Category Archives: Theology

Reframing Spirituality

05 Tuesday Mar 2013

Posted by in New Posts, Philosophy & Ethics, Sociology, The State, Theology, Unio Mystica

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As I push through my doctoral reading regarding biblical concepts and approaches in  pastoral leadership I find one conversation very interesting. Several of my readings have alluded to an idea found within the study of organizational structures called  Dramaturgical Theory (Boleman and Deal, 2008).

According to the theory, people in organizations (secular or religious), “…perform” at their jobs. Like the theater, success depends on a “recognition that performances play with reality in such a way as to turn the taken-for-granted into a plausible appearance” (Boleman and Deal, Reframing Organizations, p.293).

This concept is not new. It was developed back in the 1960′s by psychologist, Erving Goffman who proposed that “instead of looking inwards at where our behavior comes from, we should look outwards, at what our behavior is trying to achieve” (Simon P. Walker, Leading out of Who You Are: Discovering the Secret of Undefended Leadership, p.24). In other words, a successful “performance” should persuade others to a point of believability. Let’s just say it should be “authentic”.

The problem arises when authenticity is only acted out on the front stage and not the back stage of our lives. How many people do you know like that? They will do anything to get applause. They will perform their dance with all the right props, lighting, and sound effects in order to make their lives plausible. Yet when they retreat backstage they find their lives are a mess. This is reality for them. What causes that? Can it be confusion about their fundamental approaches to spiritual formation? Their lack of understanding between the mind and the heart?

What does it mean to be “transformed” into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18)? Is this merely one approach, or are there more. What does Paul mean when he says, “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”(Rom.12:2)? How do you do spiritual formation? What spiritual disciplines do you exercise to ensure the authentic performance of your faith?

Lectio Divina-”Divine Reading”

04 Monday Mar 2013

Posted by in Biblical Worldview, New Posts, Theology

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Lectio Divina – “Divine Reading”1to4_emblem_side

Lectio Divina, or “Divine Reading” involves meditative listening to the reading, out loud and slowly, of a short passage or a few isolated verses of Scripture.  Those who listen are encouraged to set aside analysis, and what they “know” already about the passage, seeking instead to open themselves to God’s Word, listen with their hearts and receive it expectantly and passively. They then attend to what they receive from God. God’s Word is received personally, as an individualized gift to each person.

The four movements of Lectio Divina:

  • Lectio: This first movement consists of slowly and attentively reading a scripture passage several times.  You  may want to jot down words or phrases that seem to stand out to you.
  • Meditatio: In this second movement, as the name implies we meditate on the text.  This “meditation” is unlike Eastern meditation traditions that focus on emptying the mind.  Rather instead, the intent of meditatio is to engage with the text with an active mind.  For example, you  may ponder a phrase or word that arrests your attention in your first readings of the text and sit with it wondering how it speaks to your life right now.  You may imaginatively place yourself in the story.  All the while listening for the Holy Spirit to speak within you about the meaning of this text for your life right now.
  • Oratio:  Oratio is a Latin word associated with speech.  It is a word from which we derive words  like oral and oratory.  In this third movement, speak to God from your heart about what you discover in the text.  The Word may convict your heart about something, if so confess and ask for God’s forgiveness.  If the Word touches a hurt, you may seek God’s care.  If the Word reveals a calling then from you might pledge yourself to God or ask for guidance.  Oratio is for you to respond to God.
  • Contemplatio: When all is said and done, lectio comes to an end by simply joyfully resting in God’s presence.  We offer back to God our loving focus and attention with a heart full of gratitude.

Good News

25 Tuesday Dec 2012

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As we celebrate Jesus’ birth today may we be reminded of what He brings to each and every one of us–”Good News”!
 ”Do not be afraid. I bring you GOOD NEWS of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2: 10-12 ESV).
This good news piqued the shepherds’ interest so much that they rushed to see this new baby. On arriving in Bethlehem, the shepherds disclose to Mary, Joseph and all their visitors concerning the angel’s testimony about this child. And, after beholding Him, the shepherds “returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (Luke 2:20 ESV).
Like these shepherds, may we fearlessly and urgently proclaim this good news so that those who hear it may praise and glorify God for this precious baby who is Christ Jesus—the Savior and Lord.
Celebrating His birth,
OJ and Jane

Christ our Treasure: The Power of His Resurrection

10 Tuesday Apr 2012

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Please go to the Take Home Notes on the CFC website for further study and starter questions.

Sunday’s text:

Phil 3:9-11

9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Pastor Jared asked the question, “What sets Jesus apart from any other religious leader in history?” His own answer, “They are all dead and Jesus is alive!” Like Jared many of us were part of the multitude of people who didn’t want anything to do with God while growing up. Fortunately, like many of us who are believers, we consider all things lost for the gain of Christ.

Here is another question: What are some of the blessings that come to those who gain Christ?

Jared gave us three: Acceptance with God (9); Power for a Difficult Life (v.10); and Hope for the Future (v.11).

Let’s look at each one.

