What architecture says about your beliefs.

A student friend, that attends a local Baptist college, came into my office the other day in dismay over a lecture concerning the placement of the pulpit in many liturgical (or high) churches. The professor had noted the emphasis that was placed on the Eucharist (or Communion) during the Middle Ages and the removal of the pulpit to the side. The professor deduced that the placement of the pulpit to the side was an external sign of a belief that placed communion at the center of worship and preaching as subordinate or secondary to it.

Truly many sacramental denominations do refer to communion as the "most blessed" sacrament and believe that it is the focus or climax of true worship. The implication from the Baptist professor was that this emphasis was wrong, and that preaching should take the place as the center of true worship and the only means of grace being dispensed. Therefore the pulpit takes center stage in most protestant churches.

The issue that troubled my young friend was the ramifications of such an observation if it were applied to most Baptist churches today. To begin with the typical exterior of most Baptist churches is a plain brick rectangle with a steeple - this speaks of a practicality and modesty that is sadly disappearing. The sanctuary is situated much like a theatre with rows of pews facing a stage (I understand this is a practical and traditional way of building that is common to most churches) and communicates to the adherent a sense of observation rather than participation. The altar table (or Lord's Supper table) is generally in the lowest center of the stage in most Baptist churches. Often the altar table holds an arrangement of flowers (since it is only used for Communion four times per year) and the flowers resemble those one would place on a grave or memorial (which is very much in keeping with the Baptist view that Communion is ONLY a memorial and symbolic act of obedience). Above the table the heavy wooden pulpit is exalted which not only serves a practical purpose, but send a clear message of the importance of the sermon (the new plastic pulpits irritate me and I am not sure of the message they send). Interestingly enough the choir is raised above the pulpit, but it is located behind the pulpit which communicates the importance of "worship" (which means singing in most Baptist churches) and its secondary place of support of the sermon. On either side of the choir you will find an American flag and the "Christian flag" -- this conveys the syncretistic beliefs of many Baptists and the belief that God's kingdom IS of this world. However, the most highly exalted place in the typical Baptist sanctuary is the baptistry -- what are we to understand from this symbolic placement? Using the logic and observations of the Baptist professor we could deduce that baptism is the most important aspect of Baptist life and in essence is the "most blessed sacrament" for the non-sacramental Baptists.

I love the Orthodox and their view that the church building (and indeed the entire service of worship) should convey Heaven to Earth. Much of the art and architecture sends a message of God's holiness and the Gospel message. The crucifixion often takes center stage, the ceilings reach to the heavens, saints remind us of faithfulness and incense give the aroma of otherworldliness. There is a sense of antiquity and presence in most Orthodox churches. There can also be found an inordinate adoration of the saints and the Virgin Mary, but this, too, communicates to the adherent the reality of the communion (or fellowship) of saints.

In my book the Episcopal Church takes the prize for protestant architecture. They generally have the most beautiful, oldest and traditional buildings in town. They are saying that they are ancient, they are here to stay, and they are concerned with beauty. Furthermore, Episcopal bell towers usually have REAL bells in them (please do not even get me started on fiberglass steeples with PA systems that play fake bells)!



At Christ Community Church we have inherited a beautiful sanctuary with a typical seating arrangement of pews. Stained glass windows along the wall depict various aspects of Trinitarian belief without attempting to depict the persons of the Trinity. The windows are merely symbolic and no attempt is made to depict the body of Jesus and are therefore not to be considered graven images. We are not opposed to printed or painted images or depictions of Christ as many icons can be found on our printed materials, but you would be hard pressed to call a bulletin cover an idol. Care is taken to appeal to the sense of sight while at the same time not allowing the worshiper to fixate on an image, but rather on Christ Himself who transcends our creativity, imagination and comprehension.

There are two works of art on the wall that are passages of scripture written in a Celtic style. These passages are theme verses from past years that speak of knowing Christ and who we are in Him.

The altar table is centrally located on the floor and flanked by kneeling benches. A Bible is placed in the center of the table with bread and wine on either side of the Bible. Hopefully this communicates the importance that is placed on the written word of God and the physical body of Christ who is the Word of God.

A single goblet is filled with red grape juice and a platter holds a single loaf of unleavened bread. The single cup and loaf are symbolic of the unity we share in Christ. (However, we currently serve the juice in individual cups -- it is a practice that is practical and in consideration of germs since real wine is not being used. I do not wish to critique our practice at this time as we are in the thoughtful process of change.) Communion is taken in a kneeling position at the end of the service and in response to the sermon. Communion (or the Eucharist), then, is the "altar call" issued to believers to respond to the liturgy, scripture reading, singing and preaching of Christ. It is more than memorial or merely a symbol; it is a proclamation of our faith in Him.

