Here is a lengthy excerpt from a paper I wrote last week about Herod the Great. My thesis: Josephus' accounts of Herod confirm his actions in Matthew 2. He is just the type of guy who would murder all the boys in Bethlehem.
Herod’s governing policies show his selfish and even paranoid grip on the reins of power. The first major event that reveals information about Herod’s rule is the death of Antony. According to Josephus, Herod and Antony were good friends and they held a political alliance. But when Antony was defeated by Octavian at Actium, Herod recognized that his position as ruler over Judea was in jeopardy unless he show his allegiance to Octavian. So Herod immediately sailed to Rhodes to meet with him. He presented himself before Octavian without a crown and in the clothing of a commoner in order to show his deference. Herod could have well been killed immediately for his previous alliance with Antony. But instead, Octavian granted him his kingdom back and even extended Herod’s rule. This event shows that Herod was not shy to change his political allegiances when he was threatened or it served his best interest. We may infer that in Herod’s quest for power, he would ally himself with whoever would gain him the most advantageous position.
Another major event that we find chronicled in Josephus’ writing is Herod’s program to rebuild the Jewish Temple, and the build the Antonia Fortress and the Caesareum and Agrippeum palaces in Jerusalem. Josephus writes,
"Thus, in the fifteenth year of his reign, [Herod] restored the Temple and, by erecting new foundation-walls, enlarged the surrounding area to double its former extent. The expenditure devoted to this work was incalculable, its magnificence never surpassed…the fortress he restored at a lavish cost in a style no way inferior to that of a palace, and called it Antonia in honor of Antony. His own palace, which he erected in the upper city, comprised two most spacious and beautiful buildings, with which the Temple itself bore no comparison; these he named after his friends, the one Caesareum, the other Agrippeum." (Josephus, War i. 401ff, 408, 417, 422)
When one combines this information from Josephus with archeological evidence of other cites such as Caesarea Maritima, one begins to wonder what Herod’s motives were for undergoing such ambition building programs. As already noted, Herod seems to be type of politician who carefully calculates his allegiances and works hard to secure his position of power. It is becoming clear that Herod’s rebuilding of the Temple likely is an attempt to buy favor with the Jews who do not approve of him. Furthermore, Herod seems to enjoy naming massive building projects after his friends and political allies. Naming his palace buildings Caesareum and Agrippeum are perfect examples. We are beginning to get a picture of a man who will go to great lengths to gain friends or appease his subjects. The root of Herod’s motivations is selfishness.
A last event that we find recorded in Josephus tells of Herod’s growing paranoia regarding the security of his throne. We learn from Josephus,
"For, on ascending the throne, [Herod] had dismissed his wife whom he had taken when he was still a commoner, a native of Jerusalem named Doris, and married Mariamme, daughter of Alexander, the son of Aristobulus…in the interest of his children by Mariamme, [Herod] banished from the capital the son whom he had had by Doris…Next he put to death, on suspicion of conspiracy, Hycranus, Mariamme’s grandfather, who had come back from Parthia to Herod’s court." (Josephus, War i. 429-33)
In this account, we see that even Herod’s family relations come down to calculated political decision. He changes wives to secure a political alliance, going so far as banishing his own son from the capital. Herod then murders his new wife’s grandfather on suspicion of conspiracy. These actions give a window into Herod’s selfish and even paranoid method of ruling. This evidence from Josephus also shows first-hand that Herod is not beyond murder in order to secure his own seat of power.
The implications for understanding Matthew 2:1-18 must be investigated. In these verses, we see the background material from Josephus vividly illuminate the actions of Herod. In this account, Magi from the East come to Palestine to find a new king who has been born. They arrive in Jerusalem and ask Herod, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matt 2:2, NIV). The text says, “When Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matt 2:3). After consulting with the chief priests and the teachers of the law, Herod “send them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and search carefully for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him’” (Matt 2:8). But the Magi were warned in a dream not to return to Herod. “When Herod realized that he has been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under” (Matt 2:16a). When one compares this passage with the material from Josephus, it seems that Herod is simply acting in line with what we already know about his personality and political policies. He clearly is afraid of any threat to his throne, and he first attempts to snuff out the threat of the baby Jesus by trickery. When that doesn’t work, he simply murders every child in the Bethlehem area. From what we know about Herod’s selfishness, paranoia, and fear of political opponents, this action should not be surprising.
Showing posts with label christianity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christianity. Show all posts
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Breaking Point
We are at a breaking point in the Church. There must be a revolution in how we deal with the complex issues of our day. There are a few points I want to make on this subject:
1. The moral movement of our society is a symptom of a sickness in the Church and is a signal at our ineffective methods by which we deal with issues in this world.
The fact that our society is struggling with issues that challenge Godly values is an indicator that Christians are failing to influence our neighbors with the love of Christ. With divorce rates, abuse, and other issues plaguing Christians as much as non-Christians, it is obvious that we are not upholding a Godly example for the rest of our society. We have traded deeply devoted, loving relationships for shallow imitations of God's intent for us. Our church communities have created a group of converts who hold a faith that has little bearing on their daily lives. They see the American dream and God's dream for humanity as synonyms. We have lost our creativity in dealing with people's life change through the power of God.