1. Acceptance with God (v.9). If you recall the Apostle Paul was a radical Jew who persecuted Christians before his conversion. After his conversion his sole purpose to “gain” Christ not the persecution of believers. Here we see two radical approaches to righteousness:

  1. A righteousness of our own (the law)—symbolic of being in the world
  2. A righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. We are not dependent on our own efforts, but this righteousness comes from God. The good news is that if we claim to have Christ we also inherit His righteousness. Our challenge is not to rely on sinking sand but on the solid rock of Christ . Some of the greatest obstacles for believers and non-believers is their merit and worth is based on their good works and not Christ’s righteousness.

2. Power for a Difficult Life (v.10). “Resurrection power” is at work in every believer in order to bring about spiritual change. This is contrary to the thousands of secular books which advocate positive thinking and how to tap into your own power for change. One book in particular was entitled, The Secret, which sold thousands of copies several years back.

Much of the time when we fell like we are not changing is because we are relying on our good works and not trusting in Christ’s power. How about when it comes to suffering? How do we deal with it? Look at v.10. Even in his suffering believers are to become like Him. Isn’t it unfortunate that many who accept Christ really believe that everything bad and discouraging goes away. Not so. The only thing that goes away is your sins. They are removed and we are reconciled to God. This power is a power of reconciliation that casts away all fear (Rom 8:28). Resurrection power is meant to sustain us in our suffering. Do you know the resurrection power of Christ?

3. Hope for the Future (v.11). More good news is that when Jesus returns, those who have trusted in his resurrection power will leave this world with him. (vv. 20-21). We will be transformed. This is our hope. Think about it—Jesus’ death makes no sense whatsoever if we could get it on the merits of our own goodness.

So, if you are not in Christ today you should be afraid of death. Death is coming to each and every one of us. God sent his son for this reason: That we would be raised with Him for righteous gain!

To be in Christ means to share in his power, in his suffering. This is the whole meaning of Easter. Look to Jesus and look at all things lost for the sake of his power and gain.

Remembering Ways to Relate to Your Teen

28 Tuesday Feb 2012

Posted by in New Posts, Not-So-Often Devotionals, Theology

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You would think that after parenting five teenagers (one is still at home) that I have become an expert in the field–not really. Each one of them developed their own personality, aspired to different dreams, and looks at the world differently. Yep, you guessed it. They are all different!

Last week one of our elders at church spoke on the subject of parenting teenagers and I’d like to share them with you. They came to me as fresh reminders that I am not in charge–God is!

1. Remember how scared you were when you were a teen?

2. Remember you didn’t want to be around your parents?

3. Remember you tried on identities like you tried on clothes. As a parent, try to discern what they are “buying” into and not just what they trying on.

4. Remember that some of your learning came from making mistakes. Don’t be a “helicopter” parent, i.e. don’t hover over your kids. We want to keep them from regrets, not mistakes. Regrets are foolishness.

5. Remember the enticements of the world. It shouldn’t surprise us when the world seems enticing because all your teen has known is the church. I can relate to this as a homeschool parent!

6. Remember the weaknesses of your own parents. You don’t have to be a great parent but a faithful one. We don’t have all the answers.

7. Remember that the God who rescued you will be faithful to them. He will rescue them as well.

Resisting Sin by Abiding In Christ

16 Thursday Feb 2012

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Bill’s study, as always, was right on the mark and then some. We finished the first chapter of 2 Corinthians and as the title of the study notes suggest I am now more aware of how crucially important it is to abide in Christ. Nothing else really matters except the Word of God to a people who are desperate for grace. Enjoy the study notes. Copy of 2 Corinthians1 15to24Feb15

Community, Charity, Church, and the Veteran

15 Wednesday Feb 2012

Posted by in Community & Involvement, New Posts, Theology

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Many of us have heard heartrending stories about post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, suicide and homicide within the military. Then, there are the realities — the economics of trimming budgets, global dangers and stagnant unemployment.

The Department of Defense (DOD) is a complicated web of budget, readiness, equipment and personnel, to say the least. “Administrative discharge” is one of many insidious consequences of downsizing and budget cuts.  Keeping a “quality force” is a military term used to define a smaller defense budget which often times leads to immoral mistreatment of those who have served and who are now suffering as a direct result of their past service.

I remember it well. Twenty years ago after Desert Shield/Storm the euphemistic term was “right-sizing” the military. In order to “right-size”  broken or injured soldiers who were not able to “perform” had to leave the military.

Currently we are witnessing  men and women getting out of uniform during one of the worst economic downturns in recent history and find themselves jobless and homeless.  Unemployment among veterans is twice the rate of their civilian counterpart. Many struggle to adjust and learn new skills. The hardship can be unbearable, and 18 veterans a day commit suicide. There are not enough park benches to accommodate them.

Recently I’ve been reading quite a number of articles and books on the subject of Christian charity. Many of you know that Christian charity has been the distinguishing hallmark of the Church for many centuries. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, it has fallen into neglect in our day, particularly in the church. And yet a careful examination of Scripture reveals how believers are mandated to reclaim their place in this area of community involvement.

Jesus says, “Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength; and love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:36-40). Meditating on this scripture immediately brings to mind that Jesus was not advocating the principle of “survival of the fittest”. Rather, He was identifying closely with the plight of the weak and  alienated. What impact is the invisible or local church making with these veterans who suddenly find themselves alienated from community and the work force? How do the people of God get on board “loving them as their neighbor” in order to fulfill Jesus’ mandate?