The Passion of the Christ

I just returned from experiencing the Passion of the Christ, the film by Mel Gibson. This is much more than a film. Typical movies are about the susension of disbelief. The only disbelief to suspend in this film is the extent to which Jesus loved--and suffered--for (and because of) all of us--Jew and Gentile. The movie makes the point, in excruciating detail, how far God's love compelled Him on our behalf; something that's just hard to believe...but so true!

If you're anything like me, I nearly run out of the theater after most movies--trying to get ahead of the crowd to the bathroom. This was eerily different. It was as if an invisible hand held the audience in their seats after the movie was over. No one moved. Sniffles and sobs could be heard throughout the audience. I was literally numb.

I was just faced with the sickening reality that Jesus clung to His cross because of my sin. This film wasn't about blaming any one group of people for the death of Jesus. The blame was placed squarely on the shoulders of all humanity, since Jesus took the stripes for, and experienced the ignobility of, death for each of us. It blamed us all.

But the film ultimately wasn't about blame. It was about divine love. It was about forgiveness. It was about the worth that God places on all us fallen humans--Jew and Gentile. It was about the God of the universe facing Satan as a vulerable human being and embracing all that it meant to be human. He refused not to die. He refused to die before His passion was completely experienced.

As I write these words with my cheeks still stinging from the tears that flowed down my cheeks, I couldn't help but think about my Christian life. How I'm often more concerned about my creature comforts than carrying a cross. Forgive me Jesus! It further placed all the current wrangling over how to do church in proper perspective. It's time for God's people to hit their knees before the crucified One. There, in all it's tragic glory, will we learn what it truly means to be a community of the cross.

The film is brutal. It's graphic. From my studies, it's all too consistent with the Roman form of flogging and subsequent crucifixion. I know that, from this point forward, the words "And they crucified him there," will take on new meaning.

I don't know how to recommend this movie. Not sure where the age cut-off should be. But, I think it's a film that needs to be experienced...especially in these times.

Ancient Future Worship

In the January/February issue of Worship Leader, Robert Webber, well-known for his work in thinking about worship in our postmodern culture, described his experience at Mars Hill Bible Church, a megachurch that engages in "Ancient-Future worship." The following is what Webber considers to be the difference between an ancient-future service and a Boomer contemporary service.

"First, it was not a Boomer seeker service. That kind of service is designed not to confront people with truth. The idea is to interest them in faith so they will come back for more or ask questions of friends who are Christian. The new generation has abandoned the "seeker notion." Yes, seekers are there in worship. But instead of hearing "tid-bits" of the Christian faith, they hear the whole thing.

"Consequently, the truth of God's work in Jesus Christ to rescue the world was proclaimed in word, enacted in the Eucharist and sung in the great hymns of the church. The old way was to make worship a show to watch; the new generation way is to immerse the congregation in truth through participation.

"The singing was noticeably different. No choruses sung again and again in endless repetition. Instead, hymns of great depth were sung with deep emotion as people moved forward (no plates sent passively around) to take bread and wine and receive Jesus.

"These changes sound simple, but they are profound. Mars Hill, like many others churches pastored by a new generation of leaders, are paving the way for the recovery of the old! Where are you headed?

As many churches struggle to become "contemporary," being driven by "seekers," I wonder if we aren't simply rushing to join the sidelines with other churches? Are we at a point where we need to rethink completely our worship paradigm? Is it time to actually trust that if we bodly "lift up Jesus," God will draw all people to him? Yes...where are we headed?

The Music Won't Last

As we struggle with the fast-pace of our over scheduled lives, perhaps we all need to re-think our priorities. The following poem Titled Slow Dance (author unknown), powerfully demonstrates how our frenetic life styles can distract us from the true joys of life.

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round
Or listened to the rain slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down – Don’t dance so fast
Time is short – The music won’t last

Do you run through each day on the fly
When you ask “How are you?” do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in bed
With the next hundred chores running through your head?
You better slow down – Don’t dance so fast
Time is short – The music won’t last

Ever told your child, “We’ll do it tomorrow”
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, Let a good friendship die
‘Cause you never had time to call and say “Hi?”
You better slow down – Don’t dance so fast
Time is short – The music won’t last

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift… Thrown away…
Life is not a race. Do take it slower.
Hear the music, Before the song is over.

