Interactive Sermon

Sed Theologia (2.1)

KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

So what do we know?

Man does not live on bread alone, BUT on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.

We tend to hear that verse and think of the setting in Matthew 4 where Jesus is being tempted. The reference, however, hearkens back to Deuteronomy 8 where Moses is reminding the people that God allowed them to hunger and then provided manna from heaven, so that they would recognize He is what ultimately satisfies their longing. 

The passage we began with in the Introduction—Paul’s message to the people of Athens from Acts 17—demonstrates that the people were, already, before Paul engaged them, a religious people. He noted their religious zeal in that they had erected temples and idols to every deity imaginable, including one to ‘An Unknown God.’ The intention was that, when they made rounds bowing to every god, if they left an offering for the Unknown, they’d have covered all bases. There wouldn’t be some unnamed deity out there to feel slighted and take vengeance. He offered, “Now what you worship as something unknown I am going to proclaim to you.”

What caused these people to be religiously leaning? The big but above, whether you view it in Deuteronomy or Matthew’s setting, lends insight. We human beings were created with a void for the Divine. There is an internal longing for more than the things of this world. Temporal things offer satisfaction that is fleeting. It all points to a deeper hunger and thirst for the eternal. Our souls cry out.

Theologians have spoken of General Revelation—things that testify to every soul that there is a God. Paul spoke of this, too, when he addressed the Athenians, as he mentioned their lives, their settings, and the times that they found themselves in. Look around, in other words—none of this is by accident.

As you read through Genesis 1 you noted that, at each turn in the creation story, God declared things to be good. There was intention and design in creation. The picture was coming together just as planned. As you read Psalm 19, especially the first 6 verses, you noted how this coming together of creation testified to the existence of God—or at the very least, an intelligent being setting it all in place. The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech, night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard.

These things speak of outward General Revelation—what we observe of the systems and the order of creation, all around us, that witnesses of God. The Apostle Paul spoke to people in Romans 1 about this, saying, “What may be known about God is plain, because God made it plain. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”

You saw this observation of creation in the Athenian’s religious fervor—they had made temples and idols representing various ‘gods’, the god of the harvest, the god of fertility, the god of the sea, and so on. They saw the systems and order and attributed it all to higher beings. Then they wanted to be sure to bow to all of those supposed beings so as to stay in their good graces. In other words, they were compelled to live in response to deity. General Revelation—internal and external—that appetite within that longed to connect with something ‘other’ and the testimony of all that is seen that something ‘other’ exists that is the master of it all, work hand in hand to lead us into a pursuit to acquire a knowledge of God.

So we embark on an expedition. Give Genesis 2 and Romans 1:18-32 a read for next time. Pay particular attention to the buts you come across.

 

 

Apple: I'm All In

Previously I've shared with you that 2011 was a great year in my life because it's the year I went Mac. I decided to launch into 2012 with an Apple sequel--my iPhone 4S arrived today.

Let me be sure to give my Motorola Droid props. It served me for more than two years, and it served me well. It even played relatively nicely with my Macbook Air when I got it. But it was time to replace the old phone, and I couldn't pass on the Apple product.

So it's in my hand. I'm getting familiar with Siri. She types and sends messages for me, dials the phone for me, looks things up on the internet--why she even told me it's going to snow tomorrow. Sure, there are some wants where her service is concerned. I asked her to get me a cup of coffee and she offered to locate nearby coffee shops. I asked her if she thought I might have a romantic evening with my wife tonight, and she said, "I'm sorry, Darin, I can't help you with that." (No, I'm not kidding. Verbatim.)

But, once again I'm amazed with the Apple product. From the packaging--coolest packaging of any products on the market, bar none. To the user-friendliness--I turned it on and it immediately began to sync all of my apps, info and accounts. Too cool!

You know me well enough to know that my aim with technology is more with less and maximizing while minimizing. My initial take: We're well underway with this new gadget. I'll keep you posted. We're off to a good start.

What's On My Mind? (NH Primary Edition)

Eve of the NH Primary thoughts and ruminations. Proceed with caution.

