Nowadays you can frequently hear from people “I am not into religion, but I am a spiritual person.” Wording may differ, but the meaning is the same. People have given up on religion, but not on spirituality.
How can it be? Are you spiritual or religious? In fact you your answer is first, then why bother with any religion? I’ve seen banners “God hates religion” in places that people would consider a church, but they themselves prefer calling it a “meeting place.” What do we have here, a church, a religion, or spirituality?
Let me clear possible misunderstandings by defining terms: RELIGION is a set of boundaries, a set of rules and regulations, to protect, guess what! - a SPIRITUALITY. There is an Islam, a religion, defining Muslim spirituality, then Buddhist religion and spirituality, and the list goes on. There are different spiritualities!!! We have our human spirit that expresses self. Just having an attitude does not make one right. The question is “to what is the attitude tuned in?”
Christian spirituality is uniquely defined by Christian religion, as it invites the human spirit for a connection with Divine Spirit. Romans 8:16 is a beautiful illustration of such dialogue.
So, “How spiritual are you?” is really a question about “what spirit are you tuning into?”
Here’s the essence of Biblical Spirituality: the Bible, both Old and New Testament, define spirituality credo as Love!
The shema of Israel (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) and Jesus’ Rule (Mark 12:29-31) “The Lord our God is the one and only Lord! And thou shalt LOVE the Lord thy God with ALL thy heart, and with ALL thy soul, and with ALL thy mind, and with ALL thy strength…thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”
Spirituality is a passionate love, a relationship with God and people! How spiritual are you is determined by how “hot” is your loving relationship with God and godly people. I must pause here for a moment, because we often hear one-sided focus on loving people. Notice, it comes only, and is possible only, after truly loving God, and not only loving God partially, either with some of our mind, or just our heart, but with ALL heart + ALL mind + ALL will, if anything is missing, or partial we do not love God enough.
Partial does not mean we do not think about God enough, or we do not do ethical things of holiness, or we do not feel the joy always, it simply means we do not LOVE God enough. And without that, the second aspect of loving people becomes impossible.
Adventism is not a religion, it is first spirituality, of loving God and loving people. The “religious” part of it is protecting our relationships to always be passionate, real, and ever growing.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Building the Culture of Excellent Relationships
It is incredible how God works in my personal life. Sunday morning we had the most candid meeting about our purpose for being. As I sat and listened to people share their hopes to see church growing, it was very evident that we are aware of “enemy within,” of people who are hostile and abrasive, and when such a toxic environment exists, it endangers not only pastor, who may run to another district, but it also pushes away people who God may have added to this family.
Monday night there were tears at our Board meeting, not because of what took place among the Board members, but recognizing that there is lack of forgiveness outside, in the community, where people’s hurts are crippling them emotionally to love, to smile, to laugh, to enjoy life.
Tuesday morning I was at the First Baptist church downtown with many city pastors visiting with William Paul Young, the author of THE SHACK novel, sharing the concept behind the best-seller that stirs so much controversy in religious circles. Then as I drove to a visit at 11 am, I listened him being interviewed by Shauna Rae on 1290AM. I have not read the book myself to make the judgment. But from what I heard him share, and the answers he gave to numerous questions – I heard the Spirit speak to me about the colossal need for forgiveness among us.
Un-churched people are giving the book about God, the Trinity, to their churched friends saying “you need to read it!” One person asked the author this question: “How can we enter in such a deep relationship with God?” He answered simply “we cannot do it outside of entering into deep relationships with each other!” Why do I bring up this book? Because it’s main purpose is to challenge us on understanding God’s purpose of forgiveness in our lives.
Forgiveness is an obligation of tremendous significance. The Lord’s Prayer reminds us that we ask God to forgive us as we have forgiven others (Matthew 6:12) and if we do not forgive others then God does not forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15).
Now, forgiveness is more than a duty; it is an entrance into the circle of divine life. It is an expression of divine life itself. We experience the heart of God when we forgive. We know the nature of God as an insider through forgiving others.
But forgiveness is not reconciliation yet. It only takes one to forgive, but it takes two to reconcile. Forgiveness is something that happens in our souls without respect to who the offender is, what they have done, or how they feel about what they have done. Forgiveness is a gift to ourselves by the power of the Spirit who enables us to exercise the love of God in our own hearts. To forgive is to be free. To forgive is to be like God and share his love.