As the last stanza of this poem suggests, we all likely have plenty of gifts left unopened. This afternoon, why not take the time to open a few. Toss a ball. Shoots some baskets. Have a pretend tea party. Take a walk. If none of these things can fit into our hectic schedules, maybe we need to slow down, hear the music...before the song is over!

Worship Here And Now

Last evening, February 15, LifeSong, the music ministry at CrossBridge, debuted its third CD. While the evening celebrated the culmination of months of work, its ultimate purpose was to usher people into the presence of God. And, that's exactly what occurred.

Under the gifted leadership of Greg Miles, all of the LifeSong singers, in choir fashion, lead us in moving worship. One of the most moving moments occurred when our children participated in the song, "Here I Am To Worship." There's nothing like witnessing the innocent hearts of children singing praises to their Creator! Thanks to LifeSong for such a wonderful evening in the Lord.

If you are interested in purchasing a CD, you can find out more information at our website: crossbridgechurch.org. While there, you can hear samples from this great CD.

To God be all the glory.

My day’s schedule was all arranged. My wife, kids and I were taking a trip to North Carolina to visit a good friend in the hosptial. Before I could make the trip, I had several deadlines, and a few appointments to meet. Since our older two kids had to be at the office at 6:00 a.m. Thursday to leave on the youth trip to Six Flags, I took that as an opportunity to get an early start on my day.

While driving to the office, I sipped coffee from my special travel mug and mentally organized the tasks I would perform. Becoming increasingly pleased with my plans, I felt confident that reality would completely correspond to my mental images. But, when I got to the office, our Youth Minister gave me the sickening news—our power was off. It appeared that all other offices had power but ours. After I did my own electrical investigation, and found no apparent problem, I made the call to Alabama Power.

“Now what should I do,” I wondered. With no computer, no lights, and too early to make any calls, I was stuck. I admit, I was becoming annoyed and mentally agitated. Needless to say, my enthusiasm for the day plummeted. Since our reception area had a wall of windows, enough natural light spilled into the room to allow for some reading. So, in the dimly lit room, I opened my bible to James and began reading.

It was hard to keep mentally engaged as I constantly glanced through the windows, praying to see an Alabama Power vehicle drive up. As my eyes flashed from the text to the parking lot and back, the verse arrested my attention: “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you don’t even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’” (4:13-15).

I literally laughed out loud at myself. I had planned out the day very well, but I had no power (literally) to carry them out. I was reminded of several things. First, we really have very little control over our circumstances. Second, our very lives—and plans—are in God’s care, not ours. Third, when our beautifully-crafted plans fail, that puts us, maybe even forces us, into the position of self-examination. Finally, and upon such self-examination, our sense of self-importance is put into proper perspective when we realize that our lives are like a “wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing” (The Message). The next time you experience a power outage, think about the meaning—and true Source—of your life.

The Servant: A Simple Story About the True Essence of Leadership

I just completed reading a book whose title appears at the head of this blog. Written in conversational tone, this book offers compelling insights about effective leadership. Unlike typical treatises on managment philosophy, this books shoots right at the heart of the leader. In short, James Hunter, author of the book, presents a servant leadership model that calls for deep commitment, and sacrifice on the part of the one who dares to lead.

I recommend this book to anyone who is in a position of leader. Particularly, I think leaders in the church will be blessed--and challenged--by its content. In a time when positional power no longer carries the day, we are searching for relational authority in which we can influence people to accomplish the call of God in their lives. This book speaks to that point.

Tangle With A Treadmill

Treadmill. For me, the word itself sounds uninviting at best, torturous a worst. Someone with a sadistic streak must have invented this miserable device. No matter how long you walk or run, you never go anywhere. And, you never really can win when doing battle with a treadmill. It has too many speeds and can outlast the Energizer bunny!

Sometimes treadmills can be just plain dangerous. I was with a close friend several years ago when he tangled with a treadmill that left both his body and ego badly bruised. We were in an exercise room, not for a serious workout, but just to kill some time. This facility had state-of-the-art weight machines, bicycles and, you guessed it, treadmills. Just for fun, he jumped on a treadmill to give it a whirl.

His treadmill of choice was extremely high-tech. It had a heart monitor, distance meter, speedometer, and kept a running total of how many calories you burned. In addition to these electronic gadgets, this treadmill had inclining capabilities. My friend got a kick out of seeing how steep of an incline he could negotiate. He did pretty well, I might add.