Two candle stands hold a total of six candles that are lit at the beginning of each service. Two represents "witness." Three is the number of the "Trinity". Six is the number for "man". Jesus is the "Light of the world". He says that we are the "light." At CCC, we are human witnesses of the Trinity that show forth light to the world.

Our pulpit is a simple wooden podium that is moved to the center floor for preaching and removed after the sermon. The wooden podium is symbolic of the cross, and it conveys a heaviness that plastic cannot. It is movable for practical reasons, but its placement on the floor with the congregation conveys the idea that the Word of God came to dwell with us and is preached among the people.

As we occupy a former Methodist church we have no baptistry. Therefore, our baptisms must take place outside of the confines of our four walls. This forces us to take the proclamation of the Gospel to an outdoor facility such as a pool. Unwittingly, we have been placed in the position of proclaiming the death, burial and resurrection of Christ both inside and outside of the church building. We are a congregation that proclaims Christ in our regular sacred gathering places, as well as our secular community.

The musicians are placed on the raised floor that is behind the altar table and at the foot of a stained glass window that depicts the cross. On the cross hang a crown of thorns and a wreath of laurel (symbolic of the crown of glory Christ gained through His suffering). While the slight elevation difference of the platform (or stage) is due to previous design and the placement is practical for instruments, I think it does convey a slightly misleading message that we place a higher emphasis on music. At CCC I think it would be true to say that we value each element of the worship service equally. All of the service is to be Christ exalting, and conducted at the foot of the Cross to the glory of God.

Quote of the Weak -- Church Architecture

"Architects could design church spaces that encourage people to use more of their senses than just sight or hearing. Think of the possibilities if architects were to consider the five senses not in isolation from one another but in harmony with each other.
God gave us five senses for a reason. People need to look, to listen, to touch, to taste, and to smell when they are praising God. "

-- Leonard Sweet (Church Architecture for the 21st Century, Christianity Today 1999)

While I disagree with most of his article (too much emphasis on innovation and video screens) I very much like his thoughts concerning the harmony of senses in worship.

What did the Pope say?

The Pope's recent speech concerning peace and dialogue was the fuel for violence and threats from the Islamic world.

His words, a quote taken out of context, were an accusation that Mohammed taught growth by the sword and this teaching is wrong. Today the Pope said that this was not his view. Yet, the Muslim reaction around the world has served only to prove that Islam is a violent religion.

If you do read the Pope's speech it is a bit disturbing to see that the Pope seems to refers to the Koran in terms of scripture. If anything the Pope has been too benevolent by making Islam on the same plain as Christianity. Moderate Islamist have tried to calm their Fundamentalist brothers by pointing out that the Pope promotes Islam as one of the three great monotheistic religions, and that "thinking" Muslims are in some way in tune with God. Many say that the Pope is only speaking out against "radical" Islamist that have "hijacked Islam."

The belief in the equality of belief (at least as far as the "monotheistic" religions) is popular among many Christians these days, but you will find it is rare in the Islamic world.

One point that the Pope was trying to make is that you cannot force religion on anyone. Sure the Catholic Church has been guilty of trying, and various Christians throughout the history of the Church have tried coercions in many forms. But, listen to what the man is saying! He does not believe in forcing religion on people - either the Christian or Muslim religion.

All religions are not equal. To say that "Mohammed promoted peace" is about as smart as saying that "Jesus promoted violence".

Jews do not believe that God is triune. Muslims do not believe that God is triune. More than philosophy Christianity stands out above the other "monotheistic" religions pointing to Jesus as the Way, the Truth and the Life -- the only way to get to the Father. Christianity is not only monotheistic, but it is Trinitarian.

While I do not think that the Pope is God's voice on Earth it does trouble me to hear him apologize for the reaction that misinformed zealots (which seem to be the majority) had concerning his quote. Pope Benedict, please do not make apologies. Preach the Gospel, repentance and faith, and Christ as the only way!

Quote of the Weak -- Compassion

"I want to send the signal to our enemy that you have aroused a compassionate and decent and mighty nation, and we're going to hunt you down."
-- President George W. Bush

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distress, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:21)

He is Holy, He is Love

Thursday night I despaired of life. Lauren was suffering. She had injured her deformed legs in therapy. Her seizures were too many to count. She vomited her supper onto her pillow.

My eldest daughter was frustrated as she was helpless to stop the suffering. "I know life is not fair, but this isn't right." As my wife and daughter cried over Lauren she said clearly, "Anna. No." and wiped the tears from Anna's face.

I went to the bathroom and screamed my prayers of frustration into a rolled up towel.

Did God count those tears?

There are many things we can know about God. Two specific things that scripture reveals about God's nature are that He is holy, holy, holy and He is love.

Because He is holy, He cannot sin and does no evil. Because He is perfectly holy, there is none like Him. Because He is holy, He must also be just. Because He is holy, evil will not prevail forever. Because He is holy, He is glorified. Because He is holy, He is to be feared.