The “miracle” of reconciliation begins with the “miracle” of forgiveness, and it moves to change another through a relationship.
Monday night there were tears at our Board meeting, not because of what took place among the Board members, but recognizing that there is lack of forgiveness outside, in the community, where people’s hurts are crippling them emotionally to love, to smile, to laugh, to enjoy life.
Tuesday morning I was at the First Baptist church downtown with many city pastors visiting with William Paul Young, the author of THE SHACK novel, sharing the concept behind the best-seller that stirs so much controversy in religious circles. Then as I drove to a visit at 11 am, I listened him being interviewed by Shauna Rae on 1290AM. I have not read the book myself to make the judgment. But from what I heard him share, and the answers he gave to numerous questions – I heard the Spirit speak to me about the colossal need for forgiveness among us.
Un-churched people are giving the book about God, the Trinity, to their churched friends saying “you need to read it!” One person asked the author this question: “How can we enter in such a deep relationship with God?” He answered simply “we cannot do it outside of entering into deep relationships with each other!” Why do I bring up this book? Because it’s main purpose is to challenge us on understanding God’s purpose of forgiveness in our lives.
Forgiveness is an obligation of tremendous significance. The Lord’s Prayer reminds us that we ask God to forgive us as we have forgiven others (Matthew 6:12) and if we do not forgive others then God does not forgive us (Matthew 6:14-15).
Now, forgiveness is more than a duty; it is an entrance into the circle of divine life. It is an expression of divine life itself. We experience the heart of God when we forgive. We know the nature of God as an insider through forgiving others.
But forgiveness is not reconciliation yet. It only takes one to forgive, but it takes two to reconcile. Forgiveness is something that happens in our souls without respect to who the offender is, what they have done, or how they feel about what they have done. Forgiveness is a gift to ourselves by the power of the Spirit who enables us to exercise the love of God in our own hearts. To forgive is to be free. To forgive is to be like God and share his love.
The “miracle” of reconciliation begins with the “miracle” of forgiveness, and it moves to change another through a relationship.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Building the Culture of Excellence
At the table in our foyer you will find a document, four pages long, entitled “Dynamics of work to become a Prevailing Church of Jesus.” In it are the Biblical standards of excellence as recommended by our elders, reviewed by the Board of ministry directors, and advised for members of the Nominating Committee to consider as they are selecting leaders for the future of our church.
Jesus Christ dreamed of the church that would be victorious and the gates of hell would not prevail, the Prevailing Church. He was warning his disciples that the enemy would plant his tares, and they would grow until the end, until the harvest, in the field. But one should not compare the general field and the Church as the Bride, which is meant to be spotless and without wrinkles, prepared for her Husband, like an army under banners.
It is our dream to be such a church, where the culture of excellence is embraced. One thing in common is observed among churches that prevail and breakout from the cycle of status quo and mediocrity – they all have high expectations of excellence and provide high freedom for participation.
The high expectations are outlined by the compelling vision, setting the direction and destination, and the freedom is invited within parameters of the directional vision.
So, in this time of planning and strategizing for the future growth I invite you to consider 3 factors that determine our vision. These are three, because they reflect the Trinitarian Model of Ministry of co-working with Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
First there are Community Needs, very similar, if not the same for those within and without. God is the Father of us all and he cares for the needs of all His creatures.
Then there is Leadership Passion, those who are Definitely Devoted Disciples of Christ, following His example of commitment and service, leading and organizing ministries.
Finally, we must include the Spiritual Gifts, the fellowship of the Holy Spirit that connects the network of the Body, and provides support and functionality for all efforts.
Only when these three are present, then the Vision is true and will lead to meaningful ministry. Consider if your ministry has the VIP factor.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Functional Leadership process
Once every month your elders, whom the Bible qualifies as pastors-bishops, or in simple English – “nurturers-overseers,” meet together to pray for community needs, to debrief, to encourage each other, and to plan for the future directions.
It has been our practice to read through a book together. We are still working on the book “Spiritual Leadership” which we’ve started in 2007, we are just few pages away from completing the reflections. This past week we talked about contributions we each make. And one particular element was of highest importance in my mind – contribution to Organization.
While our personal contributions to people are important, and we talked about the fact that when we minister in the word through preaching, or visiting, or offering an advice, we must be intentional about people benefiting by growing, maturing, moving forward, it is by investing in our corporate organization that our influence can last and impact future generations.