After returning to normal elevation, he did something pretty stupid—he attempted to walk backwards on the treadmill. What happened next was unbelievable. Because he could not keep pace with the treadmill’s speed, my unsuspecting friend shot off the treadmill with such a sudden stop that he sat down on the moving belt. As if an invisible hand grabbed the seat of his pants, the treadmill flipped him onto his back and hurled him across the tiled floor. He landed with feet in the air against a nearby rowing machine! I still get a chuckle when I think about my friend’s stunned look as he picked himself off the floor.

That humorous story, however, can have a somber application. If we approach Christianity from the perspective of performance-based acceptance, our religion can become like a merciless treadmill. When we think that everything depends on us—even our salvation—we fall onto a treadmill that inevitably leaves us on our backs and badly bruised. In contrast, God reminds: “The people who trust the Lord will become strong again. They will rise up as an eagle in the sky; they will run and not need rest; they will walk and not become tired” (Isa. 40:31; NCV). Now that’s good news for weary souls!

Extreme Makeover

You’ve probably seen some of those “before” and “after” pictures of people who, through the magic of modern cosmetology, are transformed from antiquated “plain Joe’s” to GQ potential. One of the current popular reality shows is Extreme Makeovers in which people deemed to be deserving are treated to plastic surgery, the latest cosmetics, wardrobes and spas, to transition them from "undesirable" to "irresistable."

While this show deals in the extremes, it does signal what's happening in more moderate scales in the broader culture. To boost self-esteem or to create a new persona for themselves, literally millions are spent on makeovers annually. While some attempt a physical renovation through the latest cosmetological techniques, others attempt a more profound—though equally self-induced—reconstruction.

In his book, Reaching for the Invisible God, Philip Yancey confesses his own self-deconstruction and subsequent reconstruction whose outcome was ultimately unsatisfying. Embarrassed by TV programs like the “Beverly Hillbillies” and “HeeHaw,” Yancey attempted to disassociate himself from his Southern heritage. Vowel by vowel he worked to change his accent, succeeding so well that people react with surprise when they learn of his Deep South roots. Having read great books to remove all provincial blinders, Yancey felt that he had finally addressed—and conquered—his previous self, creating a “new man.”

Through more spiritually mature lenses, Yancey began to realize the limits to a self-constructed personality. Yancey writes: “In most ways important to God, I had failed miserably. I was selfish, joyless, and lacked compassion. With the notable exception of self-control, I lacked all nine of the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5.”

Yancey not only recognized the limits to a self-directed makeover, he ultimately came to understand that his entire project of reconstructing his personality had been misguided. “God did not want to work with a wholly different personality. God chose me.”

The strong urge to be someone other than who we are actually opposes God’s purposes for our lives. Often these feelings arise from a legitimate dislike of our sinful natures. It is precisely here, however, that the gospel offers good news. God, through the working of His Spirit, is not turning us into a wholly different person. On the contrary, through the redemptive work of Christ within us, God liberates—not destroys—our true selves! In this regard, Yancey concludes; “The Holy Sprit coaxes each of us to be ourselves, flawed personalities in whom God himself has chosen to dwell. With infinite resources, God can assist every willing person on earth in that custom process. It begins with trust in God’s best for me, a confidence that God will liberate my true self, not bind it.” Create room in your heart for God, and let God show you who you truly are. You might be surprised at such an extreme--and divine--makeover!

Give Us Eyes To See

This old Hassidic tale summarizes much of what the world—and our churches—need so desperately today.
The Rabbi asks his students, “How can we determine the hour of dawn, when the night ends and the day begins?”
One student suggests, “When, from a distance, you can distinguish between a dog and a sheep?”

“No,” the Rabbi answers.

“Is it when you can distinguish between a fig tree and a grapevine?” asks a second student.

“No,” the Rabbi says.

“Please tell us the answer, then,” say the perplexed students.

“It is,” says the wise teacher, ”when you have enough light to look human beings in the face and recognize them as your brothers and sisters. Until then the darkness is still with us.”

If you think about it, this rabbinical saying is packed with insight into the human condition. Typically, how we see or perceive a situation or individual determines how we feel. Our feelings in turn heavily influence how we respond. In the end, if our vision is blurred by prejudices or self interests, our reaction to others will be influenced accordingly.

