tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60036374623376487362024-03-12T19:53:54.829-07:00Go With GodFood for Your Spiritual JourneyDave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-21989758902799312062015-02-28T07:15:00.000-08:002015-02-28T07:15:39.362-08:00Is it God's Will That I change Churches?<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Over the past several months, several pastoral friends have
prayerfully asked this question, “Do you sense the ministry move from ‘here to
there’ would be a faithful transition?” This is always a deep trust question
that I prayerfully attempt to honor. But this faith adventure with Jesus also
has imbedded within it presuppositions that should be identified before moving
forward. Simply, let’s look back and in before leaning forward. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">First</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">, “Do you assume that
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">location</i> of your ministry calling
is paramount and of primary concern to your faithfulness to the Lord?” (Theology
question, Is the Lord’s working in an thru you restricted by location)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Second</span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">, as an extension of
the first question, “Is there only one place where your gifts can be utilized
by the Lord?” Rephrase it this way, if your answer is yes, then you must be
assuming that one response you will make is <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">the</i>
faithful one and the other must be resulting in your disobedience. (Now, the
theological question, what does this reveal about the nature of God and His
character and the manner He employs spirit-filled people in Kingdom work?) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">My friend…you know my desire is not to gain the right answer but to
ask the right question that prepares the “way of the Lord.” So, here we go…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">In seeking the Lord’s will, especially for questions that involved
significant life change, my questions in prayer are these:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Will this decision and the journey it may take me on make me more
servant-like? More humble? (And not just “look” more like a servant but will
this serve as a catalyst for my own real transformation)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Will the <i>Imago De</i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">i</i> in
me continue to be shaped into His? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Will your mind become more like that of Christ Jesus? (Phil 2) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Will your “thinking like men diminish as thinking like God will increase?”
(Mark 8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Will this action (obedience by either “staying” or “going”) display to
my family, friends, and faith community a movement of the Spirit in my
life? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Will my Kingdom influence increase as my needs of self-interest diminish?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Will God the Father and His Son be glorified? Will the Spirit find
pleasure in me as His home?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Does this time of “seeking His Face” (not just His will) cause me to
fully submit to Him in prayer, searching the Scriptures, and practicing the means
of Grace. (Read it this way: Is the delight of being in His presence so much
better than merely gaining information about my “next steps”?)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-fareast-font-family: Georgia;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Finally, have I already said “Yes” to His will <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>BEFORE</u></i> I know what it is? Do I so trust Him that I am
already leaning towards His voice even before He speaks? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Response from my seeking
friend</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Wow. That is a lot to take in. Thank you for your guidance Dave. I
needed to read all of these. I am not sure it's possible to answer some of them
fully until you step out in faith. How is it possible to know how you will be
shaped in the future by decisions that must be made on the present? How do I
know if the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Imago Dei</i> will be formed
in me? These are all great questions. I would expect nothing less <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">My friend; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Try to re-read my questions without implying that you are merely
seeking to make a ministry placement decision. For the questions are not
segmented or focused on making a “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">right
choice</i>” (or the fear of making a “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wrong
choice</i>”) but making a godly “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">life
choice</i>” (and read that as a Resurrection life-choice). Huge difference.
The questions are intentionally designed to get you into the Presence of the
God of all Wisdom, not merely making a list of spiritual pros-and-cons for a
choice. That, my friend is secondary at best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">In my life there have been rare occasions when the Lord has so
powerfully intervened and invaded my world that He has sovereignly taken me out
of my current ministry context. Maybe 5 times in my entire life. Mostly I sense
He is about changing me <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">IN</i> my current
location and making me salt and light to broken and lost people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">In the end, I really think we have historically asked the wrong
question: “Lord, what is Your <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will for my
life</i>?” For as a whole, doesn’t that sound self-centered? Rather, why not
ask a larger Kingdom-minded question: “Lord, what is Your will, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">for the world</i>!” Thus, we think global in
scope and transformational of our heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">If “spiritual unrest” is being stirred up in our ministry and maybe
you even feel as if you are in currently living in the land of ministry-wilderness,
maybe its not so much to move us out but to change us from within. Let’s get
that part right <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">first</i>…before we begin
thinking that simply a change of location will fix everything. Otherwise
we take our same spiritual-relational problems into a new setting…and maybe
actually contaminate that place with our pain and shame. I want to be a
contagion of grace and peace. I do not want to make bad people good…or good
people better; I want to be part of making dead people ALIVE. Jesus, start with
me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">My friend, a ministry move <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">may
be in order</i>. I’m just begging you to ask the first-order question; “Am I
running from something (pain, ministry disappointment, financial hardship, lack
of divine trust, pastoral leadership issues, laity problems) or am I submissive
to the Holy Sprit to use all this to prepare me to be more Christ-like than I
ever imagined. Remember, all of life and ministry is preparing us not just to
“do something more effectively” but also to “be with Him” and to live in the
presence of the Triune God for all eternity. So, the true location question of
ministry should not be “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">here or there</i>”
but “ in Christ.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">This is the worst “non-answer” I have ever given. But He-Jesus is the
best answer to any question you can come up with.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">In Jesus' joy,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Dave<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-68078797275851591952014-05-06T16:32:00.002-07:002014-05-06T16:32:22.229-07:00How To Hear the Voice of Jesus<div align="center" class="Body" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">How to Hear the Voice of Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="Body" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">My Musings on Scriptural Spiritual Discernment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .9in; text-indent: -.9in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Intro
Resources</span></b><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .9in; text-indent: -.9in;">
<span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Smith, Gordon. Listening to God
in Times of Choice: The Art of Discerning God’s Will.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .9in; text-indent: -.9in;">
<u><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></u><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">. The Voice of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .9in; text-indent: -.9in;">
<span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Willard, Dallas. Hearing God:
Developing a Conversational Relationship with God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Initial thought</span></b><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";"> – Hearing the Voice of Jesus (aka, Discernment)
falls under the larger umbrella of discipleship, for we are all disciples of
something <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">or</i> someone. All humans hear
the voice of someone speaking into our soul. The question will be, "Which
one will we follow?" - The voice of Jesus or all the other competing
voices in our lives? </span><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">We will
either listen to the “Script of culture” or the “Scripture of the Kingdom.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Great texts to ponder as we begin</span></b><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">John
10 – Good Shepherd; My Sheep Hear my Voice and Obey</span><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Ps
81:13, “If my people would but listen to me, if Israel would follow my ways;
how quickly I would subdue their enemies”</span><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Ps
95:7-8, “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” (as later quoted
in Hebrews 4:7)</span><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">How does Jesus Speak into our lives? Through what life
events or spiritual disciplines?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">His
Written Word – Make Bible a sacramental reading for the rest of your life</span><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">His
Preached Word</span><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Means
of Grace (thank you John Wesley)</span><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Prayer</span><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Scripture</span><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Lords
Supper</span><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Worship-Fellowship-Society-Accountability-Bands</span><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l7 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Fasting</span><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Lectio Divina</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l9 level2 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light";">Spiritual
Reading – Truth found in historical Christian classics and contemporary material.
Decide: who are your ancient writing pastors…contemporary writing pastors?</span><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l8 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .25in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Trusted
Friends and Counselors<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Body" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l3 level2 lfo5; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">This is Body
Life at its best. It is in clear opposition to the voices of so many others who
speaks lies or non-truths into our ears (eg. See friend of Job)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Angels<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">When we
examine the Biblical evidence, we simply cannot deny the reality<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">OT<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Abraham - Gen
18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Lot – Gen 19<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Joshua 5:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">NT<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Pre-Incarnation
- Joseph, Mary, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Post-Resurrection
- Women at tomb, Peter Acts 10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Dreams/Visions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Abraham,
Joseph, Daniel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Joseph (Matt
1-2, 4X’s), Paul (Acts 16), Peter (Acts 10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Speaking thru
Created Order<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Matt 6 –
Consider the Birds of the air, Lilies of the field<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Listening to
the Lord while walking, observing, pondering His vast creation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Circumstances<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Obstacles in
the way, sometimes deep and tragic which bring transformation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Doors that
have been opened, which brings inner peace<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Be cautious
not to put fingers in the way of doors being closed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica; mso-hansi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Inner
Voice of the Holy Spirit - How do we “test the Spirit?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Voice of
Jesus is always in harmony with Scripture<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Voice of
Jesus is always in harmony with the character of Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Voice of
Jesus always tells us to move in the “Jesus way”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">It's the
“harder way” (add painful way…humble way…merciful way)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Smith Family Call
Principle: “Planning to Stay…but Willing to Go!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">One should
“remain” in the place 1 Cor 7:17-24 - <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Stay in Ephesus…1
Tim 1:3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">It's the more
“sacrificial way” (add “costly way”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">It’s shaping
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Imago Dei</i> in us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">It's never
just “truth. Never just “love”. But it speaks the “truth in love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Voice of
Jesus always draws us to Him…never away!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Opposite is
when the evil one speaks. He divides, isolates, condemns<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Voice of
Jesus is usually the quiet-est<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Still small
voice - 1 Kings 19:10-18 (esp. 19:12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Voice of
Jesus is authoritative<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">It never
argues…it does not need to justify itself <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Simply speaks
with self-authenticating authority<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Voice of
Jesus is usually “call-centered” not “need-oriented”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">§<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Remember, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Missio Dei</i>…. Triune God is on a mission
and He asks us to serve within His Mission…not every human need (Mark 1:35-39)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Quote from
Sarah Young, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Jesus Calling</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Frutiger LT Std 45 Light"; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: Helvetica;">Words of
Jesus to us: I love you for who you are, not for what you do. Many voices vie
for control of your mind, especially when you sit in silence. You must learn to
discern what is My voice and what is not. Ask My Spirit to give you this
discernment. Many of My children run around in circles, trying to obey the
various voices directing their lives. This results in fragmented, frustrating
patterns of living. Do not fall into this trap. Walk closely with Me each
moment, listening for My directives and enjoying My Companionship. Refuse to
let other voices tie you up in knots. My sheep know My voice and follow Me
wherever I lead. (Ephesians 4:1-6; John 10:4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-6133446851257236382014-04-06T13:06:00.000-07:002014-04-06T13:06:01.525-07:00Romans 16 - Its Not Just a List!<div class="MsoNormal">
So, I’m continuing with my Romans reading in preparation for
teaching this marvelous epistle. I finally made it to the end, chapter 16, and
I am fascinated by the litany of names with which Paul concludes the book; 26
in all (17 men and 9 women).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, many folks might see this as anti-climactic in the
letter, almost as a boring conclusion; like the genealogy of Matthew 1. I mean,
come on, it’s only a list. What is so special or what in the world is spiritual
about a list of names? I mean, isn’t the core of the Roman argument found
in 1:16-15:33. Romans 1-11 is often viewed as a theological argument for the
righteousness of God and then chapters 12-15 are the ethical application of
Paul’s teaching. Thus, Romans 16 is nothing other than an epilogue to the main
argument. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">It’s just a list.</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can
I make just a few observations about this so-called list:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">There are 26 names in the list; 16 of the 26 are singled out in some special way, either as deacons, co-workers, apostles, or a relative of some sort, either literal or figurative (i.e., Christian brother). </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -24px;">Of the 16 individuals commended for specific tasks, almost half (7) are women.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 9px;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">There are several married couples singled out and what appears to be four separate Christian communities; two of which seem to be house churches, Prisca and Aquila (16:3-5) and Aristobulos (16:10).</span><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -24px;">Finally, in the list, there appear to be both Jewish and Gentile names.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
What are the implications of these observations? Allow me to
simply focus on the last one; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">there are
both Jewish and Gentile names in Paul’s Roman 16 list</i>. Now, that
observation may not be as clear-cut as it seems. First, many Jewish people
adopted Greco-Roman names as they functioned in the Roman marketplace outside
of Palestine. Second, since Paul has yet to visit Rome, how did he meet
all these Christian servants who are now living in Rome? The meetings must have
been in other places in at earlier times. Remember, that in 49AD emperor
Claudius evicted all the Jews from Rome (Acts 18:2). They were dispersed throughout
the empire. Many in the list, such as Pricilla and Aquila were among the
expelled Jews who met Paul in Corinth. Andronicus and Junia are said to have
