I am writing in response to Al Mohler's recent commentary Darkness At Noon: A Post-Christian Age. Mohler's essay is a reminder of the world we live in today. A world where truth is maligned, Christ ruled illegal, pop culture is base and perverted, and lives live huddled behind locked doors, clinging to stuff we do not need. In reading the essay, I could not help but cry out. "Yet brother, we have a blessed hope." So many who are embroiled in the culture wars need to remind us all that we do not live in a universe ruled by darkness, ruled by secular encroachment, ruled by post-Christian powers. No, our universe in ruled by a good and Sovereign God. Dr. Mohler has reminded us all of this in many ways. I just want to encourage everyone that God is not thrwarted by secularism, that the light of Christ still shines brightly, ever more brightly in the midst of the darkness.
He still rules, converts, leads and transforms souls. He uses his people to love the hurting, care for the oppressed, preach good news to the captive. Here is our call to alert. It is this: Love them! Share Jesus with them! Bless the Cities and Highways and Byways with the fragrant aroma of Christ. To some, it will be the smell of death...yes, even to the cultural warriors arrayed on many fronts. But to others, even to the cultural warriors arrayed on many fronts, it will be the aroma of Life!
Yes, there are dark signs today. Yet there have been dark clouds since the ship wreck which happened in Eden. There are dark signs in every age - ours included. But the redemptive purposes of God shall stand through every age. The time of the church triumphant is not yet at hand, nor will it be brought about by politics or rhetoric, but only by the moving of a gracious God. To Him we pray as we yearn, think, study, preach, love, serve, work, and are ever hopefull...while it is still called today.
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POC Blog
The random technotheolosophical blogging of Reid S. Monaghan
The Indigenous and Pilgrim Principles
John Piper has an excellent message on the perpetual question of living "in but not of" the world. A quick exerpt:
Romans 12:1-2John Piper - Do not be Conformed to This World - The Indigenous and Pilgrim Principle of Christian Living --------I appeal to you therefore, brothers,by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world,but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Oh, how many questions this verse—Romans 12:2—raises that need thoughtful, biblical answers. For example, How does the command not to be conformed to this world relate to Paul’s statement in 1 Corinthians 9:22, “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some”? How is becoming all things to all people not conforming to the world? Or how does the command not to conform to the world, that is, to be counter-cultural, relate to Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 10:32-33? “Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.” How does not being conformed to the world fit with not giving offense to the world? You can’t always do both. How does not being conformed to the world fit with pleasing everyone for the sake of salvation? You can’t always please people if you refuse to conform to some of their thoughts and ways.
So the questions are many, and we will tackle some of them. My aim today is to give you a way to think about these questions. To give you some categories that I pray will be part of the renewing of your mind so that you can prove and embrace the will of God.
The reason there are questions like these is not because Paul slipped up and got confused about what it means to follow Christ in a fallen world. Paul was not confused. He was holding two Christian impulses—two principles—in balance. When Christ came into the world, and lived and died and rose from the dead, and set the redeeming kingdom of God in motion, and unleashed the mighty gospel on the world—two powerful impulses, or forces, spread everywhere the gospel spread.
The Indigenous Principle and the Pilgrim Principle
These two impulses are always in tension with each other. At times they push in opposite directions, and the great challenge is to find the biblical balance. Andrew Walls, in his book, The Missionary Movement In Christian History, calls these two impulses the Indigenous Principle and the Pilgrim Principle (Mary Knoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 2001, pp. 7-9). In other words, the gospel can and must become indigenous in every (fallen!) culture in the world. It can and must find a home in the culture. It must fit in. That’s the indigenous impulse. But at the same time, and just as powerful, the gospel produces a pilgrim mindset. It loosens people from their culture. It criticizes and corrects culture. It turns people into pilgrims and aliens and exiles in their own culture. When Paul says, “Do not conformed to this world,” and “I became all things to all people,” he is not confused; he is calling for a critical balance of two crucial biblical impulses. continue reading
"Postmodern" Christians
The following article is a good read. Mark Driscoll is a pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seatle - a missional church reaching out to contemporary culture - seeking to be both relevant and faithful to Jesus.
