I CAN'T HEAR YOU

Climate Change is a but a hellish distraction.

From neutering boys and even emasculation!

We murder our babies by the tens of thousands.

God sends warning, but we just do not understand.

The Earth is rumbling and shaking in disgust.

But heaven's displeasure is not to be discussed.

The noblest attributes are Tolerance and Choice.

Stuff wax in your ears lest you might hear His voice!

Generations ago we'd throw a baby in the volcano.

Now we're evolved, and in the garbage can they go?!

We've decided that He loves almost everything.

Even if Adam and Steve have going on "a thing".

We're so twisted that we swear that the wrong is the right.

We stumble around because we've turned off the Light.

THE BILLIONAIRE'S BASH

My homies and I were sitting under the bridge, warming up some cans of pork and beans when it all started. It was an awful racket. Everybody was jumping up and down and running around. We all thought that the cops were back to throw us out again.

But, if you could believe it, everybody was going to a party! It seems as if George, the billionaire up on the hill across town was inviting all of us homeless, street people to a party?! I found out later that it was a wedding! I really wasn't sure what in the world was going on at that point. But, I found out later that all the A-list people had turned him down for his son's wedding.  Then George, the billionaire, evidently said to himself, "I've already spent all this money and I've got all this food and everything's lined out and then my friends just dropped me. I'll show them and I'll just invite everybody else. They can just all go to Hell!"

Me and my buddies we rinsed off in the creek and put on the cleanest clothes we had. But we knew we were going to be sticking out like cheap whores at a fancy ball. But, you know that when we got there they had trailers parked out front with people  handing out tuxedos and fancy gowns to all of us so that we would be dressed!  You know, like those nice, high dollar restaurants that have loaner sport coats.   I had never worn a tuxedo before!  We all got dressed up for that old billionaire's party!

But, I'll never forget about John, one old rascal. When they offered him a tuxedo he just spit at them and cussed them and said that he was there only for the food and that he didn't give a rip about that old man who was putting on the party?!

The wedding was not like anything I'd ever seen before! There was music with a live orchestra, and food all over the place at the reception, and people laughing and having a wonderful time.

But, then it happened. That billionaire there looked across the room and that old rascal who didn't have his tuxedo on was sitting there stuffing food in his pockets and just making an absolutely awful scene. The old billionaire walked over there and asked him what in the world was he doing and how did he get in here without that tuxedo. And that old rascal just looked at him and cussed him and said, "I didn't come here for you.  I came here for me. And you could just keep your damn tuxedo for all I care." The whole room got quiet.

And you know, I don't blame him. That billionaire got his security guards and escorted that rascal back down to the shanty town. They threw him out of the limo and said don't ever even think about coming back!

But we spent a week laughing and carrying on like we owned the world. And you know what? That old billionaire fixed us all up. I don't know how he did it. They built a whole new apartment complex behind his mansion and put every one of us in some fine places!  And,  that old billionaire comes down to the complex a few times a month and throws a big party with all of us!

... John, that old rascal, I never saw him again.  He might be with that A-list crowd.  They never come around either?!

https://bible.com/bible/116/mat.22.1-14.NLT

GWPR-14 A PEACH AND A SMILE

 A Peach and a Smile

Driving to work today I passed the

local plant nursery where my wife

likes to buy flowers, shrubs, fruit

trees, etc. That jogged my

memory that now is the time for

spraying peach trees to prevent

worms in the fruit months from

now. I would need to get the

proper insecticide for my wife’s

little orchard.

Then the thought came of a time,

decades ago, when my grandma

would take her little grandsons out

to the large, peach tree behind her

Mississippi farmhouse.

(Sometimes it was to get a switch!)

But, sometimes it was to lovingly

peel a juicy, sweet peach and hand

it to us, with a strange, distant look

in her eyes, as she enjoyed the

tree’s fruit with us. (why do I

remember that?!)

Many decades before those days, a

Swede immigrant in Pennsylvania

saw a newspaper ad that a fortune

could be made with a peach

orchard in Citronelle, Alabama.

Besides, it was warmer there in the

winter, most likely! So, off they

moved to Alabama, Papa John and

his immigrant family. Just across

the state line, in Mississippi, was a

young highland lass, Sarah Isabelle

McLeod, whom heaven had

evidently arranged for young

George Cornelson to meet.