been in prison with Paul (16:7) and from the same “nation.” They also are most
certainly Jewish. Others on the list are referred to as Paul’s relatives (16:7,
11, 13). If all this is true, maybe this so-called list is much more Jewish
than it appears at first look.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If this list is of Jewish Christians, then let’s take
seriously that this list is in the form of a recommendation (beginning with
Phoebe) not the typical greeting found at the end of other of Paul’s letters
(e.g., 1 Cor 16). Paul is not greeting these people but rather is asking the
gentile church in Rome to greet them and “receive them in a manner worthy of
the saints.” Listen to the opening in 16:1-2:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
I <u>commend</u> to you
our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at
Cenchrea; that <u>you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of
the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you</u>;
for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Simply, the Gentile church in Rome is to receive the Jewish
co-workers of Paul. My point is that Rom 16 is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NOT JUST A LIST</b>…I would call it the theological high water mark of
practical spirituality in the Book of Romans. It might even be called the
climax of the book. It’s the church living out practical righteousness before
the world. Paul does not care for the Roman church to merely comprehend his
theology (Rom 1-11) or to merely wrestle with its theoretical application
(12-15). Paul is arguing that a life “dead to sin” (Rom 6) and “alive to the
Spirit” (Rom 8) should play itself out with the reconciliation of the most
difficult of all relationships; life-long adversaries (Jews and Gentiles)
should live together as brothers.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will leave the application of this principle into your
hands, as directed by the very Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Lord Jesus</b>;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May we never take Your Word lightly.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
May we always seek the depth of its practicality to our
lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Grant us eyes to see,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Give us ears to hear,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And empower us with Your Spirit to live on earth,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As it is in Heaven.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Amen</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Now, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Go with God.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-36023401138132322242014-03-29T09:57:00.000-07:002014-03-29T09:57:08.112-07:00<div style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #535353; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
This spring, I am teaching Romans. I’ve read this book countless times. I’ve preached on it. I’ve lead Bible Studies on it. But I have never taught it here at Kingswood. So I thought Romans and I should be intimately acquainted. I decided to read Romans in one sitting; <em>and I failed miserably</em>. I never got past Paul’s greeting.</div>
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Listen…</div>
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<ul>
<li><em>Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles, for His name’s sake, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: </em><em>Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 1:1-7 NAS) </em></li>
</ul>
<br />
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Yes, I know this is simply the Greeting, and I should not get overly excited until I get to the real heart of the matter (at least 1:16 and following). But this opening helps me grasp Romans in a way I never have before. Here is what I saw for the first time and it was always right in front of me. Take note of the extended description Paul gives about himself which I bracketed off above. It begins with “a bond-servant” in verse 1 and goes all the way thru “among whom you also are called of Jesus Christ” in 1:6. All that Paul has said is one long descriptor not really about Jesus…but it describes who Paul himself is! (Technically, if you are interested, all the phrases of this one long Greek sentence are set in apposition to the name “Paul.”) Paul = all that follows in 1:1-6.</div>
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So, you might ask, what is the big deal? Try this; <em><strong>Paul cannot separate his story from Christ’s story</strong></em>. His story and God’s story are so dove-tailed that they become one-in-the-same story.</div>
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What a great life lesson!!!! Let me try to explain what grabbed me that I never saw before. Romans, from the first verse to the last, is not to be read as a theological treatise (sorry Martin Luther). It’s the most practical, almost earthy story about how God’s meta-narrative marvelously intersects with Paul’s own life story (and ours as well) Thus, wherever I preach, teach or live the Book of Romans, my story should and must come out. Yes, it’s all about Jesus. But it’s also about me and how Jesus has affected who I am, and who I am becoming.</div>
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This should resonate with many of you today. For you might think that Paul is far too deep a thinker that you can never fully comprehend his theology. Well, no problem, because Paul is simply introducing himself by telling a story. Yes, it is a re-orienting story, a paradigm-shifting story. But a story nonetheless.</div>
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If Paul is right (and he is!) our story intersecting with God’s story creates <strong>THE STORY</strong>. Paul calls it “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom 1:16). Thus, maybe storytelling is the most biblical style of evangelism. Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann agrees when he says, “evangelism means inviting people into these stories as the defining story of our life, and thereby authorizing people to give up, abandon, and renounce other stories that have shaped their lives in false or distorting ways” (<em>Biblical Perspectives on Evangelism</em>).</div>
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So, if you want to be a subversive Christian, a biblical evangelist, following in Paul’s footsteps, simply tell your story. But the transformative power of your story is when you invite others to switch allegiances from their old story to a new life-story found in Christ. So, go and tell!</div>
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<strong>Lord</strong>,</div>
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Help us all to be grace-filled storytellers.</div>
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May we welcome others to the eternal narrative which God’s is continually writing; especially at this Advent season.</div>
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May His It’s-too-good-to-be-true story become the reality of our lives.</div>
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Jesus, may your children live their story In YOU.</div>
<div style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #535353; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<strong>Amen</strong>.</div>
<div style="background-color: whitesmoke; color: #535353; font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
Now, <strong><em>Go with God</em></strong>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-18201887923824953252013-10-08T17:25:00.001-07:002013-10-08T17:25:34.499-07:00Smith Family Values v3.0
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<b><span style="color: navy; font-size: 16.0pt;">The Smith Family Values<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: navy; font-size: 16.0pt;">Our Call to the <i>Missio Dei – </i>Mission of God <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: navy; font-size: 16.0pt;">(John 20:21)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">As we journey together to fulfill His mission,
the following values define our lives:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Transformation</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">: We believe in the power of a transformed
life. We will never forget where we have come from; sinners saved by grace. However,
with the empowerment of the Spirit of God, we will not allow our “past” to prevent
Christ from fully reshaping His image within us. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Integrity</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">: We will display before people our
transparent lives. We will not worry about what we cannot control. Rather, we
will work on what we can control; first and foremost ourselves. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Home</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">: We will win at home first. We will always
point one another and our children toward Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Spiritual
Disciplines: </span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We will be people of prayer. We will seek
divine guidance in everything and walk in the Spirit submissively. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We will be people of “one book” (Bible) but
constantly search for truth as revealed throughout God’s creation and by His
children. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We will intentionally set aside one day a
week to fully embrace God’s gift of Sabbath rest.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We will pursue personal holiness for the
purpose of enhancing our spiritual lives together and building up the Body of
Christ. </span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Ministry</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">: We will love the Lord our God with all our
heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbors as ourselves. Our “neighborhood”
begins with one another and with our children; then extends to our place of service
- Kingswood University and our local church - Kings Valley Wesleyan Church. Finally,
may our neighborhood increase as we seek to live in love and harmony with the
rest of His world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Finances</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">: We will endeavor to hold on to material
things <i>loosely</i>. Money is simply a
tool for our service in the Kingdom of Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;">7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God’s
Call</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">: We will not live a
life of regret. We will give up a more comfortable life for the hope of living
a more fulfilling one. When we hear His voice, may our immediate response be a
wholehearted, “Yes.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Life Verse:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">We loved you so much that we were delighted to
share with you not only the Gospel of God but our lives as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(1 Thes 2:8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-18279500655699206742011-10-02T05:07:00.001-07:002011-10-02T05:07:27.942-07:00The "Other side" of Spiritual Advancement Week<div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">My Bethany friends,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><br></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">We are now on the “other side” of Spiritual Advancement. We are into the semester routine…and for many of us that might mean we have misplaced some of the realities we discovered just 10 short days ago. On this Sabbath, could we take just a few moments to reflect upon both the profound words that were shared and the effects in our lives of the movement of the Spirit in our midst. Question: Are you the same today as you were before Rev. Clint Ussher came to Bethany? Can you see yourself falling back into some of the same, possibly even more destructive habit patterns as before? <em>May it not be so</em>!</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Think with me about John chapter 5. This passage depicts a beautiful story of Jesus’ care and compassion for the disabled of the world. But more than that, it’s a description of the wholeness that Jesus offers to all who hear His voice. Listen to the description of the event, “Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool. Here a great number of disabled people used to lie-- the blind, the lame, the paralyzed. (ESV 5:2, 4)” Traditionally, as story is told, an angel would “stir up” the water in the pool and the first one to get in would be immediately healed. But the story goes on, “One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, ‘Do you want to get well?’”</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Now, you might think that the answer to Jesus’ question is obvious. I mean, the man is in the right place isn’t he? He’s here, near the temple, waiting for a miracle, his miracle. But in actuality, Jesus is not simply asking a question, He is holding a mirror up to the man. How could a paralyzed man be the first to get in the pool? And he has been going through the same quasi-hopeful routine for 38 years. Maybe, just maybe, he is comfortable with the situation that he knows.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">But what in actuality is Jesus asking him? Several translations word it this way, “Do you want to be healed?” (ESV) or “Do you want to be made well?”(NKJ, NASB, NIV). Neither word choice gets at the heart of Jesus’ question. Listen to my translation of the unusual word, “Do you want to be made whole?” This word occurs 11 x’s in NT; 9 in Gospels (Matt. 12:13; 15:31; Mark 5:34; John 5:6, 9, 11, 14f; 7:23; Acts 4:10; Titus 2:8). Outside of our use in John 5, the most revealing is in the passage concerning the woman with the issue of blood. Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be <strong><em>freed</em></strong> from your suffering.”(Mark 5:34 NIV)</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">Now, to John, the question Jesus is asking the man by the pool (and us) is this, “Do you want me to free you from what is destroying you?” Now, hear me carefully when I say, it’s not just his physical condition which is eating away at him. The man may not realize it but its more so his lack of faith that there will ever be any remedy. Moreover, we get even more insight into the man’s spiritual dilemma after his healing when “Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, ‘See, you are well!” (FYI, “well” is the same word we discussed above but this time in the perfect tense; “See, you are restored to wholeness”). But then Jesus goes on and says, “Sin no more that nothing worse may happen to you.’” Jesus explicitly states there are decisions that one can make which can return you to the same situation that you were in before Spiritual Advancement Week. Oh, please do not return but only go forward with the Presence of the Lord.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">So, what will each of us do to keep from going back but rather to pursue Wholeness in our lives? <strong><em>First</em></strong>, “Align your lives with the means of grace God has put in your path.” For us here at Bethany, this is place before us every week.</p><ol style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 25px; "><li>How about being transparent and utterly open before God and others with your life.</li><li>How about the simplicity of reading a Psalm of Ascent (Psalm 121 for example) as you are walking to chapel. Prepare yourself for the meeting with God. Do not passively sit by the pool…but actively participate with Him. Expect to meet Him even before walking into the chapel.</li><li>Make sure in the busy-ness of your schedule you set aside time for personal Bible study or to meet for public and private prayer. So many people are gathering for prayer walks or times of corporate prayer. Why not engage with them in a pursuit of the high-calling of Christ. Moreover, make D-Group not just another “check” on your Day-Timer but an opportunity to calibrate your spiritual compass in the direction of how God would like to fashion your Soul to look just like Him!</li></ol><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><em> </em></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><em>Second</em>, one true shortcoming of many folks today who are trying to overcome spiritual shortcomings in their lives is that they attempt to remain in the grace of God all alone. Just like the man in John 5, “I have no one to put me into the pool for healing.” So why not intentionally align yourself with a spiritual mentor or guide, someone who is farther along the journey than yourself, and knows that wholeness can be attained because they live it before you each day.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><strong>Lord Jesus</strong>,</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">May Your wholeness be what we seek.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">May Your Spirit guide us on this journey.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">May Your Body here on earth assist each of us.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">May Your Image be re-created within our hearts.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">May the pleasure of Your voice be what we long for, “For you are my beloved child, in you I am well-pleased.”</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; ">May we never stop short of anything less.</p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "><strong>Amen.</strong></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; "> </p></span><div style="font-size: 14px; font-family: 'Frutiger LT Std', sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; ">Now, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; "><em>Go with God</em></span></div></div></div>Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-63540076370629777842011-05-09T15:27:00.001-07:002011-05-09T15:27:40.237-07:00Live in the "It-Is-Finished-ness" ... Graduation Address @ Bethany Bible College<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Garamond, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; "><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">Dr. H.C. Wilson, President Gorveatte, fellow members of the faculty and staff, distinguished friends and family, and most of all, to you students;<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">My task this morning is two fold. <i>First</i>, to be short. Today is about you, individually and as a faith community.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><i>Second</i>, my job to assist you in the beginning stages of the oft times difficult transition from the life of being a student to that of being a minister in the marketplace,<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">what ever that may look like, and<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">where ever it may be.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">So again I repeat to you; Grace and peace.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">May, "Well done good and faithful <i>student</i>" be your watchword and song this day.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">Yet at the same time, each of you are riding the crest of a major life transition. You are leaving the "Oh-so-familiar" world of being student. Each semester you receive a lengthy syllabus for every class. Your faculty has predetermined all of your course assignments and their corresponding due dates. And as each of you know, the faculty spend countless hours strategizing on how to make all of your assignments and tests due at exactly the same day!<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">In the end, for the last 16-18 years, your life-decisions have been in the hands of another.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">May I hear an "Amen" that this will no longer be the controlling force in your life?