Link - postmodern_christians.pdf (application/pdf Object)
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Biblical Perspectives on Sex and Autoeroticism
I am not aware of a large number of children that read this site, but despite that I'd like to begin this article with a quick warning. What I am writing about in this short series deals with a subject that is best-suited for adults. So if you are still young, I'd prefer you had your mom or dad read it first and decide if this is something they would like you to read. Fair enough?Fair enough...He then continues with an overview of some material from Sex and the Supremacy of Christ - a new book edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor...he goes on to the "auto" stuff in part II - just so you know...but don't read Part II first...smile. Biblical Perspectives on Sex and Autoeroticism . --------
What is Truth?
- Message 1 - Truth - A Treasure Which Must Not Be Lost
- Message 2 - The Inescapable Beauty of Truth
- Resources for further Study (pdf)
Seeing the Glory of God in Normal Things
This semester, at Inversion Fellowship - the young adult ministry of Fellowship Bible Church, Nashville, I will be teaching a series entitled Elements The messages series will consider how the beauty and glory of God is seen in the "created stuff" of this world. Far too often modern people, somewhat separated from our environment, seem to miss the magic and beauty infused in the world around us. Indeed, there are glorious finger prints everywhere around us, if we only learn how to see, how to consider, how to reflect on the majesty of God which is reflected in this world. Now, the Scripture will be our guide as we look, for we do not want to look without God as our tour guide. Two really new books I have found come across which I am using to aid my observations that I thought I would make note of:
Alister McGrath, Creation - Truth and the Christian Imagination (Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2005)
T. M. Moore, Consider The Lilies: A Plea For Creational Theology (Phillipsburg: Presbyterian and Reformed, 2005)
Employing seven classic paintings, Creation invites readers to envision the origin, dependence, and larger purpose of the universe and their own lives. McGrath explores seven traditional aspects of the doctrine of creation: encountering creation, tending creation, the spirituality of creation, the parables of creation, the Lord of creation, the place of humanity in creation, and the ruin and restoration of humanity. The first of six volumes in the Truth and the Christian Imagination series, this book will help students and lay people understand the relevance of traditional theological terminology, the continued viability of a broadly Christian approach, and the pertinence of doctrine to their daily lives. (Source - Amazon)
How can we perceive and experience God's grandeur in creation? What does creation tell us about his plans, purposes, truth, or ways? T. M. Moore answers these and other questions in this artful introduction to creational theology, the discovery and celebration of God's glory through what he has made. The task of theology involves much more than simply studying Scripture or reading academic tomes. It involves doing theology-not just reading it. In Consider the Lilies, readers will develop the skills and disciplines for doing theology as they look upon and interact with the world around them. (Source - Amazon)Can I just say that I am super stoked about these books. Moore's book is endorsed by several people I respect from a wide swath of the body of Christ - I am just giddy to read this one and launch into the Bible and the Universe - to see the grandeur and glory of God in the midst of so called normal things -- even dirt, air, water, fire, space, and light. May the LORD of heaven and earth dance before you and captivate you in the fullness of his beauty. . --------
Ochuk’s Blog � Why I Am Not An Open Theist
Very good article from a "former Open Theist" - Ochuk’s Blog � Blog Archive � Why I Am Not An Open Theist
For those new to the conversastion regarding Open Theism...a good place to start is here: Open Theism at Christian Apologetics and Resource Ministry
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On Praying About the Weather -- A Meditation on Hurricane Dennis
A Theology of Touch
So much could be said about the tactile sense of touch. Of the five senses, the sense of our skin can sometimes be left forgotten. For the simple fact that we know that our universe was created by a God who is wise, and who does not act whimsically, we know that we have a sense of touch for a reason. What follows is by no means an exhaustive treatment, but more the wanderings about what it means for human beings to experience the world through a sense of contact.
