Today at Grimsby Bible Church we looked at the radical nature of mankind's problem according to Jesus. What makes it radical is that it is an internal rather than an external problem. It is commonplace for human beings to locate the source of our problems in the environment, whether that be economics, or politics, or education, or in the moral, religious and psychological realm. But that is not what Jesus says in Mark 7:14-23. Over against the religious leaders of his day he says that we are defiled from within and that from out of our hearts come all kinds of evils that make us unclean. This is not something that we generally like to hear but failure to receive what Jesus is saying results in a superficial understanding of the root of our problems that will in turn lead us astray when it comes to seeking an answer.
If we take Jesus seriously we will see that mere religion and spirituality are not enough. They are too superficial in themselves and do not deal with the root cause of our problems. It is like treating cancer with aspirin and a bandage. Nor will a little church attendance or Bible reading or prayer be sufficient. Something more is needed. But what?
Our radical problem calls for a radical solution. We need a special kind of 'heart surgery' that can only be done by Jesus. We need the power of his atoning death and triumphant resurrection applied to the core of our beings. This does not result in perfection in this life but it begins a process that will culminate in our complete salvation at the end of the age. The satisfaction provided by Jesus on the cross must be applied to us by the Holy Spirit. Only the Spirit can touch us deep inside and make us a new creation in Christ Jesus.
Jesus' teaching about the radical nature of the human problem has many implications for ministry. First, spiritual power is more important than proper technique. Second, conversion is more important than being 'churched'. And third, heart renewal is more important than reformation and theological precision (as important as these are in their own right). Practically, Jesus' words in Mark 7:14-23 helps us understand that exhortation of the king of Israel many years ago when he wrote: "Above all else, you must guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it" (Proverbs 4:23).
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Cover More - Take Time to Explain
The post before last I wrote about profiting from the Old Testament and I said that I would return to this theme and say more about helping people to understand the Old Testament and enriching their spiritual lives in the process.
In particular I have two things that I want to mention. First, when preaching or teaching from the Old Testament we must tackle larger sections of text. As a general rule, we need to distill the essence of a chapter and sometimes more than one chapter in single message instead of working our way more slowly through the text. This approach is often more in keeping with the literary structure of the Old Testament, and it forces the preacher to think through larger units of text. This will help with the interpretation and application of the passage because it makes it more difficult for preachers to read their own ideas into the text. It also helps to familiarize people with the basic storyline of the Old Testament. Most people have no idea about who wrote what, and why, and to whom, etc. Our preaching should fill in these important gaps.
Second, when preaching or teaching from the New Testament we can teach people the Old Testament if we take the time to explain to them the Old Testament passages being quoted in the New. This does not have to take a lot of time but it can go a long way to grounding New Testament teaching in the Bible as a whole and it helps people learn how to read the larger of the two testaments. I also believe that it is the way we should proceed as Christian interpreters and teachers who live in the new covenant era where we can see how the diverse strands of the Old Testament come together in the most wonderful ways in Christ.
Doing these things makes the Bible as a whole come alive and if done properly confirms the words of the apostle Peter in 2 Peter 1:16-21 "For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty... we also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
In particular I have two things that I want to mention. First, when preaching or teaching from the Old Testament we must tackle larger sections of text. As a general rule, we need to distill the essence of a chapter and sometimes more than one chapter in single message instead of working our way more slowly through the text. This approach is often more in keeping with the literary structure of the Old Testament, and it forces the preacher to think through larger units of text. This will help with the interpretation and application of the passage because it makes it more difficult for preachers to read their own ideas into the text. It also helps to familiarize people with the basic storyline of the Old Testament. Most people have no idea about who wrote what, and why, and to whom, etc. Our preaching should fill in these important gaps.
Second, when preaching or teaching from the New Testament we can teach people the Old Testament if we take the time to explain to them the Old Testament passages being quoted in the New. This does not have to take a lot of time but it can go a long way to grounding New Testament teaching in the Bible as a whole and it helps people learn how to read the larger of the two testaments. I also believe that it is the way we should proceed as Christian interpreters and teachers who live in the new covenant era where we can see how the diverse strands of the Old Testament come together in the most wonderful ways in Christ.