Jesus had eyes focused by divine lenses. This resulted, not in a pious attempt to insulate his holiness from sin, but a tender compassion to counter their sin with his holiness. Where some saw sinners to be avoided, Jesus saw potential sons of God. Where some saw the need to shun disease, Jesus saw the opportunity to show deliverance. Where some saw trouble, Jesus saw triumph. Where most saw death, Jesus gave life.

As Jesus engaged his broken world so we are to engage ours. Faces and times have changed, but the need remains the same. May God remove the darkness and grant us eyes to recognize all humans beings as his special creation in desperate need of God’s love.

Be Still...And Let God Work:
A New Year’s Resolution

With his keen ability to find humor in the most unexpected things, Gary Larson made us laugh, caused us to blush and, perhaps more often than we’d like to admit, left us puzzled over the esoteric meaning of his satirical Far Side cartoons. Whether or not Larson intended them, I have on occasions found profound spiritual meaning from the Far Side. Consider this one, for example.

The picture is of the western “badlands.” The sun is high in a cloudless sky. The scorched landscape consists of bare, rugged cliffs and barren, sandy hills. The only plant life in the picture is a lone Sequoia cactus standing tall in the foreground. Somehow avoiding the immense open space, a bumbling cowboy has managed to guide his horse head first into the cactus. Expressing the thoughts of the irritated horse, the caption reads, “That does it...I’m gonna steer.”

Have you ever felt like this horse when it comes to your spiritual journey? Have you ever wondered where God is taking you? Have you ever thought that perhaps you could do a better job of directing your own steps rather than giving the reins of your life to God? Be honest now.

In our limited thinking, it seems that God occasionally runs us smack into painful cactuses, tempting us to snatch the reins from His omniscient hands. Job changes. Financial loss. Sickness. Death. During such trying times, it’s human nature to think, “Surely God could have guided us around these painful obstacles.” If you are facing such difficulties hear God’s Word before you attempt to retake control of your life, “Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way” (James 1:2-4; The Message).

Have you run into any cactuses of life lately? Before you direct yourself into the "obviously-open" countryside, maybe you should think seriously before you act. It just might be that God actually has brought you to the only source of available water to moisten your parched faith. Be still...and let God do His marvelous, faith-building work. Now that’s a New Year’s resolution to seriously consider!

The Continuing Privilege of Christmas

In his introduction to The Message, a popular translation of the New Testament, Eugene Peterson made the following observation.

The arrival of Jesus signaled the beginning of a new era. God entered history in a personal way, and made it unmistakably clear that he is on our side, doing everything possible to save us. It was all presented and worked out in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It was, and is, hard to believe—seemingly too good to be true.

But one by one, men and women did believe it, believed Jesus was God alive among them and for them. Soon they would realize that he also lived in them. To their great surprise they found themselves living in a world where God called all the shots—had the first word on everything; had the last word on everything. That meant that everything, quite literally every thing, had to be re-centered, re-imagined, and re-thought.

If you are anything like me, I typically experience the post-Christmas “blahs.” Maybe its my system drying out from the abnormal amount of sweets, turkey, and other rich foods I consume during this time of year. Perhaps it’s simply the emotional adjustment of coming down from all the excitement—even stress—of the holidays.

At this early post-Christmas time, I need to hear these words from Peterson. They remind me that Christmas isn’t a punctuated event in history. Rather, it’s a continuing reality that we all have the privilege to experience. God has taken up residence among us in a personal, powerful way. And, as Peterson states, it literally means that “everything [has] to be re-centered, re-imagined, and re-thought.” May God grant us the grace to “renew our minds” as we set out to determine His perfect will for our lives. Such is the continuing privilege of Christmas!

Storming the Gates

In his highly acclaimed book, What’s So Amazing About Grace, Philip Yancey argues that grace is the church’s single most important contribution to our broken world. One need not be a Christian, Yancey correctly contends, to do wonderful humanitarian acts, i.e., feed the hungry, build houses, heal the sick. There is one thing the world cannot effectively do—it cannot offer grace.

Building on this theme, Yancey offers what I believe to be a correct interpretation of the image Jesus used to describe the church’s destiny—“the gates of hell will not prevail against it” (Matt. 16:18). Rather than a metaphor of defense, this figure signals an offensive posture. “Christians,” says Yancey, “are storming the gates, and they will prevail. No matter how it looks at any given point in history, the gates guarding the powers of evil will not withstand an assault by grace.”