<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">From here on out, <i>you will make all the decisions.</i><o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">For example,<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span>It will be up to you whether Chapel or its real-world equivalent, the Church will be the central spiritual focus of your week. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span>It will be up to you to be proactive when it comes to your own spiritual growth. Will you make time to establish and personally invest in your own self-styled D-group? I pray that you will seek brothers and sisters in Christ to keep you accountable to the Scriptures and to live a vibrant life of faith<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span>It will be up you if you ever pick up a book again, either for fun or to feed your soul so you can feed others. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">From here on out, <i>you will make all the decisions</i>.</div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">Since your life will no longer be driven by a series of syllabi and assignments and due-dates; here is my question for this morning,<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.5in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span>What will become the new driving force in the formation of your Day-Timer entries?<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">The reason I phrase the question this way is quite simple, what you invest your time in, is truly what you value. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">May I suggest a source for your decisions? Yes, of course you all would shout out "the Bible" and you would be correct. But I wanted to give you a special gift this morning of a place to turn that will give you the heartbeat of our Lord for making ministerial decisions.<span> </span>The Scripture that you just heard read by Aisha, David, and Joshua is what biblical scholars call "Jesus' High Priestly Prayer." <i>But this morning, they are wrong</i>. Today, this is the prayer that Jesus prayed over the first class of graduates from His "School of Extreme Discipleship."<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">If you look carefully, John chapters 13-16 are what might be termed the "final classroom instruction" of Jesus. It is during these last few hours that Jesus prepares them for their lives of faith and ministry <i><u>without</u></i> Him as their teacher. Hummm, life <i>without</i> an incarnate instructor? Does that sound familiar to your situation in life?<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">Remember, in the first 12 chapters of John, Jesus teaches openly for all to hear; every kind of person in every imaginable public arena. Then in John 13, He initiates His private teaching to them beginning with an object lesson of love. The teacher washes the feet of His students. He sets the tone for all that will follow in the rest of His teaching with this humbling act of self-denial. And may I make a simple observation about this passage? In the first half of the Gospel of John Jesus has repeatedly said, "I only do what I have been shown by the Father." So, if I ask you where did Jesus learn to wash feet? The answer is simple, Jesus learned this from the Father. Thus, the act of foot-washing is not what the teacher does; it is precisely who He is.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">As Jesus copies the life of the Father…May you copy exactly the same in your life and ministry. And, as a word of encouragement, there is no threat of plagiarism in copying Jesus word for word…and act for act. What an honor to reflect the <i>Imago Dei</i>; the image of God to a lost world with filthy feet.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">It was how the Father served the Son. It was how the Son taught the disciples. Then Jesus instructed, "A new commandment I give to you, Love one another <i>as I have loved you</i>."<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">I now longer call you students, but friends. And "May a Basin and a Towel become ministry tools which allows the Lord to use you in demonstrating His love throughout the world."<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">We move from John 13 to John 17. Please notice how Jesus' teaching ends or I would argue, <i>climaxes</i> as Jesus prays. May I say that again; Jesus prays. At every major decision in Jesus' life, we find Him praying.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.75in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span>At his baptism.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.75in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span>At the selection of His disciples.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.75in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span>At His transfiguration.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.75in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span>At the Last Supper.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.75in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span>In the Garden of Gethsemane.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0.75in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; text-indent: -0.25in; "><span><span>·<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span></span></span>And most profoundly, On the Cross.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">And in our passage this morning, His students overhear how He talks to His Heavenly Father about them. And, if you were listening closely, Jesus is also praying for His future students as He said; "I pray also for those who <i>will believe</i> in me through their message." In this prayer, <i>each of you were interceded for by Jesus</i>. Your first graduation prayer came from the very lips of Jesus Himself, nearly 2,000 years ago. He anticipated this day for you. He celebrates with you as well.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><span> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">One commentator on John 17 says, What Jesus talks to the Father about could be called, "Listening in to the conversation at the very Center of the Universe." It's God talk, and Jesus continues as our teacher by allowing us to overhear.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">The early church worded it this way, <i><span style="color: rgb(20, 20, 19); ">Lex Orandi</span></i><span style="color: rgb(20, 20, 19); ">, <i>Lex Credendi.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><span style="color: rgb(20, 20, 19); "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><span style="color: rgb(20, 20, 19); ">Literally, the phrase means "the law of prayer [is] the law of belief."</span><o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><span style="color: rgb(20, 20, 19); "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><span style="color: rgb(20, 20, 19); ">Let me translate this into our contemporary language, simply put, "<i>What you pray is what you believe." </i><span> </span>The contents of our prayers are the very things that we value the most. <span> </span>I call this term our 'lived-out theology.'<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><span style="color: rgb(20, 20, 19); "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><span style="color: rgb(20, 20, 19); ">Thus, if I want to know what Jesus believed and practiced and valued, simply look at what He prayed; for that is His "lived-out theology."<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><span style="color: rgb(20, 20, 19); "><o:p> </o:p></span></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><span style="color: rgb(20, 20, 19); ">Similarly, if I want to know what you value the highest; let me overhear you in prayer. Let me read your prayer journal.<span> </span>What are the very things that you bring to the Father?</span><o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">May I <i>urge</i> you (please allow me to employ the Pauline word), <i>may I urge you</i> to carefully select the matters which you pray for; for they are truly what you believe, what you desire for God Himself to do in and thru you. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><i>May I urge you</i> to adopt John 17 as your new life-syllabus.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">For, if this passage indeed verbalizes what was important to Jesus in His last hours on earth…<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">For, if it was indeed a conversation at the very center of the universe…<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">Would it not be a great starting point with which to fashion your own "lived-out theology." As I have studied and carefully moved through this passage I have found numerous core principles Jesus is teaching us regarding His "lived-out theology."<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">But, you do not need me to lead you thru John 17. For you have been trained to read and exegete scripture; you have had an almost unlimited number of opportunities to apply scripture personally and also to proclaim it from a pulpit…but would you allow me to simply to whet your appetite, let me give you one example of how this might be employed…then I will leave the rest up to you for your life-long learning.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">Listen to the beginning of Jesus' prayer in John 17: "Father I have brought You glory on earth by <i><u>completing</u></i> the work you gave me to do."<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><b><i>May I urge you</i> to live and minister within the "It-is-Finished-ness" of Christ. </b>(Thank you Darrell Johnson for your book title)<o:p></o:p></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">The Greek word for "complete" is the verb<span> </span>"<i>teleiow</i>" which is often translated as "finished." The initial words of Jesus' prayer are that He wants to bring God glory on earth by "finishing" His work. This prayer is of course a foreshadowing of Jesus' final cry from the Cross in John's Gospel, "<i>It is finished.</i>"<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">Specifically, what is finished? This would include His work of reconciliation, of adoption, of sacrifice, of suffering, of abandonment, of forgiveness. For you as ministers, remember, Jesus is doing this work NOT you.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">PLEASE listen to me carefully apply this text to your lives, this was His work.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">This is so much more than an exegetical exercise.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">For either we learn to live in the "it-is-finished-ness" or <i>you will try</i> to complete what you think or you feel is lacking in the work of God.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">If the work that Jesus has completed actually brought Glory to God, should we tamper with it? Should we add to it? Or should me simply marvel in it? Hear me, <i>IT IS Finished.</i><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">All of you graduates have completed your internship. And you know only too well that when you take all the cares of the world and the burden of ministry upon yourself; it is exhausting beyond belief. Hear me, <i>IT IS Finished.</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><i></i> </p><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><b><i>Everything</i></b> that needs to be done in order for us as broken, sinful people to be re-created in His image and to enter into and enjoy life and ministry with the Living God <i>has been finished</i>.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">Our task is to enter in. And to invite the world to come in as well; not to fix ourselves or them. That's the Work of God. Hear me, <i>IT IS Finished</i>.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">What would a life be like that did not cause you to strive to constantly find the approval of others? Do you recall over the last 4 years the number of times you turned in a paper to a professor and then began to worry about what he/she would think of you when they read it? What would life be like, if you did not become overwhelmed with what people thought about you? Hear me, <i>IT IS Finished</i><o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">What would life be like, if you did not have to strive to please God? To prove your worthy-ness? Hear me, <i>IT IS Finished</i>.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><b><i><o:p> </o:p></i></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><b><i>Please, may I urge you</i> to enter into the "It-is-Finished-ness" of Christ.<o:p></o:p></b></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">This is a "lived-out theology" worth living!<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">In the ensuing days, Post-graduation that is; I beg of you to sit at the feet of your flawless teacher Jesus. Begin in John 13. Allow Him to show you your ultimate worth as He humbly steps from the throne, picks up a basin and towel, and washes away the grime of sin and cleanses you.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">Then, search John 17. Listen to what Jesus says to the Father. Listen in to the conversation at the Center of the Universe…so you can fashion your own "lived-out theology" not based upon convenience or creature comforts, but upon Kingdom values that are utterly time-less and God-breathed.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; "><o:p> </o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">I no longer call you students, but friends.<o:p></o:p></div><div style="margin-top: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; margin-left: 0in; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Cambria; ">This is the way Kingdom friends talk to one another. Welcome to ministry.</div></span>Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-28212460221633702812010-10-30T11:58:00.000-07:002010-10-30T11:59:59.557-07:00A Theology of Sponge-Bob<div>A "<b><i>Go with God</i></b>" Moment<br><br>Friends, last week we were talking about what it means to simply "listen and obey." But in all practicality, there is nothing simple about this. If so, we would never have an inner struggle of faith plus there would be no disobedience in the Christian world. <br><br>So, what is so hard about listening? Maybe I can paint a spiritual metaphor that will define the overall problem. And I will do it in the form of a theological question. "What would make Sponge-Bob Square-pants a poor follower of Christ?" Go ahead, say it out loud. Right, "<i>He has no ears</i>." How can he listen if he has no ears? In essence, he is a spiritual blockhead. But that is nothing like us, right?<br><br>Read with me Psalm 40:6-8 …and let's create a "<i>Theology of the Ear</i>."<br><br></div><blockquote class="webkit-indent-blockquote" style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"><div>Sacrifice and meal offering You have not desired;</div><div>My ears You have pierced;</div><div>Then I said, "Behold, I come;</div><div>In the scroll of the book it is written of me.</div><div>I delight to do Your will, O my God;</div><div>Your Law is within my heart." </div></blockquote><div><br>Several years ago a male student burst into my office with Psalm 40 in his hand. He shouted, "I have all the biblical evidence I need. See, even God approves my ears being pierced." Now, he was trying to find scripture to justify to his parents that they should approve his desire to get his ears pierced. He read the text as if this act would be his offering to the Lord. I tried to convince him that he had unknowingly taken the passage out of context. For the NIV does a strange job of translating the Hebrew word kara. He was assuming this passage was referring to the act of faithfulness that a servant/slave does for his master by making a lifetime commitment by having his ear pierced. (See Ex 21:6; Deut 15:17). His only problem; it's the wrong Hebrew word.<br><br>The word "pierced" in Psalm 40 is a rarely used in the OT and it refers quite specifically to a cistern being dug out (Gen 26:26Num 21:18). The noun form of the word actually means "well" or "cistern." What the passage is describing is straightforward; <b>we are human SpongeBobs</b>. We have hands and feet (and are often found to be equally poor dressers). But worst of all, we have no real ears to hear the voice of God. Offering and sacrifices do not help in any way. God's words still falls on deaf ears. Furthermore, it will take a divine act of grace to fashion ears on the side of our heads that will hear anything above the earthly noise that fills our daily life. Our ears are only capable of hearing the within the auditory range of what I would call "daily distraction." <br><br>The Gospels report the same hearing disorder to Jesus disciples. After they have witnessed countless miracles and sat under His teaching for years, Jesus sadly says to them, "Do you still not see or understand. Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see? Do you have ears but fail to hear? (Mark 8:17-18)<br><br>We are no different. Maybe we are even affected with a worse disease; for they all lived pre-Cross and pre-Resurrection. Our deafness is rejecting the full revelation of God. Plus, what honor or praise are we giving to a speaking God if there are no human ears to hear?<br><br>So, may I now ask you a serious question? This very day, will you allow the Lord, the Divine Physician Himself to do a serious act of spiritual surgery on you? Will you let Him fashion a whole new set of ears for you? Will you permit Him to dig out and excavate your old deaf ears and replace them with ones that are capable of hearing even the gentlest whisper of the Spirit? Does your heart long to hear the voice of the Father, with clarity?<br><br><b>Lord</b>,<br>We desire to want what You want.<br>We pray for hearts to be shaped after Yours.<br>But Jesus, that may only begin when we can hear Your Word.<br>So begin with me this very day.<br>Use a divine instrument (Heb 4:12-13) and provide us with the ability to hear You.<br>We pledge to quiet all competing voices and distractions.<br>We promise to incline our lives in Your direction.<br>Now, Lord, heal our ears, dig deep into the recesses of our souls.<br>We long to hear…and obey.<br><b>Amen</b>.<br><br>Now, <b>Go with God</b><br></div><br>Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-19435943780701446372010-10-17T07:48:00.001-07:002010-10-17T07:48:58.174-07:00Simply "Listen" and Say "Yes" in AdvanceA "<b>Go with God</b>" moment<br><br>Last week, we discussed the issue of finding and obeying God's will. In my mind, the term, "God's will" sounds just a bit distant and disconnected. As if "His will" is something God keeps hidden from us and we have to wrestle Him for it, much like Jacob at Bethel. Can I change that paradigm for you, because I do not think anything could be farther from the truth. What if we made the statement just a bit more relational…I want us to learn to hear God's voice.<br><br>A great place to start would be the key parable in each of the Synoptic Gospels. Take just a minute and read Mark 4:1-9<br><br>Jesus began to teach again by the sea. And such a very large crowd gathered to Him that He got into a boat in the sea and sat down; and the whole crowd was by the sea on the land. And He was teaching them many things in parables, and was saying to them in His teaching,<br><br><blockquote class="webkit-indent-blockquote" style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;"><i>Listen to this!</i> Behold, the sower went out to sow; as he was sowing,<br>some seed fell beside the road, and the birds came and ate it up.<br>Other seed fell on the rocky ground where it did not have much soil; and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of soil. And after the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.<br>Other seed fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and choked it, and it yielded no crop.<br>Other seeds fell into the good soil, and as they grew up and increased, they yielded a crop and produced thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold.<br>And He was saying, "<i>He who has ears to hear, let him hear</i>."</blockquote><br>Often when I hear sermons preached or Bible Studies done on this passages, the discussion circles about the call of this passage to be "good soil." But there is nothing explicit about this in the parable. There is only one imperative Greek verb in the whole passage. Sorry to sound like a Greek geek but in actuality there is only one command in the entire parable, its found in the word, LISTEN. The hallmark of being a Christ follower is simply listening to His voice. Let's not make this more complicated than it is; just listen. As a matter of fact, the parable begins and ends with the same call; use your ears and listen. But that takes us to the next step, the implication to obey.<br><br>Now once we have the "listening thing" clear in our minds…let's read one of the best know passages, Romans 12:1-2.<br><br><blockquote class="webkit-indent-blockquote" style="margin: 0 0 0 40px; border: none; padding: 0px;">Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, <i>so that you may prove what the will of God is</i>, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.</blockquote><br>As you probably know, this is a power packed passage, worth pondering and carefully exegeting. But let's focus our attention to the clear cause-and-effect description given by the Apostle Paul. He is saying this, First, present your bodies as a living sacrifice (somewhat of an oxymoron)…then you be able to prove what the will of God is.<br><br>Think about this question, "Why you want to know the will of God?" Be honest with yourself. Most people ask to know the Lord's will so that they can ponder if they like what He is asking of them…or even worse, if they even want to obey. Let me make this as clear as I can, our task is not to consider the option of obeying or even mull over what part we like or will consider doing. Our act of faith is just to say, "Yes Lord Yes." So, if you really want to know the Lord's will, just say YES…and then ask Him what we have agree to. Simply, sign on the dotted line and then follow Him as the faith contract begins to be written in your daily walk.<br><br>Finding the Will/voice of God is just saying YES, in advance of knowing what it is. That is true faith…and it will make your life so much easier to live. Temptations to disobey will cease to become a part of your walk, because you have already agreed to His will. <br><br><b>Lord</b>,<br><br>Give us ears to hear and hearts that are undivided towards Your will<br><br>Jesus, give us a holy walk which resembles Yours.<br><br><b>Amen</b> <br><br><br>Now, <b>Go with God</b> (and keep listening…and say "Yes" when we hear) Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-70182362190498082422010-10-03T11:16:00.001-07:002010-10-03T11:16:58.977-07:00After the Music Stops, That's When I Live My Song<!--StartFragment--><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">My new, and deeply growing Bethany friends.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">Several years ago, as I was stepping out of the classroom and into more of an administrative roll, Dr. Keith Drury suggested that if I was concerned with losing my level of influence with students, I should begin writing to them a weekly "open-letter." Thus, I started writing about my musings of life and my exegetical insights in the Word. It was affectionately titled, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Go with God</i>, since those are the last three words I pronounce over you as you would walk out of my classroom. </span> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">So, once again, I find myself without a classroom. Thus, I have no convenient place to share my insights. So I was wondering if I could think of you as my sounding board? (Wikipedia defines sounding board this way: A structure placed above or behind a pulpit or other speaking platform that helps to project the sound of the speaker.) Perfect. Will you help me refine and project my engagement with the Lord?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">So, here I … <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Go with God</i></span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Lucida Grande"">.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">Years ago (yes, 1992); Christian music artist Darly Coley wrote a song entitled, "When the Music Stops." The opening line goes like this,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande""> When the music stops, that's when I live my song…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">That thought kept coming to mind all this last week since we are in our first week, post-Spiritual Advancement. The music has stopped, the services are over and the Lord is asking us to daily walk in the freedom we received and to live out the commitments we made. This seems to so easy to do while basking in the glory of the moment but Oh so hard in the mundane routine of Monday through Friday. Might I add, this was no easier for the disciples as they walked with Jesus than it is for you and me.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">Let's start with reading Mark 9:2-13</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Lucida Grande""> It's OK, I'll wait for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande""><o:p> </o:p></span>In this story we find the discipleship inner-circle of Peter, James, and John on Mt. Transfiguration, and Jesus is displayed to them in all of His radiance. Peter, in his typical "speak-first-think-second" style says, "Rabbi, It is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">My <b>first</b> observation is that Jesus, in His wonderfully graceful way, does not respond to Jesus' impulsive statement but rather the Gospel writer Mark interjects his inspired insights with a subtle parenthetical comment<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande""> (Peter did not know what to say, they were so frightened).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">Simply, Peter did not know how to react or even worse, how to integrate this mountaintop experience into his normal everyday life. And his immediate response was, let's just do away with the day-to-day monotony and instead, stay here and worship 24/7. Let's just make everyday a Sabbath day.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">Notice how <b>second</b> comes a divine revelation clothed in a theophony (define this as a God-moment). A cloud descended and a voice appeared. If you were a good first-century Jew, this would remind you of the Giving of the Law on Mt. Sinai, (see Exodus 20). The voice of the Father comes and speaks directly to the three disciples, "This is my Son whom I love, Listen to Him!"</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">So what does this have to do with determining the Lord's will for everyday life! (This is the application part). <b>First</b> and foremost, just listen to Jesus. Please do not think that the "art of listening" is isolated to your ears. In every language "the act of listening" implies obedience, making this just as much a matter of the heart. So please, never say, "I heard from God, yet I decided to act differently." That, my friends, is called open rebellion. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">Second</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:"Lucida Grande"">, (and I love this part) listening does not demand that you fully comprehend all the implications of what Jesus means. For example, as the disciples are coming down the mountain, Jesus told the disciples "not to tell anyone what they had seen until after the Son of Man had risen from the dead?" (9:9). And they discussed "what this rising from the dead" meant. What a relief that is! I do not need to fully comprehend every single theological and practical nuance of Jesus' teaching to find and follow His will. I merely need to listen. Life has just become so simple</span> </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">So you might ask, what do we as a Bethany Community do following Spiritual Advancement week? How do we find and follow God's will after we come down from the mountain? Well, we start with our ears (and heart). But of course there is more and I'd like to take the next several weeks and discuss in detail, <b>finding God's will</b>…and of course, implementing this into the fabric of our community.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">Next week, after we hear, to know God's will, we simply say YES.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">Lord</span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family:"Lucida Grande"">,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">Again and again in Your Word, you call "those with ears to hear"<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">So please tune our ears to hearken to Your voice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">Help fashion our ability to listen as You speak<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">Shout, speak, or whisper; we are here.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">Your Word originally was a creative act,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">So, in our lives, please make this a re-creative work of grace.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:16.0pt;mso-pagination:none;mso-layout-grid-align: none;text-autospace:none"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">Amen </span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Grande"">Now, Go with God </span></b><span style="mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;mso-bidi-font-family:"Lucida Grande"">(and keep listening)<b> </b></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-60593914550362699742010-09-14T16:12:00.000-07:002010-09-14T16:12:08.142-07:00Not a "Walk" in the Park<div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Friends,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">I needed to share a few closing words after chapel this morning. <strong>First</strong>, you have all made Angie and me feel so welcome. There is nothing lacking in the way you have reached out and blessed us. Most of you know, when you move, it just takes time to “find your place.” You need to learn the routines and rhythms of where you are, and there is no way to speed up the process. Angie and I are amazingly resilient and patient but we are simply in the Lord’s waiting room. Thanks so much for the love you have expressed just upon us!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><strong>Second</strong>, when I preach, I usually have about two hours of material that needs to be edited down to a reasonable length sermon. There are just a few things that I would like to express to you that have become recently real to me. When I was talking about the “Way” that Jesus wants you to follow, you know that Jesus is talking specifically about the way of the Cross, the way to Jerusalem, the way of humility. Now, this may seem a but disconcerting and almost frightening. But discovering the “Way” is not like jumping into icy cold water. Rarely is it a jump right in and take a class here at Bethany in Martyrdom 101. Jesus has this wonderful plan that is usually reveled to His followers in baby steps. He simply asks you to stretch just a bit and lean into the direction His voice. And before you know it, you find yourself standing right next to Him and He has taken you from where you are tonight right into a “table set before me in the presence of my enemies (Psalm 23). And to your utter surprise, faithfulness in the little things places you in leadership over many.</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Someone was asking me this afternoon about finding His will. “Precisely how do I find the Lord’s way?” was the question. For me the easiest answer is found in Romans 12:1-2, where Paul writes,</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">“I urge you, brothers [and if Paul was writing today, he would most certainly include “and sisters”] in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God-- this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. <em>Then </em>you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-- his good, pleasing and perfect will.”</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Did you read carefully the cause-and-effect relationship in the passage? When we make a decision <strong>in advance</strong> to offer ourselves to God <strong><em>then</em></strong> we will know what His will is! Our real problem is that our decision-making process usually functions in the reverse. We tell God to reveal His will <strong><em>then</em></strong> we decide if we will obey. In honesty, if we are pondering whether or not to obey God, we are already in serious trouble. Liking or disliking God's will is not the question. Faith is always the correct response. Just say, "YES" in advance of knowing where we are going. To walk in the Kingdom “way”, we must order our lives (and decisions) according to His Kingdom values. And being a Christ-follower means that we will do so even before we know His will...maybe the reality is that saying "YES" is actually the forerunner of discovering His will!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">So, if you want to know His way, just follow Him…go wherever He goes…make every turn and every course adjustment. And make that promise in advance of even knowing where you are going. There is no better <strong>way</strong> to life than a “road-trip” with the Lord. And I promise you something in advance...He will transform your heart to love the journey you are on. Angie and I are on an adventure of a lifetime. Yes, some days I am uncomfortable and often somewhat unnerved...but I would not trade this trip with Jesus for all the silver and gold in the world. Just thought I would share that with you this evening, cause you all are on the same train with us!</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">Now, <strong>Go with God</strong>!</div><div><br />
</div>Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-50211765718436143622010-09-08T04:03:00.001-07:002010-09-08T04:03:14.704-07:00A Blessed Start<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>My new Bethany friends and fellow travelers on the path of faith<span style='color:#1F497D'> </span>(especially all you students),<span style='color:#262626'> <br> <br> As the time of preparation recedes and the reality of the new academic year comes to the forefront…would you let me expound just a bit on the profound power of a “blessing?” <br> Listen…<br> </span></span><span style='font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#262626'>Then he (Jesus) led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he <i>blessed</i> them. <sup>51</sup> While he <i>blessed</i> them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven. <sup>52</sup> And they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, <sup>53</sup> and were continually in the temple <i>blessing</i> God. (Luke 24:50-53)<br> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"; color:#262626'><br> What you just read are the closing words in Luke’s Gospel. Some might call them at best transitional verses; as you move from teaching and action Jesus in the Book of Luke (Volume 1) to the on-going teaching of Peter and Paul in the Acts of the Apostles (Volume 2). However, I find it quite interesting that the final act of Jesus on earth was to lift up his hands and to <i>bless</i> his followers. I wonder what the actual <i>blessing</i> consisted of. Was it done principally in words, like a pastoral benedictory prayer at the end of a worship service…or do you think Jesus’ final <i>blessing</i> was more physical in nature, taking on the form of a first century “Holy Kiss.” This might translate into our culture as a warm and endearing hug. You know the kind I mean. Not a mere handshake but an encounter that stays with you for a while. I have to imagine that the final “</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt; font-family:"Arial Italic","serif";color:#262626'>blessing</span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#262626'>” which Jesus gave to His disciples was perfectly chosen for each one of them; unique to meet each personal need. Moreover, I trust that this <i>blessing</i> lingered in the air as a sweet-smelling fragrance, propelling them forward to worship Him and then to offer in the Temple their own blessing.<br> <br> In actuality, let me try to demonstrate how this action of Jesus serves as God’s wondrous climax to the book of Luke as a whole. Think with me how the Gospel of Luke opens. You find yourself temporally located not in the days of Jesus but Luke describes the times as; “In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah” (Luke 1:5). Zechariah is entering the Temple to offer an incense offering; with all of Israel just outside; praying as they are waiting to hear that God has accepted Zechariah’s sacrifice on their behalf (Luke 1:10). But (and I should put “BUT” in all caps), as the angel Gabriel comes and delivers to Zechariah a message of hope (his wife’s shame will be removed by the birth of their son John the Baptist); Zechariah shows no faith to the words from God’s messenger (Luke 1:18). So, the result of Zechariah’s faithlessness is that he is struck speechless. A pastor unable to speak!<br> <br> Let me relate the consequences of Zechariah’s faithlessness and how it impacts Israel. The role of the priest as he exits the Temple is to hold his hands up and pass on the Lord’s blessing to the people. The traditional words would be the priestly benediction which comes from Numbers 6:23-26;<br> This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them:<br> The LORD bless you and keep you;<br> The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;<br> The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.<br> <br> Can you now see how Jesus’ blessing at the end of Luke’s Gospel is nothing short of a divine answer to a human problem? What Zechariah could not do for Israel because of his lack of faith (bless them); Jesus performs after his demonstration of perfect faith in trusting God with his life on the cross. What the priests of Israel could not do, Jesus fully blesses His followers.<br> <br> How does this relate to us here and now on the eve of a new semester? Well, one example is cemented in my mind. God’s Son has fully prepared you for this next step in your journey. <br> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:#262626'>· </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:#262626'> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#262626'>Some of you are <b>first semester freshmen</b>, concerned if you have the “right stuff” to make it at BBC. Please, sense the call of God on your life and know that the very blessing of our Savior is being bestowed upon you, even as you read this note...or maybe tomorrow in class…or in Chapel on Thursday as President Gorveatte speaks and we share together in Holy Communion. <br> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:#262626'>· </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:#262626'> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#262626'>Some of you are <b>returning students</b> and you know all too well the routine of the days and weeks of the semester. But will you take a serious personal inventory and ask the Lord of the Harvest to make you fully aware of the needs of others right around you. May you please extend a hand of blessing into the hearts and lives of the BBC community who are less comfortable in our surroundings? <br> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:Symbol;color:#262626'>· </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;color:#262626'> </span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";color:#262626'>Finally now, you <b>seniors</b>. You are entering into your final months among us. We will soon entrust you in a six-month internship in which you will be expected to pass on the blessing of God to others. Please do not attempt to do this on your own. Allow the blessing to originate with Christ and merely allow Him to use you as a broken vessel filled with His love. Maybe this semester, this first week, this very moment; you will sense His hands upon you and the blessing of God to infuse you in a whole new way. Remember, preparation for ministry is not only academic knowledge and practical training but it consists of the Hand of God reaching down to us in <br> <br> Now, remember, the end of Luke is really the end of the beginning; for the entire Book of Acts follows. In the same way, please sense Jesus’ blessing on your life this very first day of the Fall 2010 semester.