Doing these things makes the Bible as a whole come alive and if done properly confirms the words of the apostle Peter in 2 Peter 1:16-21 "For we did not follow cleverly devised stories when we told you about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ in power, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty... we also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit."
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
There is more
I will return to my thoughts on helping people with the Old Testament in my next post. This morning I came across this quotation that I thought was worth sharing:
"For money you can have everything it is said. No, that is not true. You can buy food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; soft beds, but not sleep; knowledge but not intelligence; glitter, but not comfort; fun, but not pleasure; acquaintances, but not friendship; servants, but not faithfulness; grey hair, but not honor; quiet days, but not peace. The shell of all things you can get for money. But not the kernel. That cannot be had for money." -Arne Garborg, writer (1851-1924)
In a world that is often obsessed with money and in a culture where money is presented as the answer to all of our problems here is a writer who understands the limitations of material wealth. This is yet another indicator - albeit from the realm of what theologians call 'common grace' - that there is more to life than this life and that there are things more valuable than mere things!
The apostle Paul puts it this way - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-4)
"For money you can have everything it is said. No, that is not true. You can buy food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; soft beds, but not sleep; knowledge but not intelligence; glitter, but not comfort; fun, but not pleasure; acquaintances, but not friendship; servants, but not faithfulness; grey hair, but not honor; quiet days, but not peace. The shell of all things you can get for money. But not the kernel. That cannot be had for money." -Arne Garborg, writer (1851-1924)
In a world that is often obsessed with money and in a culture where money is presented as the answer to all of our problems here is a writer who understands the limitations of material wealth. This is yet another indicator - albeit from the realm of what theologians call 'common grace' - that there is more to life than this life and that there are things more valuable than mere things!
The apostle Paul puts it this way - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:1-4)
Monday, February 22, 2010
Profiting From The Old Testament
The Old Testament is a part of the Bible that Christians could know much better. Many times they do not know it as well as they should because pulpit ministries tend to focus on the New Testament and what it teaches about Jesus Christ and the gospel. On one level this is understandable since the fullness of divine revelation has come with Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). But on the other hand it is impossible to get the gospel right if we do not see the organic connection between it and antecedent scripture. Another reason for a lack of familiarity with the Old Testament is that that world can seem far removed from our lives in this period of time as we await the coming of Christ and the establishment of a new heaven and earth. This leads people to pick and choose what they will study from the Old Testament or to reinterpret the text in a way that does not do justice to the original context.
This is a shame because the Old Testament has much to say to us if we interpret it in light of Jesus Christ. We cannot interpret it properly if we do not read it in light of the Son of God who became flesh and lived and died and rose from the dead on the third day. The life and ministry of Jesus changes everything. It is the great watershed event of history and it radically effects how we view everything. When we see the Old Testament as preparing the way for Christ we will see how it fits into the overall biblical picture. One thing we must not do is to it as representing a separate plan of God for the Jewish people as distinct from the church. Such a notion leads to major interpretative errors and where consistently applied (which thankfully it is not in most instances) it distorts the gospel in ways that should be censured.
Next time I want to write about how we can help people understand the Old Testament and enrich their spiritual lives in the process.
This is a shame because the Old Testament has much to say to us if we interpret it in light of Jesus Christ. We cannot interpret it properly if we do not read it in light of the Son of God who became flesh and lived and died and rose from the dead on the third day. The life and ministry of Jesus changes everything. It is the great watershed event of history and it radically effects how we view everything. When we see the Old Testament as preparing the way for Christ we will see how it fits into the overall biblical picture. One thing we must not do is to it as representing a separate plan of God for the Jewish people as distinct from the church. Such a notion leads to major interpretative errors and where consistently applied (which thankfully it is not in most instances) it distorts the gospel in ways that should be censured.
Next time I want to write about how we can help people understand the Old Testament and enrich their spiritual lives in the process.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Where Facts Are Few
I recently came across this bit of web wisdom, "Where facts are few, experts are many." Beyond smiling to myself I did not give it much thought until this past week when I have been studying Daniel 9. If you are familiar with that portion of scripture you will know that the last 4 verses are notoriously difficult to interpret and have generated all kinds of interpretations. Many times this week as I waded through the different interpretive options I have been reminded of the fact that "where facts are few, experts are many."