Because God is love, he must love. Because God is love, He is full of mercy. Because God so loved the world, He gave us His only begotten Son Jesus.

I am persuaded today that it is God's nature of love and holiness that motivate His actions toward us. While He may have every right to glorify Himself, He does it in such a way that it is both holy and full of love.

The world was made for Jesus. The world was made by Jesus. He was supreme in glory before the foundations of the universe, and His love was perfect before the world was formed. Yet, God created the universe so that His love would be manifest and His glory displayed. Christ's Bride was created by God for Him that He might have an object of His love. Such great love is amazing. I am not saying that He created the universe for man, nor am I saying that man is the center of the universe. But our God is so great that He created man to love, and the universe as the setting for this divine and glorious love affair.

It is because of His great love that we who believe have been chosen, and given faith, hope and love. It is because of His great love that we are destined to be conformed to His image and share in His glory. It is because of His great love that all things work together for the good of them that love God and are called according to His purposes. It is because of His great love that we are being conformed through sharing in His suffering to the image of His Son Jesus.

The world is not fair and it certainly is not right. Indeed, all of creation groans under sin. But I am convinced today that God is love and He is holy, holy, holy. I believe, although I die, I will see my daughter walk and proclaim with all of creation that Jesus is LORD to the glory of God the Father. I have faith that by His great love I will see my Redeemer and Lauren will stand with Him on that day. "We will dance on streets that are golden; the glorious Bride and the great Son of Man. Every tribe and every nation will join in the song of the Lamb!"

Because of His Holy Love, He counts every tear, and they will be redeemed for joy!

Why some hate the Reformation Movement

What, you don't know?

There is a "movement" among Baptists these days. I think the word movement should indicate that there is a potential error afoot. Most movements seem to unintentionally breed cultish behavior by focusing too much on a particular teaching or passage. Even what may be called "good movements" such as the Great Awakening promoted a pendulum swing in the other direction. Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons and every other Christian cult that I know of was the result of or a reaction to a "movement."

You will notice that I have avoided the word "revival." Revival carries with it too much baggage and the picture of a mad man in a three piece suit pounding a pulpit. Revival also implies a connection with our emotions. So, I believe most people prefer to call what is happening a movement. However, this term is not without its connotations as well.

The charismatic movement has birthed a great number of heretics as the emphasis has been on emotions, feelings, prophesy, manifestations and revelation. Not all charismatics are heretics, mind you. This movement affected Baptists in that many churches shifted to a more emotional worship style and preaching that was pointed at the perceived needs of the congregation (salvation and personal happiness) which is now termed "man-centered preaching." Evangelism focused less on the work of God and more on the "decision" of the man.

Today there is a growing minority among Baptists that are reacting to the emphasis on emotion by appealing to reformation theology. Reformation theology being the theology that resulted (or was recovered) in the reformation movements of the 1500s in Europe. Luther, Calvin and many others had restored the doctrines of the Church Fathers, and they focused heavily on the doctrines of grace, election, predestination and salvation. Today's reformist would claim that they are seeking "God-centered preaching."

Luther was a monk that never felt saved. He tried with all his might to be saved and it was not until he understood that the "just shall live by faith" that he was freed from the bondage of a works-based salvation. He was free indeed. His was not a passionless salvation, but rather one that was worked out in fear and trembling.

Calvin seems to have been much more intellectual and scholarly in his approach (Not that Luther was a dope, he did translate the entire Bible into German. He was just more "earthy.") Both men gloried in the doctrines of grace concerning salvation and the fact that God is the one who elects to save according to His will. It is God who gives faith and God who has predestined those who receive faith to be conformed to the image of Christ.

While many may think that it is election or predestination that causes fellow believers to hate the Reformation Movement, I would submit that it is neither. I have come to the conclusion that the movement is hated because it is imbalanced.

When I first read the passages (in a college Bible study) in Romans that concern God's election, I was offended. I had grown up with an imblanced view that I had saved myself. "I was sinking deep in sin far from the peaceful shore..." But, if the Apostle Paul was right I was not sinking -- I was "DEAD in sins and trespasses." I was not seeking God, but He was seeking me. The offense was replaced with joy and a sureness that I had never known concerning my own salvation. It was not my work, rather it was the work of God. It was not MY faith, nor my sincere prayer that saved me. It was faith that God gave me regardless of my emotion, sincerity or manifestations.

My zeal for good theology sent me gorging on words about God. The more I knew the more proud and arrogant I became. I began to hate the Church in America. I came to see most churches in America as fulfillments of the prophesy concerning Laodacea (although they were rich and had need of nothing they were poor, blind, miserable and naked). I gloried in the wrath of God that was being stored up for the sons of disobedience. I gloried that I was chosen before the foundations of the World. I hated the ignorant preachers who spent more time beating me up for not tithing or being a good person than speaking about Christ.

