in Christ ones.” Simply put, we are Christians. May God grant us grace as we live out our identity as those who sit at the table of the Lord.
One of the most important aspects of table fellowship is identity. Generally speaking, who you eat with says something about who you are. Our identity is intertwined with the people we eat with. For this reason, Jesus constantly got in trouble with the Pharisees. They could not understand why Jesus, a devout rabbi, would be willing to eat with “tax-collectors and ‘sinners’” (Luke 5:30). The Pharisees misunderstood Jesus’ intentions. Jesus did not eat with sinners in order to condone their behavior but rather to call them to repentance (Luke 5:32). Jesus ate with sinners with the hope that they would be responsive to his healing presence: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Luke 5:31).
As Christians, we sit at Christ’s table. He graciously welcomes us in spite of the sin that infects our lives. He eats with us in order to encourage us to be responsive to his healing touch. Jesus does not eat with sinners in order to promote their rebellion; he eats with them to promote their repentance. By sitting around Christ’s table, our identity as sinners is trumped by our identity as “in Christ ones.” Simply put, we are Christians. May God grant us grace as we live out our identity as those who sit at the table of the Lord.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Breaking Bread on Sunday
What is the emphasis at the Lord's Supper? The cross or the resurrection?
A common phrase for the Lord’s Supper throughout Luke-Acts is, “breaking of bread.” This phrase does not simply designate a casual meal. It is technical and specific language used to describe the Lord’s Supper. Interestingly, in Luke 24:30, 35 and in Acts 20:7, 11 the phrase is closely associated with the resurrection. The disciples in Emmaus “recognized” the risen savior when he “broke the bread” and Paul “broke bread” both before and after raising Eutychus from the dead. When compared with each other, these two texts bear striking resemblances to each other. Luke’s emphasis suggests when we “break bread” the resurrection should saturate our thoughts. Sunday is the day where we gather around the table to “break bread.” Sunday is the day of the resurrection not the day of the cross.
The cross happened on a Friday and is often present with us on Sunday. After all, you cannot have Sunday without Friday. Put differently, the holiness of the atonement must precede the glory of the resurrection. But Friday is put into perspective on Sunday. Sunday allows us to look back at Friday and call it “good.” When we gather to “break bread” we declare that it is Sunday, not Friday. We declare that the death of Friday does not win. Sunday is a day of resurrection and life and every Sunday is Easter Sunday. Sunday wins over Friday!
A common phrase for the Lord’s Supper throughout Luke-Acts is, “breaking of bread.” This phrase does not simply designate a casual meal. It is technical and specific language used to describe the Lord’s Supper. Interestingly, in Luke 24:30, 35 and in Acts 20:7, 11 the phrase is closely associated with the resurrection. The disciples in Emmaus “recognized” the risen savior when he “broke the bread” and Paul “broke bread” both before and after raising Eutychus from the dead. When compared with each other, these two texts bear striking resemblances to each other. Luke’s emphasis suggests when we “break bread” the resurrection should saturate our thoughts. Sunday is the day where we gather around the table to “break bread.” Sunday is the day of the resurrection not the day of the cross.
The cross happened on a Friday and is often present with us on Sunday. After all, you cannot have Sunday without Friday. Put differently, the holiness of the atonement must precede the glory of the resurrection. But Friday is put into perspective on Sunday. Sunday allows us to look back at Friday and call it “good.” When we gather to “break bread” we declare that it is Sunday, not Friday. We declare that the death of Friday does not win. Sunday is a day of resurrection and life and every Sunday is Easter Sunday. Sunday wins over Friday!
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Tables of Humility
What practical steps can be implemented at the Lord's Supper to help promote humility?
Jesus was big on table manners, especially humility. His ministry was spent looking out for the needs of others. Jesus, by way of example, showed his followers what it looked like to put others before yourself. His ultimate example was of course, the cross. The Gospel of Luke bears out this fact about Jesus’ ministry. Luke 14:1-11 gives three illustrations of Jesus that are meant to convey the notion of humility. It is for emphasis that Luke provides these three examples. He wants to make a point about the importance of humility. Jesus begins by giving two similar examples that attack the Pharisaical rules of the Sabbath day (vv. 1-6). Jesus shows them by way of common sense not to exalt their religious rules over human life. Those in the kingdom of God must extend graciousness and mercy to others before imposing rules. We must be humble enough to recognize the needs of others. A third example, offered by Jesus, involves table etiquette. His point is that we should seek the “lower seats” rather than the “places of honor” (v. 10). Again, we must seek the good of others first. Jesus ends by illustrating how humility’s end is exaltation (v. 10). Jesus is not saying that people must seek to be rewarded for their humility but simply that God blesses those who bless others. This is the natural result. Humility’s end is exaltation: “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (14:11). May God grant us the grace to see the needs of others before focusing on our own needs. May we heed the teachings of Christ on humility as well as his ultimate example.