Unfortunately, where the facts are few the level of dogmatism often increases in a way that is out of proportion to the clarity of the text. In the end, it is difficult to go as far as the text allows and then stop recognizing the limits of human reason and the need to submit our thinking to God's revelation. Where this is not done we inevitably go off on tangents that are of little practical benefit and may even inadvertently subvert the meaning of the text. And so I would like to add my own twist to the web wisdom I mentioned at the start -- "Where facts are few... we need to proceed carefully praying for the wisdom to know when to stop and for the humility to resist unprofitable speculation."
Unfortunately, where the facts are few the level of dogmatism often increases in a way that is out of proportion to the clarity of the text. In the end, it is difficult to go as far as the text allows and then stop recognizing the limits of human reason and the need to submit our thinking to God's revelation. Where this is not done we inevitably go off on tangents that are of little practical benefit and may even inadvertently subvert the meaning of the text. And so I would like to add my own twist to the web wisdom I mentioned at the start -- "Where facts are few... we need to proceed carefully praying for the wisdom to know when to stop and for the humility to resist unprofitable speculation."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Why All The Fuss
What is there about sport that makes people watch and cheer? That is something I have been asking myself as I have been watching the Olympics the past few days. Even though some of the sports are activities that I would never watch normally, there is something compelling about Olympic competition and athletes trying to be their best.
One reason for this is the desire to excel which I think God has placed in the human heart. I can never understand those who want to do away with competition as if it were some kind of evil. We were made to compete in the sense that we were made to develop and use our gifts and abilities to God's glory. There is a memorable line in Chariots of Fire where one of the athlete's says, "God made me fast, and when I run I can feel his pleasure." That captures what I am trying to say perfectly. We were not made to sit around and complain and make excuses. We were made to exercise our gifts, athletic and otherwise, to the glory of God, and when we do, we should feel his pleasure.
Beyond the exhilaration of athletic competition is the patriotism of cheering for one's country and countrymen. In one important sense we are all descendants of one man, our father Adam. But we also find ourselves born into earthly countries or we choose a country in which to live. As citizens of these countries we cheer for those who represent us, we share the glory of their victories and we suffer the disappointment of their defeats. In my mind, this too points to greater realities. As the pinnacle of God's creative activity we were made to interact with others and to live in families and social groups of one sort or another. This is because there is something more important than national citizenship and that is belonging to the kingdom of heaven. We were never made to be islands who live in isolation from one another. Rather our true purpose is only realized as we find our way through faith in Christ into the family of God. Like father Abraham we are looking for a better country -- a heavenly one (Hebrews 11:16).
One reason for this is the desire to excel which I think God has placed in the human heart. I can never understand those who want to do away with competition as if it were some kind of evil. We were made to compete in the sense that we were made to develop and use our gifts and abilities to God's glory. There is a memorable line in Chariots of Fire where one of the athlete's says, "God made me fast, and when I run I can feel his pleasure." That captures what I am trying to say perfectly. We were not made to sit around and complain and make excuses. We were made to exercise our gifts, athletic and otherwise, to the glory of God, and when we do, we should feel his pleasure.
Beyond the exhilaration of athletic competition is the patriotism of cheering for one's country and countrymen. In one important sense we are all descendants of one man, our father Adam. But we also find ourselves born into earthly countries or we choose a country in which to live. As citizens of these countries we cheer for those who represent us, we share the glory of their victories and we suffer the disappointment of their defeats. In my mind, this too points to greater realities. As the pinnacle of God's creative activity we were made to interact with others and to live in families and social groups of one sort or another. This is because there is something more important than national citizenship and that is belonging to the kingdom of heaven. We were never made to be islands who live in isolation from one another. Rather our true purpose is only realized as we find our way through faith in Christ into the family of God. Like father Abraham we are looking for a better country -- a heavenly one (Hebrews 11:16).
Sunday, February 14, 2010
From Sea To Sea
The 2010 Winter Olympics are underway here in Canada and record numbers of people watched the opening ceremonies on Friday night. The show was filled with pageantry and celebrated Canada's multi-faceted diversity. As Olympic ceremonies go it was predictable in terms of the kinds of people who were highlighted and the mythological lore that was spun. However the danger in trying to cover all the politically correct bases and include all possible interest groups is that a picture of Canada emerges that does not resemble reality, at least not reality as experienced by many Canadians historically and for many present Canadians on a day-to-day basis.