Additionally, we have failed to realize that the means by which we influence society have been corrupted. We have been convinced that we can control the morality of our society by wielding political power. This is the same dangerous trap that Jesus was tempted with, Constantine fell to, and American Christianity has been co-opted by. We must learn to resist the temptation to achieve immediate results through political power when Jesus taught us to take the long, slow, difficult road of serving and suffering for those in need. By getting deeply involved in people's lives, we can experience real life change by the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. The Church must find common ground to unite to be "like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." (Phil 2:2).
This point is so important in light of how divisive social issues have become in recent years. There are simple Biblical truths that we must use as our foundation, but the way we express those truths in our relationships with others can differ. Since a grounded Christian worldview is becoming the minority in America, we must rethink what it means to be effective in living a life of love, and showing others the Kingdom of God here on earth. I have some interesting ideas on this issue, but I don't have the time to write them all down now. However, these are questions we need to be asking in the Church. This is a new time, a new generation, and a new opportunity to help God in His work of redeeming His creation.
1. The moral movement of our society is a symptom of a sickness in the Church and is a signal at our ineffective methods by which we deal with issues in this world.
The fact that our society is struggling with issues that challenge Godly values is an indicator that Christians are failing to influence our neighbors with the love of Christ. With divorce rates, abuse, and other issues plaguing Christians as much as non-Christians, it is obvious that we are not upholding a Godly example for the rest of our society. We have traded deeply devoted, loving relationships for shallow imitations of God's intent for us. Our church communities have created a group of converts who hold a faith that has little bearing on their daily lives. They see the American dream and God's dream for humanity as synonyms. We have lost our creativity in dealing with people's life change through the power of God.
Additionally, we have failed to realize that the means by which we influence society have been corrupted. We have been convinced that we can control the morality of our society by wielding political power. This is the same dangerous trap that Jesus was tempted with, Constantine fell to, and American Christianity has been co-opted by. We must learn to resist the temptation to achieve immediate results through political power when Jesus taught us to take the long, slow, difficult road of serving and suffering for those in need. By getting deeply involved in people's lives, we can experience real life change by the power of the Holy Spirit.
2. The Church must find common ground to unite to be "like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose." (Phil 2:2).
This point is so important in light of how divisive social issues have become in recent years. There are simple Biblical truths that we must use as our foundation, but the way we express those truths in our relationships with others can differ. Since a grounded Christian worldview is becoming the minority in America, we must rethink what it means to be effective in living a life of love, and showing others the Kingdom of God here on earth. I have some interesting ideas on this issue, but I don't have the time to write them all down now. However, these are questions we need to be asking in the Church. This is a new time, a new generation, and a new opportunity to help God in His work of redeeming His creation.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Stories
I just listened to a podcast by Brian McLaren when we taught at Mars Hill Bible Church in G-Rap, Michigan. There are a few points I want to make echoing his lesson. He spoke of stories that people adhere themselves to. These stories have been portrayed throughout history and we experience them now. Stories such as the domination story, the victimization story, the consumption story, or the isolation story are ways in which we try to either maintain power, retaliate at an oppressor, legitimize our selfish lifestyle, or retreat from the chaos of this world.
In history, people have chosen one of these stories to live by. Here are some examples:
-Power/Domination Story: "If we control everyone else, then we will be safe"
-Victimization Story: "If people would only realize the suffering we have gone through."
-Consumption Story: "If I just had that house, that car, or that tech gadget, I would be happy."
-Isolation Story: "If we stay away from all the bad stuff in the world, then we will be ok"
These are only a few of the "stories" McLaren spoke of. Essentially, he attempted to boil down different worldviews. Here is the important part: American Christians have co-opted Jesus to support their "story". Jesus with a machine gun, televangelism, Christian radio, Christian products, liberation theology, and many other examples.Instead of Christians embodying a new life in Jesus, we use Jesus to legitimize our selfish and misguided agenda. Jesus taught a different message.
The American Church is entrenched in an invasive culture that is constantly influencing us toward different stories. Advertisements, political platforms, friends and family, school, and many other influences draw us away from a new perspective and new life in Jesus. We mix messages and "stories" together causing explosive reactions. Jesus becomes militant, discipleship becomes book-smarts, and evangelism becomes judgement.
If you want to listen to this podcast, click here.
In history, people have chosen one of these stories to live by. Here are some examples:
-Power/Domination Story: "If we control everyone else, then we will be safe"
-Victimization Story: "If people would only realize the suffering we have gone through."
-Consumption Story: "If I just had that house, that car, or that tech gadget, I would be happy."
-Isolation Story: "If we stay away from all the bad stuff in the world, then we will be ok"
These are only a few of the "stories" McLaren spoke of. Essentially, he attempted to boil down different worldviews. Here is the important part: American Christians have co-opted Jesus to support their "story". Jesus with a machine gun, televangelism, Christian radio, Christian products, liberation theology, and many other examples.Instead of Christians embodying a new life in Jesus, we use Jesus to legitimize our selfish and misguided agenda. Jesus taught a different message.
The American Church is entrenched in an invasive culture that is constantly influencing us toward different stories. Advertisements, political platforms, friends and family, school, and many other influences draw us away from a new perspective and new life in Jesus. We mix messages and "stories" together causing explosive reactions. Jesus becomes militant, discipleship becomes book-smarts, and evangelism becomes judgement.