Moses and Holy Ground
The scriptures are rife with examples of standing. Standing, walking, running are all themes throughout the Bible which give us the groundwork for building a general theology of "presence" - how embodied beings we move through life in our world. But standing seems of utmost importance. People have stood in God's presence (Gen 18:22), we stand in the midst of temptation (Eph 6:10-20), people will stand in worship in the heavenly Kingdom (Rev 15:2-4) and at some point we will all stand before God's holy judgement (Rev 20:12) - we will all appear before him, in bodies. There is an interesting account of standing found in the Old Testament account of Moses and the burning bush in Exodus 3:5:
Moses is asked to take of his sandals, to remove his shoes, to place his feet directly on the earth, to feel the ground he is standing, to show respect by taking off dirty and dusty shoes. It was customary in this day for holy men to take off their shoes to not drag impurities into temples, a show of respect for that which is holy. The interesting thing here is that God wanted Moses to do something, to remove his shoes, so that Moses would know - God is holy, this is a holy place, this is holy ground, and his feet would be directly on it. The sense of feet touching the earth, without shoes, shoes a purity, a sort of nakedness before God - a feeling of the reality of the immensity of God before him...Moses' feet felt the earth and this was part of the moment - to know the holiness of God involved seeing (the bush), hearing (God speak), smell (no doubt) and touch (feet on the ground). God met Moses, and moses experienced this through his senses, understanding with his mind, moved in his soul.
The Incarnation
No where else in the Bible does the body, and its senses, receive more exaltation than in the Incarnation of Christ himself. Listen to the words of the apostle John
Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” Thomas answered him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.John 20:27-31 Holy Bible: English Standard Version
Which theologian are you?
A fun quiz to take to see what theological viewpoint you most align with...QuizFarm.com :: Which theologian are you?
Here are my results - I did like the Proslogion but did not realize I would come out Anselmian. One of my good friends will be pleased to see that Barth showed up - but if you ask my doctrine of revelation you will see that Barth and I would soon part. It is good to see Edwards and Calvin on the list, but my baptistic views (believers baptism rather than paedo/infant baptism) would keep me from them.
Anyway, kind of fun - smile.
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You scored as Anselm. Anselm is the outstanding theologian of the medieval period.He sees man's primary problem as having failed to render unto God what we owe him, so God becomes man in Christ and gives God what he is due. You should read 'Cur Deus Homo?'
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Providence and the Question of Fate
The other day my daughter was watching an old Disney movie and one of the characters, an old bird, was explaining to some mice about the nature of fate. Not wanting my daughter to buy into what was being said, but with you a reactionary move to condemn and turn off the film I engaged my little girl in a short discussion.
Kayla, is what that bird saying true? Is something called fate in control of our lives? Daddy God is in control of our lives Right kiddo...God is a person who loves us, and he is in control of our lives. Fate cannot do or control anything, it has no will at all. Fate is not a person who can choose.Now this was at a 3 ½ year old level, but the question is very relevant to us all. Many in our society, in fact, most people around the world have some concept of all things happen for a reason Western cultures, with the influence of the Christian Gospel and the biblical witness have held in the past to the concept of Divine Providence, that God is working all things out in this world according to a loving and good plan. In the East, the pantheistic worldviews have believed in the concept of Karma, which means action, will, or destiny. In the west today, many have held on to the notion that all things happen for a reason by clinging to concepts such as fate or destiny. Indeed, many of us are disciples of darth Vador - Luke, this is your Destiny Many cultures have wrestled with various flavors of Determinism we will look at just a few. Mechanistic Determinism
- The Universe is Out of our Control -- Mechanistic determinism flows from the worldview of philosophical or metaphysical naturalism. That nature is all there ever was, all there is, and all there will ever be. The universe is like a big box. Inside the box is matter and its relationships to itself. Matter operates according to the laws of nature and all of history and reality is a link of causes and their attendant effects, marchiblindlyess into the future. This worldview held by some philosophers and scientists (and many others) holds that the idea of a "self" and "consciousness" and "free will" are illusions created by our brains. What we actually are is determined matter operating blindly according to physics, and biochemistry, the mere bumping around of the brain.
- What is actually controlling the world? Nothing actually is controlling anything in the world. The only true law active is the laws of matter and natural interaction. Human choices (which is a result of this same blind, mindless, irrational process) are small ways in which we can attempt to place our own control upon the universe
- What does it mean for Human Beings? Humans beings looking at this reality have three choices. First, one can despair, this was the move of nihilism. Second, one can realize the real world cares nothing for you, and it is empty of all value and meaning, but you can then choose, against reason, to create value and meaning for yourself. This is the move of existentialism. Third, you can whistle zippy di do da, and remain ignorant. Some have suggested noble lies - stories to trick ourselves into believing that we have value - the only problem is that lies have no effect on those who know the truth; and I never find lies to be noble
- The Universe is Out of our Control? Seeing that a world of meaningless despair does not help optimism (nor the economy) many in the West want to maintain belief that though the world is not in our control, it is itself in control.