Tim Tebow ~ Oh let's get this out of the way before I wade into political waters. I love that the Tebow ride isn't over yet. I admit, I thought it would be. I believe the Steelers to have been the superior team. But, on any given Sunday... and especially when Tim is a Jesus Freak, you never know. Now comes the test: Brady and the Pats! Trouble is, Brady doesn't play defense and the Patriots have, uh... struggled on that side of the ball. Usually you don't notice because Brady and Welker and crew put up 80 points, and all is good. So this game will not be about Tebow. This game will be about the Broncos defense. It's all on them to keep it close. Then we'll see if God parts a sea or something. I'll predict: Pats by a dozen or more. See you next year, Tim. I wonder what would happen if he decided to run for... never mind.

Vermin Supreme ~ Doesn't that sound like a pizza someone would order in Cajun country? It's actually the name of a candidate on the Democrat ballot tomorrow here in NH. I'm a registered Republican, so I won't be voting that primary ballot, but how about it my NH Democrat friends? Show a little love to a candidate whose platform includes Dental Hygiene Laws and Tax Dollars for Time Travel Research? Only in NH. I wonder if President Obama is worried this guy is running against him? (Actually, I wonder if he even knows.)

Angry Old Washington Dudes ~ Is it just me, or have the Republicans cornered the market on parading out the AOWD candidates the last several years? I completely agree that Bob Dole and John McCain are true heroes, so read no disrespect in my comments. But where are the hip... and happy guys in this party? It's like a prerequisite: You either have to be named Bush or be an AOWD. Newt? This year's AOWD?

Proud Father ~ This past week I accompanied my two oldest daughters to the Clerk's office so they could register to vote. They both sat and watched the entire NH Debate with me the other night. They're informed voters. I'm very proud that they will make their way to the polls tomorrow to weigh in. I'm a proud husband, too. Shari knows her politics! We're playing our part. How about you?

Endorsements ~ It's amusing to me some of the endorsements candidates receive in the Primary race. A freshman NH State Senator that no one has ever heard of tweeted (to his 54 followers) that he was endorsing Rick Santorum. Oh boy! Bet Santorum's staff went wild. Today it was announced that Todd Palin (First Dude, as he was once introduced by his significant other, Sarah) is endorsing Newt. Hey, First Dude endorses AOWD--that could grab a headline. I'm not making this up: It was announced this morning that a goat--you read that right, A GOAT--chose John Huntsman somewhere in the north country. (Probably means more to NH citizens than the freshman State Senator.) I want to know, do such endorsements matter? It left me wondering: Who does Ted Nugent endorse? Ozzy? Dog the Bounty Hunter? Punxsutawney Phil?

So Who? ~ I'll tell you first that I like all these candidates. I'll be comfortable supporting whichever man wins the party's nomination. (I should be fully honest: I'm troubled greatly by Ron Paul's foreign policy views, so I'll keep my fingers crossed it's not him in the end.) Some have suggested you vote your conscience in the primary, and then you align behind the nominee. I think that's a respectable approach. Me? I'm jumping ahead of it. I'm voting for the guy I think is the eventual nominee. He's the guy who is leading in the polls, here, there and everywhere, while everyone else is battling for second. I suppose if a few guys dropped out so only one other-than-Romney was in the race, things could be different. But at the moment, I'm agreeing with the numbers. So there you have citizen Darin's politics in a paragraph. At least I'm not voting for Vermin Supreme.

See you at the polls?

 

Sed Theologia (1.1)

INTRODUCTION

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth, and does not live in temples built by hands. And he is not served by human hands, as if he needed anything, because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else. From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. ‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own prophets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

With these words recorded in Acts chapter 17, the Apostle Paul declared to the people of first century Athens that God is, and that they are—whether they recognized him as God or as an unknown deity—living within his unfolding story. He offered the conclusion of some of the Athenian’s own poets and philosophers as evidence, as if to say the voices of your own culture and times agree.

God is. He doesn’t need you. Rather, you need him. And he’s set this very scene you find yourself in so that you might seek him. Our lives are lived within his context.

