Just thinking about...

Making a Difference

Joel Hunter writes in Church Distributed that he counsels his church members to "do what you can, where you are, with what you've got". I really like that.

The idea of the church distributed into the world to "do what we can, where we are, with what we've got" is counter to the thinking that places the institutional church at the center of all missional activity. When encountering needs, I must not think "what does my church have to offer?"; but, rather, realizing I am the church, what can I do as a Follower of Jesus Christ to help? It's the mobilization of the people of God into the world to function as change agents.

This Christmas season can be a time of examining your world, your mission field, your context for missional living. One missional thinker considers your primary mission field to be the place where you spend most of your time. Wherever that may be, there are those who need to be loved, served, helped, or encouraged.

"Do what you can, where you are, with what you've got."

money

I'm doing a series in January about money; specifically what the Bible teaches about it.

What thoughts/questions/problems/ideas/warnings/input/help would you share with the old bald guy?

Email me at cbradford@riverbluff.org

 

Thx.

In times like these…

I saw the new James Bond movie last night. It was the usual filled with car chases, explosions, and a lot of work for stunt people. The story line was a familiar one- all the people in big business and government are crooks and if it weren't for people like Bond, the whole world would be destroyed. And as usual, the biggest crooks in the world were American. People willing to do anything at anytime for any reason, all selfishly oriented. It's amazing how we Americans have survived being as evil as some portray us.

Anyway, a few things have been catalysts for my thoughts today. In the ever lengthening previews before the James Bond movie, two coming movies caught my attention. One is a Christmas flick starring Reese Witherspoon where the plot revolves around visiting family at Christmas. Of course, one of the families visited is the token weirdo Christian family, the "odd-for-God" bunch. I've never actually known any Christians like those portrayed in movies! I did know the church lady! The other preview was for the sequel to the DaVinci Code called Angels and Demons. Once again, there is a cover up and the church is behind it. Another catalyst was an article (with pictures) of some senior ladies of James Island who had made a "girlie" calendar to raise money for charity. The youngest was 68 and the oldest was 98. Another was an online article about an ad campaign sponsored by the secular humanists of America who were following the lead of atheists in England putting billboards on buses that discourage faith in God. The British campaign used this as their message: "There's probably no God. Now stop worrying and enjoy your life." The US campaign (designed to start in December) will use this message: "Why believe in a god? Just be good for goodness sake." (Of course the basis and definition of goodness is not addressed.) There were several things recently that seemed to mock, offend, discourage or attack Christianity. I'm not whining. It just seems like it's happening more these days. So what?

Well, maybe we need to face the fact that this is not our time. Christians, I mean. I don't believe we are in a favored status here in the US and I think we lost it years ago in Europe. I think we are either tolerated, opposed or ignored. Most of the representations of Christians will be either condescension, opposition, or surprise that we're still here. Hopefully that's a realistic assessment and not cynicism.

So what do we do? Especially since we have been given the mandate to carry the Gospel to the whole world.Is it Whine time? I think not!

I think we must do two things. We must live lives that are distinctively different from the rest of the culture. Not the odd-for-God variety but the type of life demonstrated in Jesus. The great Christian leaders of the past (biblical and otherwise) are not our primary models-Jesus is. Jesus is Leader and Lord. While other great Christian leaders may serve as examples and certainly inspiration, He is the definitive and final authoritative example of how to live as a minority in a culture. And His teachings are not simply suggestions; they are the very word of God. That means after our salvation experience, comes the ongoing practice of putting off, putting on, and being renewed by God. (Eph 4:17-24; Col. 3:1-17).The putting on of the Christian life will be primarily seen in three areas in today's culture- money, sex, and power. Christians approach each of these three differently than the rest of the world and each of us should adopt a "mind of Christ" attitude in these areas.

The second thing (imho) is to dedicate ourselves to serving others while living as a minority. Rodney Stark in his book The Rise Of Christianity, demonstrates that the "good works" of the early Christian community to people outside their group as well as those within their group, was a primary factor in establishing the credibility and truth of Christianity. Particularly in times of great suffering, the Christians gave sacrificial service, often at the cost of their lives, to others. Their faith in God was the basis for their good works. Their Leader had lived that kind of life and now they were living that life as well. And doing it with great joy and love while considering it an honor to serve others. Just like Jesus.

And it changed the world. I think it still can.

(sigh)

The Day After

I've been challenged in my thinking many times by people like Chuck Colson. Today was one of those times. As I thought about what to blog after the election, I just couldn't come up with words that express the wide range of things going on in my head.

In his Breakpoint post today, Colson has offered words that did not come to me.

But I agree with him and pray with him.

Election 2K9

I want all of you River Rats to vote Tuesday!

The past two weeks we have made available some Party Platform Guides that present parts of each party's platform verbatim; that is, the priorities, practices, and philosophies that will guide their governing the country if elected. I've encouraged you to study this document, pray, search the Scriptures, pray, and then vote. It's one thing to vote your conscience or just the guy you like best; but I personally think any Follower of Jesus should ask God which candidate you should vote for. I know some would say God doesn't have a political affiliation (I agree!); but, I do think He has a perfect will for this planet and this nation. I think He does care who is president of the only country in the world uniquely called Christian (whether we deserve that designation or not!). I'm still part of that decreasing group of people who believe God has His hand on this nation and intends to use us for His Glory! While the president does not control the future, he certainly affects it and you and I have a part in determining who will lead us.

Chuck Colson (who certainly understands the limitations of government) has an article worth reading before going to vote.

Someone wrote "On Wednesday morning half the nation will be disappointed." That's probably true; but, I also know that Wednesday morning, I will show up at the River, study some more for Sunday's message, have a few meetings, pray, and hope I get the chance to talk about Jesus with someone. And no matter who is elected, I can do that. For that I am grateful.