As I watched the multimedia presentation there was very little that 'rang true' for me as someone who was born and raised and who has lived in Canada all my life. This is not to say that my view is the only view or that others have not experienced Canada in different ways, its just to say that I was amused about what was being said about the country that I have lived in for over half a century. Some of it 'rang true' but much did not. When I stop that ask why, the answer, I think, has to do with a portrayal of Canada that tries to push faith, with the notable exception of aboriginal spirituality, to the periphery of life.
This, of course, is impossible. Faith, is not an optional extra but an important part of life, including life here in Canada. This great nation is more than breathtaking landscapes, mountains, prairies, great lakes, and forests. We are certainly more than hockey, Tim Hortons, and some talented singers, dancers and actors. It is more than our contributions to space exploration and international peace-keeping. Canada is more that beautiful cities and towns that dot the land from east to west. And she is more than vast open spaces and a country rich in natural resources. Canada is more than a mosaic of different peoples from all over the world who have come looking for a better life and for the opportunity to live in peace and freedom.
Canada is a nation that has enjoyed a level of prosperity and freedom almost unheard of in the history of the world because for this brief window in time God has granted us such blessings, even though we do not deserve it more than anyone else. This being true, we are very foolish if we do not acknowledge his blessing and grace in some way, for such blessings are not guaranteed forever, and for all our hard work and accomplishments we will get nowhere if he does not continue to smile upon us.
Canada is known as a nation that stretches from "sea to sea" a phrase that comes from Psalm 72:8 and speaks prophetically about the rule of the Messianic King and the extent of his victory. This national slogan recalls of a day when our leaders were not afraid to speak of spiritual realities and faith. Our revised national anthem which now includes the line "God keep our land glorious and free" is a move in the right direction. Many Canadians know this. We live and move in this reality and we should not hesitate to celebrate it, even at the Olympics. Something to think about!
As I watched the multimedia presentation there was very little that 'rang true' for me as someone who was born and raised and who has lived in Canada all my life. This is not to say that my view is the only view or that others have not experienced Canada in different ways, its just to say that I was amused about what was being said about the country that I have lived in for over half a century. Some of it 'rang true' but much did not. When I stop that ask why, the answer, I think, has to do with a portrayal of Canada that tries to push faith, with the notable exception of aboriginal spirituality, to the periphery of life.
This, of course, is impossible. Faith, is not an optional extra but an important part of life, including life here in Canada. This great nation is more than breathtaking landscapes, mountains, prairies, great lakes, and forests. We are certainly more than hockey, Tim Hortons, and some talented singers, dancers and actors. It is more than our contributions to space exploration and international peace-keeping. Canada is more that beautiful cities and towns that dot the land from east to west. And she is more than vast open spaces and a country rich in natural resources. Canada is more than a mosaic of different peoples from all over the world who have come looking for a better life and for the opportunity to live in peace and freedom.
Canada is a nation that has enjoyed a level of prosperity and freedom almost unheard of in the history of the world because for this brief window in time God has granted us such blessings, even though we do not deserve it more than anyone else. This being true, we are very foolish if we do not acknowledge his blessing and grace in some way, for such blessings are not guaranteed forever, and for all our hard work and accomplishments we will get nowhere if he does not continue to smile upon us.
Canada is known as a nation that stretches from "sea to sea" a phrase that comes from Psalm 72:8 and speaks prophetically about the rule of the Messianic King and the extent of his victory. This national slogan recalls of a day when our leaders were not afraid to speak of spiritual realities and faith. Our revised national anthem which now includes the line "God keep our land glorious and free" is a move in the right direction. Many Canadians know this. We live and move in this reality and we should not hesitate to celebrate it, even at the Olympics. Something to think about!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
When All The Facts Are Known
In my systematic theology class today we were looking at the doctrine of the inerrancy of scripture among other things. One of the standard definitions for inerrancy reads as follows: "When all the facts are known, the Bible in the original autographs and properly interpreted will be shown to be wholly true and never false in all that it affirms, whether that has to do with doctrine, ethics, the physical, social or life sciences."