If you want to listen to this podcast, click here.
Friday, August 15, 2008
More thoughts on American Culture and Christianity
As I have been thinking more about The Church, I realize that my perspective often is very narrow. I focus on the Church in the US, while there are more true followers of Jesus elsewhere in the world. However, my passion is for the American Church and its struggle to justify wealth, power, and success while preaching a gospel of humility, meakness, and peace.
This morning, I was reminded and challenged further in my understanding of cultural Christianity in the US. The guest speaker at our church stated that recently he was surprised to learn of a movement in Islam where people were coming to Jesus, transforming their lives, and yet still maintaining their cultural Islamic practices. They pray 5 times a day, maintain their dietary restrictions, and yet they have chosen to follow the one true God and be redeemed by the blood of Jesus.
If you're like me, you may not be able to envision this. It's not that I don't think its possible, it's that I'm fairly ignorant about Islam and what following Jesus would look like in that culture. The reason he mentioned this stemmed from the book of Galatians. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter in part to tell the people to not let things such as cultural difference, views on the Law, or other barriers keep people from truly and honestly choosing to follow Jesus.
One example was the argument that Gentiles should become Law-abiding Jews before they can choose to follow Jesus. To cut to the chase, Paul basically said this: there is no correct way to follow Jesus in terms of cultural practices, regional proximity, or any other restriction. It is by faith in Jesus Christ that we are redeemed. It is by loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbors as ourselves that matters. How someone models God's love, grace, peace, and forgiveness is different in different culture and circumstances.
Here's the challenging part of this for the American Church: we have packaged Christianity in such a way that many people want nothing to do with Jesus because of our actions. We export not only our faith in Jesus, but our cultural understandings, doctrine, and worship practices to the rest of the world. On a more dangerous level, we have mixed our culture with our faith. The American Dream becomes God's Dream. I have personally talked to people who look at American Christianity and see militarism, war mongers, greedy, wealthy, selfish, arrogant, and clueless people.
Americans try to justify our culture with our faith. We build our priorities, purpose statements, and church budgets around the subversive priorities of our culture. Its time for an awakening.
One last thing, I heard a pastor from Kenya speak at the Urbana Missions Conference in Dec. 06. He said this concerning The Church in Africa, "To drink from the cup of Western Christianity is to drink from a poison chalice."
This morning, I was reminded and challenged further in my understanding of cultural Christianity in the US. The guest speaker at our church stated that recently he was surprised to learn of a movement in Islam where people were coming to Jesus, transforming their lives, and yet still maintaining their cultural Islamic practices. They pray 5 times a day, maintain their dietary restrictions, and yet they have chosen to follow the one true God and be redeemed by the blood of Jesus.
If you're like me, you may not be able to envision this. It's not that I don't think its possible, it's that I'm fairly ignorant about Islam and what following Jesus would look like in that culture. The reason he mentioned this stemmed from the book of Galatians. The Apostle Paul wrote this letter in part to tell the people to not let things such as cultural difference, views on the Law, or other barriers keep people from truly and honestly choosing to follow Jesus.
One example was the argument that Gentiles should become Law-abiding Jews before they can choose to follow Jesus. To cut to the chase, Paul basically said this: there is no correct way to follow Jesus in terms of cultural practices, regional proximity, or any other restriction. It is by faith in Jesus Christ that we are redeemed. It is by loving God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and our neighbors as ourselves that matters. How someone models God's love, grace, peace, and forgiveness is different in different culture and circumstances.
Here's the challenging part of this for the American Church: we have packaged Christianity in such a way that many people want nothing to do with Jesus because of our actions. We export not only our faith in Jesus, but our cultural understandings, doctrine, and worship practices to the rest of the world. On a more dangerous level, we have mixed our culture with our faith. The American Dream becomes God's Dream. I have personally talked to people who look at American Christianity and see militarism, war mongers, greedy, wealthy, selfish, arrogant, and clueless people.
Americans try to justify our culture with our faith. We build our priorities, purpose statements, and church budgets around the subversive priorities of our culture. Its time for an awakening.
One last thing, I heard a pastor from Kenya speak at the Urbana Missions Conference in Dec. 06. He said this concerning The Church in Africa, "To drink from the cup of Western Christianity is to drink from a poison chalice."
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Burdens
I've been struggling today with some thoughts about The Church (capital C). In so many ways I have been feeling burdened to challenge The Church in its understanding of what it means to be a Christian. This connects to my feelings on my trip to Africa.
Here's my main beef: the line between the pursuit of the American Dream and following Jesus has become so blurry. Instead of challenging the culture we live in, the Church reinforces the values and way of life of popular culture. Mostly, this is not overt. We subversively applaud home ownership, career success, wealth, selfishness, greed, individualism, and consumption. The identity of a Christian in the United States closely resembles that of any other citizen pursuing the American Dream.
There are a few reasons (among many others) that I want to highlight which cause this problem. First, our Church leaders and pastors have an inadequate or incomplete understanding of theology and philosophy. This is a bold statement for me, an undergraduate student, to make. However, I feel that many pastors and leaders in the Church lead with minimal training in philosophy, theology, and sociology. They make assumptions based on ancient philosophical and/or theological debates without really examining these ideas. The congregations learn about the Christian faith without truly understanding how their doctrines and theology was formed. My comments are a stab at the schools these leaders attend also, but not intentionally. I feel that many pastors and teachers stop learning and seeking understanding after they graduate. These leaders have a narrow and unchallenging understanding of philosophy, theology, and pop culture.
