Fluency

Romans 2:1-5 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who do such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. (ESV)

God’s grace is amazing—beyond what any hymn can state.

Living a grace filled life has at least two sides.

First, learning to accept and appreciate God’s grace toward us.

A grace that is abundant—it can’t be exhausted.
A grace that extends and covers all our weaknesses and sins.
A grace that guarantees love and acceptance in spite of our failings.
A grace that comforts us with the truth we can do nothing to make God love us less—nor can we do anything to make Him love us more.

Amazing, Astounding, Awesome—Actual Grace.

But second, learning to live a grace filled life requires us to look at others and live with others with grace. To extend to others the same spirit of grace that God extends to us

A grace that is abundant—that doesn’t count the wrongs committed (Matthew 18:21-35), that keeps no record of wrong. (1 Corinthians 13:5)
A grace that extends and covers weakness and sin—for love covers a multitude of sins. (1 Peter 4:8)
A grace that guarantees love and acceptance in spite of our failings—for we all stumble in many ways. (James 3:2)
A grace that comforts others with the truth that God’s love doesn’t change and we will remain faithful.

If we don’t live grace filled lives we are treating God grace, love, kindness, mercy and patients with contempt.

It’s like say to God—I only value you and your character when it is applied to me. That reminds me of Jonah after God forgave a repentant Nineveh.

Jonah 4:1-2 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. 2 And he prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. (ESV)

Notices verse 3. Jonah makes a great statement about the character of God being gracious, merciful, slow to anger, steadfast in love and relenting of punishment—awesome, amazing grace. But to Jonah that was negative because it was a grace displayed towards someone else.

May we live grace filled lives that extend the grace we have been sown, liberally on others.

May we be patient, kind, and merciful to those who disagree with us and with those who dress differently than we do. To those who annoy us or interfere with our plans or want to consume our time, may we extend grace and love.

May the church be grace filled.

Romans 3:21-26 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (ESV)

Martin Luther claimed that this section was “the chief point, and the very central place of the Epistle, and of the whole Bible.”
That may be overstated, but it does point out how signification this section is.

Paul transition form the problem of sin, which affects all mankind, to the possibility and promise of a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

While some have seen from 5 to 13 different metaphors in Scripture to explain what was accomplished for us by Christ on the cross—the process, provision and pattern of salvation—in this one short passage Paul covers three primary concepts.

These three concepts help us understand some of the wonder, beauty, depth, breath and fullness of our salvation.

What wonderful truths. Leads to WOW! Wonder of Wonders.
Praise the Lord for His so great salvation.

Since most people probably use a blog reader (I use Google Reader) to access multiple blogs, I don’t normally “re-post” what others are saying.  But out of the 20 or so blogs I browse I do come across some interesting material.

Today I want to “re-post” a couple

 http://gospeldrivenchurch.blogspot.com/2007/08/seeker-vs-missional.html

I’m no so much interested in the distinction between seeker and missional, but the focus on every believer actively involved within their relationship circles making a difference for Christ. This requires relationships first.  Second, it require intentional relationships.  And third, it require clear purpose which drives our use of time.

This was also in the above blog, but I had trouble linking to it

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lex6orNNzTs

I believe the points Mark is making in this video clip are not something we ever talk about–but should.

The church we had the opportunity to serve and serve with in the Dominican Republic just experienced a lose. A young man (early 30s) who was a part of the leadership team of the church passed away on Sunday.

He became suddenly ill the second day we were in the DR. After several days of inconclusive tests he was moved to the capital for more tests. It took 2 more weeks before a diagnosis. A tumor in his lungs–cancer. After it was determined the cancer had spread and there was nothing that could be done medically, he was released. He passed into the presence of the Lord less than two days later.

The young man didn’t have much family (he was engaged to be married) but the church was his family.

They were with him throughout the time in hospital–each day several would make the hour long trip to spend time with him. He didn’t have insurance–the church (though not having much) took his expenses as their expenses. When he was home, the church family was beside him the whole time, feeding, caring, singing and praying.

That is a great example of what the church should be–not an organization but a family. A caring community of people dedicated to the Lord and committed to each other.

We spend two weeks serving in the Dominican Republic with 30 others from Calvary Church.

It was a joy to see God work and being part of what a local church in the DR is trying to do it reach their community.

The issue of “relevance” seems to be a two-edged sword.

On the one had, who doesn’t want to be relevant?

Relevant can mean–having sensible or logical connection with something–like that which is currently being discussed. And the church should be part of the conversation.