- What is Actually Controlling the World? Not trying to be funny, but many of us actually believe in something akin to the force in Star Wars. That there is a great unknown, that somehow makes every thing work out "right" - whatever right means.
- What does it mean for Human Beings? Many people who think this, actually still believe in some conception of God. But this god is not actually willing and controlling the Cosmos, he is just there on our pillows at night so that we know everything will be OK as I direct my own life. So who is control in this pop-providence. Usually the autonomous self - ME - at least when things go wellWhenhen they do not go well, which is often, the pillow awaits us and we can say "all things happen for a reason." What and who has a reason for this or that coming to pass is left like a blank stare. Like the reflecting eyes of Darth Vador - we are left but looking at ourselves
- The Universe is Out of our Control? Death, Disease, and Suffering - this is common to the world, and especially known in the east. We are part of a great ultimate, infinite, unchanging, reality known as Brahman and we know that we are in no way in control
- What is Actually Controlling the World? We are all trapped in the endless cycle of reincarnations (samsara) where the law of Karma determines the level of our rebirths. This law is impersonal and cares nothing for us - it is a built in factor to the universe, that our post apositionion in life is due to some transgression in past lives. If you are of a low caste or lot in society, you deserve it, you are working out past Karma and ought to suffer as you do.
- What does it mean for Human Beings? Human beings must aspire to escape the endless cycle of birth and rebirth and move towards the oneness of Brahman. One may take many paths to this - works, knowledge, devotion to a manifestation of a god. Others (in Buddhist paths) may meditate to absolve personality and merge into the oneness of the void thereby escaping all desire and suffering. As Yoda once said "desire leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering"
- The Universe is Out of our Control - Yes, this is so, we feel the immensity of all things around us. The course of nature, the hopelessness and finality of death, and our having but a small play in it all.
- What is Actually in Control? Here is where the gospel answers quidifferentlytly, there is not a WHAT in control at all, but a magnificent WHO. This world has been created, is sustained, and governed by God. A person of infinite love, power, and wisdom accomplishing his desires for the world.
- What does this mean for Human Beings? Our intuition that all things happen for a reason is quite correct. And things do happen according to reason - an actual mind of a person (not a human person, but a personal God), that there is a will, a reason, and desired end for all things. This makes our intuition far from empty - we know that things appear purposeful because they actually are. We need not despair as the nihilist, tell our selves noble lies with the existentialist, nor flay our bodies before idols like many in the East. The doctrine of providence holds a different key - one of relationship, one of mystery, one of worship. The amazing truth of the gospel is that the one who is working out all things after the council of his will (Eph 1:11), actually should be loved and worshipped. The gospel, the good news, is that the God who made the world, is saving a people out of this world to be his very own. If you sense His call on your life, respond, indeed It is Your Destiny. Whosoever calls on the name of the Lord, will be saved. And all things do happen for a reason. The reason of the one who does all according to his own good purposes - to bring glory to his Name on the earth.
Personal and Pastoral Thoughts on the Kingdom of Heaven
A believer in Christ cannot study the Kingdom presented in Matthew’s gospel and not be personally affected by its message. What I offer next are just a few personal and pastoral applications to life and ministry.
Some Personal Thoughts
Perhaps the greatest personal appliacation I have found in studying the KOH is in the character of the kingdom’s subjects. We see in Acts and the epistles of Paul a bold Christian witness, fearlessly proclaiming the truth of the gospel to an antagonistic world. In Matthew we see humility, purity, forgiveness, hunger for righteousness, and mercy as the characteristics of the believer. This humble, beatitude lifestyle must be combined with a bold uncompromising witness for Christ and held in constant tension in order for one to be an effective kingdom servant in the 21st century. In secularized public life of today’s America, believers must learn to be intentionally shrewd in their proclamation of the gospel without cowering away from speaking the truth in love. As we speak this truth, our lives will continue to speak volumes to the world around us. The beatitude lifestyle of a subject of the KOH will do nothing but further the validity of the truth that lives within us.