<br> <br> <b>Lord<br> </b></span><span style='font-size:14.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Today, as<span style='color:#262626'> we go about our regular daily tasks;<br> May we sense Your divine blessing.<br> May it be found in our classes, and in our hallway and in our dorm room conversations;<br> May during our meals, may we break bread and may our eyes be opened to who you are. <br> May Your blessing be heard in our service to others or in the reception of grace from a friend.<br> In all we do, may we sense your blessing.<br> Most of all Lord, if there is an absence of Your blessing;<br> May You call us back to Yourself, to the place where Your voice and touch is most clear.<br> <b>Amen<br> </b><br> Now, </span>today, and forevermore<span style='color:#1F497D'>…</span><b><span style='color:#262626'>Go With God</span></b><span style='color:#262626'>.</span></span><o:p></o:p></p> </div> Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-42474073782697292982010-08-13T12:31:00.001-07:002010-08-13T12:31:53.783-07:00A Bethany Introduction<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>My soon-to-be Bethany friends; (This includes faculty, staff and especially students); </span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'> </span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>I only have one opportunity to make a first impression. So, how will I do this? Jesus’ first words were often, “Do not fear, it is I!” That would be just a bit over the top for my taste, and a little intimidating. Paul almost always began his letters with the phrase, “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Certainly theologically correct, but somewhat awkward when you are greeting a complete stranger, don’t you think? Plus, in my estimation, one’s first words should reflect the character and core values of the person. So here goes…</span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'> </span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>Hi. My name is Dave.<span class=apple-converted-space> </span><i>And I am a sinner saved by grace</i>. Now, that may sound more like an opening introduction at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting than a new Academic dean greeting the students he is called to serve. I apologize. I do not mean it that way. I mean it as a testimony to the radical love of the Father who sent Jesus to meet me right where I was. For indeed, I did have a serious drinking and drug problem, well into my 20’s. That was until a young woman (who I was seriously pursuing) told me about a man named Jesus. Can you imagine living in North America and not knowing who Jesus was? In the midst of my relentless pursuit of her, she told me she would go out with me “If I went to church with her.” Well, I did, and the rest is history. That young woman is Angie, and this August 22<sup>nd</sup><span class=apple-converted-space> </span>we will celebrate 29 years of marriage. Can you imagine what it is like for me to wake up each morning and look at her, knowing that she was the one who changed the course of my life.<span class=apple-converted-space> </span><i>I am a sinner saved by grace, redeemed by His love, filled to overflowing and enamored with serving wherever He wishes.</i></span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><i><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'> </span></i><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>This leads to the real question, “How does a dean from Indiana Wesleyan University find himself soon to arrive at Bethany Bible College?” Well, some mornings I ask myself the same thing. The answer is very simple. It is housed in the theological term, “<i>call</i>.” It was the compelling voice of God who spoke to Angie and to me; jointly and at separate times in prayer, assuring us that Bethany Bible College was the place where His Presence would be to meet us and sustain our ministry. I see our move to Bethany as the next step in our life-long spiritual adventure with the Lord. We are simply affixing our “Yes” to God’s call.</span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'> </span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>However, you might be interested in “when” we precisely made the decision to come to Bethany. The journey began as follows. President Mark Gorveatte first contacted us via an email on May 11<sup>th</sup>. We corresponded and talked several times in the ensuing weeks. But our youngest daughter was getting married on July 3<sup>rd</sup>, and we did not think we had the emotional capital to seek out a faithful Bethany decision and a wedding at the same time. But Angie and I remembered what we said to the Lord five years earlier, “Jesus, when our children have graduated college and on their own,<span class=apple-converted-space> </span><i>we will go anywhere</i>.” So we asked, “Lord are you in this?” Now, fast-forward thru a visit to Sussex, the last two weeks of wedding plans, and the wedding itself. We were emotionally bankrupt. The Sunday after the wedding we were sitting in a small upstairs room in our home with our son and daughter-in-law. We were filling them in on all the “Bethany happenings.” I turned to my son Joshua and asked for his advice, “Is this a<span class=apple-converted-space> </span><i>go</i><span class=apple-converted-space> </span>or<span class=apple-converted-space> </span><i>no-go</i><span class=apple-converted-space> </span>decision?” He was caught in the emotion of the moment and began to cry. He lives only 30 miles away and loves to come home on weekends. He said clearly, “I do not want you to go! But Dad, you and Mom said ‘Yes’ to God 29 years ago, are you really going to start saying ‘no’ now?” Out of the mouth of my son came the decision. We just want to walk with the Presence of God. Divine fingerprints were all over this move.<span class=apple-converted-space> </span><i>Now you know our story</i>…but when you arrive on campus this fall, I look forward to meeting you and hearing how God graciously brought you to Bethany. May this fall be one of testimony about the Lord’s faithful call upon us all!</span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'> </span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>So, we will arrive in Sussex in late August. We have several prayer requests which I would ask you to carry with us.<span class=apple-converted-space> </span><i>First</i>, we would sincerely like to see our home sold before we leave. But, it is His house, so we will leave that to Him.<i>Second</i>, our son Joshua is looking for a full-time teaching job in and around Indianapolis. There have been hundreds and hundreds of teacher layoffs in the area, so this will also take a divine act.<span class=apple-converted-space> </span><i>Third</i>, please pray for the myriad of good-byes to scores of friends and family. We have lived in the Midwest almost all of our lives, so the next few weeks will be filled with tears, long hugs, and emotion-laden meals.<span class=apple-converted-space> </span><i>Finally</i>, Angie is the best mother I have ever met (apologies go to all the other mothers in the world; I’m simply hooked on her). She will be leaving our two children; Joshua in Indiana and Hannah in Wisconsin. When we arrive in Sussex, we will be in need of surrogate children. Thus, we look forward to jointly serving one another. Simply put, in the Body of Christ,<span class=apple-converted-space> </span><i>We need each other</i>. Angie and I cannot wait to meet you. </span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'> </span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>For an early intro, check me out on Facebook:<span class=apple-converted-space> </span></span><span style='color:black'><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=161503697" target="_blank"><span style='color:#4263AB'>http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=161503697</span></a></span><span class=apple-converted-space><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:black'> </span></span><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:black'> </span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>And Angie as well:<span class=apple-converted-space> </span></span><span style='color:black'><a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=651385782&ref=ts" target="_blank"><span style='color:#4263AB'>http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=651385782&ref=ts</span></a></span><span class=apple-converted-space><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:black'> </span></span><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:black'> </span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>Or to get a taste of my interaction with students, try<span class=apple-converted-space> </span></span><span style='color:black'><a href="http://go-with-god.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span style='color: #4263AB'>http://go-with-god.blogspot.com/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'> </span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>In Jesus' joy,</span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'> </span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>Rev. David F. Smith, Ph.D</span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>Academic Dean – VP Academic Affairs</span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>Bethany Bible College -<span class=apple-converted-space> </span><a href="http://www.bethany-ca.edu" target="_blank"><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; color:#4263AB'>www.bethany-ca.edu</span></a></span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'><a href="mailto:SmithD@BBC.ca" target="_blank"><span style='font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; color:#4263AB'>SmithD@BBC.ca</span></a></span><span style='color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-63305527981393427492010-08-02T06:54:00.001-07:002010-08-02T06:54:50.953-07:00An Inadequate Good-bye but an Eternal Thank You<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>My heart-felt friends and former students;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>I am sitting in my office on a rainy Saturday morning drafting this letter to you. Everyone knows that in the process of writing, you have the opportunity to create a first draft and then re-work the material through careful crafting, until you get the content and the form just right. But when we speak face-to-face, we only get one stab at it. Since you know that I am a man of story and personal interaction, I’m going to write this letter in one “take” and imagine each of you is sitting in front of me. We are drinking coffee (of course), and I will write as if I am speaking to you directly, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>The last 10 years have been the most rewarding of my entire life. From the first day on this campus, I have sensed that all my life experience (business and ministerial) has been preparation for what transpires here at IWU. To say this is a labor of love would be a complete understatement. Moreover, our time here also has been a wonderful dovetailing of Angie’s gift-mix with mine. As I work you to death with exegesis after exegesis, she tenderly brings you into our home and nurtures you back among the living. She has also mentored scores of young women, assisting them to answer the question, “What does it mean to be a Christian woman <i>after</i> IWU?” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>BUT</span></b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>, (and you knew <span style='color:#1F497D'>a</span> “but” was coming); the Lord has clearly opened up a new opportunity for us. Five years ago, Angie and I told the Lord, once our children have completed their education and are gone from our direct care, we will go anywhere. Well, His timing is impeccable. On July 3<sup>rd</sup> we married our youngest daughter (Hannah) to her new husband Brian and on July 6<sup>th</sup> we accepted a call to move to Sussex New Brunswick (Canada). I will hold the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs at Bethany Bible College (a sister Wesleyan institution of IWU). Please know that this was the most difficult decision I have ever made in my life. We are leaving so many people that we love (which includes each one of you!). But as Angie and I walked through the decision making process, we discovered God’s fingerprints everywhere and His voice was beaconing us forward. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>May I tell you one incident among many where His Spirit was whispering to us. I was planning on teaching the Book of Romans this fall at IWU. And Angie wanted to audit the class. So in preparation, we had both been doing our devotions from Paul’s great letter. Every day since the beginning of March, we had been reading and re-reading Romans. In mid-May we were contacted by the president of Bethany, Rev. Mark Gorveatte, about the possibility of coming to serve at Bethany. We prayed and prayed, and though it seemed like a good fit, Heaven remained silent to us. Without the blessing of God and the certainty of His Will; I was not going to move forward with the process. One morning in early June (after devos in Romans) I went upstairs to write to President Gorveatte detailing our struggle with this decision. I wanted him to know the honor of simply being considered but without a confirming word from the Lord, we had to say, “No.” I finished the letter with these words; <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-autospace:none'><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#1F497D'>“In the end,</span></span><span class=apple-converted-space><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#1F497D'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#1F497D'>I am looking for God’s blessing and for His peace</span></i></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#1F497D'>. I do not see this as testing the Lord but trusting in the assurance of His abiding Presence that goes with His people as they faithfully explore uncharted territory with Him (Ex 33:15-18). And I desperately want to see His Glory.” </span><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-autospace:none'><span class=apple-style-span><span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:black'>I read the letter aloud to Angie before sending it. When I came to this last line, about our desire to mimic Moses in the pursuit of God’s Presence, <i>Angie began to cry</i>. When I asked her why, she simply said, “Today, for the first time in months, I read outside of the Book of Romans. This morning, I felt lead to read Exodus 33 and sensed we need to settle for nothing less than the Glory of God in our lives.”</span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#1F497D'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>We took this as a whisper of the Holy Spirit in our ears to let Him take us by the hand on this journey. <span style='color:black'>After a brief time of crying together in divine awe and wonder, I added this final line to the letter to President Gorveatte: <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-autospace:none'><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#1F497D'>“So, we will lean forward (or at least towards the North East) on our part here, pursuing God’s fresh call to Bethany. However, if it be His will that I receive a refreshing of my call here at IWU, that would be perfect. Either way, I sense that God is clearly up to something in my life and I do not want to miss His will,</span></span><span class=apple-converted-space><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#1F497D'> </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><i><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#1F497D'>ever</span></i></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#1F497D'>!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Well, our pilgrimage with Jesus is still being written. We visited Bethany and sensed God confirmation. We will be moving at the end of August. I sincerely apologize that I will not be able to give you an adequate goodbye. It’s been through our investment in you that Angie and I have also been transformed. We are not the same people as when we arrived at IWU 10 years ago. We have been shaped and molded by our relationship with you. We should not be surprised…neither should you…listen to how 1 John prepares us for this:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>If <i><u>we</u></i> (plural) walk in the light, as he is in the light, <i><u>we</u></i> (plural) have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies <i><u>us</u></i> (plural) from all sin. (1John 1:7 NIV). <span style='color:#1F497D'><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Simply, God’s work of transformation is done in the company of fellow travelers. And the friends He has placed me in fellowship with over the last decade will never be forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Thus, I extend to you <i>an eternal thank you</i> for all that you have done for me. Certainly, I owe my life to Jesus. But I also give you thanks as friend<span style='color:#1F497D'>s</span>. And I use that endearing term “friend”<span style='color:#1F497D'> </span>in the same<span style='color:#1F497D'> </span>way that Jesus does in John 15<span style='color:#1F497D'> </span>when He says,<span style='color:#1F497D'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:1.0in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>“You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Please Lord<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>May You empower these students, my friends, to pursue You with a selfless abandonment<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>May they find wholeness and satisfaction in You <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>May they discover an abiding love in service to Your Church<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>May they never settle for cheap grace but rather may they daily count the cost of Your love for them<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>May thankfulness and gratitude well up in their hearts and echo forth from their lips <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Most of all Lord,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>May they never fear Your Will…but rather may they seek sanctuary in the surety of Your Word and may they always long for the solace which comes from a familiarity of Your Voice.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>May the two-fold prayer of my friends always be: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;text-autospace:none'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>“Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam 2)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='margin-left:1.0in;text-indent:-.25in; mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2;text-autospace:none'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>“May it be to me according to Your word.” (Luke 1)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Amen<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Now friends, for one last time I say to you, “<b><i>Go with God</i></b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>In Jesus<span style='color:#1F497D'>’</span> joy,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Dave & Angie<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-63529710844606245042010-04-19T03:32:00.001-07:002010-04-19T03:32:27.773-07:00Pentecost - Conceived and Received<div class=Section1> <p><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt'>A “Go With God” moment.