As we explore what it means to be a ministry-oriented church, keep at least three important points firmly fixed in mind. First, all ministry belongs to, and is of, God; we are simply participants with Him. Unlike worldly humanitarianism, godly ministry is done in the name of Jesus, and by His power. Second, ours is not a struggle against physical forces. We are at war with the spiritual powers of evil that attempt to keep our world shrouded in darkness (Eph. 6:12).

Third, true ministry occurs within the vulnerable sphere of personal interaction. Jesus did not develop highly organized—and impersonal—“kingdom growth” programs to see how many people he could collect at a given location. No, Jesus simply “went about doing good.” He dared to touch lepers, grieve with those who mourned, and rejoiced with those who experienced God’s deliverance. No program will ever replace the power of a personal touch.

Each time we minister to people in the name of Jesus we apply a solid blow at the gates of hell. May the Church wield the weapon of God’s grace boldly as we reach out to our community.

Financial Peace at Crossbridge

My wife, Carol, and I, along with about 20 other couples just completed Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, a thirteen lesson series dealing with appropriate money management. It was hosted by two of our couples at CrossBridge whose personal experience and understanding added to the overall benefit of the class.

Ramsey argues compellingly--and passionately--for debt-free living. He further gives practical ways in which this can be achieved. I would recommend everyone availing themselves of this material as we all strive to become better managers of God's stuff.

And a Child Shall Lead them

In our current climate of ubiquitous self-orientation, a refreshing story of selfless integrity has emerged. Nate Haasis, a 17 year old quaterback for Southeast High, a Springfield Ill. school, demonstrated true character when he had his Central State Eight conference career passing record wiped from the books.

Nate's team was losing to Cahokia High 36-20 with 22 seconds left. Not only was his team going to lose the game, he also was going to fall 29 yards short of the passing record.

Nate's coach stikes a deal with Cahokia's coach at midfield. When play resumes, the Southeast defenders allow Cahokia's running back to jog, unimpeded, into the endzone. Cahokia kicks off, giving Southeast the ball, and Nate the opportunity to get the 29 yards he needs for the record. With 8 seconds left, Nate completes at 5 yard pass to Jacque Robinson who runs without resistance the necessary yards to give Nate the record.

When Nate realized what happened, his conscience wouldn't allow him to keep the record. He wrote the conference president, asking him to remove the record from the books. "Out of respect for my teammates, and past and present football players of the Central State Eight," Nate wrote, "it is my hope that this pass is omitted from any conference record."

Rick Reilly of Sports Illustrated concluded his article about this young man by stating:

"And if it bugs you that a kid this honest and this principled doesn't have a singe Division I offer yet, relax. The sooner he gives up football, the quicker we can get him to the place where we really need him--Washington, D.C."

Amen!

The following is the last of three articles that were inspired by my trip to the Grand Canyon this past October.

God and the Grand Canyon 3

Surprisingly, I didn’t sleep very well that night. I guess I was just too exhausted, too sore from the long day’s journey. Just before daylight, my sore legs dragged my aching body to the nearby lodge for a cup of coffee. I got it to go. I was lured to the Canyon’s edge once again to see where I’d been the day before. The morning’s temperature was a chilly 30 degrees. As I made my way to the Canyon, I cradled the cup of coffee in both hands, enticing the rising steam to warm my chilled face.

The path winding around the rim toward various viewpoints largely was deserted. Except for an older couple and a jogger or two, no one was on the path. To my right, three mountain goats were grazing near the trail, inching their way towards me. You never have a camera when you need one!

Along the winding path, there were breathtaking vistas of the canyon, each one offering the observer a fresh perspective of the massive depression. As I continued my stroll, stopping periodically to take in the beauty of it all, I kept choking back tears. I prayed softly, praising God for His unfathomable power.

At one promontory, not protected by railing, was a stone structure near the canyon’s edge. Strategically placed stones created both a low bench and supports for a large flat stone. Apparently intended for group photo shots, this rock configuration became an altar for me. I knelt, and as I imagined the old Patriarchs did at the various altars they’d built, I blessed the name of God.

