I've just finished reading through Exodus as part of my Bible reading plan and it has reminded me of something my bible college lecturer once told us. It's a really great way of preparing your heart before God, especially before you read scripture, using the model of the tabernacle in Exodus.
First you come to the laver to be washed clean, then to the alter of sacrifice to offer yourself to God (those 2 may be the other way round...) Then stepping inside the tabernacle you first come to the candle stand - 7 lights which represents the holy spirit - asking the spirit to guide you, then to the table and the bread - asking Jesus to feed and sustain you, then to the altar of incense to Worship God the Father. Now your heart is ready and prepared to step through the curtain to where the ark of the covenant is - the place where the presence of God lies, so as you pray, read scripture, meet with others, etc. you will be surrounded by and experience the presence of God.
Pretty cool huh?
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Monday, December 6, 2010
Reading the Bible
So I know it's been way too long since my last post, first because of exams but more recently because of an injury to my knee which I needed surgery for. After having twisted my knee I got through exams but have been pretty much stuck on the couch ever since, and now have another 2 months or so worth of holidays with not much to do, so my aim is to do lots of reading, scripture in particular.
I'll be he first to admit I'm not great when it comes to disciplining myself to read the bible every day. I go through patches, sometimes I'll get in a good routine of sitting down and reading every morning, and other times I'll go weeks without reading hardly anything. I've also found that when I am reading consistently, it's fairly random, just bits of scripture here and there, or maybe a book or two all the way through, but not much more. And there's plenty of books I've never read before.
I'm also very aware that time spent in the word should be time spent with God, but too often it tends to feel like just "something I'm spose to do" and easily miss God's word in the words.
So my goal this holidays is to change how I approach scripture, not reading it to fulfill an achievement or task which God will be pleased with, but to truly seek the voice of God through the Holy Spirit. I've just started a new reading plan and whilst I'm enjoying it I can already see that I can easily let it become a task or a duty, rather than a privilege which I look forward to.
Will let you know how I go!
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I'll be he first to admit I'm not great when it comes to disciplining myself to read the bible every day. I go through patches, sometimes I'll get in a good routine of sitting down and reading every morning, and other times I'll go weeks without reading hardly anything. I've also found that when I am reading consistently, it's fairly random, just bits of scripture here and there, or maybe a book or two all the way through, but not much more. And there's plenty of books I've never read before.
I'm also very aware that time spent in the word should be time spent with God, but too often it tends to feel like just "something I'm spose to do" and easily miss God's word in the words.
So my goal this holidays is to change how I approach scripture, not reading it to fulfill an achievement or task which God will be pleased with, but to truly seek the voice of God through the Holy Spirit. I've just started a new reading plan and whilst I'm enjoying it I can already see that I can easily let it become a task or a duty, rather than a privilege which I look forward to.
Will let you know how I go!
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Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Unity and Doctrine
One of the biggest issues when it comes to ecumenism, unity within the Church, is the issue of doctrine. Very rarely will two people find themselves agreeing on everything when it comes to theological issue, and often there is more than just a little disagreement on doctrinal issues. And it is not just the little things we disagree on, often, indeed VERY often, its the big topics. Authority of Scripture, bodily ressurection of Jesus, how we are saved, authority of scripture, heaven and hell, the divinity of Christ, authority of scripture, the Holy Spirit... Did I mention the authority of scripture? It is after all the one big thing that all other points of debate tend to stem out of.
And so when it comes to trying to be the Body of Christ, in unity amidst our diversity, all these things so often get in the way. After all, how could I POSSIBLY bring myself to seek unity with someone who doesn't believe in Hell? Or someone who doesn't think miracles still happen today? Or someone who doesn't think Jonah was REALLY swallowed by the whale?!?!?!?
Yesterday I was at a joint session with the ministry students from my denomination, and the Anglican students. The topic was Ecumenism, and the speaker (a Historian) who took the first session said something that really stuck with me. He was talking about how over the years the church has become more and more divided, and even today thoughts of division or 'schism' within such denominations as the Anglican Church are still very real, mostly over doctrinal issues. But he pointed out that for the early church fathers, their priorities were actually quite different...
Many of us, especially those who study theology know that in the early church, heresy was a BIG DEAL. If you were a heretic, you were not tolerated. Many of the creeds, writings, statements of faith were not so much stating what was believed as they were attacking what we NOT believed in the true Christian faith. Doctrine was important. False doctrine was dangerous. Theological correctness was valued.