</span></strong><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><br> </span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><br> For 105 of our seniors, this will be the final Monday Memo and the last time I will write to you (at least as a student). It’s difficult for me to express to you in words how proud of you I am. Just think of all that you have accomplished in the last 4 years, you have tackled the impossible; reading all the assigned books (well, most of them anyway), written countless papers, and attended class after class (upwards of 1800 by my count). But in the end, that is simply what you have done. I am proud of who you have become. You know, Being vs. Doing. The joy of being a professor comes as we watch the transformation which takes place inside of you between your freshmen and your senior year. Child psychologists tell us that the greatest spurt of human development takes place between birth and 18 months. But we know the greatest spiritual development takes place from the time you begin making your own decisions for Jesus (can you say, “freshmen year at IWU”). We as your professors have the delight to watch you do this for four consecutive years. Yes, you made many poor decisions. But each time picked yourself up and moved forward, leaning into the voice of Jesus, following ever more intently. May I simply say, “Thank you for letting us, your faculty watch the Lord work in your life.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Much of your post-IWU life will be learning how to lean into the future God has for you, rather than timidly approaching God’s plans. That is why in the past several weeks, I have been talking about looking ahead to Pentecost, (May 23<sup>rd</sup>), preparing yourself for the arrival of the Spirit just like you may be gearing up for the summer or graduation. We have talked about several biblical passages that discuss the gift of Pentecost, but can I give you one huge observation that the early church put forward to speak about Pentecost as being the high-point of a Christian’s life. Read the Apostles Creed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=size14px style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>I believe in <b>God, the Father Almighty</b>,<br> the Maker of heaven and earth, and <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=size14px style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=size14px style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>in <b>Jesus Christ, His only Son</b>, our Lord:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=size14px style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,<br> born of the virgin Mary,<br> suffered under Pontius Pilate,<br> was crucified, dead, and buried;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=size14px style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>He descended into hell.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=size14px style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>The third day He arose again from the dead;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=size14px style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>He ascended into heaven,<br> and sits on the right hand of God the Father Almighty;<br> from thence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=size14px style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=size14px style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:9.0pt;font-family:"Verdana","sans-serif";color:black'>I believe in the <b>Holy Spirit</b>;<br> the one holy unified church;<br> the communion of saints;<br> the forgiveness of sins;<br> the resurrection of the body;<br> and the life everlasting.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p>I am certain that you quickly notice that the creed is broken into three stanzas, one to each member of the Holy Trinity. But did you also note that the statements about the Father and the Son simply describe what they have done. It is not until we get to the third stanza pertaining to the Holy Spirit that we are told in rapid fire succession what is appropriated for us through the salvation of God; the gift of the Church, the fellowship of the body, the forgiveness of our sins, our own resurrection and eternal life. Chris Bounds said it to me this way, “What is conceived at Easter was not received until Pentecost.” <o:p></o:p></p> <p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>So, as you prepare for Pentecost this year, think of it as a means of leaning into your life of faith, “receiving the Holy Spirit” as Jesus offered in John 20. May He infuse you with Himself. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><strong><span style='font-size: 11.0pt'>Lord Jesus</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif"'>;<br> May we receive all You have for us, without hesitation.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>May we ingest Your goodness and may it saturate our very being.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>May we conquer our temptations in our own desert places just as powerfully as You did.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>May we be empowered to love You and one another fully.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>May Pentecost be a present day reality.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><strong><span style='font-size: 11.0pt'>Amen</span></strong><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><br> </span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><br> Now, <em><b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Go with God</span></b></em><em><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>.</span></em><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-33727861079471506272010-04-12T03:47:00.001-07:002010-04-12T03:47:47.694-07:00Passion for Pentecost<div class=Section1> <p><strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>A “Go With God” moment.</span></strong><b><span style='font-size: 11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><br> </span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><br> As we look ahead to Pentecost, (remember May 23<sup>rd</sup>) I would like for you to think about preparing yourself for the arrival of the Spirit just like you may have geared up for Lent. You may ask, “Why?” Simply think about how valuable the coming of the Holy Spirit is to the Gospel writers themselves. In John’s Gospel, Jesus specifically says that it is “good that I go away” because then, and only then will another comforter will come (John 16:7). Luke lays down a similar climatic premise when the Resurrected Jesus says to His disciples “</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49)</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif"'> And the promise of the Father is not an eternal home in heaven, or the second coming of Jesus, but the filling of the Holy Spirit made manifest at Pentecost. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Now, would you allow me to bring this home with just a simple biblical insight that I never saw until this semester in IBS. It comes from Romans 12:1. You have probably read it more times than you can remember. But this time the truth climbed off the page and gripped my heart. “</span><span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Therefore, I urge you, brothers (and sisters), in view of God's mercy, <i><u>to offer your bodies as living sacrifices</u></i>, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship.” The NIV misses the mark with this translation, for the word “sacrifice” is singular in the Greek, NOT plural. </span><span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Do you see it? The simple observation of a <i>plural</i> noun (your bodies) being focused into a <i>singular</i> metaphor (living sacrifice). To me, this changes everything. Paul is not depicting a person in the act of consecration alone at an altar of prayer. Rather, you are seen as one person among many, who consecrate their lives to the good of the whole; together creating one beautiful and sweet smelling aroma to the Lord. This act, in our modern America, where the individual’s rights and privileges reign supreme, may be the most powerful display of the Work of the Holy Spirit. Pentecost calls us to individually put aside any and all ambitions which might lean in the direction of self-centeredness and rather take upon us the image of “other-centeredness” (check out Phil 2:3-4).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><strong><span style='font-size: 11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Lord Jesus</span></strong><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>;<br> What will cause us to lose ourselves and be refashioned into a “living sacrifice”?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>What will it take to look and think like You Lord?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>What will empower us to be seen as loving You and one another fully?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>What will refashion Your image; the <i>Imago Dei</i> in us?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Lord, it seems as if I am asking the wrong question Lord. It’s not <i>what</i> but <i>who</i>.<br> Lord, we long for nothing short of You; Your precious cleansing Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Come sweet Pentecost, from there we will walk in a new manner; not to be served, but to serve; and gives ourselves away to others.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p style='margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><strong><span style='font-size: 11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Amen</span></strong><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><br> </span></b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><br> Now, </span><em><b><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Go with God</span></b></em><em><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>.</span></em><span style='font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-29882534546442911922010-04-05T16:34:00.001-07:002010-04-05T16:34:01.828-07:00After Easter, What is Next?<div class=Section1> <p><strong>A “Go With God” moment.</strong><b><br> </b><br> Welcome back from our Easter “Holy-day.” Did you take any time over the time away and reflect that Easter is the end of Lent? We have spent the last six weeks preparing ourselves, through acts of personal denial, to be ready for Easter…and now it’s over. So now we as Christians can now put the spiritual stuff to rest until the end of the semester? Right? I mean nothing comes after Easter of any significance until Advent and Christmas. Nothing tops the Resurrection, right? Well, may I correct your Church calendar theology. Easter is in actuality a pre-cursor of another event in the life of the church that is yet to be encountered; Pentecost. Originally, Pentecost was one of the three main pilgrimage feasts in the life of ancient Israel. It comes 50 days after Passover, in conjunction with the celebration of the harvest. In the early church it also commemorates the arrival of the Holy Spirit in the midst of the praying 120. According to Luke’s theology, it is the climax of the promise made by the Father (Luke 24:45-49). Wow, the Resurrection is not the spiritual trump card? And it is what the early church was instructed to wait for in Acts 1:4-8.<br> <br> May I put it to you simply? Jesus’ death and resurrection is more than a means of forgiving your sins. If that is the way you view Easter, your thinking is far too reductionistic, self-centered, and reeks of a modern western individualism. Rather, the New Testament as a whole understands Easter as a portent for making possible the shaping of the Body of Christ into His Image here on earth. This is continually portrayed in the New Testament in a corporate/community sense, not individually. Maybe we can think of Pentecost this way, “Through the Power of the Holy Spirit, <strong>WE</strong> are being fashioned into <strong>ONE</strong>.” Those are not really my original thoughts, but they are a paraphrase of Jesus’ prayer to His Father in John 17. Remember that John chapters 14-16, at least in part, are about the Gift of the Holy Spirit. Jesus actually tells the disciples that “it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7) <br> <br> <em>Now, listen to the Son pray</em>:<br> “My prayer is not for them [disciples] alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be <em><b>one</b></em>, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” (John 17:20-21).<br> <br> Think of it this way, Easter and the Ascension lay the groundwork for Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the church; empowering us to live a “Christ-like life.” And that Christ-like life is best described in “<strong>one-ness</strong>.” And the best model is the Trinity. The concept of Pentecost should be that we resemble the relationship of the Father-Son-Holy Spirit. And if you say, “That’s impossible,” I dare say, you have just limited the work of God in your life. Make that <em>our</em> life. For your faith indeed impacts my life, for good or for...well you get the picture. <br> <br> BTW, Pentecost Sunday is May 23<sup>rd</sup>.<br> <br> <strong>Lord Jesus</strong>;<br> We desperately need the power of Your Spirit in our lives.<br> But Jesus, power as You define it, not my concept<br> Make it Your Will and Your way.<br> I want nothing short of Your work.<br> Make me an instrument for the world to see You.<br> You may begin today.<br> <strong>Amen</strong><b><br> </b><br> Now, <em><b>Go with God</b>.</em><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-35834351406951462642010-03-29T03:20:00.001-07:002010-03-29T03:20:41.742-07:00How do you properly say "Goodbye"?<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>A “<b>Go with God</b>” Moment”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>How do you properly say “<i>Goodbye</i>”?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>That will be the overarching question for IWU seniors over the next several weeks. After four years; how do you express the words and sentiments to friends for all they have meant to you? So, how will you say goodbye to the people who witnessed you grow from adolescence to adulthood? What will you do with folks who assisted you to put away childish things and now act like men and women of faith? What will you say? What will you do? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>In actuality, though April is filled with new found hope because of spring and Easter, it can be one of the saddest months of the year. And the people who grieve the most are your professors. That’s right; because we say goodbye to another class <i>every</i> year. We watched you come to IWU as somewhat wet-behind-the-ear freshmen. We taught, we trained, we offered ourselves, we coached, we prayed, we picked you up, we cried, we ranted, we smiled, and in the end, we washed your feet, and then we offered you the bread and wine. All the while we joyously watched the Spirit of Christ (re)shape the <i>Imago Dei</i> in your life. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>So our question to you is this; how can we as your professors… <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Say, ‘Thank you’ for allowing us to be witnesses of God’s grace in your life? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom: .0001pt;text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Express our (sanctified) pride in who you have become as a child of the King? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraphCxSpLast style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-indent:-.25in;line-height:normal;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Demonstrate the faith we have in your future service for the Coming Kingdom?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>So, we ask you to please set aside the last Friday of the Semester; <b>April 23<sup>rd</sup></b>. During the <b>10am Chapel hour</b>, we will meet together in the sanctuary of <b>College Wesleyan Church</b> for one final chapel service; a true <b>Service of Consecration</b>. During that time, we will honor the Senior class of the School of Theology and Ministry. But we want all freshmen, sophomores, and juniors to participate as well. It should be a time of joyful celebration and solemn dedication for all that God has done in and through us all over the last four years.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>What a great way to say; <i>Good-bye</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>BTW, you may be aware of the etymology of Good-bye. It comes from “G</span><span class=foreign><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>odbwye”, </span></span><span class=apple-style-span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>a contraction of</span></span><span class=apple-converted-space><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'> the old English “</span></span><span class=foreign><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>God be with ye</span></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span class=foreign><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Simply, it is our prayer for each of you.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span class=foreign><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span class=foreign><b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Remember:<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span class=foreign><b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Who: </span></b></span><span class=foreign><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>All Students of the School of Theology and Ministry<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span class=foreign><b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>When: </span></b></span><span class=foreign><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>April 23<sup>rd</sup> at 10am<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span class=foreign><b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Where: </span></b></span><span class=foreign><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>College Wesleyan Church Sanctuary<o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span class=foreign><b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>What</span></b></span><span class=foreign><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>: Consecration Service<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span class=foreign><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span class=foreign><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Now, <b>Go with God</b></span></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-10187967891460829912010-03-15T03:31:00.000-07:002010-03-15T03:32:13.545-07:00I am an Optimist<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>I am an <b><i>optimist</i></b>. I always expect the best from both people and in everyday life situations. It’s the pre-supposition I have as I walk through my daily tasks and interact with everyone around me. Do I sometimes appear foolish? Maybe so. Do I sometimes get blindsided in public, sure. But I much prefer to see the glass half-full and ever increasing that the opposite. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>I am also an <b><i>eternal optimist</i></b>…and I am intentionally making a spiritual play-on-words. Optimism is also how I perceive the spiritual world around me. Yes, I understand the deep and abiding affects of the Fall of mankind and I have seen human depravity at its worst. In my pre-Christian days, I even participated in it. But I know first-hand the prevenient grace of God; a gracious movement of God that goes before us and which can enlighten the heart of even the darkest soul. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>By being an <b><i>eternal optimist</i></b>, I actually believe that when the Apostle Paul says, “</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif"'>Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Being an <b><i>eternal optimist</i></b>, I take Jesus at His word when he says, “I have overcome the World.”