Romance bloomed and my

grandson is the 6th generation

from Papa John’s. But, the peach

orchard had a killing freeze one

year. The trees died, but love

survived. Papa George married

Mama Sally and moved to the

farm which I loved as a child.

But, I have to wonder, was that

one, lone peach tree behind the

Cornelson farmhouse a survivor

from that freeze? Was that distant

look in Mama Sally’s eye thinking

back to a time when a youthful

George gave her a peach tree as a

token of his heart? Will I ever

again eat peach jam, my favorite,

on toast, without wondering this?!

(I’d love a cutting from that tree,

but it is long gone, sadly.)

Or, was grandma just thinking that

her mean little grandsons deserved

the worm she had seen in the

peach she handed us? My twisted

mind runs in warped meanderings.

But, my wife, Melanie, (originally

from the Peach State?!) just called

and reminded me to help her get

the trees sprayed this week. God

moves in mysterious ways, indeed.

Love does take on many forms.

(Sometimes, I have wondered if

the peach is descended from the

tree guarded in the Garden?!)

Jerry Cornelson 03.10.09

GWPR-INDEX

 

THIS IS THE INDEX OF THE WEBPAGE THAT GOOGLE ERASED!

GWPR-22 WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN!

 when the Saints go marching in !!!

                      

9Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
      and gave him the name that is above every name,
 10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
      in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
 11and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
      to the glory of God the Father. (Phil.2:9-11)

 

Read Revelation 21-22.  Let you imagination run wild.  A city 4-square, 1400 miles cubed.  Gold streets. The Tree of Life. The Judgement. The Lamb. The wedding feast.  The New Jerusalem.

 

Let me share with you my vision of the opening ceremonies.  Imagine the Olympics with all the competitors marching into the stadium behind their flag.  Now, imagine the 18^th century, black Watusi, jumping in rhythm, stamping their spears, as they come into the pearly gates praising their “kondoo” of God!  And the Celts from the Highlands (of the 12^th century) come parading in with bagpipes blaring “Amazing Grace”.  And next, are the 15^th century Russians, dancing their hearts out, squatting and then spring up, praising the Lord. 

And then a 21^st century band of rock-and-roll Jesus Freaks from New York City come with the amps maxed out … and on and on and on it goes.  All the ages, all the nations, all the tribes …  Then a hush fell over the crowd.  In marches a group, robed in white, the special team – the martyrs.

 

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice:
   "Salvation belongs to our God,
   who sits on the throne,
   and to the Lamb." All the angels were standing around the throne and around the elders and the four living creatures. They fell down on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, saying:
   "Amen!
   Praise and glory
   and wisdom and thanks and honor
   and power and strength
   be to our God for ever and ever.
   Amen!"

 

Then one of the elders asked me, "These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?"

 I answered, "Sir, you know."

   And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore,
   "they are before the throne of God
      and serve him day and night in his temple;
   and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
 Never again will they hunger;
      never again will they thirst.
   The sun will not beat upon them,
      nor any scorching heat.
 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
      he will lead them to springs of living water.
   And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes." (Rev:9-17)

And, then, we will meet Him!

it is going to be a great day, one that never ends! 

 

 

GWPR-21 THE RESTORATION MOVEMENT DREAM

 the Restoration Movement Dream

Anything more than a whisper and it would vanish, it was so fragile. ...

I have a dream

What is the Restoration Movement (RM)? I mean fundamentally?

consider a couple of quotes from a blockbuster film:
1. Marcus Aurelius: There was a dream that was < xml="true" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" prefix="st1" namespace="">Rome. You could only whisper it. Anything more than a whisper and it would vanish, it was so fragile. ...

There was a dream that was Rome...fragile ...