Relevant can also mean–having some bearing on or importance for real-world issues, present-day events, or the current state of society. And the church should be making an impact in the real world.

But do we sacrifice our uniqueness–our mission in the world, when we seek to be like the world?

John the Baptist and Jesus were both part of the conversation. They had the most important message, one that was very much needed, real and could change society. (See Matthew 11:1-19)

But they approached society in very different ways.

John was unique in is dress, diet, and desert seclusion.

Jesus was unique because of his birth (but so was John but no as miraculous), his person (so was John but not so majestic), his power, his authority and his mission.

John led a life separate from the world. Jesus lived in the midst of the world–even with (or especially) among those with the greatest physical and spiritual need.

John was criticized for being different.

Jesus was criticized for being like the world.

But there were very much like.

Their first message–”repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”

The reaction of the crowd–flocked to them and confessed their sins.

Their message to the religious elite, the hypocrites–condemnation.

Their character–unblemished, blameless (though they were accused), authentic, real.

Their allegiance–total submission to God.

So what does this say about relevance and the church?

1) that character and mission are more important than mode

2) that there is more than one way to impact society

3) that the message should not be compromised

4) that seeking approval from the world is not the goal

5) that seeking isolation from the world is not the goal

6) that religious hypocrisy should not be tolerated

7) that while the things of God should be accessible to all, they demand our all

8 ) God is always relevant

9) the Gospel is relevant to all, in all societies, at all times

And probably many more.

The point–as Ed Stetzer as has said, relevance is a tool not the goal.

The point–character, mission and message should not be compromised in order to make the “church” relevant.

The key–the gospel of Jesus Christ, proclaimed with clarity and passion by lives lived authentically and with compassion for the glory of God.

One of the reasons I went on the Dominican Republic Missions Trip was because I could go with my whole family. It was a student ministries trip so both boys could have meaningful active roles and Mary Anne and I could also have significant roles.

I would highly recommend to anyone who wants to grow in their Fluency with God’s Word in life’s situations, to look for an opportunity to minister with their family.

On our trip (as with all upper level student ministry trips) the focus was not only on the activities we went to do, but on “training for life. ” I developed a devotional plan for all to use in the mornings (sometimes we did it as a team).  And in the evenings we had the opportunity to worship and study 1 John together.

As a teacher who spends most of his time teaching adults in environments that my family is not involved in, it was great to be in an in depth study together.

We also had “man talks” in which we talked to the students (guys) about leadership and relationships. It was great to have others speaking into the life of my kids (both other leaders and other older students).

And as a couple, though we each had different roles, it was great to see God work through my wife. Most of the ministries she is involved in, other than our small group, are in environments that I am not involved in. In previous ministries (smaller) we had the opportunity to do more ministry together. So it was fun to watch ladies fall in love with my wife and for her to be able to encourage and counsel. And she did a great job as “doctor Mom” to the whole team.

I spend two of the last three weeks in the Dominican Republic on a missions trip with 22 students and 5 other leaders.

Some observations.

The church we went to serve with in the Dominican Republic has done a wonderful job of training leaders. They have a group of 22 leaders that serve as the core team. I had the privilege to engage in deep conversations with the two primary leaders (Senior Pastor and Worship Pastor) and 4 of their young leaders.

First, this part of the trip was a highlight for me, though it was not “part of our task.”

The conversations with the young men ranged from specific theological questions, questions on individual passages, general church ministry questions and relationship questions. How fun is that!

During these conversation I was struck with how hungry the men are to learn and what the church is doing to provide them a means of learning and growing. I had to wonder, with all our resources (material and money) are we as hungry? Are we providing enough to challenge and grow leaders?

I was also struck with the simplicity of life–not just poverty, but the priority the people give to the ministry of the church and therefore eliminate items that interfere with their ability to minister. The four young leaders I was talking to were involved every night of the week expect Monday. And they chose to use Monday to play basketball as an outreach.

Much of this commitment is a result of a willingness to submit to spiritual leadership.  To allow the leaders to set a direction and being committed to it.

And just as it would here, that causes tension. Most of the young leaders are working jobs that give them flexibility to do ministry, but therefore not much money. This causes a tension since several are looking at the potential of marriage and need to be able to support there families (in an area with 40% unemployment).

So, a church with good leaders and a very successful ministry (outreach, compassion, discipleship) is going to be facing a number of issues that come with success, growth, cultural change, new and more leaders.

Though cultures are different, churches face many of the same issues.