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Being an <b><i>eternal optimist</i></b>, I trust that Jesus’ act on the Cross and in the event of the Resurrection has actually reversed the curse of the Adam and Eve in the garden, and the fullness of this reversal can be experienced in the Here and Now not just the sweet bye and bye.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Being an <b><i>eternal optimist</i></b>, I will not settle for the fact that the atonement only affects the <i>penalty</i> of sin but actually is a complete answer to the <i>problem</i> of sin in the life of the believer; and we can actually can live above a life of mere sin-maintenance. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Is this just too good to be true? Well, that is what this week in chapel at Indiana Wesleyan University will focus on. Each day we will hear speakers who are optimists, just like me. They believe it is possible for the power of the Spirit of Christ to defeat the power of sin in each of you. Temptations <i>can</i> be resisted and the Glory of God <i>can</i> reign in you; <b><i>yes even you</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>All this week our chapels are called the <i>Cox Deeper Life Series.</i> They are presented through the generosity of Dr. Leo Cox, a former professor of Bible and Theology at Indiana Wesleyan University. </span><span style='font-size: 12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>His enduring passion was the message and experience of holiness. Dr. Cox believed that God, through Jesus Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, could break the power of sin in believers, enabling them to walk in whole hearted obedience to Christ, setting them free to love God with all their lives and to love their neighbor as themselves. He believed this work to be the privilege of every believer and not just the spiritually elite or those training for ministry. To this end, after his retirement, he established a lecture series at all four Wesleyan schools of higher education, in order that students would be able to hear the good news of holiness and have opportunities to experience this work of grace in their own lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <div style='mso-element:para-border-div;border:none;border-bottom:solid windowtext 1.5pt; padding:0in 0in 1.0pt 0in'> <p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>We usually bring in an outside speaker to present this truth to you. But once every four years, your own professors here desire to speak to you on this matter. Thus, each day this week, one of the professors from the School of Theology and Ministry will preach. Plus, we find it essential that every member of the Religion faculty actually profess this magnificent doctrine. So, someone from our faculty will also testify about the beauty of Holiness in their own lives. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='border:none;padding:0in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'> </span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Dr. Leo Cox was a former professor of Bible and Theology at Indiana Wesleyan University, were he served for many years as chair of the Religion and Philosophy Division. While at Indiana Wesleyan, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Wesleyan Theological Society and became a charter member of the Evangelical Theological Society. Through his teaching, scholarship and leadership he became a well respected leader in Evangelical circles in the United States and across the world. As an ordained Wesleyan minister, he was committed to the Church of Jesus Christ and training people for leadership ministries in local churches.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p> </div> Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-45664861816026644822010-01-30T07:48:00.000-08:002010-01-30T07:51:59.112-08:00Romans: Just a Simple Story<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Today is a cold Saturday. So, I am staying inside and thinking ahead to next September. Why so far ahead? Because this fall, I will be teaching Romans. I’ve read this book countless times. I’ve preached on it. I’ve lead Bible Studies on it. But I have never taught it here at IWU. So I thought Romans and I should be intimately acquainted. I decided to read Romans in one sitting; <i>and I failed miserably</i>. I never got past Paul’s greeting.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace: none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Paul, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace: none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>[a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called <i>as </i>an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about <i>the </i>obedience of faith among all the Gentiles, for His name's sake, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ]<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace: none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called <i>as </i>saints: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace: none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 1:1-7 NAS)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Yes, I know this is simply the Greeting, and I should not get overly excited until I get to the real heart of the matter (at least 1:16 and following). But this opening helps me grasp Romans in a way I never have before. Here is what I saw for the first time and it was always right in front of me. Take note of the extended description Paul gives about himself which I bracketed off above. It begins with “a bond-servant” in verse 1 and goes all the way thru “among whom you also are called of Jesus Christ” in 1:6. All that Paul has said is one long descriptor not really about Jesus…but it describes who Paul himself is! (Technically, if you are interested, all the phrases of this one long Greek sentence are set in apposition to the name “Paul.”) Paul = all that follows in 1:1-6. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>So, you might ask, what is the big deal? Try this; Paul cannot separate his story from Christ’s story. His story and God’s story are so dove-tailed that they become one-in-the-same story. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Let me try to explain what grabbed me that I never saw before. Romans, from the first verse to the last, is not to be read as a theological treatise (sorry Martin Luther). It’s the most practical, almost earthy story about how God’s meta-narrative marvelously intersects with Paul’s own life story (and ours as well) Thus, wherever I preach, teach or live the Book of Romans, my story should and must come out. Yes, it’s all about Jesus. But it’s also about me and how Jesus has affected who I am, and who I am becoming.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>This should resonate with many of you today. For you might think that Paul is far too deep a thinker that you can never fully comprehend his theology. Well, no problem, because Paul is simply introducing himself by telling a story. Yes, it is a re-orienting story, a paradigm-shifting story. But a story nonetheless. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>If Paul is right (and he is!) our story intersecting with God’s story creates THE STORY. Paul calls it “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Rom 1:16). Thus, maybe storytelling is the most biblical style of evangelism. Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggemann agrees when he says, “evangelism means inviting people into these stories as the defining story of our life, and thereby authorizing people to give up, abandon, and renounce other stories that have shaped their lives in false or distorting ways” (<i>Biblical Perspectives on Evangelism</i>). <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>So, if you want to be a subversive Christian, a biblical evangelist, following in Paul’s footsteps, simply tell your story. But the transformative power of your story is when you invite others to switch allegiances from their old story to a new life-story found in Christ. So, go and tell!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Lord</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Help us all to be grace-filled storytellers.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>May we welcome others to the eternal narrative which God’s is continually writing.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>May His It’s-to-good-to-be-true story become the reality of our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Jesus, may your children live happily ever after.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>Amen</span></b><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"'>Now, <b><i>Go with God</i></b>.</span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-92064507162563213452010-01-24T15:36:00.000-08:002010-01-25T07:53:18.560-08:00Does Anyone have a witness for the Lord?<div class="Section1"><p class="MsoNormal">In my Inductive Bible Study class this semester, we have talked about the effects of our witness to the power of the Resurrection in our lives. Thus, let's tell our stories to one another. My story is every man's story; let's make that every Christian's story. <?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>At the age of 25, I discovered a simple fact; I had sinned, repeatedly and compulsively. </p><p class="MsoNormal">But I did not realize this until I had been introduced to Jesus by girlfriend (now wife) Angie. She never judged me but simply placed before me a mirror with two images, my own and that of Jesus. No comparison. </p><p class="MsoNormal">My surprise is that Jesus did not condemn me for who I was, He simply offered me the opportunity to be released from the pain and agony which was being carried by the man in the mirror, ME. But the journey to the cross was far from painless. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Many of you who have been in my classes know that I had a terrible time with drinking and drugs in my late teen and early twenties…yet I was instantly and radically "saved." Some of you who have experienced effects of such a lifestyle will know what I mean by "Freedom" from guilt…it was real and it was joyous. My addiction to cigarettes, drugs, and drinking was immediately removed. No withdrawal symptoms, just peace. Sins were forgiven and I began my journey of new life </p><p class="MsoNormal">This new-found joy of forgiveness permeated all that I did for months. There was not a person that I came into contact with that did not recognize a difference in me. Wondrous conversations happened on a daily basis. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Yet inwardly, there was still a battle which I could not come to grips with. I loved Jesus but I often lived like He did not even exist. Poor choices. I just did not look like Jesus, even though I loved Him. The more I came to understand who Jesus was, the more I realized that I was not like him. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in" class="MsoNormal">▪For He seemed to delight in doing His Father's will and in serving others. </p><p style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in" class="MsoNormal">▪As for me, I did it out of "moral obligation" and the social expectations of the church Angie and I had just started to attend. It was not an act arising from an inward love. I asked myself the simple question, "I know I am doing different things than before I became a Christian…but am I really a different person, inside that is?" </p><p class="MsoNormal">I knew I was a better man with Jesus than without; I knew that I would be a better husband, and a better father…but I was hungry to really love <i>as Jesus loved</i>.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I was 25…. And I had three great passions in my life; the Lord, Angie, and one other passion; I lifted weights like a crazy man. Often 10x's per week, which means obviously some days two-a-day workouts. I was 5 foot 10 weighted 155, had a 31 inch waist and could easily bench press twice my weight. <b><i>Image</i></b> was everything to me, my image that is. </p><p class="MsoNormal">One night we were in bed, Angie was reading a book and I was reading, at the time my favorite magazine, <i>Muscle and Fitness</i>. It's one of those glossy magazines which tells you how to bulk up your biceps or how to six-pack your stomach. At that moment, I was looking much too studiously at the women in the magazine, who were not clothed with any degree of modesty. The women models in the magazine were showing off every hard-body curve. And they caught my attention. I distinctly remember turning to Angie and saying, "If you worked out with the same level of intensity that I put into it,<i> You can look just like one of these ladies!"</i> To this day, I am uncertain what Angie's reply was, for God's presence overwhelmed me in a manner He had not done previously, or since. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">He said clearly, <o:p></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in" class="MsoNormal">"There is far more to your wife than <i>something</i> that will meet your needs, or wants or your desires. Will you treat her as one of those two-dimensional work-out ladies or will you strive to assist her in cultivating the unique irreplaceable image which I have stamped on her heart? Will you see her, care for her and love her as I do?" </p><p class="MsoNormal">I knew that this was a defining moment not only in my relationship with Angie <i>but</i> with God Himself. Would I fully obey Him…would I, could I fully love her, as He does? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p>Angie will tell you that one of the most significant moments in our marriage was the resulting conversation we had over Ephesians 5:25-28, a passage I had been intensively studying <b> </b> <o:p></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in" class="MsoNormal"><sup>25</sup> Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her <sup>26</sup> to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, <sup>27</sup> and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. <sup>28</sup> In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. <o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">I could not love her in that manner on my own. I am convinced that I would have died for her…that is to protect her from others…but was I willing to die to protect her from my own selfish wants, needs, and desires. What was I willing to do when I realized I was her husband, her lover, yet I was caring for her so selfishly? </p><p class="MsoNormal">My divine moment came as God brought to bear His voice, the priceless image of God in my wife, and the call to complete obedience to His Word, <i>simultaneously</i>. At that very moment, <i>God changed my heart</i>; I saw Angie as a gift that God has entrusted into my care, for His pleasure as well as for my own. <o:p></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in" class="MsoNormal"><b>Colossians 3:1-10 </b> Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. <sup>2</sup> Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. <sup>3</sup> For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. <sup>4</sup> When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. <sup>5</sup> Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. <sup>6</sup> Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. <sup>7</sup> You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. <sup>8</sup> But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. <sup>9</sup> Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices <sup>10</sup> and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>So, what did I do?</b> I put down the magazine, begged Angie for forgiveness, turned out the light, and had the best night sleep of my life. From that point forward, I loved Angie more than I ever had before; not with my love but with His. The next day I wrote out a letter to the publisher of <i>Muscle and Fitness</i> canceling my subscription. </p><p class="MsoNormal">Angie, I love…but I realized at that moment that she simply rolls weights to get them out of her way, never lifting one for exercise. And I rejoiced, for I no longer saw her with any need to change…she did not have to look or act in any way other than the woman God made her to be. </p><p class="MsoNormal">I stated at the beginning that my story is everyone's story. Almost all of us have encountered God in a significant way. But my desire is <i>never to return</i> to the man I was...I want to love her, I want to love my children, I want to love each of you far beyond my own capacity, so that we all may have our image of God fully restored…How can I love with that level of continued passion? <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">John Wesley, in his writings, makes a direct connection between <i>love</i> and <i>obedience</i>. He says, <o:p></o:p></p><p style="MARGIN-LEFT: 0.5in" class="MsoNormal">You cannot say you genuinely love God unless you obey him…neither can you genuinely obey God if you do not love him. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">For the first time in my life I realized that there was joy in obedience. It was not drudgery…it was not work…it was not accomplished by the sheer force of human determination. Rather, it was a simple response to the love He had placed in my heart. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div>Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-78403040531361076282010-01-18T04:08:00.001-08:002010-01-18T04:08:57.270-08:00Epiphany<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>A “Go with God” moment<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Epiphany</span></b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>. That is the time of the Church calendar that we are currently celebrating. </span><span lang=EN>Epiphany</span><span lang=EN> (comes from Greek <i>epiphaneia</i>) which means “appearance” or “make known.” It’s the time period, post-Christmas, when we focus upon the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. This sacred time will continue until we meet Lent on Ash Wednesday (Feb 17<sup>th</sup>).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN>Practically speaking, it is also the time of year as the days get longer and the darkness of night begins to recess. Simply, the light shines in the darkness with more regularity. So, at this time of the semester, how do we take advantage of just such as intersection of the sacred calendar with our own practical search for spiritual truth. Can you say, Spring Summit? This is when we intentionally schedule to see the manifestation of God in our often over-busy lives. Obviously , God showing up can never be forced…but I sincerely believe He can be prepared for. How???<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=EN style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN>When we take time to visit the manger like the travel-weary magi (Matt 2). What did they sacrifice to come to the Christ-child?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=EN style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN>When in awesome wonder, we listen to the angelic chorus singing to the shepherds (Luke 2).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=EN style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN>When we, alongside of Mary, “ponder” the revelation of Jesus and treasure them in our hearts (Luke 1 & 2).<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=EN style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN>When we cease the truth of the battle tested Son of God who overcomes temptations in the wilderness (Mark 1, Matt 4, Luke 4). His victory makes way for yours.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=EN style='font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span lang=EN>When we drink deeply at the fountain of Jesus’ first sermon of Jesus in Nazareth. Read, if you will Luke 4:19-19 to hear Jesus’ life verses.