2. Maximus: Marcus Aurelius had a dream that was Rome, Proximo. That is not it. That is not it! ...


3. then, of course, MLK,jr. had a famous sermon by this title, "I have a dream," powerful, convicting, moving, disturbing, intriguing, inspiring.

but, what are we? fundamentally? How do we define ourselves? by tangible, logical lines of doctrine; or by something more solid, but less discernible? Study the diagram above and meditate on the hard vertical lines that separate us; then, think on the bands of truth blowing across these lines!  Are we just another denomination with an identifying set of doctrines (can you say creed)? Or, are we held together by principles despite differences on the surface? even to ask the question, is to run the danger of defining a denomination! if one lives in flatland, then one sees things in two-dimensional format. But, if the Spirit of God has opened ones eyes to see the warriors on the hills, then one walks in faith. "Open my eyes, that I may see, glimpses of truth Thou hast for me..."

"Open my eyes, that I may see..."

GWPR-20 TERMITES IN THE TEMPLE

 TERMITES IN THE TEMPLE

 

Why would a man continue to smoke and drink after nearly dying?

One cigarette seems harmless enough.  One drink hurts little.

But, over a lifetime of abuse, taste is dulled and wind shortened.

The joy of life has been robbed by the polluted pleasures given.

It makes no sense that one cannot see this happening.

Then, I stop to consider the little “cigs” in my life.

What bad little habits are robbing me of the abundant life?

A little here and a little there and a lifetime has been wasted.

What might have been will never be realized.

 

 

Thinks on things above …

 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. (1Cor.3:10-15)

GWPR-19 STANDING ON THE PROMISES

 Standing on the Promises

 

The old hymn rings out the confidence that He has promised and he will keep them.  What promises come to mind that He has made to us?  Let’s focus on four, of the many:

 

1.  “I will be with you…” have you ever watched a child dropped off for school the first day of kindergarten?  “parting anxiety”  My mom sat with a crying 6-yr-old for a couple of days.  (my first report card has no grades, only the comment, “he cries all the time”!)  My own daughter, as they forced her onto the schoolbus, threw out her arms and legs like a cat being forced into a bathtub.  Her mother ended up taking her to school and sitting with her until her fears calmed.  (her brothers reacted differently, maybe, having seen that school is not a blackhole with no way out, since she came home, repeatedly?)  Is He there?  Am I alone?  He is there and He does care!  We just need the eyes to see Him.  I am reminded of the story of the young child sleeping with his recently widowed mother.  As she sobbed quietly, she heard the child’s forlorn voice, “Mama, are you there?”  “Yes, baby, hush and go to sleep.”  As the child reached out his hand, in the dark, to touch his mama’s face, he asked, “but, are you looking at me?”  Jesus has promised to be with us, every step of the way, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Mt.28:20)  You are not alone.  Count the footprints!! “yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me…” (Ps.23)

 

2.  “I will not leave you as orphans … I will come back …”  the old spiritual wails, “sometimes, I feel, like a mother-less child”  I remember a scene in a sci-fi thriller where the heroine, Ripley, promises the newly discovered, frightened child, Newt, left alone on the alien-infested planet, that she “will come back”; and as the heroine rescues the child, she reminds her, “I promised you I’d come back …”  Scoffers may defiantly deny, “where is the promise of his coming?” (2Pet.3:4)  But, I choose to believe!  The Creator made it all with a “word” and He can end it all with a single word.  The legions stand ready with bated breath for the command.  The Snake and all his imps will retreat in horror.  The Lamb will arise from his throne and descend with his holy host to bring home his own.  Jesus promised, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” (Jn.14:18-19)

 

3.  “He will finish the work he has begun in us …”  quitting is such an easy thing to do; yet such an embarrassing situation.  How many resolutions have been neglected?  How many projects lay in ruin, waiting for the completion they will never see?  Each of us has victories, but too often we have stumbles, discouragement, and punts.  One of my favorite promises is Paul’s confidence, “that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”  (Phil.1:6)  I have read about the tower builder with short funds and the king with a troop shortage (Lk.14).  But, I begin to believe that I am challenged to admit my deficiencies, not admonished to “pay the price”?!!  Oh, yes, I am to build, and build wisely and diligently.  But, in the end, salvation is mine!  He will make it happen. (1Cor.3:10-15)

 

 4.  “the Lamb is victorious …”  it is just half-time, maybe even 4^th quarter; I do not know.  But this I do know, we will win!  I do not care if the score is 100 to 0, we will win!  “I am persuaded that he is able…” wrote the apostle. (2Tim.1:12)  “Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang:    "Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!"(Rev.5:11-12)  We are going to win; and then we are going to celebrate, forever!