Second, I believe that there has been a co-opting of political hot topics by Christians. We have chosen the wrong channels by which we engage our culture. Instead of the work of the Spirit, we rely on our votes to enforce our moral agenda on the rest of society. We do not express love. Instead, we express judgement on others. We are commanded by God to love others and live according to a different constitution. We are citizens of heaven and God is our King. Its time we started acting like it.
Third, I believe we have a blindness to the rest of humanity due to our wealth, success, and power in the United States. With our busy schedules, lattes, and our "drive-thru" lifestyle, we have blinded ourselves from not only the suffering in our own backyard, but the suffering of humanity across the globe. Sure we read about Darfur, Tibet, and New Orleans, but we fail to take any action or even ask tough questions about how those events occur. American Christians live in a dream world and must come to understand how our success and power has placed us in a dangerous situation. God has always worked through the weak, the poor, and the incompetent. He has always warned against power, earthly kingdoms, and religious systems of authority. We must change our perspective as Christians in a society that has everything. We are not fulfilling the mission of Christ in our culture. We are conforming.
Here's my main beef: the line between the pursuit of the American Dream and following Jesus has become so blurry. Instead of challenging the culture we live in, the Church reinforces the values and way of life of popular culture. Mostly, this is not overt. We subversively applaud home ownership, career success, wealth, selfishness, greed, individualism, and consumption. The identity of a Christian in the United States closely resembles that of any other citizen pursuing the American Dream.
There are a few reasons (among many others) that I want to highlight which cause this problem. First, our Church leaders and pastors have an inadequate or incomplete understanding of theology and philosophy. This is a bold statement for me, an undergraduate student, to make. However, I feel that many pastors and leaders in the Church lead with minimal training in philosophy, theology, and sociology. They make assumptions based on ancient philosophical and/or theological debates without really examining these ideas. The congregations learn about the Christian faith without truly understanding how their doctrines and theology was formed. My comments are a stab at the schools these leaders attend also, but not intentionally. I feel that many pastors and teachers stop learning and seeking understanding after they graduate. These leaders have a narrow and unchallenging understanding of philosophy, theology, and pop culture.
Second, I believe that there has been a co-opting of political hot topics by Christians. We have chosen the wrong channels by which we engage our culture. Instead of the work of the Spirit, we rely on our votes to enforce our moral agenda on the rest of society. We do not express love. Instead, we express judgement on others. We are commanded by God to love others and live according to a different constitution. We are citizens of heaven and God is our King. Its time we started acting like it.
Third, I believe we have a blindness to the rest of humanity due to our wealth, success, and power in the United States. With our busy schedules, lattes, and our "drive-thru" lifestyle, we have blinded ourselves from not only the suffering in our own backyard, but the suffering of humanity across the globe. Sure we read about Darfur, Tibet, and New Orleans, but we fail to take any action or even ask tough questions about how those events occur. American Christians live in a dream world and must come to understand how our success and power has placed us in a dangerous situation. God has always worked through the weak, the poor, and the incompetent. He has always warned against power, earthly kingdoms, and religious systems of authority. We must change our perspective as Christians in a society that has everything. We are not fulfilling the mission of Christ in our culture. We are conforming.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
The Ghetto, or not
I have something on my mind I just need to say something about it. As many of you know, Sarah and I recently moved to a house here in San Jose. This great retired couple let us "housesit" for them while they are in Turkey for a year serving as missionaries. In a conversation I had with a friend a month ago, I was disturbed by a comment with guy said.
He wanted to know where I was moving to, so I told him the approximate location of the house. He said, "Oh, that's almost in the ghetto man." This comment really made me mad. Here's why:
-The term "ghetto" comes from the era of the Jewish Holocaust (I think). This is where the Jews were required to live while they were being persecuted. Using this term to describe a neighborhood today is an insult.
-Secondly, I resent the fact that someone felt like they had to warn me that I might be moving into a bad neighborhood. It was like this person was saying that this "ghetto" neighborhood was not an acceptable place to live. Well, there are plenty of good people who live in this neighborhood and many of these people cannot help their economic or social condition.
-I felt like this person had a certain standard for a "good" home. It really bothered me that someone could make a comment like that. Why do I deserve a "better" neighborhood? Maybe I'm part of the reason why there are these "bad" neighborhoods. Maybe instead of retreating to the "good" neighborhoods, I could be an influence for God's love in this "ghetto".
(By the way, the neighborhood I live in is great! I don't know what this guy was referring to because I love this place!)
He wanted to know where I was moving to, so I told him the approximate location of the house. He said, "Oh, that's almost in the ghetto man." This comment really made me mad. Here's why:
-The term "ghetto" comes from the era of the Jewish Holocaust (I think). This is where the Jews were required to live while they were being persecuted. Using this term to describe a neighborhood today is an insult.
-Secondly, I resent the fact that someone felt like they had to warn me that I might be moving into a bad neighborhood. It was like this person was saying that this "ghetto" neighborhood was not an acceptable place to live. Well, there are plenty of good people who live in this neighborhood and many of these people cannot help their economic or social condition.