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN>I could go on and on about the opening chapters of the Gospels. But let me simply list a few common sense thoughts about finding the Light of the World this week: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=EN><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span lang=EN>Go to the place where you expect to meet Him</span></b><span lang=EN>. Yes, I know that God is everywhere. But there are times and places where He makes Himself known more profoundly (Epiphany). The week it will be in the Chapel. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=EN><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span lang=EN>Have patience</span></b><span lang=EN>. Simeon and Anna waited at the Temple for years to simply catch a glimpse of the Messiah (Luke 2). How long will you wait? Must He come Monday, or will you wait 1-2-3 days?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=EN><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span lang=EN>Make time</span></b><span lang=EN> for God to “invade” your life and personal world. Do you desire (demand?) an instant spiritual high or would you allow Him to begin a steady transformation in your heart? Will you allow your reshaping to be done on His timetable? Will you allow it to include struggle and self-denial? Are you willing to pay the price. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span lang=EN><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><b><span lang=EN>Say “Yes”</span></b><span lang=EN> to His Revelation, in advance of your knowledge of His Revelation. (Please re-read that sentence). Our natural inclination is to listen for His voice…and <i>then</i> decide if we like what we hear. That practice my friends is un-faithfullness at its most subtle core. Instead, make a decision right now (and I do mean <i>now</i>) that the discovery of God’s will and your obedience is the most wonderful adventure you could ever imagine. Simply say, “<i>Yes</i>” and I promise you that God’s voice will be clearer this week than it ever has been in your entire life. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span lang=EN><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span lang=EN>During this Epiphany Summit, walk into Chapel uttering this prayer, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><b><span lang=EN>Lord</span></b><span lang=EN>, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span lang=EN>At this holy hour<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span lang=EN>I come to this sacred place<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span lang=EN>I will seek You with all I have<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span lang=EN>I will tarry for as long as necessary<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span lang=EN>To be molded into Your Image<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span lang=EN>First, make known to me Yourself<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span lang=EN>Then, Your will for me <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><span lang=EN>I say Yes to You, even before I know.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><b><span lang=EN>Amen <o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.25in'><b><span lang=EN><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span lang=EN>Now, <b>Go with God</b><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-49342092560282168062009-12-06T18:36:00.001-08:002009-12-06T18:36:34.965-08:00Keep Your Degree in a Global Perspective<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>A<i> <b>Go with God </b></i>Moment;<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>I recently received a letter from the Chancellor of Durham University (my <i>alma mater</i>; and Dr. Schenck’s as well). In it he helped me put what we do here at IWU in a global perspective. He referred to a Stanford University study where the entire earth was reduced to the imagery of a village of 100 people, but the study keeps the numbers in correct proportions. In this village, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>80 percent would be very poor; <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>70 would be illiterate, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>50 would be chronically malnourished. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>6 people would control 66 percent of the wealth. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='text-indent:.5in'><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>The part that hit home with me was that in this village, <b><i>only 1 person would hold a university degree</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Some of you will receive your diplomas in less than two weeks. I know you have thought often about all the hard work you have invested in earning your degree. BUT, have you thought about the global responsibility of what you will receive? Yes, I know that here in the United States your degree has a certain value for an earning potential. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>But would you please see yourself as part of our global community. And with such a vision, let me ask just a few probing questions.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>What actions or what decisions would you make if you were the only one in town who had a University degree? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l3 level1 lfo2'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Symbol'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>·<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>What if only you had the knowledge and the skills with assist this village to provide for its own economy and for its spiritual awakening?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>What if someone asked for your help? Like the person who placed you here at IWU; like the person who placed you here in the US, like the person who placed you with your family. You know I talking about the Lord. He has enabled and empowered you from the day of your first breath. What if you were the only person available? Would you say, “Yes.” <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>And with this being Advent season, let’s keep in mind that when Jesus was the only one in the village who could come and teach us; He came. If we know, “What would Jesus do”…what about us?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#333333'>Lord</span></strong><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family: "Cambria","serif";color:#333333'>.<br> May we find our stories to wondrously intersect with Your grander story.<br> May we find the Advent season to be the incarnation of God’s Story.<br> May we see Jesus’ story as the place where God’s new exodus begins;<br> May He start with us.<br> <strong><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Amen</span></strong>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#333333'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#333333'>Now, <em><b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Go with God</span></b></em><em><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p></o:p></span></em></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoPlainText><span style='color:#333333'>There are many joys I have being the associate dean of the School of Theology and Ministry but nothing compares to announcing the names of students that have been awarded scholarships. This year, the recipients of the Williams Scholarship to Israel are:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoPlainText style='margin-left:.5in;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>1.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span><![endif]>Tyler Klein<o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>2.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Kearsten Karrick<span style='color:#333333'> <o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#333333'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>3.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#333333'>Kelly Jones<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoListParagraph style='text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo6'><![if !supportLists]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'><span style='mso-list:Ignore'>4.<span style='font:7.0pt "Times New Roman"'> </span></span></span><![endif]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:black'>Andrea Fetterhoff<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:#333333'>If you see them, congratulate them. They will be traveling with Dr. Williams to Israel this spring break or during early May. Even more so, let’s give thanks to the people who make this and all the other scholarships possible. <i>Their sacrifice is our gain</i>. For many students, it is the only way they can afford an IWU education. <em><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"'>Ultimately, thanks be to God!</span></em></span><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'><o:p></o:p></span></p> </div> Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-40057127327725753402009-11-22T18:41:00.001-08:002009-11-22T18:41:22.915-08:00RE: Can You Say,"Liturgy?" Part 2<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:normal'><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:black'>Last week I proposed to you a new (maybe more accurately, a novel) definition of the term “liturgy.” A Christian liturgy is a communal sacred activity whereby the participants are shaped and formed in godliness. Now, this could take pages to unpack, but allow me to simply state a few of my presuppositions. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><b><i><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>Let me remind you of the three main ingredients to this definition. First</span></i></b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>, my definition of liturgy begins with the adjective, “Christian” as a principal modifier. Everything we do (or may I now add, refrain from doing) shapes our lives and our loves. Do your choices have a distinctively “Christian” flavor to them? <b><i>Second</i></b>, I do not see sacred liturgy is not a private act but as a communal one. Liturgically speaking, our lives are most highly impacted as we touch one another, collide into one another, and graciously offer care for one another’s well-being (see 1 John 1:7 for a wonderful one verse homily of corporate Christianity). <b><i>Third</i></b>, the most obvious given is that liturgies shape and form us, the participants.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:normal'><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:black'>Let me give you an example. This weekend, the Society of Biblical Literature is holding its annual meetings, where thousands of Bible scholars throughout the world converge in one location. Our overt task is to present papers and to work in hundreds of forums to learn more about Jesus. But a secondary agenda is to network with one another, exchange ideas (and a few resumes), and to fellowship over meals and coffee. There is a true sense of “liturgy” about this event; <i>some Christian</i> some not so Christian. First, the Christian. In a standing room only worship service Sunday Morning, Daniel Block (OT scholar at Wheaton College) reminded us all of what it means to revere and personally honor the name of the Lord. Powerfully, we were charged not only to be teachers of the Biblical word but to profoundly live out the Word before the community were are entrusted to live among. He closed with the following passage:<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-left:.5in;line-height:normal'><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Col 3:16-17 NIV)</span><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:normal'><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:black'>Now, the <i>non-Christian aspect of liturgy</i>. At some presentations, biblical scholars are simply jerks. Their presentation style can be self-inflating and condescending to opposing views. Often, some folks sit in the audience, typing away on their computer to the neglect of the presenter and to the detriment of the surrounding audience. The worst example was during a paper being delivered by our own Bart Bruehler. Someone in the back of the room answered a cell call and continued in conversation until what I would call a “presentation bouncer” tossed him out. Thus, the way we operate in a liturgical setting is certainly a demonstration of the shaping which the Holy Spirit has accomplished in our lives. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:normal'><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:black'>So, may I ask you a parallel personal question? In a liturgical situation which we may call a classroom, “Are you letting Jesus shine?” Do you Facebook while your professor presents? Do you practice actions which sanctify or de-consecrate the classroom? In chapel, are the people around you being detracted from worship because of the light on your phone during texting? Or may I ask you to risk all for the Kingdom and actually act like a “bouncer” and asking someone not to hinder the “liturgical moment” and stop texting! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>Lord</span></b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>In a moment when You are speaking to us or thru us<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>May the liturgical moment we cooperate within be another wonderful means of grace<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>May the sacred time, the sacred place, and the sanctifying effect of your corporate body reveal Your Glory on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>May our humanity and our shortcomings not quench the Spirit of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><b><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>Amen<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:black'>Now, <b><i>Go with God</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Cambria","serif";color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:normal'><b><span style='font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:black'>PS.<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='line-height:normal'><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif"; color:black'>Almost all the Bible Department at Indiana Wesleyan University is here at the SBL conference. You would be so proud. Dr. Ken Schenck presided at one session and will present a paper at another. Dr. Steve Lennox presented at a Psalms session. Dr. Bart Bruehler will present two papers this weekend. An IWU alumni Alicia Myers (PhD student @ Baylor doing her dissertation on the Gospel of John). <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-family:"Cambria","serif";color:#1F497D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6003637462337648736.post-46207990172084762272009-11-16T07:03:00.001-08:002009-11-16T07:03:44.750-08:00Can You Say,"Liturgy?"<div class=Section1> <p class=MsoNormal>When I say the word, “Liturgy” what comes to your mind? Maybe you envision a service in an Episcopal or Catholic Church where you see yourself participating in a service passively (i.e., being lead by an ordained clergy thru written prayers) rather than actively engaging in worship, such as in Chapel at IWU. <o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'>But could I give you a different perspective on the “liturgies” so you may see them in a whole new light. My definition of liturgy would be this: a Christian <span style='color:black'>liturgy is a communal sacred activity whereby the participants are shaped and formed in godliness. Now, this could take pages to unpack, but allow me to simply state a few of my presuppositions. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal'><b><i><span style='color:black'>First</span></i></b><span style='color:black'>, I begin my definition of liturgy with the adjective, “Christian” as a principal modifier. There are all kinds of liturgies that we are involved in that alter our life and loves. </span><span style='color:black'>Some are more overt Christian (Chapel MWF) others are more subtly secular (watching 8 hours of NFL football on Sunday). Notice in Romans 12:1-2 Paul writes, <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace: none'>Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. <i>Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.<o:p></o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='mso-margin-top-alt:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom: 0in;margin-left:.5in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height:normal;text-autospace: none'><i><o:p> </o:p></i></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='color:black'>Paul talks about our lives being affected in one of two ways, <i><u>conformed</u></i> (by the liturgical practices) of this world or <i><u>transformed</u></i> (by the Christian liturgies) which leads to the renewal of your mind. Thus, I would argue that there are practices in your life that serve as liturgies for your good or for your ill. (More on this later.)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt'><span style='color:black'> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='color:black'>Second</span></i></b><span style='color:black'>, I do not see sacred liturgy is not a private act but as a communal one. Yes, you can recite the Apostles’ Creed alone or pray in isolation or even sing a hymn privately. But I would see these privatized acts as more devotional in aspect. Spiritual formation certainly, but it may be limited in its affective value because it does not place you in a setting where you are making a public declaration of your faith. Moreover, praying the Lord’s Prayer is liturgical in its origin. Listen to the pronouns, “<i>Our</i> Father who is in heaven...give <i>us</i> this day <i>our</i> daily bread…forgive <i>us</i> our trespasses as <i>we</i> forgive those who trespass against <i>us</i>…lead <i>us</i> not into temptation…but deliver <i>us</i> from evil.” All the pronouns are plural. So, as we pray this prayer with sincerity it assumes a public audience whereby we offer forgiveness in order to receive it. Thus, liturgy can be an authentic public confession of forgiveness shaping us together into the Body of Christ or an announcement of a refusal to listen to the Sprit of Christ begging you to release the hurt of past sins done against you. A privatized faith would rob the Body of Christ of the corporate formation it could give. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><b><i><span style='color:black'>Third</span></i></b><span style='color:black'>, liturgies can and do deeply shape and form the participants. Yes, I am certain that listening to a sermon on your iPod “informs” your mind and makes for sound cognitive growth. But when I speak of liturgy, I am leaning more towards its affective value upon a person holistically. As we experience well thought out liturgies, they do much more than “inform” our mind but wondrously “form” our hearts and ultimately “transform” our loves to adopt those of our Trinitarian Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:black'>So maybe I will ask the question this way. What liturgies play a shaping role in your life today? Here is the hard question which we will ponder further next week; as the liturgies that shape your life and loves the most, Christian or secular? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>[To help with this soul-searching, I encourage you to delve into Dr. James K. A. Smith’s lecture in the PPAC @ 4pm Thursday Nov 19<sup>th</sup> </span>for this semester’s <i>Athens and Jerusalem Seminar</i> <span style='color:black'>lecture. Plus Dr. Jamie Smith will be speaking in the Thursday evening Chapel. His new book entitled <i>Desiring the Kingdom</i> explores the topic of how liturgy informs all that we do and love.] <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;line-height: normal;text-autospace:none'><span style='color:black'>Now, <b><i>Go with God</i></b></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:12.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family: "Cambria","serif"'><o:p> </o:p></span></p> </div> Dave Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17534777214321292209noreply@blogger.com0