 

GWPR-18 SPIRITUAL MOTIVATION

 SPIRITUAL MOTIVATION

 

What motivates you spiritually? What gets you going? Revs you up?

Last night I was wrestling with angels and because of TH's “homiletic habit” that has been ingrained, I kept waking up my poor wife as I repeatedly got out of bed to jot down thoughts that may have been forgotten my daylight. Let me share them with you; and maybe you can add to them, and/or elaborate.

1. Grace of God teaches us to say no (and yes)
2. End of world/eschatology “seeing such things will be dissolved…”
3. 2nd Coming/parousia “looking for and eagerly expecting…”
4. Shame/guilt
5. Thinking on things above
6. Tasting heavenly gift
7. Social pressure: “encourage one another”
8. Horizon vision/long-view
9. View of self: accident or Adam's son; monkey or man of God
10. Cause-effect/consequences; “if . . . then”
11. Big picture/Cosmic Conflice; “we wrestle not …”
12. Spirit's urge/nudge/discipline/encouragement
13. Word hidden in heart
14. Habit – long decision lived in same direction
15. Original nature (vs. “original sin”); holy vacuum; “hole only God can fill”
16. Music; “be filled with Spirit, singing…”
17. Fear – not nice to make Him angry
18. Gratitude; 1/10 lepers
19. Humility; remembering your place
20. Quietness/solitude
21. Celebration!
22. Cross of Jesus
23. going home one day!  "never been more homesick than now..." " (Mercy Me)
 

GWPR-17 SOTERIOLOGY

 SOTERIOLOGY

“ a systematic, if brief, explanation of salvation theory”

"What is your salvation theory, briefly?"  This is similar to the essay question “Describe the universe, and give two examples, in one page or less.”  Yeah, right!  A discussion about “salvation” could go on for eons.  I am reminded of Jn.20:30-31 -- Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

 

This discussion is as deep and wide as the love of Jesus.  Some key concepts would include faith vs. works; the role of the Spirit; the very nature of God; the Fall; predestination; election; the will of man; revelation and natural law; imputed righteousness.  But, let me start with some key verses:  Eph.2:8-9; Lk.18:9-14; Jn.6:28-29; Gal.5:5-6; Phil.3:9.

 

I strongly believe that any understanding of “salvation” must be filtered through the concept summarized in Eph.2.  Jesus said our righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees, quite a steep standard.  The RYR had kept the law since childhood and wanted more to do.  The Pearl of great price is worth everything.  How do these verses fit through the “E2 filter”?!

 

Faith is a key element.  Faith can easily be misunderstood.  But, I mean “TC faith”, as seen in Lk.18:9f.  The TC humbly, honestly, hungrily pleaded with God for mercy.  Such faith brings justification, and changes ones life.

 

Faith is the portal/contact point through which we touch the Divine, rather, through which he touches us!  It is in this state that God can begin to work the miracle of transformation.  All other means are spurious and futile.

 

The “great command” illustrates the flip side of this coin.  Faith and Love are co-mingled.  We can trust God because he is love.  He comes to us in love when we trust him and do not run hide looking for fig leaves.  He lovingly provides us covering for our sin, Jesus, the sacrificed lamb providing the fleece.  What God is basically trying to restore in the fallen world is the original state of child-like, innocent, trusting love; likened unto a mother and child!  We have made religion into a contest between us and God, trying to outscore the Demons.  We are on the same team with Jesus!  And he has hit a grand slam, through the Snake.

 

It is not about being right; it is about admitting ones wrongness.  In humility and honesty, hungering, one finds righteousness.  But, it is not self-righteousness, it is the cloak of Jesus covering our pitiful frames!  In him we are secure, protected, loved, guided, destined!  We are in his hands and Allstate is a just a joke, compared to the Carpenter’s burly grip.

 

I experienced a watershed eureka in 1989(?).  A friend and I were working as carpenters in downtown Chicago (we were there as mission interns).  During a discussion of “salvation” we were pondering Eph.2; and, a light went on in my head and heart!  I have never been the same.  I am going home!  He is drawing my heart there.  He is with me, walking with me to keep me going.  Failure is not an option!  Do I have all the details worked out, theologically or practically?  No.  But, I am in the boat with him, and the storms can rage.  We are not going to drown!