Theology is important. Contrary to the idea that theology is ultimately personal—to each his own—and it doesn’t really matter what you believe as long as you’re sincere in it, the story we find ourselves in calls us to inquire after the truth. Who is this God? How is it that I am in relation and proximity to him?

Some suggest that theology divides. I’d offer that theology unites. Think of the great Creeds of Christendom down through the years. Followers of Jesus have been able to unite over certain truths—recognize themselves to be brothers and sisters in Christ no matter the particular label or flavor under which they regard themselves—stated in agreed upon clarity, an orthodoxy that gives life to a common orthopraxy: following after Jesus Christ.

As I begin this study, the voices of our culture and times offer a new challenge. Whether it’s the rise of Islam in our nation and questions about whether a Muslim’s Allah is akin to the Christian’s God, or it’s the potential of a Mormon becoming President, and questioning whether the Jesus Christ of Mormonism is the same Jesus Christ of Christianity, the setting we find ourselves in calls us to seek, to reach out, and to find.

Sed Theologia? It means ‘theology of buts.’ For years I’ve advocated for paying close attention to the little three-letter conjunction but as it appears in the bible. So often when it appears it sets a contrast or comparison that can bring clarity or lend emphasis—if we don’t miss it—to the overall context. Think of all the lessons Jesus taught within the Sermon on the Mount which he began, ‘You’ve heard it said… BUT now I say unto you.’ Those buts are all big and important. They set the teachings of Jesus on those subjects in stark contrast to the religious understandings of the day. They call for a change of heart and a change of mind—a reorientation. But is an important and helpful little word.

In Latin? Sure. Sounds impressive, doesn’t it? Like Origen’s De Principiis, Tertullian’s Apologeticus, Aquinas’ Summa Theologae—Mr. Holland’s Opus—this is my Latin title, Sed Theologia.

Theology is often thought of as imposing—diving deep and getting in over the layman’s head. Don’t believe it. How imposing is the word but? You use it in almost every conversation. What follows is a theological study built around appearances of the word but in scripture. God, man, fall, sin, salvation, grace—they all have some pretty big buts. What do you say we take a peek? And let’s have some fun doing it. Let’s allow the words to come off the page and turn them over in our lives for a bit.Sound theology is absolutely within our reach. He set you here, that you might seek and find him—for he is not far from any of us.

I hope you'll join me in the study.

{If you'd like a headstart in our study, give Genesis 1 and Psalm 19 a read. What? No buts?}

On Dasher and Dancer and...

3 Chords in Milford TONIGHT!

As you're out and about Christmas shopping tonight, plan to stop into Chapanga's Griddle & Grill in Milford where 3 Chords will be playing some of your rock-n-roll favorites with a handful of Christmas tunes mixed in. We're playing tonight from 9PM to 1AM - hope you're up for having a good time!

 

Revelation (42)

The complete study of Revelation in 42 segments can be found here.

CHAPTERS 20-22 (22:13-21)

The words "Behold I am coming soon, my reward is with me and I will give to everyone according to what he has done" ended our last consideration. Jesus punctuated that phrase with this proclamation: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." This relates back to the verses just prior--those who have chosen to do wrong and those who have chosen to do right--be assured that Jesus is coming with just rewards. He is the genesis and the revelation of this plan--the Genesis to Revelation of the plan.

A beatitude is offered: Blessed are they who wash their robes. The symbolism of garments representing our soul's true condition is found throughout the scriptures. The prophet Isaiah compared our attempts at righteousness apart from God as filthy rags (Is. 64) and Jeremiah noted that all earthly attempts at washing our robes are futile (Jer. 2). Remember (from our study of chapter 12) the saints overcame by the blood of the Lamb. This is the washing that is in view here. And blessed is the soul who has been so washed!