I also found great significance in looking at the character of King Jesus. So often, I thank God that he is so completely other, completely different than us in his holiness. I was personally moved to see how King Jesus is completely sovereign in the affairs of life, yet remains gentle and humble at heart. He truly is the only genuine source of rest from our burdens in a weary world. The resurrected living Christ who is meek yet reigns as King…this is the Jesus that we worship as our Lord and God.
Pastoral Thoughts (I know, that sounds so...Pastoral)
The two pastoral applications found in Matthew’s presentation of the KOH parallel each other and follow directly from the now/not yet reality of the kingdom in time. First as we deal with the struggles and hardship of this life we always have the future hope of what God will do when he finalizes history at the coming of the KOH in its fullness. The reality that our ultimate home is in a kingdom where we shall be liberated from the sin, death, pain, suffering, sorrow and decay of this world brings great hope to the soul in darks times. Secondly, the fact that the kingdom has come now, although not in its fullness, can uplift the soul dealing with feelings of depression and insignificance. When one realizes that they are children of the king, deeply loved and valuable, the perspective on the everyday struggle of life can change. When it is realized that the King has promises for us now, work for us to accomplish, and his power to get the job done, purposeful and meaningful living follows. Unfortunately many of the kingdom’s subjects remain ignorant of their royal heritage and the glorious mission Jesus has for them (Matthew 28:18-20). Perhaps the we as the subjects of the KOH will find that we will move from fear, to faith, to courageous living as we learn more of the plans and purposes of the King.
To that end...
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The Kingdom of Heaven in Time – A Trans-temporal Kingdom
The KOH Coming in the Time of Christ
The KOH is a kingdom that spans time and links all of history together within the redemptive plan of God. The KOH in Matthew’s gospel is presented as having come, but yet still coming in the future but in a different form. The evidence for the inauguration of the kingdom at the time of Christ begins with the proclamation of John the Baptist that “The kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 3:2) and with Jesus himself making the same claim after his temptation in the wilderness to begin his public ministry (Matthew 4:17). Jesus also gives strong evidence that his kingdom had indeed come with him to the earth when he sent out the twelve disciples to preach the message “the kingdom of heaven is near” accompanied by a supernatural ministry which validated this claim (Matthew 10:7,8). Jesus himself directly claims that his kingdom had come when he told the Pharisees that he drives out demons by the Spirit of God giving evidence that “the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Matthew 12:28) Finally, in Matthew 16:28, Jesus tells his disciples plainly that they would “not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” This statement is followed by the supernatural experience where Jesus is transfigured and appears with Moses and Elijah before Peter, James and John. Many evangelical scholars feel that during this transfiguration event, the disciples received a foretaste of the coming kingdom in its future form, when it is to come in full power, honor, and glory.[i]
The KOH Future
Even though it is clear that Jesus inaugurated the KOH in his first coming, it is equally clear that there are still some elements of his kingdom yet to be fully realized. This is articulated by Jesus when he speaks to his followers about the faith of the Roman centurion in Matthew 8:8-12. After the centurion’s expression of trust in Jesus’ power and authority to heal his servant, Jesus makes a statement about people coming from all over the world to “take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.” Clearly this is a reference to a future time in the kingdom where the living and the dead will rejoice together. The apocalyptic teachings of Jesus in the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24,25) also point strongly to a future time when the kingdom will be consummated with God’s final judgment. The parables in Matthew 25, which begin “At that time the KOH will be like”, give further evidence of this future aspect of the kingdom.
The Kingdom’s Trans-temporal Nature
Perhaps the most striking evidence of the now and future aspect of the KOH is found in Jesus’ parables about the kingdom in Matthew 13. The parable of the weeds (or tares) vividly teaches of a present kingdom age where the sowing of the word of God takes place in an imperfect world. This same parable also points to a future judgment where at the end of this age the wicked (the weeds, sons of the evil one) will be condemned and the Son’s of the kingdom (the wheat) will come into the KOH (God’s barn is used as a metaphor for the kingdom in this case). The parables of the mustard seed and the yeast then tell of present kingdom activity of growth which will take place before the judgment, while the parables of the treasure and the pearl tell of those coming into the kingdom during this time period. Finally, the parable of the dragnet again illustrates a coming judgment and eradication of evil from God’s eternal kingdom at a future time. Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart in their book How to Read the Bible for all it’s Worth illustrate the kingdom’s span over time will the following diagram:[ii]
This idea of the KOH spanning time past, present, and future comes to us forthrightly in the most holy of ordinances left to the church by the King himself. In the apostle Paul’s description of the Lord’s Supper we find these striking words:
23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. (emphasis mine)[iii]
In this statement we see the trans-temporal nature of Christ’s kingdom exhibited in this in this most sacred observance of the church. Whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup (in the present), you proclaim the Lord’s death (in the past) until he comes again (in the future). In this ordinance kingdom subjects reflect on the nature of the kingdom living in their midst, inaugurated in the past, and coming in fullness and power at some time in the future.