 

Calvin had his Arminius.  Augustine had his Pelagius.  I cannot get my head around all this.  But, I know whom I have trusted, and he is able.

 

If you want to look at the “trees”, then let’s alight somewhere, make some coffee and talk.  But, this is the view from on high.

 

Jerry Cornelson

2007

GWPR-16 PURPOSE OF RELIGION

 PURPOSE OF RELIGION

 

I heard sermons growing up about the big three: evangelism, benevolence, and edification. Somewhere along the line I heard this expanded some:

3 - Evangelism , Edification , Benevolence
7 - Evangelism, Service, Worship, Education, Discipleship, Fellowship, Holiness
8 - Evangelism, Discipleship, Stewardship, Bible knowledge, Sanctification, Prayer, Fellowship, Worship

 

I am always running around inside my head and began to question if there should be some order, some causal relationships, some hierarchy. Somehow, shouldn't LOVE be on this chart, overtly and obviously?

And, I would also wonder about Jesus' motives being more than just confirmation of his ministry. The word “compassion” keeps coming up! Jesus did good for reasons of compassion (and confirmation).

I guess, my question is (my wife made me boil-down my turmoil to this one question),

“what is religion really all about?” (please do not pick on the word “religion”; use a different one if you must). What should we be trying to restore is simply another way of asking this question, in my mind. Is it all about obedience? Contemplation? Service? Mortification? Worship? Is there some BALANCE to be struck?

“He has showed you, O man, what is good …” “ the great commandment is …” “pure and undefiled religion is …” – such verses resound in my head. The judgement scene in Mt. 25 is about helping those in need; but there is something about watchfulness and stewardship.

Maybe, it is a right-brain/left-brain thing? Maybe it is a Eastern vs. Western difference of approach. (sometimes I listen to Ravi Z. and he has little use for Eastern thinking) Have you ever watched “What Dreams May Come” or “The Fountain”? It will stretch your mind on the after-life.

“But, Jerry, just stick with the Book” someone would surely be quick to suggest, and rightly so. But, you know, I have seen some paradigm shifts in my own head and wondered what else is not so sure. For example, the eschatological mental paradigm construct that is so common in Evangelical thought, dispensationalism. Most of the people in the fellowship I know are quick to dismiss this. But, many sincere believers are absolutely convinced of this whole framework (or, some version of it [pre-trib, post-trib, mid-trib….]). Closer to home, what of the “< xml="true" ns="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" prefix="st1" namespace="">Pearl of great price” and the merchant? Who is the merchant and what is the pearl?! (be careful) And, also, what is the role of “law”? Is it a road to God, or more like a reagent to reveal? (yes, even the “new law”)

I once had a lengthy discussion with a Sephardic Jew who was looking for the Messiah in his life-time! After reading the NT, he thoughtfully asked, “what if…?” (he had a paradigm shift to make!) Some Jews are looking for a movement, not a man as the “messiah”.

Maybe, another way of putting all this, is, is it more musical or mathematical? (I know some musicians mechanically read the notes and painfully move through; and some mathematicians see visions of numbers in color) I once heard a sermon about the different walks with God: heart people, soul people, mind people, strength people. (you know the reference) The comment was made that problem is that most church leaders are “mind people” working like engineers or managers.

With a comment this long, I run the risk of being misunderstood, or at least of the main point being lost in the shuffle. What is religion really all about? What is it we are restoring? Is it about Spirit, Love, Faith? Or, is it more about some structure that looks just like the blueprint?

GWPR-15 THE THIRD OPTION

 the third option

"do, or not do"? - the Rich, Young Ruler

 

THE 3RD OPTION

The third option is simply an acknowledgement that one cannot do what is required. It is a broken and contrite heart. It is the proper response to law, to acknowledge that one is a lawbreaker.

Now, we can all read what Jesus said to the rich young ruler. He said sell it all and follow me. What I am suggesting is that riches were not the problem, but trusting in riches. It is sort of like the difference between money, and the love of money.