I was becoming full of good theology. I was so full that I could not eat another bite. The sweetness of God's love had become repulsive to me as I had feasted on His glory, wrath and election. Some years later, God brought me to a point of starvation.

The day that I was told that my daughter had brain damage all of my good theology flew right out the window. "God is without body, parts or passions." "God does everything for His own glory." Extra Biblical theological statements and maxims were useless to me. All I knew was the Gospel, and I wanted God to speak to me. I cried and moaned for hours. Quote Calvin to me, are you kidding me? God had deformed my child for His own egocentric glory?!? I didn't want to hear Calvin, Luther or Billy Graham for that matter. I had to hear from God Himself. I was not hungry; I was famished.

"Do you hate your daughter?"

"No, God. Maybe I am angry with you, but how could I hate her?"

"Then why do you hate my Church? You say you love me, but you hate my Bride. Therefore, my love does not live in you."

That word was so bitter, but God's bitter word was sweet to a starving man.

Scripture does not teach us that God so desired to glorify Himself that He sent Jesus. On the contrary His word teaches us that "God so LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten Son." God's nature is love. He is LOVE. Of course His love brings Him glory; everything He does is glorious. But God is a God of passion and love. This passionate God loved us so much that He took on flesh, humbled Himself and became a man. He disrobed His glory and manifest His very nature of Love by submitting to death on a cross. His love and power resurrected the dead body of Christ, and it is by His love that He gives faith and His Spirit to men, and conforms them to His image. It is because of His great love that He has done this. It is because of His great love that He has maimed my daughter's body and afflicted us with trials. He is working all things together for the good of them that love Him and are called according to His good purposes.

I fear God. I mean shaking in my shoes terrified. I fear Him because of His great love. He is the Lion of Judah that tears us to pieces. He is also the Lamb of God that loves us with a jealous and divine passion. He loves us so much that we share in the sufferings of Christ so that we might be more than converted -- we might be made new creatures and conformed to His glorious image.

We have been commanded to make disciples. We have been commanded to teach and reprove. But the greatest commandment is to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. If love is our motivation (as I believe it is God's), then everything that we do will be to the glory of God.

Why do some people hate the reformation movement? While it is full of zeal for good theology, it is often void of God's love, the love He has for Christ's body (His bride, the Church) and His passion that is all consuming.

Tolerance and the question of the Universe

I read a new blog recently that was written by a sincere Pakistani who was vainly promoting tolerance. He (or she) will soon find out how intolerant religious people are.

I do take issue with the idea that the center of Semitic religions is tolerance. The center of Islam, Judaism and Christianity should be God. Each religion has its own particular view of a monotheistic god and each religion's practice is determined by that view of a god. Quite simply none of these religions is based upon tolerance.

I cannot speak for Islam or Judaism, but I can speak as a Christian. Love of God and love for man is the greatest commandment, but that does not mean that I should condone all of mans' beliefs or behaviors.

Rather than teaching tolerance or ambivalence Christ taught that we should live in a way that brings light to a dark world and stands in stark contrast to other systems of belief and practice. While we are not to condemn others we are certainly not commanded to condone others.

In this nation (USA) tolerance carries with it the idea that anyone's belief is not above another's. Tolerance has come to mean submission. Nothing is absolute, nothing is true -- therefore, no one should have the the belief that his faith is true so as to disrespect others beliefs. This is a silly idea. If a man believes perfectly that the moon is made of cheese his belief is wrong. It is not my place to change his belief through argument or violence, but I certainly do not have to live by his belief, nor should I have to submit to it. To respect such a belief and place it as equal to truth would be ridiculous.

I (neither would the Pakistani blogger) respect the beliefs of anyone who is willing to kill others so as to force his/her beliefs on someone else.

Talk of tolerance is a diversion from the real issue.

The main question of the Universe is Who is God?

Islam says that Allah is God and there is no other.

Judaism says that Jehovah is God and there is no other.

Christ says, "I am the way, the truth and the life and there are none that come to the Father except by me."

These three teachings (Islam, Judaism and Christianity) are tri-polar opposites and cannot all be true.

In the blog a sincere peace-loving Muslim's question read, "How can someone who is truly religious kill themselves?" I do not understand the zealots who kill others, nor do I understand how they think this will persuade others to follow their example or their god. However, Christians are called to "kill themselves" in a sense.

We have been commanded to put to death the deeds of the flesh, which are murder, envy, strife, lust, etc. I submit that the man who truly knows God must "kill himself" and love all of man kind. Far from simple tolerance Christians have been commanded to active self-sacrificial love. Tolerance is inactive, I can sit on a log and tolerate everyone. Love is active, I must pursue love in deed and truth.