-I felt like this person had a certain standard for a "good" home. It really bothered me that someone could make a comment like that. Why do I deserve a "better" neighborhood? Maybe I'm part of the reason why there are these "bad" neighborhoods. Maybe instead of retreating to the "good" neighborhoods, I could be an influence for God's love in this "ghetto".
(By the way, the neighborhood I live in is great! I don't know what this guy was referring to because I love this place!)
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Colson, Boyd, Claiborne
An election year special, here is a fabulous discussion between Chuck Colson, Greg Boyd, and Shane Claiborne concerning the role Christians should play in politics and government.
Chuck Colson was a part of the Nixon Administration and was imprisoned for his involvement in Watergate. After turning to Christ, he founded Prison Fellowship which ministers to prisoners. He has also authored many books on Christianity and politics.
Greg Boyd is the founding pastor of Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, MN (yeah baby!). He is the author of the book Myth of a Christian Nation.
Shane Claiborne is a founding partner of a community called The Simple Way in Philadelphia, PA. He has recently come out with a book called Jesus for President.
Please check out THIS link to see a video of the discussion.
Chuck Colson
Greg Boyd
Shane Claiborne
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Chuck Colson was a part of the Nixon Administration and was imprisoned for his involvement in Watergate. After turning to Christ, he founded Prison Fellowship which ministers to prisoners. He has also authored many books on Christianity and politics.
Greg Boyd is the founding pastor of Woodland Hills Church in St. Paul, MN (yeah baby!). He is the author of the book Myth of a Christian Nation.
Shane Claiborne is a founding partner of a community called The Simple Way in Philadelphia, PA. He has recently come out with a book called Jesus for President.
Please check out THIS link to see a video of the discussion.
Chuck Colson
Greg Boyd
Shane Claiborne
.jpg)
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Headache - Hope
I'm getting a headache (figuratively) from some of the things going on in my church community. Some of the issues I've been advocating for, such as turning our focus outward and setting a missional priority, have been deflated. Recently, I have become frustrated by so many missed opportunities to reach people, while we make things more comfortable for the people who are already Christians. So often, we've been taught to place harmony and comfort as a priority over transformation, healing, and dealing with the tough questions.
I'm kinda fed up with the notion of "if we build it, they will come" mentality. It may work in other regions, but the Bay Area does not have a community that is used to church culture. They are not inclined to show up early on Sunday morning and stay for 3 hours. We need to ask some different questions.
Basically, I'm getting a headache from beating my head against the wall with some of this stuff. I want to see transformation, life change, redemption, and humility. I do think there is hope though. Our college group is trying some new things. We are doing something called "Recre8" this year. Basically, on Sunday mornings our college students will be involved in sub-groups that have specific action plans. Each group will spend the morning working out details of their projects. These action-oriented groups will be putting into practice our faith by focusing our strengths, talents, and skills toward a specific purpose based on a way we want to reach people with the love of Jesus. We are living out the gospel.
I'm kinda fed up with the notion of "if we build it, they will come" mentality. It may work in other regions, but the Bay Area does not have a community that is used to church culture. They are not inclined to show up early on Sunday morning and stay for 3 hours. We need to ask some different questions.
Basically, I'm getting a headache from beating my head against the wall with some of this stuff. I want to see transformation, life change, redemption, and humility. I do think there is hope though. Our college group is trying some new things. We are doing something called "Recre8" this year. Basically, on Sunday mornings our college students will be involved in sub-groups that have specific action plans. Each group will spend the morning working out details of their projects. These action-oriented groups will be putting into practice our faith by focusing our strengths, talents, and skills toward a specific purpose based on a way we want to reach people with the love of Jesus. We are living out the gospel.
Monday, February 25, 2008
"Do [correction: To] whatever makes me love You more"
First of all, I just tested the battery life of my new Macbook today: 6 hours! That's just word processing and web surfing, but still, 6 hours is a long time.
In other news, I have a line from a mewithoutYou song that I have been thinking about for a while now. It comes from the song "C-Minor" on the album Brother, Sister. The line is "do whatever makes me love You more"
Correction: per Robbie's comment, I have misquoted. The line is actually "to whatever makes me love you more." That's what I get for trying to quote someone without reading the liner notes.
In the context of this song, the writer is asking God to do whatever makes him love God more. I feel that this is one of the best descriptions of "God's will" I have heard. The writer is basically saying that no matter what happens in his life, he simply wants it to make him love God more. This is really what God's will is; a course of life that makes us love God more.
For more, see the comments...
Recently, I have also read another description of God's will in the book The Secret Message of Jesus by Brian McLaren. He writes, "The Greek word that lies beneath our English word will can also be translated wish. But to say, 'May your wish come true' sounds rather fairy-tale-ish and creates other problems. But I have found the idea of, 'the dream of God for creation' does the job quite nicely. 'Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven' could thus be rendered 'May all your dreams for creation come true.'"
So, to put these two ideas together I feel that a major aspect of the "dream of God" is for us to love him more; no matter the circumstance. Good times, bad times, things we don't understand, things we cannot change; we should desire to love God more no matter what. We must say, "do whatever makes me love you more" even if it means being challenged, transformed, or broken.