In Mt.19:21, Jesus said, "if you want to be perfect..." What I am suggesting is that Jesus is challenging the RYR's goal.

Maybe you have heard this before, or, you learned this in seminary, as one commented before. I am sure that somewhere in the commentary tradition, it must be considered. I have just not seen it. If you can source it in some book, then great. That would mean that this in not completely in left-field! Harold Hazelip once said the value of "the history of Xn thought" lies in defining the banks of the stream of thought. If one is out of the main channel, he needs to recognize that. I consider him a mentor, wonderful disciple.

About 15 years ago, I heard a sermon in a "Shepherding Movement" church, on the text in Lk.18:18-30, the Rich Young Ruler. The speaker was really reeling them in. The amens and preach-ons were loud and firm. He said, "if you will not sell out, then you are lost. The RYR chose to walk away." Then, the speaker paused, and said, "while risking the possibility of alienating the amens, we need to understand that there was a third option: pay up, shut up, or give up; give it away, walk away, or fall and pray."

Do you know the expression, "grab the bull by the horns"? Do you want the right horn, or the left horn? Thank you very much, I will take them both! And, go through the middle!

Some have commented, "you can read all the Bible, or you can pick and choose", in reference to other matters. (that is lame, to me) Now, we will not apply that "picking and choosing" here. We will not use the "not-my-covenant" clause, or some such device. I am saying, this verse applies to us, but not in some flatland version so many seem to be unable to escape (Jn.3:3; 1Cor.2:14?!). Jesus was speaking to us, as well as him. (now, some smart says he wants to come to the estate sale; but he is missing the point) It has really been the same, all along. What God wants is a broken and contrite heart. It is not about the sacrifices.

Jesus could see deep into this man's heart. The problem was not obedience. The problem was not really riches (the common assumption). The problem could be called self-righteousness, or maybe self-reliance. Just give me one more thing to do, and I will do it The man did not need another commandment to do. He needed a commandment he could not do. But, he heard a commandment he would not do. The difference is subtle, but, oh, so fundamentally different. Can you see it?  The RYR walked away thinking he was refusing to do something he could do, but, just did not want to.  His proud heart had rebelled (against a fight he would lose), but not broken.

Law was a schoolmaster to bring us to faith, both chronologically and theologically. The purpose of law is to show us we are lawbreakers. Then, and only then, we will fall on our knees and pray for mercy. That is conversion, the third option.

I am reminded of the hymn, My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less!

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name.

Refrain

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground is sinking sand.

 

grace and peace,

 Jerry C

GWPR-13 ONLY US

 ONLY US

CAN WE NOT ALL JUST GET ALONG?

The question on the table is, “Only us?”  Let’s be honest, people in the RM have been accused of this for at least 2-3 generations.  Where do people get that idea?  Out of thin air?! 

 

We do mental gymnastics with such comments as – “not judge …” and “define what you mean by us” or some other sort of smoke screen.  But, in our more honest moments, many of us think we will be the only ones!  You have heard the jokes, (first day, in heavenly mansion elevator, “why not stop on this floor”; “they think they are the only ones here”; “oh!”)

 

Let’s be “western”, first:  (rational, logical, “English!?)”

think Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, Locke, Campbell(?!)

 

Look at this thought-flow chart and try to make some sense of it!

 

 

Now, let’s be “eastern”: (mystical, passionate, “celtic!?”)

Think “sound of one hand clapping”?!  (apologies to Ravi Z.)

 

Would a father give, to his son, a stone if asked for an egg; a snake for a fish?

Would He, when asked for life, give death? If asked for a Savior, give Satan?!!

 

This all kind of boils down to “what is God’s nature?”    But, I do not want to go western-systematic theological-syllogistic.  It reminds me of the Phillips book, “Your God is Too Small”.  "Your God is too Small"

 

At the end of the day, God is “father”, and all that means!  He is love (not just “loving”).

 

Too often, our paradigms become our prisons, not our portals. (purpose of religion link)  We need to ask for wisdom to fly! Too often we dissect the dog, put it back together, and wonder why it no longer barks.  Was Jonah’s whale his deliverance or damnation? His help or hurt?  His salvation or suffering?  Who is the pearl merchant?  You, or Jesus?  What is the Rich Young Ruler’s third option? 

