You are Free– If
Posted by jeremy on September 17th, 2009 filed in ContentComment now »
Over the past year I have developed a love for some of the classics of literature. Before this time I was really locked into reading mostly Christian books and devotionals. I began with many fiction works such as, The Time Machine by H.G. Wells and some Sherlock Holmes mysteries. Then I moved to some philosophy from Plato and some logic with Rene Descartes. What was amazing about this was I discovered that in some way most of these works were saturated with ideas of God’s mercy and love, and how the characters were faced with difficult circumstances that almost demanded a trust or belief in something “other.”
As I was in this sweet time of exploring literature I was also discussing the next mountain climbing trip to
What I was neglecting to see, though, was the intense training and preparation that all of these people endured beforehand just to get to this place where they were overcome. Some of them experienced overwhelming joy at the sight of the very top of the world, if only for 20 minutes, and others were overwhelmed with pain, sorrow, and eventually death. All of them had prepared. They trained, they studied, they subjected themselves to extremely thorough preparation. They were ready…..almost.
James White, a Christian theologian and author, wrote in his book, Christian Worship in Transition, “You are free—if…. You are free—if you know what is essential in any type of worship.” You might be asking yourself what this has to do with mountain climbing at this point. You see the climbers needed to know what was essential to make it to the top of Everest. They had to KNOW what it took, what was most important, what was absolutely necessary. For those that wanted to reach the top and take in probably the most glorious view one could have, they had to be ready.
The movements in church worship today can be like a rollercoaster. Our culture is filled with churches being directed by pastors and worship leaders who really have no clue where they are coming from. They have no preparation, no foundation to launch from. You see the opposite of James White’s statement is also true. “You are not free—if you don’t know what is essential in worship.” Clearly you are bound to the familiar, to that which you were taught was right throughout your life. As much as you say or try to “escape” your experiences as a youth in church and “be different,” you are destined to repeat any mistakes, because that’s all you really know.
So what does it look like for a church, a leader, a worshipper to know his history, to know others history, to understand the historical foundations of what we do in the very act of worship?. What does it mean for someone to know what is absolutely necessary and essential for an exploration into creativity, to have vision, and to be truly free to worship. If this all can happen…. I bet the view at the top is amazing.
The Christian Difficulty
Posted by jeremy on November 11th, 2008 filed in ContentComment now »
As I sit writing we are exactly 4 days after the 2008 Presidential election. Barrack Obama now sits as our presidential elect. On You Tube there is a flurry of Obama celebration videos. Some Christian conservatives are preaching the end of this nation. Ron Paul supporters are still wondering why? On the radio I hear the call from both conservatives and democrats for a spirit of unity amongst the people of the U.S., for Bi- partisanship and collaboration for the path into our future as a nation. As with most things my mind is filled with questions of truth and thoughts of intention. Did God want this? Did He not want this? Was it just allowed? Did he cause it? Are we being punished? Were we being punished the previous years? Of course most people believe they know the answers to these questions which usually exposes their own political leanings and/or theological outlook.
My personal conviction is what is Christ concerned with and how can I know what that is? I mean would Jesus vote? Some would say absolutely, because isn’t the state of our country an issue of ethics and virtue? All of these questions, I believe, beg deeper questions though. What exactly are the absolutes that Jesus is concerned with (Yes, I’m sure He is concerned with all absolutes.) What is ethical in the eyes of Christ? What does He consider to be virtuous? I mean if He were to vote who’s to say what you think He would vote for actually is what He would do. I mean are the things you think are ethically right and virtuous the same as Christ? Are you projecting your own desires onto Him instead of letting what He Is shape what you believe. I would personally argue to death for the latter.
Don’t we avoid the answer to these questions though? I mean a true sincere answer to Christ’s desire’s can only lead to action. He spent time teaching us how to think, but more he showed us how to live. Yes, he taught the disciples many truths, but it seems it was almost always coupled with action. He started His ministry in the desert by teaching the devil a few things about what it means to obey God, showing that he is the antithesis of what the devil is. He taught Satan truth while at the same time resisting in obedience. Three simple truths; Man lives by every word of God, Do not test God, and worship the Lord and serve Him only. Do we thrive; even survive, on the word? How often do we try and test him? Are you completely abandoned to God in everything you do? Did you vote that way?
Christ’s first words in preaching were a call to action, “Repent for the Kingdom of heaven is near.” Then he went on the Mount of Olives and taught much character and virtue. His sermon taught meekness, righteousness, humility, purity in heart, being merciful, making peace, being a sufferer!
So are we willing to take action based on what we know Christ’s desires for us are? I mean it seems we are more interested in putting signs in our yard that communicate what are beliefs are, than we are true action. Have we talked with our neighbors about Christ? Or are we hoping they’ll see our pro-life signs and assume we care about them?
I mean let’s be honest here for a moment. Isn’t it easier to be passive-aggressive? Isn’t easier to be comfortable? It takes effort to show love. It takes sacrifice to reach out. But if I can just get the hammer from my garage, then all I have to do spend 5 minutes putting a sign up that’ll communicate my beliefs and then they’ll know and God will be pleased. Right? Well, not as far as I can tell from scripture. I mean after Paul was stoned, almost to death, he went back into the city. Could he have just put a sign up? I think not.
In the end it’s imperative that we know Christ. I mean really know Him. We have access to His word. It tells us all about Him. If we can better understand how He lived we can also live the way he intends us to. Maybe instead of picketing we can put an arm around someone and show mercy. We have so much cultural influence that blinds us. We have so many paradigms that have to be broken. Your life is not your own. You are called to suffer for the gospel. Complacency was not an option for Christ, the disciples, the apostle Paul. The greatest achievement in life is not comfort. Let’s begin there. Take a step forward.
Test Article
Posted by jeremy on December 16th, 2007 filed in ContentComment now »
Making a link launch in a greybox.
the importance of history
Posted by jeremy on October 20th, 2007 filed in ContentComment now »
When it comes to discussions of worship I think we have limited ourselves in many ways to a platform of personal experience. What I mean by that is we often bring to the conversation our own ideas and thoughts on a specific worship related issue mostly based on our personal history of experience. For example, one might argue a liturgical style for worship, because we may have grown up in a catholic tradition or at some point. like myself, had a more in depth encounter with a liturgical gathering. Another person may advocate a charismatic experience, because they have had a history with that tradition. None of this is necessarily a bad thing until our personal experiences in worship begin to determine our personal theology of worship. Theology of worship being that universal truth that crosses all boundaries and denominations, experiences and styles. The truth of God and His desire for a people that worship Him. You see we so often limit ourselves to a personal history…..