In other news, I have a line from a mewithoutYou song that I have been thinking about for a while now. It comes from the song "C-Minor" on the album Brother, Sister. The line is "do whatever makes me love You more"
Correction: per Robbie's comment, I have misquoted. The line is actually "to whatever makes me love you more." That's what I get for trying to quote someone without reading the liner notes.
In the context of this song, the writer is asking God to do whatever makes him love God more. I feel that this is one of the best descriptions of "God's will" I have heard. The writer is basically saying that no matter what happens in his life, he simply wants it to make him love God more. This is really what God's will is; a course of life that makes us love God more.
For more, see the comments...
Recently, I have also read another description of God's will in the book The Secret Message of Jesus by Brian McLaren. He writes, "The Greek word that lies beneath our English word will can also be translated wish. But to say, 'May your wish come true' sounds rather fairy-tale-ish and creates other problems. But I have found the idea of, 'the dream of God for creation' does the job quite nicely. 'Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven' could thus be rendered 'May all your dreams for creation come true.'"
So, to put these two ideas together I feel that a major aspect of the "dream of God" is for us to love him more; no matter the circumstance. Good times, bad times, things we don't understand, things we cannot change; we should desire to love God more no matter what. We must say, "do whatever makes me love you more" even if it means being challenged, transformed, or broken.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Erwin! (updated 1/31)
Today I got the chance to sit in on a taping of a series of seminars by Erwin McManus. He was asked by a christian television station to record a bunch of seminars that will be aired on TV in the spring and summer.
The studio was small; there were only about 25 people in the audience. About 12 people from my church overwhelmed the other attendees. Some of the other people who went were our Worship Pastor, Senior Associate Pastor, Men's Ministry team leaders, Junior High Director, Director of Women's Ministries, and our Leadership Development Team Leader. I sat about 10 ft. from Erwin as he spoke about his books Unstoppable Force and Uprising. It was amazing.
I have been getting very discouraged with the ministries I am involved in at my church. I feel like I am being chewed up and spit out by the system. Yesterday I had a bit of a breakdown as I struggled to understand why I felt my passions being sucked out of me.
Erwin inspired me so much today. He reminded me that people are really what matter. He reminded me to go after my passions. I understand more fully how the church should be and I know things can get better. I'm still struggling with all the pain of trying to create change and inspire extraordinary things in the church. Sometimes I cry, sometimes I whine, sometimes I scream, and sometimes I leap for joy (although more rarely). Things are hard, but God is Good.
Update: 1/31/08
Here is a comment I left on a special blog set up for the participants of this seminar series from my church:
- I am becoming more and more aware that Hillside's Ethos does not match up to the values written down on paper. Our mission statement is "Introducing people to Jesus, and inspiring everyone to follow him fully." However, the areas of ministry that accomplish these values often slip under the radar and have the fewest volunteers. Even the 4 principles we subscribe to (Caring, Reaching, Growing, Developing) become lost in the culture of Hillside. I personally know people who have left Hillside because their leadership abilities have been stifled, or their spiritual/emotional needs have been neglected. These young leaders that left Hillside went on to other churches to become lay-leaders, paid staff, and pastors.
Honestly, I believe that Hillside has many values that are not stated in the mission statement. These unsaid values shape the culture of our church. For example: loyalty, longevity, family, and harmony. I have come to understand that Hillside is a place where (if you fit the right criteria) you can fit in like a family. The problem is that I believe we miss much of the challenge to "follow Jesus fully" when we get blinded by our desire to avoid conflict, keep the status quo, and put a smile on because we're with our family.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
McLaren Study
I have decided to lead a small group for the Gathering on Tuesday nights at 8 o'clock at my apartment. We are going to read Brian McLaren's book The Secret Message of Jesus. I am hoping to discuss some foundational truths about Jesus Christ and his message. I have been reading this book for a few weeks (I am not done yet because I have too many books for school to read also) and I think it is great. Any college guys are welcome. I'm really looking forward to this.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Mornings
I've been getting up early lately to spend a little time reading the scriptures and praying. It's been great. I've been reading mostly from the minor prophets. I've been struggling with some ideas about restoration.
Recently, I've been wondering whether all the prophesies about a new heaven and new earth, new wine, new grain, a restoration of creation to be ruled by compassion, love, grace, and justice have been fulfilled through Jesus already. I realize Jesus said that the Kingdom of God is available here and now, but does that mean that we are able to receive eternal life and we have to wait it out in this broken world until Jesus comes back to restore all things? Or has the restoration already begun and is a process God started with Jesus? Maybe the restoration of creation has begun, but won't be complete until Jesus comes back.
Here is a link to a passage that I read this morning which is amazing. Click here.
Recently, I've been wondering whether all the prophesies about a new heaven and new earth, new wine, new grain, a restoration of creation to be ruled by compassion, love, grace, and justice have been fulfilled through Jesus already. I realize Jesus said that the Kingdom of God is available here and now, but does that mean that we are able to receive eternal life and we have to wait it out in this broken world until Jesus comes back to restore all things? Or has the restoration already begun and is a process God started with Jesus? Maybe the restoration of creation has begun, but won't be complete until Jesus comes back.