But what we don't often realise is this...
"For the early church fathers - heresy was unacceptable, very serious, must be dealt with... But in the writings of the early church fathers, schism was more serious and unnaceptable than heresy." (paraphrase of Rowan Strong's comment from 6/10/10)
Yes, doctrine is a big deal. Yes, heresy is dangerous and must be treated seriously. But could it be that we are called to work first for unity, fighting against division and schism, and then worry about questionable doctrine???
Just a thought...
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And so when it comes to trying to be the Body of Christ, in unity amidst our diversity, all these things so often get in the way. After all, how could I POSSIBLY bring myself to seek unity with someone who doesn't believe in Hell? Or someone who doesn't think miracles still happen today? Or someone who doesn't think Jonah was REALLY swallowed by the whale?!?!?!?
Yesterday I was at a joint session with the ministry students from my denomination, and the Anglican students. The topic was Ecumenism, and the speaker (a Historian) who took the first session said something that really stuck with me. He was talking about how over the years the church has become more and more divided, and even today thoughts of division or 'schism' within such denominations as the Anglican Church are still very real, mostly over doctrinal issues. But he pointed out that for the early church fathers, their priorities were actually quite different...
Many of us, especially those who study theology know that in the early church, heresy was a BIG DEAL. If you were a heretic, you were not tolerated. Many of the creeds, writings, statements of faith were not so much stating what was believed as they were attacking what we NOT believed in the true Christian faith. Doctrine was important. False doctrine was dangerous. Theological correctness was valued.
But what we don't often realise is this...
"For the early church fathers - heresy was unacceptable, very serious, must be dealt with... But in the writings of the early church fathers, schism was more serious and unnaceptable than heresy." (paraphrase of Rowan Strong's comment from 6/10/10)
Yes, doctrine is a big deal. Yes, heresy is dangerous and must be treated seriously. But could it be that we are called to work first for unity, fighting against division and schism, and then worry about questionable doctrine???
Just a thought...
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Friday, October 1, 2010
Encouragement
I know, I've been lazy and haven't posted anything for the last few weeks. However I do have an excuse for the past 6 or 7 days, most of which has been preparing for, attending and recovering from Rockit youth camp. And what an awesome camp it was!
One of the most inspiring times on camp was at the end of the last session when everyone had a chance to say something encouraging about someone else. Starting with Len and Sheryl, the youth pastors. It didn't take long before the tears started to flow and we all started realising the value of each and every person there.
It made me think - what am I saying to encourage and uplift others who have impacted or changed my life for the better? Its easy to focus on the negative stuff or what others haven't done, but maybe if we all did something as simple as choosing our words more carefully, speaking life, not death, God would become more real to each of us than ever before.
Yeh its simple. But Wednesday reminded me that theres nothing more powerful.
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One of the most inspiring times on camp was at the end of the last session when everyone had a chance to say something encouraging about someone else. Starting with Len and Sheryl, the youth pastors. It didn't take long before the tears started to flow and we all started realising the value of each and every person there.
It made me think - what am I saying to encourage and uplift others who have impacted or changed my life for the better? Its easy to focus on the negative stuff or what others haven't done, but maybe if we all did something as simple as choosing our words more carefully, speaking life, not death, God would become more real to each of us than ever before.
Yeh its simple. But Wednesday reminded me that theres nothing more powerful.
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Thursday, September 16, 2010
What does it mean to be 'Ecumenical'?
Yesterday I was part of a ministry training class/discussion on the topic of Ecumenism. If you've been a part of a church for any significant period of time, its likely you've heard of the term 'Ecumenical' or if not what it means to be in 'unity' or be 'the Body of Christ'.
So what does it mean to be Ecumenical?
Well first there are the official committees or organisations around the place that are focused on Ecumenism, for example the World Council of Churches. Many denominations are a member of that council, or members of similar national or regional bodies focused on unity. But many are not. Many who work very well with other denominations, movements, and types of churches.
Then on a local level, many cities or suburbs or towns have ministers 'fraternals' (until a women minister moves to the area that is!) where pastors/minsters/priests pray together, hang out together, plan events and projects together, share ideas, etc. etc. But rarely is EVERY denomination or church represented at these groups.