The blogger went on to say that all true religions promote tolerance as tolerance is the center of true religion. While I appreciated this Mulsim's hope for promoting peace and tolerance I think his assessment is superficial at best. I do not claim to understand Islam, however I would never say that the essence of Islam or religion is "tolerance."

The essence of religion should be answering the questions; Who is God? What did He say? How should I then live?

Listerine Kills!

Today flights were canceled, people around the world were having their hygiene products confiscated, arrest were made and a group of young English Muslims of Pakistani decent gave new meaning to the ad slogan, "Listerine Kills..."








Thanks to a moronic group of Islamic "fascists" (as W put it) seems that toothpaste, shampoo and that loved/hated mouthwash are now contraband on flights.

First the guy who tried to light his shoes, now mouthwash. Is nothing sacred?!?

The irony is that these punks were trying to terrorize the Capitalist West and bring our economic engines to a screeching halt. What they did was cause the stock prices for hygiene products to gain ground and sent hundreds of thousands of would-be squeaky clean travelers to Wal-Mart to replace their shampoo that was impounded by the TSA. Most travelers were mildly irritated, but travel again they will.

Maybe instead of banning my toothpaste our government should reconsider decades of flawed policies directed at most of the world's poorest populations. When will we get it through our heads that it is not OUR freedom that the Islamic world fears (it is our freedom that makes us vulnerable to their shoe and Listerine bombers) it is THEIR freedom that they fear. Freedom is a mixed bag of good and bad. They do not want our democratic system of government, nor do they want the decadence that accompanies it. They do not want their women to be treated like human beings. Most of all they want us to stop supporting everything that Israel (the most democratic society in the Middle East) does just because they are democratic (and that shared religious heritage Judao/Christian stuff).

I am afraid that the more the Muslim extremists try to terrorize the West the more the West will infringe upon the East. Ironically these young zealots are going to bring to their nations the thing they fear most -- more US troops to the Middle East and more Americans to the support of Israel's "fight against terrorists." Did these cave dwellers not see how many American flags were flying on the day after September 11? Terrorism does affect Americans deeply, and makes us even more resolved.

I have to admit that I have been swayed today. The more attacks we face as a nation the more patriotic I feel. The more I am hated for simply being born in America the more American I feel. I was against the war, I'm still against war. I think democracy is not such a good idea on a global scale. But, the more Muslims try to kill Westerners (and fellow Muslims as in Iraq) the more empathy I feel toward Israel and England. Sure America has done a lot of bad things in the name of democracy. Truly Israel has taken land that did not legally belong to them. Of course Great Britain made gross errors in dividing up the Middle East (which was a mess before the UK got involved). But, what makes Osama think that by terrorizing the general public of free nations we will want to run headlong back into the dark ages? For better or worse a free society may not be able to freshen up on a flight, but we refuse to ban Muslims from flights. We will not become the racist bigots and zealots that threaten us.

My message to the terrorists -- Keep it up and I'll be working for the right of Muslim women everywhere to vote. What woman would "mastermind" a plan to kill thousands of innocent people?

Thanks a lot, zealots, for taking my toothpaste away on my next international flight. May the bad breath of a hundred thousand travelers fill the nostrils of your sleep.

We will empower no leaders before their time.

Why is it that we never hear of a Christian church or school that has as its motto, "Training the Followers of Tomorrow!" Where are all the followers going to come from for all the leaders we are training?

Jesus never said, "Follow me and I will make you leaders of men." His command was to "follow me" and the promise was that He would make the followers to be "fishers of men." Furthermore, in the Church the leaders are called "apostles," "shepherds," "elders" and "overseers" instead of "lords," "bosses" and "tyrants." Authority is vastly different than our concept of leadership. To be an authority in the Church is to be a "servant to all." The authorities in the Church are commanded to watch over, love, care for, teach, reprove and instruct. The only instruction that seems to indicate leadership is by example and lifestyle.

Spiritual authority is voluntarily exercised and voluntarily received. We have spiritual authorities for our good and our protection. When our authorities fail, we suffer; when we fail to follow, we suffer.

What is seen as a "silly rule" or "stupid paperwork" is actually a blessing from God. The fact that the IRS has authority over me to make me report the expenses of the ministry makes me a better bookkeeper and hopefully, a better spender of the funds entrusted to me.

As a young Christian I was zealous and put into leadership as a teenager. I entered college with a plan to continue being the leader and continued to be a minister on church staff. It took me a decade to have the pride beaten out of me that was the result of too much authority too fast. There are few realms in the world where a young inexperienced man, whose philosophy has not been proven, can become the leader. Can you imagine graduating college and immediately becoming the president of a bank? I don't care how much "knowledge" you have, you have not proven it. You have not "earned" it. And you have not gained the experience that transforms knowledge into wisdom.