Think about it – nothing is made without men, nothing lasts without institutions. The reason family exists – is to establish a future legacy, succession, continuation of name, purpose, and identity.
So, it is normal to expect that a functional organization can do more than any individuals can…. WOW! Did you get this point? If an organization has lesser influence, or can do/achieve less than any individual that is a part of this organization – then who needs such an organization? I hear often complains that the church can do this, that, or the other. But, so-and-so, if asked, will be able to.
If that’s the case – we are one dysfunctional organization. No individual, no matter how gifted, how capable, and how willing is above the community in which he lives and works. And if cases occur, where individuals use their position of trust, given by the community, to develop their personal influence – they are not contributing to the Organizational wellbeing and growth.
As we are moving into the Nominating Process, prayerfully considering the work that is needed to build up the Church of Christ, I invite you all for a time of introspection – examine the contribution you’ve made to our community, has it added value and power to the Church? Has your presence, being member of this church, added significance, legacy, and resources to this family we call Church? |Have we made people around us better? Have we made this place a better place? Examine your contribution…
It has been our practice to read through a book together. We are still working on the book “Spiritual Leadership” which we’ve started in 2007, we are just few pages away from completing the reflections. This past week we talked about contributions we each make. And one particular element was of highest importance in my mind – contribution to Organization.
While our personal contributions to people are important, and we talked about the fact that when we minister in the word through preaching, or visiting, or offering an advice, we must be intentional about people benefiting by growing, maturing, moving forward, it is by investing in our corporate organization that our influence can last and impact future generations.
Think about it – nothing is made without men, nothing lasts without institutions. The reason family exists – is to establish a future legacy, succession, continuation of name, purpose, and identity.
So, it is normal to expect that a functional organization can do more than any individuals can…. WOW! Did you get this point? If an organization has lesser influence, or can do/achieve less than any individual that is a part of this organization – then who needs such an organization? I hear often complains that the church can do this, that, or the other. But, so-and-so, if asked, will be able to.
If that’s the case – we are one dysfunctional organization. No individual, no matter how gifted, how capable, and how willing is above the community in which he lives and works. And if cases occur, where individuals use their position of trust, given by the community, to develop their personal influence – they are not contributing to the Organizational wellbeing and growth.
As we are moving into the Nominating Process, prayerfully considering the work that is needed to build up the Church of Christ, I invite you all for a time of introspection – examine the contribution you’ve made to our community, has it added value and power to the Church? Has your presence, being member of this church, added significance, legacy, and resources to this family we call Church? |Have we made people around us better? Have we made this place a better place? Examine your contribution…
Saturday, October 17, 2009
WORLD-WIDE DREAM AND VISION
Last weekend leaders of our world-wide church came together for an annual planning meeting at the General Conference. Pastor Jan Paulsen, General Conference president, underscored “our untiring, relentless commitment to engage in mission.”
I would like to highlight some statistics: by 2010, it’s anticipated that 17 million people will be baptized members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. That’s more than 14 times the 1.2 million Adventists on church rolls in 1960. More than 64,000 Adventist congregations will meet weekly by 2010, a roughly three-fold increase from 1980’s 21,555 congregations. And by 2010, it’s projected that one person out of every 405 on Earth will be a Seventh-day Adventist, up from 1 in 1,268 just 30 years earlier.
However these numbers do not correspond to two categories of world population: first in the 10/40 window, a geographical rectangle extending from West Africa, through the Middle East and into Asia, where more than 60 percent of the world's population live, and where most have not yet been reached with the Gospel message, the ratio more than quadruples to 1 in 1,736.
Secondly, in the world’s 22 largest cities, it’s more than double: there’s only one Seventh-day Adventist for every 953 people. Our city, London, is not in the top 20 world largest, just 10th in Canada, but somehow, our local statistics show similar challenges.
Challenging Adventists worldwide our leaders summed up the vision in this phrase:
“Reach Up, Out & Across”
Reaching up in worship to God, increasing Bible study, prayer and reading of the Spirit of Prophecy writings, as well as returning a faithful tithe, and support local and mission offerings, being involved in the witness of the church.
Reaching Out by getting involved in the mission of community projects, inviting and increasing the number of non-Seventh-day Adventists attending church each week.
Reaching Across by improving retention of members, nurturing members, increase the involvement of young people, and bridging all cultural gaps.