Up Next - Some Personal and Pastoral Thoughts on the Kingdom of Heaven
[i]Ibid. “Matthew 17:1-8”
[ii] Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart, How to Read the Bible for all it’s Worth- A Guide to Understanding the Bible, 2nd ed., (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1993) p. 133
[iii]Holy Bible, The New International Version, “1 Corinthians 11:23-26” (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House) 1984.
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The Real Kingdom of Heaven
With much talk about the Kingdom of Heaven in the world of movies, I thought it might be helpful to mention a bit about the Kingdom of Heaven in the view of Jesus of Narareth. What was "The Kingdom" to Jesus?
The phrase ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ is used thirty-one times in the gospel of Matthew and zero times in the other gospels. The phrase ‘Kingdom of God’ (KOG from here forward) is used only five times in Matthew, but is found forty-seven times in the Mark, Luke, and John (NASB).
This surfaces some questions for consideration:
Are we to think Matthew’s gospel means something different when he spoke of the KOH? Or did he mean the same thing that Mark, Luke, and John meant using the phrase KOG?A Central Passage Matthew 19:16-26
23And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God."[i]Jesus use of both the KOH and the KOG in this passage reinforces the idea that Jesus himself spoke of these two concepts synonymously in the immediate context of his discussion with the young man. These two kingdoms are one and the same; the kingdom which the ‘rich man’ man will have difficulty entering. But what is this Kingdom of Heaven...a nation state, an ethereal concept of the imagination, a real realm of rulership? A Kingdom is defined as follows:
“A politically organized community or major territorial unit having a monarchical form of government headed by a king or queen and a realm or region in which something is dominant, an area or sphere in which one holds a preeminent position.”[i]The king of the KOH of heaven is none other than Jesus himself. Matthew first introduces Jesus to his readers with a strong genealogy linking him directly to David, the covenant king of Israel. This imagery introduces Jesus to the reader right away as the coming covenant king who will sit on the throne of David in an eternal kingdom (2 Sam 7:15,16). When a people are ruled in a kingdom the central questions asked by them would be about the authority and character of the king. Matthew goes into great detail to describe to us both the authority and character of King Jesus, the ruler of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus is presented as one with utmost authority exercised with astonishing virtue. History has taught humanity, that an authoritative king without virtue quickly becomes a tyrant and a virtuous king without true authority lacks any power to accomplish his agenda. In stark contrast to each of these scenarios, Matthew reveals Jesus to us as a king with absolute sovereignty yet who acts with complete benevolence. Matthew accomplishes the task of presenting Jesus’ sovereign authority in the following ways: He demonstrates the king’s authority over the natural realm in Jesus’ healing of diseases and the calming of the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 4:23, Matthew 8:23-27). He presents Jesus as the promised hope of Israel as the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets in order to present him as having authority in the religious life of Israel (Matthew 5:17-19). He presents Jesus as one who has authority in the spiritual realm with his driving out of demons (Matthew 9:33, 12:28). And finally, Jesus is presented to have the ultimate authority, the authority to do that which only God could do, forgive the sins of human beings (Matthew 9:6). Matthew’s presentation of Jesus’ virtuous character is just as decisive. He presents Jesus declaring God’s heart to care for and feeds his subjects, providing for them as his own children (Matthew 6:25-33). Jesus is the compassionate preacher of “good news” to his people who were harassed and helpless (Matthew 9:35,36). Jesus values those doing the work of his kingdom, even knowing the number of hairs on their heads and illustrating to them of their supreme value in God’s eyes (Matthew 10:30,31). Jesus is presented the gentle one, humble at heart desiring to give rest to the souls of the subjects of his kingdom. And finally, in the parable of the debtors and the parable of the vineyard workers, Jesus the king shows his forgiveness, equity and generosity in ruling his subjects (Matthew 18:23-35, Matthew 20:1-15). Who is this king of the kingdom of heaven? He is the Jesus who reigns over every facet of creation, yet at the same time remains humble, gentle, loving and kind to his subjects. This is the type of ruler and leader that the hearts of men long for…complete sovereignty, with equitable justice and mercy for all. Whereas the rulers of this world are so often power hungry and oppressive, the KOH will have a meek king, a king who is a shepherd who cares for his sheep. A Kingdom not only has a ruler, but it also has subjects. Just who are the subjects of the Kingdom of Heaven? The