Then there are events. Church Together is a big one in Perth, WA. There are a variety of prayer meetings that are non-denominational. Many big conferences attract believers from a large number of differents expressions of church and even different theologies. But still, when events are run by a select group of churches or people, the style, emphasis, theology or even venue is going to deter many.
So what would it take for us ALL to really become 'Ecumenical'. To really become united.
Well one thing that it seems the World Council of Churches and other similar bodies have learnt over time, is that the answer is not becoming one BIG church. One name, one denomination, one hierarchy. That would, after all, not be unity, but uniformity.
I love how Eugene Peterson translates what Paul says to the Corinthians in his Message bible. Paul is using the analogy of the body, how we - the Church, are like a body with different parts which much work together. Peterson translates one verse in 1 Corinthians 12 this way:
"An enormous eye or a gigantic hand wouldn't be a body, but a monster."
And its true. The Church is meant to be diverse. Denominations can continue. Independant churches can and SHOULD continue to be planted. Programs and comissions and councils should be formed for all sorts of reasons.
But Paul continues...
"What we have is one body with many parts, each its proper size and in its proper place. No part is important on its own. Can you imagine Eye telling Hand, "Get lost; I don't need you"? Or, Head telling Foot, "You're fired; your job has been phased out"?"
So if the way we have always thought of being ecumenical is "If only everyone else would agree with the way WE do things", then surely something needs to change....
Instead, I think we need to turn to what some have called "receptive ecumenism" which is all about having the attitude: "What can we learn from you?".
"But I also want you to think about how this keeps your significance from getting blown up into self-importance. For no matter how significant you are, it is only because of what you are a part of." (1 Corinthians 12:19)
I don't know the full answer to how we reach true unity, but I think we all having a calling to take seriously what it means to be the body of Christ, and pray that God will teach us what it really means to be 'Ecumenical'.
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So what does it mean to be Ecumenical?
Well first there are the official committees or organisations around the place that are focused on Ecumenism, for example the World Council of Churches. Many denominations are a member of that council, or members of similar national or regional bodies focused on unity. But many are not. Many who work very well with other denominations, movements, and types of churches.
Then on a local level, many cities or suburbs or towns have ministers 'fraternals' (until a women minister moves to the area that is!) where pastors/minsters/priests pray together, hang out together, plan events and projects together, share ideas, etc. etc. But rarely is EVERY denomination or church represented at these groups.
Then there are events. Church Together is a big one in Perth, WA. There are a variety of prayer meetings that are non-denominational. Many big conferences attract believers from a large number of differents expressions of church and even different theologies. But still, when events are run by a select group of churches or people, the style, emphasis, theology or even venue is going to deter many.
So what would it take for us ALL to really become 'Ecumenical'. To really become united.
Well one thing that it seems the World Council of Churches and other similar bodies have learnt over time, is that the answer is not becoming one BIG church. One name, one denomination, one hierarchy. That would, after all, not be unity, but uniformity.
I love how Eugene Peterson translates what Paul says to the Corinthians in his Message bible. Paul is using the analogy of the body, how we - the Church, are like a body with different parts which much work together. Peterson translates one verse in 1 Corinthians 12 this way:
"An enormous eye or a gigantic hand wouldn't be a body, but a monster."
And its true. The Church is meant to be diverse. Denominations can continue. Independant churches can and SHOULD continue to be planted. Programs and comissions and councils should be formed for all sorts of reasons.
But Paul continues...
"What we have is one body with many parts, each its proper size and in its proper place. No part is important on its own. Can you imagine Eye telling Hand, "Get lost; I don't need you"? Or, Head telling Foot, "You're fired; your job has been phased out"?"
So if the way we have always thought of being ecumenical is "If only everyone else would agree with the way WE do things", then surely something needs to change....
Instead, I think we need to turn to what some have called "receptive ecumenism" which is all about having the attitude: "What can we learn from you?".
"But I also want you to think about how this keeps your significance from getting blown up into self-importance. For no matter how significant you are, it is only because of what you are a part of." (1 Corinthians 12:19)
I don't know the full answer to how we reach true unity, but I think we all having a calling to take seriously what it means to be the body of Christ, and pray that God will teach us what it really means to be 'Ecumenical'.
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Wednesday, September 8, 2010
What really matters?