Jesus was big on table manners, especially humility. His ministry was spent looking out for the needs of others. Jesus, by way of example, showed his followers what it looked like to put others before yourself. His ultimate example was of course, the cross. The Gospel of Luke bears out this fact about Jesus’ ministry. Luke 14:1-11 gives three illustrations of Jesus that are meant to convey the notion of humility. It is for emphasis that Luke provides these three examples. He wants to make a point about the importance of humility. Jesus begins by giving two similar examples that attack the Pharisaical rules of the Sabbath day (vv. 1-6). Jesus shows them by way of common sense not to exalt their religious rules over human life. Those in the kingdom of God must extend graciousness and mercy to others before imposing rules. We must be humble enough to recognize the needs of others. A third example, offered by Jesus, involves table etiquette. His point is that we should seek the “lower seats” rather than the “places of honor” (v. 10). Again, we must seek the good of others first. Jesus ends by illustrating how humility’s end is exaltation (v. 10). Jesus is not saying that people must seek to be rewarded for their humility but simply that God blesses those who bless others. This is the natural result. Humility’s end is exaltation: “For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted” (14:11). May God grant us the grace to see the needs of others before focusing on our own needs. May we heed the teachings of Christ on humility as well as his ultimate example.
Friday, March 23, 2007
More Tables of Compassion
Are contemporary Christians consumers or distributors of God's material blessings?
A crucial element that must be discussed while studying table fellowship in the New Testament is compassion. Luke 16:19-31 presents the story of the rich man and Lazarus. This may very well be the best illustration for a discussion of compassion in the Bible. The point of the story is simple: those who are blessed must share with those less fortunate. The rich man must have ignored Lazarus given the fact that Lazarus laid at the gate of the rich man (16:20). This is the equivalent of Lazarus laying on the rich man’s front porch. There was no way that the rich man could not have noticed poor Lazarus. The text emphasizes the rich man’s chosen path of selfishness.
It is inexcusable for the rich to ignore the poor. God never intended for poor people to be among his people (Deut 15:4) but he knew the reality of life. God knows that humans often have a desire to be consumers of wealth rather than distributors of it. If not convinced by the story of the rich man and Lazarus, see Deut 15:7-11 for a convicting discussion of the proper role of wealth in the lives of God’s people.
A crucial element that must be discussed while studying table fellowship in the New Testament is compassion. Luke 16:19-31 presents the story of the rich man and Lazarus. This may very well be the best illustration for a discussion of compassion in the Bible. The point of the story is simple: those who are blessed must share with those less fortunate. The rich man must have ignored Lazarus given the fact that Lazarus laid at the gate of the rich man (16:20). This is the equivalent of Lazarus laying on the rich man’s front porch. There was no way that the rich man could not have noticed poor Lazarus. The text emphasizes the rich man’s chosen path of selfishness.
It is inexcusable for the rich to ignore the poor. God never intended for poor people to be among his people (Deut 15:4) but he knew the reality of life. God knows that humans often have a desire to be consumers of wealth rather than distributors of it. If not convinced by the story of the rich man and Lazarus, see Deut 15:7-11 for a convicting discussion of the proper role of wealth in the lives of God’s people.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Tables of Compassion
How is the church compassionate? How can it improve and be more compassionate?
One element that should be present when believers gather around a table is compassion. Jesus illustrated this reality in Luke 14:12-14 (see also 2 Sam 9). As Christians, the invitation to sit at our tables must be extended to those who cannot repay us. Our tables must be open to "the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind" (Luke 14:13). As disciples of Jesus, we must learn to open our tables and our times of fellowship to those who cannot offer us anything in return. As disciples, we must sit around tables of compassion.
This illustration from Luke 14 is a depiction of our own status as we sit around Christ’s table. We sit at the royal table although we have nothing to offer the King. His table is one of compassion and he invites those who cannot repay him. God has not invited the religious elite and the powerful in society to sit at his table. He has no need for repayment. Instead, he invites those who are broken and sinful. For it is at the table of the King where we receive healing and forgiveness. And when you eat with the King you can’t help but rejoice!
One element that should be present when believers gather around a table is compassion. Jesus illustrated this reality in Luke 14:12-14 (see also 2 Sam 9). As Christians, the invitation to sit at our tables must be extended to those who cannot repay us. Our tables must be open to "the poor, the crippled, the lame and the blind" (Luke 14:13). As disciples of Jesus, we must learn to open our tables and our times of fellowship to those who cannot offer us anything in return. As disciples, we must sit around tables of compassion.
This illustration from Luke 14 is a depiction of our own status as we sit around Christ’s table. We sit at the royal table although we have nothing to offer the King. His table is one of compassion and he invites those who cannot repay him. God has not invited the religious elite and the powerful in society to sit at his table. He has no need for repayment. Instead, he invites those who are broken and sinful. For it is at the table of the King where we receive healing and forgiveness. And when you eat with the King you can’t help but rejoice!