This is an excellent definition and there are a number of things in it worthy of comment. But the phrase that caught my attention today is the phrase "when all the facts are known". It is a very clear reminder that we have not solved all the problems and that we do not have all the answers, and yet, we are not left in the dark. Because the Bible is the word God has breathed out and because God is the kind of God that he is, Christians have confidence that all of our questions will be answered one day. This is not an excuse for laziness nor is it a reason not to pursue understanding here and now, rather it is a conviction that God knows all things and he will tell us what we need to know at the proper time.
"When all the facts are known" applies to other areas as well. Often we cannot understand God's dealings with us. In fact, the more we grasp his omnipotent sovereignty and total knowledge of all things the more reasons we have to ask "why?" Why does God do things the way he does? Why does he allow terrible things to transpire? Why, why, why? At present we have adequate but very preliminary answers so much of the time. But there is coming a day when all the facts are known and in that day we will see and understand what we cannot from this vantage point. Until then we walk by faith, not a blind faith, but a believing faith that rests on the character of God and his ability to make all things beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
This is an excellent definition and there are a number of things in it worthy of comment. But the phrase that caught my attention today is the phrase "when all the facts are known". It is a very clear reminder that we have not solved all the problems and that we do not have all the answers, and yet, we are not left in the dark. Because the Bible is the word God has breathed out and because God is the kind of God that he is, Christians have confidence that all of our questions will be answered one day. This is not an excuse for laziness nor is it a reason not to pursue understanding here and now, rather it is a conviction that God knows all things and he will tell us what we need to know at the proper time.
"When all the facts are known" applies to other areas as well. Often we cannot understand God's dealings with us. In fact, the more we grasp his omnipotent sovereignty and total knowledge of all things the more reasons we have to ask "why?" Why does God do things the way he does? Why does he allow terrible things to transpire? Why, why, why? At present we have adequate but very preliminary answers so much of the time. But there is coming a day when all the facts are known and in that day we will see and understand what we cannot from this vantage point. Until then we walk by faith, not a blind faith, but a believing faith that rests on the character of God and his ability to make all things beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
Tuesday, February 09, 2010
Encouragement and Trials
This morning in chapel our registrar, Keith Edwards, gave us a very encouraging exhortation from Galatians 3. In his presentation he mentioned something that his mother would say to him as a boy, something to the effect that God will always give us enough blessings to encourage us and enough trials to keep us humble and dependent upon him. As I listened I was impressed with this gem of motherly wisdom because we need both encouragement and humility if we are going to fulfill God's calling on our lives in a way that meets with his approval. Without timely encouragement we will lose momentum and sputter our way into discouragement. But without challenges that make us look to God for help we are wise in our own eyes and useless when it comes to accomplishing anything of lasting spiritual value. Encouragement keeps us from despair and obstacles make us grow in the Lord and his strength.
One does not have to look far in the scriptures to see this principle worked out in the lives of God's people. The Lord schools all of his children in this way, including his choice servants. People like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob immediately come to mind, as do others like Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Daniel, John, Peter and Paul. Beyond the Bible, church history is replete with examples of God leading his people step-by-step, challenging them, but never giving them more than they can handle. Knowledge of the ways of God can make the whole process much more transparent, and while all the mystery of God's will is not evaporated, we are given reasons to trust his leading each step of the way.
One does not have to look far in the scriptures to see this principle worked out in the lives of God's people. The Lord schools all of his children in this way, including his choice servants. People like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob immediately come to mind, as do others like Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Daniel, John, Peter and Paul. Beyond the Bible, church history is replete with examples of God leading his people step-by-step, challenging them, but never giving them more than they can handle. Knowledge of the ways of God can make the whole process much more transparent, and while all the mystery of God's will is not evaporated, we are given reasons to trust his leading each step of the way.
Monday, February 08, 2010
A View From The Sidelines
While watching my son's basketball game the other day I was struck by the ethnic diversity of the players. As I watched them interact with each other and the way they worked together as a team I thought about the value of sports in terms of bringing people together. Sports is far from the cure for all that ails us as human beings. But it can bring people together to work toward a common goal, and it can lead to the formation of friendships that last a lifetime. The boys who play together on that team represent families from all over the world who have found a home in Canada. Their experience of working and playing together is different from many around the world who will never have that opportunity. As a Christian I could not help but think of a new day, when as a result of the gospel, people from all the nations will worship together and work together for the glory of God. That will be something special given the normal state of affairs down through history and even today. No wonder the psalmist said, "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1).