kingdom of heaven presented in Matthew’s gospel not only provides a description of Jesus the king, but also a portrayal of the character of kingdom subjects. Just as Jesus is different than the rulers of this world, the subjects of the KOH are to be different as well. In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, he describes the subjects of his kingdom as humble, needy, pure, forgiving, hungering for righteousness, merciful, and even persecuted (Matthew 5:1-16). He tells of a people who should not be religious show-offs, but humble in generosity, fasting, and prayer. His subjects are to be different, to seek the KOH its principles and not just the things of this world (Matthew 6). They are to follow the king and do his business with self-denying devotion (Matthew 10:38,39 and Matthew 16:24-26). Finally the subjects should find rest for their souls in the king’s character and leadership for their lives (Matthew 11:29:30). Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the KOH is this relationship between the king and his subjects. Jesus is not far and distant from his subjects or their plight in this world; he is intimately involved with his subjects as they humbly respond to his authority. In this kingdom there is no strife between the people and its government; there is a harmonious relationship made possible by the loving actions of the king and the reciprocal response of his subjects. Stay tuned for more on the Kingdom of Heaven...up next we will talk about the "Trans-temporal nature of the Kingdom" [i] Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, (Online Dictionary http://www.m-w.com/ - Merriam-Webster, Incorporated) 2001 [i]The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, Crossway Books, 2001. --------
Hoops and Hopes...
Jonathan Edwards once wrote:
We may rejoice in the enjoyments of the world, but not in such a manner as to place the rest of our souls in them. Jonathan Edwards, On ProcrastinationI think this must apply to College Basketball - especially while the Heels win...Not trying to put my hope in hoops, my affections on assists, nor my treasure in trifectas, but it sure is fun to watch great games. The second round Wake Forest vs. West Virginia game is ridiculous right about now...double OT. Out... --------
Causation and Permission
Well, I was going to write a quick little ditty on the Sovereignty of God and its relation to evil in the world...but I am brain tired and it would probably just bum me out to come back and read what I wrote. It has been a topic on my mind of late - how does the perfectly, essentially good God rule over evil, yet not be the source origination of evil. It is a deep an interesting topic in both Theology and Philsophy of Religion. Some prefer to keep God as far away from anything painful or associated with the sufferings of this world - He has NOTHING to do with it as it were. But it seems to me that the more mysterious and worship inspiring view is that God, in his infinite wisdom, in his eternal plan and decree chose to conquer the suffering and evil in creation by entering into creation, taking evil and suffering upon his self -triumphing through suffering rather than in spite of it. Bruce Ware, in his book, God's Greater Glory has some interesting ideas of how God deals asymetrically with good and evil - directly causing the former while sovereignly decreeing the later to come through the actions of free (compatibilist freedom) creatures. More later on this I suppose...
Out...
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Life lived between two poles
Today was an illustrative day of what it means to live life with the fullest joys as well as sorrows. It seems the reality of this present age is filled with days that can be hellish - days in which the hardships and difficulties of human life are ever so real. While at the same time, the glimpses of heaven, the realities of love shower through like the scattered rays of the sun - whispers of deep promises, coming - yet not yet fulfilled. Today, I kept my too little girls (Kayla and Kylene) while my wife hit the post Thanksgiving ruckus - known amongst the brave as - shopping. Rather than navigate the throngs of deal seekers, I kept the babies for the day. Oh what a day. From omelets in the morning with a three year old - running from lions, giants, and crocodiles (all in the beautiful imagination of a little girl), to holding a cooing baby - today was a blessed day. But in the middle - we had severe potty wars - as Kayla did not want to go potty with her shoes on. Thinking that we would come in from outside - go potty - and then return to fun and games was to naive for a Daddy. No, Daddy, we don't go potty with shoes on - well, after a 20 min fit, I finally learned that we should take the shoes off. I also learned that three year olds do not mean what they say amidst tears and cries of "I want my Momma." So being the big man, I shrugged of the "I don't like you" (that cut like a dagger - oh, the small hurts of lie) and waited for my little girl to calm down. Then the remorse and hugs from her were quite dear "Daddy, I do love you, I'm sorry for pitchin that fit" - the glimpse of heaven broke in again. Thankful for my heavenly Father, we puts up with each of our own messes.