Contrast with those who have not. Verse 15 gives a descriptive list. Many have fixed their attention on the particular list of sins and vices recorded here, as if they segregate certain moral behaviors from others--as if those who are sexually immoral (in the list) are somehow more condemnable than those who are, say, drunkards (not mentioned... and the Emergent crowd sighs a collective 'Whew!'(Just kidding.)) This list is not about the particular sins. Why, every shortcoming of God's perfection is found here in the words outside, dogs and falsehood. That's the beauty of the beatitude. We were once ALL found in this list of outsiders, but for the blood of Christ having washed our garments. Get it?

Recall, if you will, our initial segments in this study: Purpose, Theme and Audience. As the Revelation comes to its close, Jesus speaks back to those. In verse 16 He attests: I sent my angel to give this testimony to the churches. This isn't John's testimony. It is Jesus' testimony. And its intended audience is that body of believers we've called the church, from John's day, to ours and beyond. It's not a message bound by a timeline of one generation over another. It's God's unfolding timeline, across--and FOR--all generations.

Jesus refers to himself as the root and the offspring of David. Similar in scope to Beginning and End, etc, from a few verses earlier, this one clearly depicts Jesus as having been both the beginning and the end of the Davidic covenant. David owes his origin and place within the story to Jesus, and on the other end Jesus is the fulfillment of all that was promised in and through David. Consider these assurances as they're heard by John--Jesus and the context of John's present experience. Jesus was before, is during, and will be after. The bright Morning Star spoke of royalty. Again, hear that through the ears of John on Patmos.

Verse 17 is a response. All that is cries 'Come!' Jesus has promised he is coming to make everything new, and indeed all that is longs for that coming. The recognition of this coming--come all who thirst! Drink of this fountain/spring of life! Don't miss the word 'free' in this context. 

Jesus closes the Revelation with a warning. The warning is that the Word of God is living, breathing, active and life-giving. Words of man are not. Don't attempt to mingle man's words with Gods--don't add to this. At the same time, don't reduce what is said here. It is the Revelation in full--Jesus Christ is the Living Word. 

That plea in verse 17 of come... Jesus answers. Yes, I am coming soon!

Having seen the Revelation, from the vantage point of his circumstances, John's heart longed. He concluded, "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!"

If I Had A Million Dollars...

News today that Radio Talk Show Host Michael Savage is offering Newt Gingrich ONE MILLION DOLLARS to withdraw from the Presidential race. His point: Newt can't beat President Obama, and Mitt Romney can.

First off, I think Newt's probably got a million of his own. Second, I'd advise Newt to hold out. I think Mitt Romney could offer more. Newt, have your guys talk to Mitt's guys. Just sayin'. Here's the story.

I'll run for a million. Any takers? 

A Christmas Gift

It came upon a mid-day clear.

The it was a telephone call from Reverend Glen Bachelder. I was still settling in as the newly-called pastor at Christ's Church. The man on the telephone introduced himself as the Interim Pastor of First Baptist Church of Amherst. I knew enough (barely enough) to know that Christ's Church had begun a dozen or so years earlier through a painful split within the congregation there. Pastor Glen filled in some of the gaps for me. There was still much lingering hurt and anger. He shared a conviction: "Within the body of Christ it is important that we make things right." Left alone, he feared this was the sort of foothold evil would continue to exploit. He suggested that he and the board of deacons from Amherst First Baptist would like to come visit with our board of elders--to discuss reconciliation; burying the hatchet.

The meeting took place. It was a prayerful meeting. It had its tearful moments. A handful of men gathered to look back--but also to commit to looking forward. We covenanted to walk forward in a new light. We weren't at all sure what that would look like, but we were committed to a loving course as opposed to a broken one. Pastor Bachelder suggested, "Wouldn't it be great if, one day, we could gather both congregations to worship together?" We all agreed, but we also recognized it wouldn't happen in the near future. Healing, after all, takes time.

Over the last decade we've seen the Lord bless friendships and fellowship between members of the two congregations. We've had occasions to share in ministry in our community. We've had occasions to gather the leaders, to pray and encourage one another. Pastor Mike and I have enjoyed gathering together weekly with other pastors in our community, and we've worked together to change the climate among the many different expressions of the body of Christ in our area, from competitiveness to cooperation. We're seeing God move in our midst.