I have been guilty of promoting younger brothers to positions of power (all be it small) before their time. This can lead to pride and actually harm my brother that I am trying to help. Walton says, "help is from Hell." What we need is a radical (paradigm if you will) shift in our thinking. We are not "helped" by God; we are saved by God. What He has done is a radical new creation. He has turned the world upside down and established the things that were not. We were DEAD in an ocean of sin (not swimming just fine, thank you very much).

There is a strong temptation in the missions world to send as many young Christians overseas as we can possibly facilitate. Why do we continue to think that God thinks the way we think? Why do we think that God has such a sense of urgency that He would negate His own Word (not to put a novice in authority, lest he become conceited and fall into the snare of the devil) and lead us to put a novice in authority? If Jesus Christ Himself was not ready for public ministry until He was about 30, then who are we to think that we are ready at 21?

Like a fine wine that is perfected through patience, we should empower no leaders before their time.

Quote of the Weak -- Apocalypse

"America has to support Israel. You know what they say, 'You shouldn't change horses in mid-apocalypse.'"
-- Arlene (my sister who blogs vicariously)

Quote of the Weak -- Emotions

"If I wasn't on anti-depressants, I might have teared up a little."
-- Ben Williams in response to Iz's rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distress, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:21)

Violent ambivalence

I admire Brian's blog. Generally it is lighthearted and makes me laugh. When he does have something profound to communicate, he does it in such a way that he offends no one. Brian cares deeply about some issues; if you look closely at his blog you can discern what they are. He does this in such a way that he leaves the reader to come to his own conclusions. Brian actually survives quite well in the world, and he has achieved a balance that I often envy. Brian is profoundly innocuous and he stirs people to deeper thought and action all the time, allowing them to feel that it was their idea all along.

I am what you may call "opinionated;" most people call it "obnoxious." Everyone has an opinion on just about every subject, even if their opinion is simply, "I don't care." But there are a few of us out there that are passionately opinionated. Amongst the passionately opinionated, there is a minority that are also conflicted in their opinions. Seems that I have such strong feelings on so many subjects and many times my strong feelings are conflicting. I am what is called V.A. = violently ambivalent.

V.A. can manifest itself in many ways, but generally involves the phrase, "I don't care." For example, "I don't care where we eat! Anywhere but ethnic, or fish, or burgers, or chicken; I don't care! Just pick somewhere!!!" In this situation the simple fact is I must eat and I do care where I don't eat, but I do not know where I want to eat. The longer it takes to make a decision, the more VA I can get.

Most of the time I don't know what the answers are. I may know what the problem is, but I don't know how to fix it. The result more often than not is a provocative display of VA. Why do I care about wars in the Middle East? Why do I care about Christians on TV who resemble clownish snake oil salesmen and make us all look goofy? Why do I care about man-centered mission strategies? What do I plan to do about it? I don't know, just so long as I don't have to go to battle with a missiologist in a pink wig.

So, tell me again -- who are the terrorists?

34 children and 12 women died while sleeping in their apartment building that was hit in an Israeli air strike on Sunday in Qana, Lebanon.

Some 500 Lebanese, mostly civilians, have been killed in the campaign according to the Health Ministry. Thirty-three Israeli soldiers have died, and Hezbollah rocket attacks on northern Israel have killed 18 civilians, Israeli authorities said.

"During the current crisis, Israel and the world need to know that the US Congress stands firm in its commitment to Israel's protection and right to defend itself against terrorism and state-sponsored terrorists," Dave Weldon (R) Congressman from Florida. Funny, I thought blowing up buildings full of women and children was what we call terrorism.

What disturbs me most is that so many of my fellow Christians cheer for the modern state of Israel as "God's chosen people" and that anything the nation does is endorsed by God Himself. For some balance I suggest John Piper's sermon on the issue.

I might also suggest a history lesson from Wikipedia concerning the Lavon Affair. To quote my favorite movie line once again, "We all covered up in it, they aien't a one of us clean. "

Bumper Sticker of the Week - Democracy

It is interesting to me that we only seem to bring "freedom" to our enemies and not our allies (ie. Saudi Arabia, which just happens to be our second greatest ally in the Middle East and the second most oppressive government in the world).

I am convinced that those who hate America do not hate our wealth, they do not even hate freedom. They hate that our freedom and wealth has led to decadence. They also hate the hypocrisy of our support of oppressive regimes (like the Taliban or "Mujahideen" during the Cold War) around the world in our efforts to promote the "American way of life". And that is what they fear that we will bringing to their country by force.

Quote of the Weak -- Indulgences

A German illustration of a priest collecting "indulgences" on behalf of the Catholic church. An indulgence could be purchased that would bring a blessing or "guarentee salvation" of one's soul. This was just one of the issues that sparked the Protestant Reformation. The last line of the poem reads, "As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, / The soul at once into Heaven springs."