Here is a link to a passage that I read this morning which is amazing. Click here.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Research Project: Part 1
So here are a few cool things that I found right off the bat:
-The major religions that have dominated history began somewhere between 650 BC and AD 650. Why?
-Christianity began in a Western Society. Yes, it sprang out of the Jewish culture which is Middle-Eastern, but Christianity launched into the Graeco-Roman world. This had a major effect on how the structure of the Church developed with hierarchies of leadership, logic, and other Western ideals.
-There was very little success of Christianity in the non-Occidental world (non-Western). Why?
-In the 8th and 9th Centuries, the Church experienced a prolonged struggle with the use of images. Does this have a connection to the struggle of the use of images while the Israelites were wandering through the desert in the time of Moses? Maybe there is a pattern to how people and God are in a tug of war over understanding God in a tangible or intangible way?
-The major religions that have dominated history began somewhere between 650 BC and AD 650. Why?
-Christianity began in a Western Society. Yes, it sprang out of the Jewish culture which is Middle-Eastern, but Christianity launched into the Graeco-Roman world. This had a major effect on how the structure of the Church developed with hierarchies of leadership, logic, and other Western ideals.
-There was very little success of Christianity in the non-Occidental world (non-Western). Why?
-In the 8th and 9th Centuries, the Church experienced a prolonged struggle with the use of images. Does this have a connection to the struggle of the use of images while the Israelites were wandering through the desert in the time of Moses? Maybe there is a pattern to how people and God are in a tug of war over understanding God in a tangible or intangible way?
The integrity of the Gospel
I have been thinking about how I should live life as a follower of Jesus. I was reading the Sermon on the Mount last night and I came to a point where I decided that there can be nothing in my life that compromises the integrity of the Gospel.
What I mean is that my entire life needs to be focused on Jesus Christ. Every decision I make, everything I purchase, every person I meet must uphold the teaching of Jesus Christ. I have to devote my whole life to Jesus. I've been trying to do this for a while now, but it gets me depressed sometimes. I mourn, I pray, I listen, I sing. I am seeking God, but there are so many influences that pull me apart. There are Christians telling me things that I know aren't how Jesus taught us to live. There are non-Christians who tell me ways to live that are not of God. I just want to find the good and latch onto it. I want Jesus.
What I mean is that my entire life needs to be focused on Jesus Christ. Every decision I make, everything I purchase, every person I meet must uphold the teaching of Jesus Christ. I have to devote my whole life to Jesus. I've been trying to do this for a while now, but it gets me depressed sometimes. I mourn, I pray, I listen, I sing. I am seeking God, but there are so many influences that pull me apart. There are Christians telling me things that I know aren't how Jesus taught us to live. There are non-Christians who tell me ways to live that are not of God. I just want to find the good and latch onto it. I want Jesus.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Church History Research Project
So I have decided to untake and rigorous research project. This is not for school, it is just my own crazy idea. Here's why: I feel that there is something important to be learned from church/Christian history. If we can understand the ups and downs of the church, the advancements and recessions of Christianity, and the historical events in which these events took place, we may be able to find a pattern or relationship that could provide some insight into where the church is headed in the coming years.
I want to map out church history and world history together and look for patterns, connections, and repetition. I hope to be able to place these findings within the grand plan of God's redemption of this world to find out where we are now. Basically, I want to find out where to put my energy in changing the world for Jesus.
So, this blog is going to be some sort of a journal for my study in addition to my regular posts. I want to eventually piece together the blog posts I write about this topic into a paper or book or something. This should be fun. (but it might take 10 years)
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Sabbath
This is an expansion to my previous post entitled "A little writing..." in which I described me feelings toward vacations.
I was convicted a few months ago that I have an addiction to production. I feel worthless when I'm not producing something. I just felt like I was wasting time if I wasn't doing something useful.
What I came to realize is that I cannot live like that. God loves me regardless of what I produce and I should not qualify my existence by the things I can do. I needed to be redeemed from the bondage of my issues with self-worth. I felt like I was defined by the things I produced rather than being a child of God.
Therefore, I decided to take a day off every Saturday. I vowed not to produce anything. No homework, no work, no house cleaning. I just relax. It is amazing.
That's how I cope with life and get a vacation with God every week.
I was convicted a few months ago that I have an addiction to production. I feel worthless when I'm not producing something. I just felt like I was wasting time if I wasn't doing something useful.
What I came to realize is that I cannot live like that. God loves me regardless of what I produce and I should not qualify my existence by the things I can do. I needed to be redeemed from the bondage of my issues with self-worth. I felt like I was defined by the things I produced rather than being a child of God.
Therefore, I decided to take a day off every Saturday. I vowed not to produce anything. No homework, no work, no house cleaning. I just relax. It is amazing.
That's how I cope with life and get a vacation with God every week.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Coming together
Things are coming together. I had a meeting with a church planter named Dave Gschwend today and its amazing to see how things connect.
I've been pondering some ideas about community, church structure, and unrealized potential in the Christian community. Dave used to be a pastor here in San Jose and in Santa Cruz, but now he is planting house churches in San Jose, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. The ideas he shared about authentic community, organic relationships, and real life transformation are the same ideas I have been struggling with for weeks now. It was amazing to see the ways God is moving in Dave's church planting endeavors.