Summarizing the goals, Mark Finley, a noted Adventist evangelist and general vice president of the world church, noted asked the audience: “What pictures will be written in 2015? Managers manage what is; leaders dream of what could be. Managers are concerned with the problems of the present; leaders are concerned with the opportunities and possibilities of the future. The future never just happens; it’s created in the minds of men and women who believe that God has given them a vision for the last generation.”
I would like to highlight some statistics: by 2010, it’s anticipated that 17 million people will be baptized members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. That’s more than 14 times the 1.2 million Adventists on church rolls in 1960. More than 64,000 Adventist congregations will meet weekly by 2010, a roughly three-fold increase from 1980’s 21,555 congregations. And by 2010, it’s projected that one person out of every 405 on Earth will be a Seventh-day Adventist, up from 1 in 1,268 just 30 years earlier.
However these numbers do not correspond to two categories of world population: first in the 10/40 window, a geographical rectangle extending from West Africa, through the Middle East and into Asia, where more than 60 percent of the world's population live, and where most have not yet been reached with the Gospel message, the ratio more than quadruples to 1 in 1,736.
Secondly, in the world’s 22 largest cities, it’s more than double: there’s only one Seventh-day Adventist for every 953 people. Our city, London, is not in the top 20 world largest, just 10th in Canada, but somehow, our local statistics show similar challenges.
Challenging Adventists worldwide our leaders summed up the vision in this phrase:
“Reach Up, Out & Across”
Reaching up in worship to God, increasing Bible study, prayer and reading of the Spirit of Prophecy writings, as well as returning a faithful tithe, and support local and mission offerings, being involved in the witness of the church.
Reaching Out by getting involved in the mission of community projects, inviting and increasing the number of non-Seventh-day Adventists attending church each week.
Reaching Across by improving retention of members, nurturing members, increase the involvement of young people, and bridging all cultural gaps.
Summarizing the goals, Mark Finley, a noted Adventist evangelist and general vice president of the world church, noted asked the audience: “What pictures will be written in 2015? Managers manage what is; leaders dream of what could be. Managers are concerned with the problems of the present; leaders are concerned with the opportunities and possibilities of the future. The future never just happens; it’s created in the minds of men and women who believe that God has given them a vision for the last generation.”
Saturday, October 10, 2009
ON GIVING THANKS…
…I will praise You, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High…(Psalm 9:1-2)
“The absence of praise and thanksgiving pleases the enemy of God,” penned one of our pioneers, Ellen White. She was reflecting on another Psalm (50:23) where God says “Whoever offers praise and thanksgiving, glorifies Me!” So, how ready are you to give thanks? Will it be only this once?
This weekend in many homes will be a busy one - the smells drifting from the kitchen, the guests, the planning, maybe even gifts. It is an excellent opportunity to take time and thank people who made significant impacts in our lives.
I invite you to think about the word “gratitude” It is a combination of two words: “Grace” and “attitude.” When our attitude is transformed by Grace then we can give true thanksgiving. So, the pen of inspiration continues “Have we not every reason for changing our attitude toward God? Is it not our duty to show the world that we appreciate the love of Christ? As we produce the fruit of thanksgiving, we bear living evidence that by connection with Christ we are placed on vantage ground… He has done for His chosen people that which should inspire every heart with praise and thanksgiving; and it grieves Him that so little praise is offered. He desires to have a stronger expression of praise from His people, showing that they know they have reason for manifesting joy and gladness.” (Review & Herald, November 20, 1900)
The Hebrew word “towdah,” often translated “praise,” is better represented by word “thanksgiving.” Usually when believers are gathered together, singing is the first item to begin worship. Attending a pastors’ prayer meeting this week with pastor Rudy Alvir, I commented to him how differently he group begins the worship time – simply by offering thanks to God, taking turns telling out-loud what we are thankful for. I invite you this weekend, as you get at your tables, praise God by telling what you are thankful for. And, there is another dimension to that Hebrew word, for which we would have to invent a new word in English – “thanksdoing.” After you thank god for what He has done, consider what you can do to make this “giving of Grace grow.”
“The absence of praise and thanksgiving pleases the enemy of God,” penned one of our pioneers, Ellen White. She was reflecting on another Psalm (50:23) where God says “Whoever offers praise and thanksgiving, glorifies Me!” So, how ready are you to give thanks? Will it be only this once?