"After 1500 years you could purchase blessings from Rome. But don't be too hard on the Catholic church. Protestants have only been around for 500 years and we have TBN."

--Ross

Pray for the peace of Palestine

It is horrible that so many young Muslim men (and now women) are so willing to strap bombs to their chests and blow up cafes full of civilians. But have you ever stopped to ask the question, "What would make someone so desperate?"

Bin Ladin is an opportunist on a power trip, but what about the young men who are willing to die for him? Maybe they had a childhood like the boy in the photo from Gaza. Maybe their homes, or families were destroyed by a rocket fired from Israel and made in the good ole US of A.

I do not condone the taking of prisoners of war, nor do I condone the excessive force exerted by Israel in retaliation. But whatever happened to the rule of "an eye for an eye?"

What bothers me most tonight is that I am hearing so many evangelicals who are calling us to pray for Israel, but so few who make the same request for the Palestinians and the Lebanese. I know this comes from a misunderstanding of Paul's teaching about the spiritual covenant and the physical covenant God made with Abraham (Gal 4:21-31). It comes from an ignorance of history as recent as the 1940s. It comes from a fear of Islam and Arabs. But even if the Arabs (some of whom are not Muslim) are our enemies (as the enemies of Israel), are we not required by Christ to love and pray for them?

The Israel of God are those who have faith in the Christ (Galatians 3:26-29, 6:16). The Seed that was promised to Abraham is Jesus (Galatians 3:16, Genesis 21:17-20, 22:15-19). Ishmael (the father of the Arabs) was not cursed by God; he and Isaac were both blessed by God. (Jealousy caused Sarah to curse Ishmael and his mother as recorded in Genesis 21:8-21, yet God was at work to bless them all). Abraham is the father of many nations, but God is the Father of the true Israel, which is not a kingdom (or nation) of this world (John 18:36). Isaac was particularly blessed as his descendant would be the Christ, but it has always been by faith in the Gospel that anyone was considered righteous by God (Galatians 3:8) and grafted into the vine (Jesus).

There are many innocent Arabs (Christian and Muslim) who are suffering tonight at the hand of Israel, with the backing of the USA. Collateral damage we prefer to call it. I can only hope that the little boys who are digging through the rubble tonight will not be the suicide bombers of tomorrow.

In just a few hours thousands of American Christians will gather at their places of worship and will pray for the peace of Israel. When you pray, consider whispering a prayer for the peace of Palestine as well.

Quote of the Weak -- Community

"The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt."
-- Frederick Buechner

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distress, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:21)

A cup of Christ?

Icons have been used through much of Christian history to convey certain truths of Scripture. Some Icons are obviously heretical (ie. a depiction of the Trinty with three "Jesus" heads), while others may be helpful. This icon is meant to convey the "true presence of Christ" in the Eucharist.

I don't think this was what Jesus had in mind when He said , "this is my blood." Yet, it does give pause for thought.

Thoughts on Sacrament

How strange it seems to me now that we used the word "ordinance" instead of "sacrament." But I think this is precisely where the problem lies in much of evangelical Protestant America.

The definition of ordinance in my daughter's student dictionary says, "A statute or regulation, especially one enacted by a city government." Another dictionary adds, "A religious rite or ceremony." The definition of communion is, "The act or instance of sharing, as of thoughts, feelings, or interests". The definition of sacrament in the same dictionaries reads, "a sacred rite considered to have been instituted by Jesus" and "a manifestation of God's grace on earth."

Growing up in an SBC church I knew that the "Lord's Supper" was special, you had to be really somber and make sure that you had confessed all your sins or you might go to Hell. But I also knew that it, like baptism, was ONLY "a symbol" and that it was just bread and juice. In an effort to remove mystery we had created a superstitious symbol that had the power to curse. No wonder we Baptists don't want to take communion more than 3 or 4 times per year. In our Baptist rebellion against tradition, "church talk" and "dead liturgy" we have created new words, rites and elements that have been diluted of any meaning and simply created new traditions, jargon and liturgy that are devoid of depth. The only sacraments (in a salvation sense of the word) were the aisle walk and the sinner's prayer (neither of which can be found in Scripture).

It was at a weekly ecumenical men's prayer meeting that I first started seeing communion as communion. We believed that God's grace was being manifest to us in a tangible way as we broke bread and shared a common cup of wine. By faith we were receiving and sharing in the Body and Blood of Christ. I saw for the first time that disunity and hatred of my brothers made communion hypocrisy and me unworthy to proclaim my part in the Body. I came to understand that this group of men, my church and the Church universal is the Body of Christ. It was at this meeting that Christ's Body was discerned -- given on Earth, residing in Heaven and manifest in the Church. It was in every way a mysterious ordinance that was both a sacrament and communion. It is a weekly profession of faith and a tangible proclamation of the Gospel of Christ's body given for us and His blood shed for us.