Just a quick post today, as I'm in the middle of an extremely time consuming assignment! In the midst of trying to work my way through a study of the arrest of Jesus in the gospels, reading about the differences, similarities, traditions, influences, theologies (etc etc) associated with the four gospel writers versions of this event, I've been thinking alot about this question... "What really matters?"
Part of that could be because sitting still for hours on end, reading complicated studies of a few verses from the bible and trying to formulate my own conclusions is not really my thing. So I've found myself hoping that this painful process ends up being worthwhile and 'matters' in the long run.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy studying the bible and look forward to studying and sharing insights with others for the rest of my life. But if you were to ask me to become an academic and go to this level of study and beyond as a career, I'd ask you for plan B!
The thing is, its obvious that the scholars who write these books love what they do, and do it well! And it helps us struggling students to get a bit better of an understanding than we already have. But if everyone became an academic... well that just won't happen. Neither will everyone be a confident leader, or a great administrator, or dedicate their life to the elderly, or serve the poor in third world countries, or become a pastor, etc. etc.
I think what really matters, is what matters to God.
"Of course," you say. What I mean by that is if we try and spend our lives doing something other than what God has gifted us to do... then is it worth it? And if we don't recognise the value of someone elses gifts, even when they are completely different from our own, can we really grow and learn what it means to be a Christian, a part of the Body of Christ?
Anyway, there's some random thoughts for this week. With a bit of luck, this time next week my brain will be functioning back on the 'normal' setting again.
Peace.
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Part of that could be because sitting still for hours on end, reading complicated studies of a few verses from the bible and trying to formulate my own conclusions is not really my thing. So I've found myself hoping that this painful process ends up being worthwhile and 'matters' in the long run.
Don't get me wrong, I enjoy studying the bible and look forward to studying and sharing insights with others for the rest of my life. But if you were to ask me to become an academic and go to this level of study and beyond as a career, I'd ask you for plan B!
The thing is, its obvious that the scholars who write these books love what they do, and do it well! And it helps us struggling students to get a bit better of an understanding than we already have. But if everyone became an academic... well that just won't happen. Neither will everyone be a confident leader, or a great administrator, or dedicate their life to the elderly, or serve the poor in third world countries, or become a pastor, etc. etc.
I think what really matters, is what matters to God.
"Of course," you say. What I mean by that is if we try and spend our lives doing something other than what God has gifted us to do... then is it worth it? And if we don't recognise the value of someone elses gifts, even when they are completely different from our own, can we really grow and learn what it means to be a Christian, a part of the Body of Christ?
Anyway, there's some random thoughts for this week. With a bit of luck, this time next week my brain will be functioning back on the 'normal' setting again.
Peace.
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Saturday, September 4, 2010
To save a life...
So last night I attended a movie night that all the youth groups in Mandurah were a part of. The movie we watched was called "To Save A Life", about a senior in high school, Jake Taylor. Jake's childhood friend Rodger commits suicide at the beginning of the movie and this gets Jake thinking about what he could or should have done to help Rodger realise life was worth living.
Jake and the other characters go through all sorts of stuff, and without giving away to much, many things that students go through in their teenage years and highlighted in this movie.
This movie is eye opening, challenging and reassuring that we can make a difference in lives of teenagers, especially when it comes to those who feel they have no hope and are crying out for someone to hear them. Its also challenging for the Church, and makes us think about how we are responding to those who are searching for hope in something other than what the world offers them.
A brilliant movie, with a brilliant message. Hopefully it comes out in Australia, but if not you can get hold of it through Outreach films ( http://www.outreach.com/promo/to-save-a-life-week.aspx )
http://tosavealifemovie.com/
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Jake and the other characters go through all sorts of stuff, and without giving away to much, many things that students go through in their teenage years and highlighted in this movie.
This movie is eye opening, challenging and reassuring that we can make a difference in lives of teenagers, especially when it comes to those who feel they have no hope and are crying out for someone to hear them. Its also challenging for the Church, and makes us think about how we are responding to those who are searching for hope in something other than what the world offers them.
A brilliant movie, with a brilliant message. Hopefully it comes out in Australia, but if not you can get hold of it through Outreach films ( http://www.outreach.com/promo/to-save-a-life-week.aspx )
http://tosavealifemovie.com/
http://facebook.com/lukefromaus
http://twitter.com/lukefromaus
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