On Christmas Day we will experience a tremendous gift. The congregations of First Baptist Church and Christ's Church will gather for worship together. A choir and worship team made of members of both congregations will lead us in song; leaders from both congregations will take part; and we will worship as one for the first time in more than twenty-six years.

Pastor Bachelder went to be with the Lord two months ago. He had spent forty years in the ministry serving a handful of congregations, leading people to know and love the Lord--he left a long legacy. But it was a simple telephone call a dozen years ago, and a heart for getting it right within the body of Christ, that serves as the catalyst for a very special gift we'll open on December 25th this year.

Revelation (41)

You will find earlier segments of this study here.

CHAPTERS 20-22 (22:1-12)

We ended last time with a glimpse into glory--a look into heaven. We saw that there was no need for sun or moon, for God himself is light there. We saw that no impurity will ever be found there. We saw that heaven's inhabitants are those who are God's own; those whose names are found in the book of life. 

Chapter 22 begins with further description. A marvelous river is there. It is crystal clear--perfectly pure. And notice its source: flowing from the throne. Prepositions are important. It's not simply near the throne or flowing by the throne, it originates there. This is God's river of life. And what is life but fellowship with God? Restored fellowship with God flows from God--sounds like the good news, doesn't it?

Before I leave this matter of the river flowing from the throne, do you recall our study of chapter four? There John shared a glimpse of the throne room in heaven where everything revolved around the throne and the One on it. Remember all those phrases: surrounding the throne; before the throne; from the throne; around the throne? Is there any doubt what this entire Revelation has been about? 

When I read this passage I'm taken by the imagery of a river. Many of you know that my family and I have vacationed for many years in the mountains of North Carolina and that my favorite pastime there is floating around in an inner-tube on one of many of that part of the country's mountain streams. For whatever reason, I feel close to God in that place. Something about the life in the waters, the fertile banks, the motion, the sights and sounds--maybe even the power as the force of the water breaks over rocks. The river that John saw in this vision was alive, too. On both sides were fertile banks teeming with fruitful trees--it's a picture of life and abundance.

The description almost sounds like a renewed--and improved--Eden. Improved because of the intimacy that is depicted here--God's people see His face; His name is upon them; they will share in His reign. The angel interjected at this point that this has been what the unfolding story has been about all along. If it were a novel, this is akin to the big reveal. Now you see. 

Then Jesus himself spoke to John. "Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of this revelation." This is the threshold in John's vision--where John is entreated to recognize his part in God's bigger narrative. As I read this it reminds me a little bit of a crucial point in the life of another John--John the Baptizer. Do you remember when John the Baptist was imprisoned and facing death in the gospel record? He sent messengers to Jesus asking, "Are you the One?" It was as if John was seeking some reassurance that his life--and very soon even his death--wasn't in vain. Jesus said, "Go and tell John what you've seen." Here's a revelation.

This John was all in. He testified, "I heard and saw these things." This revelation was, indeed, a tremendous blessing to him. Now what to do?

John fell to his knees in reverence. The angel with him implored him to worship God--the Author of the message, not the messenger. And he instructed John to share this revelation, not to seal it up. (Insert choruses of the children's song, 'Hide it under a bushel, NO! I'm gonna let it shine...') For the time is at hand.

I'll say that again: the time is at hand. The fulfullment of these visions was underway. Not something for thousands of years in the future--John, you're living it! Certainly believers of every generation since are living it. That is why the conclusion is this: Let those who will reject this message reject it. They've made their choice. However, let those who have chosen God live that choice out to the fullest expression. Again, the voice of Jesus encouraged, "For I am coming soon--my reward with me."

There is blessed assurance in this picture. Those who are Christ's have been washed (remember the text of chapter twelve--they've overcome by the blood of the Lamb). Those who have rejected are outside, and that gracious of our God--they're getting their heart's desire.

We'll tackle the particular language of the last few verses next time. And then... we will be done! Betcha you weren't expecting 42 segments and 11 months worth of study. Neither was I, but it's been a blessing. Huh, what do you make of that? Jesus promised it would be.