Some years later as I had the privilege to baptize my daughter, I came to believe that baptism is more than a mere symbol or act of obedience. As I plunged my daughter's head underwater and pronounced her "buried with Christ in baptism" and raised her out of the symbolic grave "to newness of life in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit," I knew that I had handled holy things. I had a bird's eye view as she took that first gasp of air after having been submerged in cold water, and I could imagine what the resurrection will be like. No, the water had no power to save, but something of God's grace was manifest in that moment through baptism. It is a visual proclamation of the Gospel.

What does Christ mean when He says, "where two or more are gathered in my name I am present?" In what way is Christ present with us gathered that He is not present with me when I am alone. He does not leave me, nor forsake me. I am never alone. Yet, there is a manifestation of God's presence when we are gathered in Jesus name that we do not have alone. Every Baptist I know would agree that the "presence of the Lord" can be felt in a worship service, and most have had experiences of "God's presence" in a time of prayer or intense struggle. Yet, we are afraid to say that "Christ is present" in baptism or communion.

Here is a winsome and wise quote from Millard Erickson (elder statesman of Baptist theology) on this point: "Out of a zeal to avoid the conception that Jesus is present in some sort of magical way, certain Baptists among others have sometimes gone to such extremes as to give the impression that the one place where Jesus most assuredly is not to be found is the Lord's Supper. This is what one Baptist leader termed 'the doctrine of the real absence' of Jesus Christ." (Christian Theology [Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books], 1123) (Thanks Ray!)

In a very real way the mission of the Church is to be a manifestation of God's grace and presence in the world. We are not God, but we are His body, His bride. The lost will never receive faith if the Gospel is not preached. The new believer will not be baptized and there is no communion outside of the Body. God's grace in the Gospel will not be witnessed in the world without the Bride. The Church is not the savior; Christ is the Savior. Jesus has not given the task to angels, but He has given the glorious task of proclaiming the Gospel to us, the Church. There then is no salvation outside of the Church and the Gospel that she preaches and proclaims in word and deed. Our task is a tangible, visible and audible proclamation of the Gospel.

I agree with my Baptist brothers in the importance of preaching. However, I do not believe that preaching has primacy. Rather I believe that preaching is sacramental in that God's grace is being manifest on the Earth in the spoken word, and that we must hear and believe the Gospel in order to be saved. Preaching, baptism and communion are opportunities for faith to be proclaimed and worked out, and God's grace to be manifest on Earth.

I have been accused of being a mystic, and to be honest I love mystery. I love scholarship as well. But I am content to leave some things in the realm of mystery. We have, in America, a need to explain everything. We simply cannot stand to have people think that we are fools. If only we could prove our faith... Have we forgotten that the Gospel is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is the word of life to those who believe? These mysterious ordinances are a way that we identify with Christ and separate ourselves from the World, and the Church together in word and deed proclaims the Gospel.

He gives and takes away...

Robin Mark sang a song Thursday night at the concert that has the words, "He gives and takes away, and still my heart will say 'Blessed be the name of the LORD.'" As he sang those words, I joined with him in singing even as our unborn child seemed to be in the process of being taken away.

Our fears for the baby were confirmed last night as the heartbeat had stopped and signs of imminent miscarriage were confirmed by the doctor at the ER.

For all that I think I do know about God there is so much more I don't know. I really don't understand why so many things happen, but I have to trust that God is good and He does good to those that love Him and are called according to His purposes. I have been told that it is foolish to look for purpose or try to figure out the reason for every thing that happens in our lives. Personally, I think it is foolish not to look for the hand of God in even the smallest things of life and if there is no purpose to tragedy then there is no purpose for anything. It can be foolish to jump to conclusions, but it can never be foolish to seek God.

As we waited for the doctor a lab tech came in to draw Lana's blood. I mentioned that I would not watch the process as it makes me a bit weak in the knees. To salvage my manhood, I mentioned that I had assisted doctors in Honduras, but that it was just different when it came to my wife and kids. The tech agreed, and then we talked more about Honduras and missions. As the conversation progressed she shared her concern for her unbelieving relatives. Her deep concern was evident through the tears that welled in her eyes. There is so much pain in the world. We prayed together for her nephew and nieces to receive faith and be led to repentance. "God certainly knows what He is doing," she said. "I'm glad He brought you here tonight."

Later in the night Walt and Craig came to the hospital to share their concern and pray for us. In the middle of pain and sorrow God had brought spiritual family together to comfort each other. Some are in the process of giving; some are in the process of receiving. Some of us have known each other for years, others we just met in passing. Together one day we will be before our LORD and proclaim together, "Blessed be the name of the LORD!"