In His Grace today - I am thankful
Out...
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Is Jesus Smart?
Jesus - cynic, sage, political radical, Son of God, prophet, enlighten guru, rabbi, Savior of the World, the list could go on. The question I have this morning is this - Is Jesus Smart? When one lists "the smartest people who have lived" it is a good bet that Jesus would not make the top 100 on most people's list - even those who are devoted to him as his followers. Why is this? Should a man who began a movement two thousand years ago, which continues to this day, which is growing, which encompasses two thirds of the world's people, be considered a man of no intellect? Let's think for a moment the impact of our own lives on others. What will this world be like two thousand years from now because of your life? Or even the lives of those we consider great and influential today - Clinton, Chirac, Annan, Bush, Putin, Elvis, or Shrek. What will there legacy be on the world of tomorrow? Perhaps a few will be mentioned in some annals of human affairs, but will there be a devoted following of billions? As much as I want my own life to count, to see something wonderful and good come from my own short existence on earth, I realize that it will be nothing to compare with that of Jesus. So, what do we make of this Jesus? I think I must agree that he must have been smart. In fact, I think I would agree, that he is the smartest who ever lived. And through in the fact that he claimed and demonstrated himself to be God incarnate seals the deal for me. I will learn from Jesus and only watch Shrek on DVD.
Props to philosopher Dallas Willard for thinking about and reminding us about the smartness of the man from Nazareth.
Out
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A Great Inversion
INVERSION The act of being turned inside out or upside down
To become a disciple of Jesus is to accept now that inversion of human distinctions that will sooner or later be forced upon everyone by the irresistible reality of his kingdom. How must we think of him to see the inversion from our present viewpoint? We must, simply, accept that he is the best and smartest man who ever lived in this world, that he is even now "the prince of the kings of the earth" (Rev 1:5). Then we heartily join his cosmic conspiracy to overcome evil with good.
— Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy
A hope and prayer to see a generation turned upside down to be made rightside up. A depth of understanding, a breadth of love, a well of compassion, availability for service. May this be said of us.
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On St. Augustine and Hip Hop
Had a great time jogging this morning listening to one of the top evangelical hip-hop groups newest record. During one of the tracks (Forever) I had a funny thought. The lyrics of this rap song are expressing the same Christian sentiment about this world as the great theologian and philosopher of the early church, St. Augustine of Hippo.
If, then, we be asked what the city of God has to say upon these points, and, in the first place, what its opinion regarding the supreme good and evil is, it will reply that life eternal is the supreme good, death eternal the supreme evil, and that to obtain the one and escape the other we must live rightly.Augustine wrote at length on that which is considered the supreme good of mankind. His conclusion was that this life's pleasures, be it food, friends, health, sexual pleasure, etc. all can be lost against one's will. If our highest happiness were to be found in the things of this life, man is doomed to misery and indeed will live without hope. Augustine therefore deduced that the Summum bonum must be that which can be both loved and possessed without being taken from one against his will. In other words, to Augustine, the greatest good for us is not in this life but with God in the next. You may read some for yourself from his classic work, The City of God -Augustine, City of God Book XIX Now, The Cross Movement has some similar advice for modern, urban ears.
So if I'm hit by a car, or taken out by disease, you ain't got enough bullets in your gun Man, please, We're gonna live forever! ...I'm not living for this life, cause I'm living for the next one, I'm living for the next one! Forever, Holy Culture, Cross Movement Records, 2003.So, if man would find joy, happiness, and the supreme good of his own soul, he would be wise to look to that which is eternal and not rife with transience. As the apostle reminds us:
2 Cor 4:16-18 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. 17 For this slight momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.--------