This weekend in many homes will be a busy one - the smells drifting from the kitchen, the guests, the planning, maybe even gifts. It is an excellent opportunity to take time and thank people who made significant impacts in our lives.
I invite you to think about the word “gratitude” It is a combination of two words: “Grace” and “attitude.” When our attitude is transformed by Grace then we can give true thanksgiving. So, the pen of inspiration continues “Have we not every reason for changing our attitude toward God? Is it not our duty to show the world that we appreciate the love of Christ? As we produce the fruit of thanksgiving, we bear living evidence that by connection with Christ we are placed on vantage ground… He has done for His chosen people that which should inspire every heart with praise and thanksgiving; and it grieves Him that so little praise is offered. He desires to have a stronger expression of praise from His people, showing that they know they have reason for manifesting joy and gladness.” (Review & Herald, November 20, 1900)
The Hebrew word “towdah,” often translated “praise,” is better represented by word “thanksgiving.” Usually when believers are gathered together, singing is the first item to begin worship. Attending a pastors’ prayer meeting this week with pastor Rudy Alvir, I commented to him how differently he group begins the worship time – simply by offering thanks to God, taking turns telling out-loud what we are thankful for. I invite you this weekend, as you get at your tables, praise God by telling what you are thankful for. And, there is another dimension to that Hebrew word, for which we would have to invent a new word in English – “thanksdoing.” After you thank god for what He has done, consider what you can do to make this “giving of Grace grow.”
Saturday, October 3, 2009
REIMAGINING THE LORD’S SUPPER
The most visible and profound way in which the community gives evidence to its fellowship is the common meal, sitting together at the table. Even as we do “Guess Who’s coming to dinner” so is the Lord’s Supper reveals who is really a member of this family. People who are of Christ cannot be separate. We are bought by one blood, we are adopted into one family, and we sit together at the Table, celebrating this unity.
The Lord’s Supper embodies the major features of the Christian life. the broken bread points us to the humanity of Jesus. The bread, being the most basic and lowly of all foods, points to the humility and availability of our Lord, accessible to both, poor and rich.
Both, crushed wheat and pressed grape, represent death. And also a resurrection, as a seed watered dies to grow and produce more. At early Christian suppers there was one loaf. Paul writes: “Because there is one leaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf!” (1st Corinthians 10:17)
Shared memories are part of what make up a people. By sharing a set of memories, people groups gain a sense of identity and belonging. A shared meal is a venue for sharing memories, and establishing new ones. You remember who you dined together with.
Just like next week’s Thanksgiving will be marked by new memories of families coming together, friends visiting and dining together, so is this Lord’s Supper – is a memory to share. But it gives much more – it cements our lives together.
It is also a Covenant meal, a binding agreement between participating parties. In the Old Testament times every covenant was sealed by a meal shared together. At this table, the Lord’s Supper, small portions they may be, just appetizers for the future Wedding Supper of the Lamb in heaven, we are sealing our covenant with each other to love one another.
If the baptism is an initiation into Christian faith, the Lord’s Supper is a reaffirmation of our initial commitment to Christ, and a reaffirmation of our new identity in the family of God.
Welcome to the Family Table today!
The Lord’s Supper embodies the major features of the Christian life. the broken bread points us to the humanity of Jesus. The bread, being the most basic and lowly of all foods, points to the humility and availability of our Lord, accessible to both, poor and rich.
Both, crushed wheat and pressed grape, represent death. And also a resurrection, as a seed watered dies to grow and produce more. At early Christian suppers there was one loaf. Paul writes: “Because there is one leaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all partake of the one loaf!” (1st Corinthians 10:17)
Shared memories are part of what make up a people. By sharing a set of memories, people groups gain a sense of identity and belonging. A shared meal is a venue for sharing memories, and establishing new ones. You remember who you dined together with.
Just like next week’s Thanksgiving will be marked by new memories of families coming together, friends visiting and dining together, so is this Lord’s Supper – is a memory to share. But it gives much more – it cements our lives together.
It is also a Covenant meal, a binding agreement between participating parties. In the Old Testament times every covenant was sealed by a meal shared together. At this table, the Lord’s Supper, small portions they may be, just appetizers for the future Wedding Supper of the Lamb in heaven, we are sealing our covenant with each other to love one another.
If the baptism is an initiation into Christian faith, the Lord’s Supper is a reaffirmation of our initial commitment to Christ, and a reaffirmation of our new identity in the family of God.
Welcome to the Family Table today!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)