Before me, and below me, I saw the winding path that we walked the day before. On our journey, I thought I’d noticed all the beauty. But, in my determination to get in and out in one day, I overlooked so much. I kept saying to myself, I want to go back; I’ve just got to go back, next time to experience the place, not just to accomplish a human objective.

Then it struck me. Worship is an encounter with the living God that leads to transformation. How often have we been so pragmatically determined to “do worship,” that we fail to experience, to relish God’s power and grace? How often have we turned worship into take-home tips for controlling our lives and circumstances rather than exalting and deepening our relationship with the very God who is Lord of both our lives and circumstances? At my makeshift altar that morning, I pled guilty to these—and other—self-directed approaches to God.

The next time you gather with fellow believers, I pray you will experience worship here and now. I pray that you will be brought to a place where God is all in all, and there you’ve seen His beauty, experienced His grace. And, hopefully, you will find yourself being compelled to go back again and again for a fresh encounter with His holiness. For, in those compelling moments, we begin truly to sense that He is “all we want, and all we ever needed,” not only here and now but also there and forever.

Down in the River to Pray

The subject of baptism tends to be a lightning rod for theological controversy. We fuss about the mode, meaning, and appropriate subjects for baptism. I've just received, and read the opening chapters of, a new book by John Mark Hicks and Greg Taylor titled: Down in the River to Pray: Revisioning Baptism as God's Transforming Work.

What appears to be the overarching point of the book so far is to move beneath the technicalities of baptism to the trinitarian emport of this act. This is a refreshing glimpse into a church practice that has been sadly diminished by much rangling about it's technicalities.

If the opening chapters are indicative of the balance of the book, it is well worth the read. I know John Mark personally, which makes this book even more significant to me. Because of my first-hand knowledge of John's character and scholarship, I can recommend this book to you without qualification. I'm looking forward to "going down to the river to pray" in order to refresh--and rethink--my understanding of baptism. I hope you will as well.

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Here is the second article that was inspired by my experience at the Grand Canyon in October of this year.

God and the Grand Canyon 2

I typically dread the sickening sound of an alarm clock jarring me to consciousness. Not this day. In fact, I welcomed, even anticipated, its annoying beeping. For, this day, I was going to do something I had never done—we were hiking from the South rim of the Grand Canyon to the Colorado River and back. The prospect of such a trek was itself challenging, but we were doing it in one day!

As we approached the trailhead at 6:00 a.m., darkness still largely shrouded the canyon. After a prayer for safety, we began our decent into the monstrous hole. As we walked, the sun’s rays began to tease to light the brilliant colors of the various strata created by forces not fully known. I finally began to see all the astonishing contours of this breath-taking place.

It seemed that at every new plateau, cliff, and crevice something new, more fascinating was revealed. The stroll through Indian Garden, where we broke for a quick snack of payday candy bars, canned beans, and fruit cocktail was an oasis in an otherwise barren land. After several long drinks of water we were back on the trail. More miles of endless twisting and turning as we slowly made our way to the winding Colorado. Our haggard group, consisting of my oldest daughter, sister, Dad, and me, wondered if we’d ever reach the river with the sickening realization that every step we took down we’d have to repeat on the way out.

We made it to the river that day, where we soaked our tired feet in the chilly Colorado. We also dragged ourselves out of the Canyon nearly 12 hours after we began. We did what signs and rangers warn you not to do—we hiked to the river and back in one day. That was a great feeling!

Later, as I reflected on the day’s grueling—yet fascinating—journey, several thoughts came to mind. First, I relished the personal experience that I had with something so much larger than myself that I will never be the same. Second, what really made the experience special is that I shared it with others whom I love. Because of our collective journey, each with our own unique reactions to it, we share an experience that binds our hearts together. I further felt strangely connected to generations past who marked and traveled the very trail we trod.

Nothing can take the place of a personal experience with the Father God. Only until we individually plunge into His presence will we ever begin to understand His beauty, His richness, His grace. Yet, at the same time, there is power in shared experiences. Others who similarly have traveled into the presence of God, with their own, unique response, are forever bound together by such shared experience. Such was the longing of the downcast Psalmist who reminisced about the times he “used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God” (Psalm 42:5).

As we worship, not only are our hearts touched by the Father and drawn into closer rhythm with His, but they also are synchronized with others who share the experience. Such is the power of God’s community—a group of travelers twisting and turning along a path traveled by many before, and powerfully connected by the experience. So, come, now is the time to worship!