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Many People, One Savior
As the GO train pulls into the different station stops along the way to Toronto I see a sea of faces as I look out the window. Although I do not know them, each person is on their way somewhere, and everyone has a story. This morning as I was riding the train I was thinking about the unity and diversity of the human race -- the things that bring us together as well as those which divide. Whether we want to admit it or not, we have more in common than we think. Living on the same planet at the same time in history, all of us made in the image of God, and therefore, here for a purpose and of great value. It is sad to think that so many go through their lives without a true awareness of these profound realities. And it is sad that human beings are so divided along ethnic, religious, economic, political, and all sorts of other lines. We are so often blinded by superficial differences and do not see the many things we share.
The Christian gospel presents Jesus as the savior of the world. He is not a tribal deity belonging to a particular group of the human race. He is a redeemer who welcomes all who call on him and surrender themselves to his lordship. In a world that is so often torn apart by warfare, greed and prejudice, this is truly good news. Jesus brings people together and brings us back into a proper relationship with God. Though this message of peace is central to gospel sometimes it is not heard very clearly because of the way the followers of Christ conduct their lives. It is crucial that those of us who claim to be Christians make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3) so that those who are looking on from the outside might see the impact and power of the gospel in our lives. No matter who we are, our first father is Adam. The goal of Christian missions is to bring as many as possible to see that our only hope is a relationship with another 'father', namely, the second Adam, or the Lord Jesus Christ who makes it possible for us to return to our heavenly Father and to live at peace with one another.
The Christian gospel presents Jesus as the savior of the world. He is not a tribal deity belonging to a particular group of the human race. He is a redeemer who welcomes all who call on him and surrender themselves to his lordship. In a world that is so often torn apart by warfare, greed and prejudice, this is truly good news. Jesus brings people together and brings us back into a proper relationship with God. Though this message of peace is central to gospel sometimes it is not heard very clearly because of the way the followers of Christ conduct their lives. It is crucial that those of us who claim to be Christians make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3) so that those who are looking on from the outside might see the impact and power of the gospel in our lives. No matter who we are, our first father is Adam. The goal of Christian missions is to bring as many as possible to see that our only hope is a relationship with another 'father', namely, the second Adam, or the Lord Jesus Christ who makes it possible for us to return to our heavenly Father and to live at peace with one another.
Monday, February 01, 2010
The Right Mix
It's a new month and the headline in the paper tells how the general manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs has pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal in the hope of improving the hockey team. Finding the right mix is always difficult when it comes to hockey and to the rest of life. It is not enough to have people in place, you need to have the right people in place if teams and organizations are to move ahead. I have also observed that the right people are not necessarily the most talented in and of themselves. Rather they are those who can work with others and people whose abilities complement those around them. Finding this combination is challenging but when it happens great things can ensue.
The church is a hodgepodge of individuals who have little in common except for a love for and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. However in spite of this diversity there is a glorious sense in which each one of us has been recruited by the head of the church. Here I am not thinking about human recruitment but of divine recruitment that was planned before the creation of the world and came to fruition when God called us into a personal relationship with himself and to one another in the church. God, in his wisdom, brings together all sorts of different people and through the ministry of his word and the Holy Spirit transforms them into a cohesive group that displays the power of his grace. If the church were nothing more than a human institution there would be little hope of accomplishing much. But the church is the body of Christ and he is working to perfect all the parts, and that makes all the difference!
The church is a hodgepodge of individuals who have little in common except for a love for and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ. However in spite of this diversity there is a glorious sense in which each one of us has been recruited by the head of the church. Here I am not thinking about human recruitment but of divine recruitment that was planned before the creation of the world and came to fruition when God called us into a personal relationship with himself and to one another in the church. God, in his wisdom, brings together all sorts of different people and through the ministry of his word and the Holy Spirit transforms them into a cohesive group that displays the power of his grace. If the church were nothing more than a human institution there would be little hope of accomplishing much. But the church is the body of Christ and he is working to perfect all the parts, and that makes all the difference!
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