Last week, I attended a luncheon for CityTeam International's church planting ministries. There were church planters from every continent (except Antartica) and their stories were amazing. For example, a group of 200 people who were given simple training planted 40,000 churches in a matter of years. It comes down to obedience and multiplicaton. These people plant house churches.
I was talking to Dave about this CityTeam thing when he asked me, "Was there a guy named Ned Yost there?" I told him there was, and he told me that this guy was staying at his house! Ned Yost (I think this is the right name) is a church planter from Indonesia.
All that said, I've noticed a movement going on. God is moving powerfully in small communities and house churches. Its so exciting.
I've been pondering some ideas about community, church structure, and unrealized potential in the Christian community. Dave used to be a pastor here in San Jose and in Santa Cruz, but now he is planting house churches in San Jose, Santa Cruz, and Monterey. The ideas he shared about authentic community, organic relationships, and real life transformation are the same ideas I have been struggling with for weeks now. It was amazing to see the ways God is moving in Dave's church planting endeavors.
Last week, I attended a luncheon for CityTeam International's church planting ministries. There were church planters from every continent (except Antartica) and their stories were amazing. For example, a group of 200 people who were given simple training planted 40,000 churches in a matter of years. It comes down to obedience and multiplicaton. These people plant house churches.
I was talking to Dave about this CityTeam thing when he asked me, "Was there a guy named Ned Yost there?" I told him there was, and he told me that this guy was staying at his house! Ned Yost (I think this is the right name) is a church planter from Indonesia.
All that said, I've noticed a movement going on. God is moving powerfully in small communities and house churches. Its so exciting.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Heart Ache
My heart aches right now.
I feel like there is a huge tension created by untapped potential. I could do more, my church could do more, the world could do more. I am convinced that our generation is capable of solving global issues and creating so much positive change. We are in a position that previous generations could only dream of in terms of transportation, communication, and resources to solves global problems.
The reason why my heart aches is that I want this potential to be realized. All these thoughts motivate me to be ambitious and influence people to being acting on these ideas. I believe the Holy Spirit is poised and ready to empower us to do great things in the name of Jesus Christ! Let's get to it.
Friday, May 25, 2007
More on Isaiah 58...
I've been thinking more and more about this chapter in Isaiah. I'm actually teaching on this chapter in our college group at Hillside on June 3. As I have been pondering this passage, I've run into a few people and had a few experiences that have shed some insight into the meaning of this. I'm searching for meaning and understanding because I feel that this chapter draws some very clear connections to the Christian culture we live in today.
One thing I have questioned is the authenticity of the Christian community I'm a part of (and all Christians for that matter). I'm in no place to judge them, and I've got my own problems, but I can't help but see more potential in people. Jon Havens wrote about a similar situation, so there must be something profound about Isaiah 58 if we both are contemplating the same ideas about our generation.
There are many things I'm concerned about, but specifically I believe that there is such a lack of community. What I mean is, people are not living in a way that they depend on God and each other. We have become self-sufficient people who have lost true community. For example, I've run into some people who don't mind talking with people who are not like them; discussing God, politics, family, whatever. They will go to outreach events and serve food to the homeless. But what happens then? They retreat back to their close knit family and friends who think the way they do and they never establish lasting relationships with these people who actually need it (I'm guilty of doing this also). There is still a separation between the Christian and the non-Christian. We don't accept them as we do our own kind. There is an "us" and "them" mentality.
Also, there are problems with how we connect to each other at the church. We get together and give each other Jesus backrubs at our small groups and put on a smile and act like we have it all together on Sunday mornings. Then we retire back to our homes and get away from the people that challenge us and are different from us. Why can't we be real and authentic? Why can't we relieve the oppression in our own lives and in the lives of others?
I think I'm just feeling cynical today, but there is so much potential in the church and its not being tapped into. We were created for so much more than emtpy religiosity and fake personnas. Read Isaiah 58, its amazing.
One thing I have questioned is the authenticity of the Christian community I'm a part of (and all Christians for that matter). I'm in no place to judge them, and I've got my own problems, but I can't help but see more potential in people. Jon Havens wrote about a similar situation, so there must be something profound about Isaiah 58 if we both are contemplating the same ideas about our generation.
There are many things I'm concerned about, but specifically I believe that there is such a lack of community. What I mean is, people are not living in a way that they depend on God and each other. We have become self-sufficient people who have lost true community. For example, I've run into some people who don't mind talking with people who are not like them; discussing God, politics, family, whatever. They will go to outreach events and serve food to the homeless. But what happens then? They retreat back to their close knit family and friends who think the way they do and they never establish lasting relationships with these people who actually need it (I'm guilty of doing this also). There is still a separation between the Christian and the non-Christian. We don't accept them as we do our own kind. There is an "us" and "them" mentality.
Also, there are problems with how we connect to each other at the church. We get together and give each other Jesus backrubs at our small groups and put on a smile and act like we have it all together on Sunday mornings. Then we retire back to our homes and get away from the people that challenge us and are different from us. Why can't we be real and authentic? Why can't we relieve the oppression in our own lives and in the lives of others?
I think I'm just feeling cynical today, but there is so much potential in the church and its not being tapped into. We were created for so much more than emtpy religiosity and fake personnas. Read Isaiah 58, its amazing.
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