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Table Fellowship
Does our current communion practice adequately convey a biblical sense of community and fellowship? Why? or Why not?
Table fellowship is a consistent theme throughout the New Testament, especially Luke/Acts. Luke, the author of both Luke and Acts, portrays picture after picture of the earliest Christians eating and rejoicing together. In the first century, eating with someone said something about who you were. Fellowship proclaimed identity. Your identity was announced to others by who you chose to eat with. Sharing a meal with someone declared to outsiders your association with those gathered around the table. Meals were eaten with those who shared a common lifestyle and the same values. Meeting around a table symbolized friendship, intimacy, and unity.
The table fellowship shared among Christians on a day-to-day basis is an extension of the grand fellowship that we share as we gather around the Lord’s Table each Sunday. The fellowship experienced as we gather around the Lord’s Table on Sunday should extend into every other day of the week. Christianity is a relationship. It is a relationship that intimately intertwines God and his people in a loving community. I cannot think of a better way to experience this community than gathering around tables for fellowship. May all our tables reflect the identity that we share in Christ.
Table fellowship is a consistent theme throughout the New Testament, especially Luke/Acts. Luke, the author of both Luke and Acts, portrays picture after picture of the earliest Christians eating and rejoicing together. In the first century, eating with someone said something about who you were. Fellowship proclaimed identity. Your identity was announced to others by who you chose to eat with. Sharing a meal with someone declared to outsiders your association with those gathered around the table. Meals were eaten with those who shared a common lifestyle and the same values. Meeting around a table symbolized friendship, intimacy, and unity.
The table fellowship shared among Christians on a day-to-day basis is an extension of the grand fellowship that we share as we gather around the Lord’s Table each Sunday. The fellowship experienced as we gather around the Lord’s Table on Sunday should extend into every other day of the week. Christianity is a relationship. It is a relationship that intimately intertwines God and his people in a loving community. I cannot think of a better way to experience this community than gathering around tables for fellowship. May all our tables reflect the identity that we share in Christ.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Ministry Interns
What are the pros and cons of having a ministry intern at a church?
Sometimes churches need help. Particularly, if the church does not follow a staff-driven model, gaps begin to form even in the core ministries of the church. Bible classes are being taught by a precious few volunteers rather than being spread across many shoulders resulting in burn out. Children's ministries suffer a similar fate. Worship services limp along due to the low turn out of willing servants. Crucial ministries such as outreach and visitation get neglected. The ministry needs of a church are many but the workers are few.
Perhaps a ministry intern can help fill some of these critical gaps. Perhaps a hired hand is precisely what the church needs. Perhaps, a laborer, provided by God for the nourishment of the body, is therefore offered to the church. Perhaps, just perhaps, a hired hand is the answer to the church's prayer where we are to "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to sent out workers into his harvest field" (Matt 9:38).
Granted, the church may receive much needed benefits from hiring an intern but the intern himself/herself is served well too. Hiring an intern allows the church to extend the grace of God to a servant's life granting the experience needed for future ministry. Experience is a premium in ministry. Hiring an intern allows this boost in formal ministry experience that may otherwise be lacking. The church takes on the role of a community of mentors who shepherd, mentor, and equip a young minister. Again, it is an extension of grace into the servant's life. It is the preparation for his/her future ministry. Hiring a ministry intern is an investment in the kingdom.
The mutual benefit gained by both church and intern allow God's grace to permeate the community as each part of the body does its work (Eph 4:16).
Sometimes churches need help. Particularly, if the church does not follow a staff-driven model, gaps begin to form even in the core ministries of the church. Bible classes are being taught by a precious few volunteers rather than being spread across many shoulders resulting in burn out. Children's ministries suffer a similar fate. Worship services limp along due to the low turn out of willing servants. Crucial ministries such as outreach and visitation get neglected. The ministry needs of a church are many but the workers are few.
Perhaps a ministry intern can help fill some of these critical gaps. Perhaps a hired hand is precisely what the church needs. Perhaps, a laborer, provided by God for the nourishment of the body, is therefore offered to the church. Perhaps, just perhaps, a hired hand is the answer to the church's prayer where we are to "Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to sent out workers into his harvest field" (Matt 9:38).
Granted, the church may receive much needed benefits from hiring an intern but the intern himself/herself is served well too. Hiring an intern allows the church to extend the grace of God to a servant's life granting the experience needed for future ministry. Experience is a premium in ministry. Hiring an intern allows this boost in formal ministry experience that may otherwise be lacking. The church takes on the role of a community of mentors who shepherd, mentor, and equip a young minister. Again, it is an extension of grace into the servant's life. It is the preparation for his/her future ministry. Hiring a ministry intern is an investment in the kingdom.
The mutual benefit gained by both church and intern allow God's grace to permeate the community as each part of the body does its work (Eph 4:16).
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