Longing for Unity

A friend recently reminded me of a humurous story that has a somber point. A man, as the story goes, was stranded all alone on a deserted island. This mound of sand, and a smattering of vegetation was his home for a number of years. One day, and to his astonished delight, he saw a ship on the horizon speeding in his direction. The crew spotted his signal, and sent a small boat to rescue him.

While ashore, the captain noticed three huts on the island. Curious, he asked the castaway why there were three huts. "The first," the man answered, " is my home. The second," the man continued, "is my church." Venturing a quess about the other hut, the captain asked, "So, is the third hut your office?" The man, with noticeable angst, responded,"No, That's where I used to go to church!"

Oh, for unity in the body.

The Iron Bowl: It's More Than a Game

Having grown up in Pensacola, Florida, the Alabama/Auburn (or is it Auburn/Alabama?) rivalry wasn't that huge of an affair. Don't get me wrong. Though I haven't conducted a scientific survey, per capita, there probably are as many Alabama or Auburn fans in Pensacola as their are Florida or Florida State fans. However, since moving to the state of Alabama in 1992, I've taken great interest in, not only the game itself, but the entire "Iron Bowl" week.

I have realized that the Iron Bowl is more than an intra-state rivalry in which two teams are pitted against each other on the gridiron. It's much more significant than which team happens to win the atheletic contest.

Here in Birmingham, Alabama, the local news stations run segments about the game all week long. Fans from both sides are interviewed, telling their stories about past games, and sharing their particular traditions surrounding this annual event. Past games. Emotional endings. Tailgating. Travel....And fellowship.

My self-righteous side wonders why folks spend so much time, energy, and money on a football game, especially when our world is saturated with more important concerns. In precisely those judgmental moments, however, I am reminded again that the Iron Bowl is more than just a game. And, I think the church can learn from this cultural phenomenon.

The game itself is only one factor in the overall equation. To its complex configuation, you must include the evocative power of story. During the week of the iron bowl, fan after fan would tell stories of their experiences at these respective schools, and the particular games that they've witnessed. These shared experiences become woven into the fabric of who they are. Thus, they cannot help but speak with great emotion about this game--because it's more than a game.

Story is what brings thousands of cheering fans together each year. And, it is also story that keeps the fire burning through the months "until next year's game."

The Church needs to learn this lesson. We have been shaped by an over-arching story of God's love that has been experienced uniquely by each of God's people. When we attempt to reduce our identity to rules we keep, or steps we've taken, the power of the gospel is drastically diminished. The story of God is about the Holy One Who has pursued the unholy, redeemed them through Jesus, and empowered them to holiness through His resident Spirit. Each of us has a particular expression of that story to tell. May we be so bold as to tell our stories...especially as we enter the Christmas season.

Postmodernism has become the buzz word among theologians and cultural historians. This critial/pessimistic paradigm (if it can be called that) has been gaining strength sense the 1960's. Unfortunately, only until recently have church leaders become slightly aware of this epistemic move, and just now are attempting to respond to it. If historical trends have any predictive ability, church leaders likely will chisel out a postmodern ecclesiology while the cultural stream will keep moving.

I don't know if postmodernity will become the dominant cultural paradigm, particularly sense it is a reaction against something, rather than a move toward something. What that ultimate something is has not yet been determined. This simply means that the church must continue to be "light on its feet" and respond as the body of Christ in any given cultural situation.

As culture continues to be in flux, it is important to, not only be aware of its trends, but develop a relevant ecclesiology to meet new demands. At this point, we do need to think seriously about a postmodern ecclesiology and what that means for churches who were born out of modernity.

A good resource to assist in this process is: Ancient-Future Faith, Rethinking Evangelicalism for a Postmodern Word, by Robert Webber. The following is Webber's own words regarding the focus of his book:

"The fundamental concern of this book is to find points of contact between classical Christianity and postmodern thought. Classical Christianity was shaped in a pagan and relativistic society much like our own. Classical Christianity was not an accomodation to paganism but an alternative practice of life. Christians in a postmodern world will succeed, not by watering down the faith, but by being a countercultural community that invites people to be shaped by the story of Israel and Jesus."

I think you will find Webber's book a helpful voice for these confusing times. His points about Christus Victor, and the place of baptism and communion are especially good.