 

We can paint ourselves into a conservative corner, taking the safe rather than sorry MO.  I’d rather dance in the son light!  He is able to make me stand (Rom.14)

 

One day (soon) we will see Him and bask in the glory of his grace!  I plan to see you there!  It will be fun to look around and see who all made it!

 

 

But, we still pray, “your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven”?!

GWPR-12 ON EAGLE WINGS

 On Eagle Wings

 

He gives strength to the weary

and increases the power of the weak.

 

Even youths grow tired and weary,

and young men stumble and fall;

 

but those who hope in the LORD

will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary,

they will walk and not be faint.

(Isa.40:29-31)

What does an angel look like?  Why did they inspire awe and dread when encountered?  Why must they constantly calm mortals with the admonition, "be not afraid"?  Artist render them effeminately, often.  A few imagine fierce warriors!

We recently watched the movie, Eragon.

The "chosen" were "riders", with a dragon at their call.

Fighting for good, defeating evil and bringing order.

 

Are we not all chosen, with a seraph , a fiery one, at our beck?

Guardian angels, commissioned for our aid, ready in an instant?

We trudge and we toil, with all of our might; frustrated and failing;

Neglecting to call for the winged aid given us! 

(not) doing on our own.

 

 

And Elisha prayed, "O LORD, open his eyes so he may see." Then the LORD opened the servant's eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2Kings6:17)

 

Show us the "mark"; lift up our eyes;

Jesus, send your mighty band, to help us along.

 

GWPR-11 MERCY NOT SACRIFICE

 MERCY NOT SACRIFICE

the spirit of the law, not the letter of the law

Analogically, what does the “mercy not sacrifice” concept tell us about our shibboleths.  The biggie for the people around Jesus was the Sabbath.  Whatever else you did or not get right, you better not be wrong on it.  They would stone you!  Also, one needs to consider with whom he fellowships! (sound familiar?)  And, what are our shibboleths?!  I think we have a similar list.  But, I am inclined to think our lists are carnal.

 

Hos.6:6

For I desire mercy, not sacrifice,

and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.

 

One might try the easy way out, and pull the old “that is the old covenant…”, but, Jesus messed that up by quoting Hosea, at least twice.

  

Mt.12:7

2When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath."  … 7If you had known what these words mean, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the innocent. 8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath."  9Going on from that place, he went into their synagogue, 10and a man with a shriveled hand was there. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"  11He said to them, "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? 12How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath."  13Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other. 14But the Pharisees went out and plotted how they might kill Jesus.

 

Mt.9:13

 9As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him.  10While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" came and ate with him and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?"  12On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

 

What is my point – simply that it is so easy to get caught up in the “letter of the law” and completely miss the “spirit of the law” (as we are want to put it).  Did the OT forbid work on the Sabbath?  Was that plain as daylight?  Were the Pharisees quoting Bible?  Had God said it, they believed it, and that settled it?  Was it still in thar, yep?

 

But, they were as wrong as they could be, even though they were right!  Can you get your head around that?  Pray to God for insight!  Don’t come back mentally with “Jesus is Lord of Sabbath; he could change the rules anytime he wanted…”  Come on now.  Go through the spiritual anguish it takes to apply this.

 

If we understood the IDMNS concept, we would have a different attitude about fellowship also.  The P’s could not understand that either.  They were ready to let blood flow.  Thank God they did!  God uses even our ignorant arrogance for our own good.  My point?  Understanding Mercy (who came running out when the veil was split!) we should join hands and turn on the Enemy, not one another.

 

This topic will be very difficult to banter about.  It is not easily categorized, dissected, systematized, arranged, debated.  It is more like Jesus’ comment in Jn.3 -- 8The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."  … 19This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. 21But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God. …

 

GWPR-10 LOVE IS THE BEGINNING (AND END!)

 LOVE IS THE BEGINNING (AND END!)

OF THEOLOGY

if it does not look like Jesus, then it is a distortion!

“love is the beginning of theology”

(and, end, as far as that goes!) 

What does this mean?  Basically, any view of God, that does not begin and end with the basic and all-encompassing virtue of love, is off-base and ill-conceived.  Surely, one must strive for balance in his conceptions of the Divine.  And, one must not ignore uncomfortable and/or difficult passages; but, a paradigm that makes out God to be something other than the basic visual aid, Jesus, is wrong.

Consider the concept of “Prime Directive” in the Star Trek story-line.  The over-all principle, by which all other decisions are controlled, is the thing called the “Prime Directive”.  When one elevates some other principle, or some other “attribute” of God, to the same level as the statement, “God is Love”, then error and darkness are sure to follow, IMHO.  Not sovereignty, not holiness, not omnipotence, not omniscience, not anything else.

I see this confusion and consternation in the “C-plan” theology.  When one does not understand that the love of God is “universal” and “unfathomable”, then such follows.  Alas, the “A-plan” has its shortcomings also.  When one does not understand that the love of God is “unconditional” and un-merited”, then one begins to fall into agony and anxiety.

I am suggesting the B-plan,  that beholds the blood of the Beloved that bought us back from beelezebub!  And, just look at the beauty of the Babe, the beckoning of the only-Begotten, the benevolent author and object of our belief, our blessed betrothed.  In other words, let’s focus on Jesus!  He is our best picture of God.  All the verbose and convoluted rhetoric of theologicacademia either falls defeated before Him, or kneels confirmed by this Man.  If your picture of God does not look like Jesus, then it is distorted; it is as simple as that.

Remember the old  Stealers Wheel, "Stuck In The Middle With You"?!  One should be careful about sitting in the middle of the road;  it can be dangerous, indeed! (or, maybe that should be p-u dead skunk?!)

I suppose that one can see whatever he wants to see?!  Some saw in Jesus a demon-possessed delusional (or, so they had deceived/convinced themselves).  Some saw in Jesus a man with mighty works and unfathomable wisdom; but, they knew not what to make of him.  Simon Peter came to confess, “you are the Christ, the Son of the living God!”

A popular mantra, seen on jewelry and for VBS  themes, and lots of other places is “WWJD”.  That is not all bad.  Really, how best other to make decisions and form conclusions?!  But, I have had this “tetragrammatron” used to manipulate me into someone else’s preconceived notion of proper behavior.  They challenged my decision about something with the dreaded “WWJD” and expected me to immediately agree with them and acquiesce.  I ruined the ruse when I responded, “yeah, what WOULD Jesus do?”  The only correct answer was obvious -- what they wanted!!  I do not think we had the same picture of Jesus (nor God, nor godliness, nor a number of things!)

This is what I see in Jesus, repeatedly – a friend of sinners, who attracted the outcasts, but exasperated the religious.  He would eat with sinners and was a friend of tax collectors and prostitutes.  Oh, to be sure, he was “holy, holy, holy”; but not “holier-than-thou”.  He would turn away the rage-filled, hypocritical, crowd of stone bearing critics with his simple comment previewing a glimpse other-worldly wisdom; but, in the next breath, forgiving and kind in his tone, challenge the “pawn” in this theological tilting, to move away from the enslavement of sin.  Time after time, scoundrels, outcasts, rejects, lost souls of all stripes, saw in his smile and in his warm eyes, acceptance and forgiveness.

Somehow, we cannot be satisfied with the “B-plan” and must categorize, systematize, and theologize away this Lamb of God and make a god that fits our paradigm.  The “A-plan” people nervously create some sort of anagram almighty,  jigsaw-puzzle jove,  that the quick and determined can satisfy.  On the other hand, the “C-plan” people eruditely conceive of a capricious calculator, a lottery lord that the undeserving chosen can glorify.  Neither picture fits the visual-aid, the man from Nazareth, IMHO.  Neither of the two plan-man/man-plan groups will recognize and/or acknowledge these over-simplified caricatures.  They will whine, “you do not understand (me, or God)”.  But, I can see Jesus, when all is said and done, hanging on the aged cross, blood running down, beseeching heaven to forgive the ignorant masses below.  THIS IS JESUS!!  “for God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes…” 

 

Oh, sweet  Jesus, “open my eyes, that I may see, visions of love thou hast for me…”

(be strong and stick to the middle of the road!!)