*paradox, fear, trembling, and real living as those who ARE BEING SAVED

I Cor 1:18-25


For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles. But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.


Living as those who have been saved plunges us headlong into the mystery of paradoxical living. How is it that we can be saved by God’s own doing but still find ourselves in a world (and often a life) that seems so broken? Does this world really look like it has been saved? Do I really look like I have been saved? It must be that either I am not saved, or the whole Christ saving the world thing is a cruel joke?

The scripture above speaks of those who have heard (and proclaim) the gospel as people who are in the process of being saved. That, which has been done to us, and for us, in Christ, sets us free on a journey of Spirit-led determined discovery, eye opening experience, and transformational living. Through what Christ has done, we enter into a life of becoming and being.

As we live this paradoxical existence of having been saved (in past tense) and being saved (in the present tense), the Apostle Paul tells us that we are to work out or salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2).

And all the while we stake our lives on the absurdity that God would allow himself to be mocked, tortured, and crucified by humanity. “Foolishness, certainly an all powerful God would never allow that to happen” the wise say. “Oh but in the end Jesus will have the last laugh and plunge the last sword” the devout rage.

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

real living

with fear and trembling

for all

of

us

* dancing and skipping as those who HAVE BEEN SAVED

Ephesians 2:4-10

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

On this side of the empty tomb we are assured that we have been saved. Our salvation is a COMPLETED ACT in Christ. Through faith, we lay claim that our salvation is an accomplished act that was completed solely by Christ in his work on the cross. Scripture like the one above attest to God’s action and our passivity in this accomplishment.

But it is at this juncture that our passivity comes to an end and our activity becomes pointed and passionate. God’s action on our behalf comes with a purpose, that we should reflect God’s love in good works that have been prepared in advance for us to carry out. It is for this purpose that we have been created. This translation invites us to “walk” in these good works.

I don’t think God would be offended. I think it would be okay if we danced, and ran, and hopped, and skipped in these good works instead?

barabbas

Barabbas is a fictional novel written by Par Lagerkvist about the life of Barabbas (the actual person for whom Jesus died) after the resurrection. The book won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1951 and is really a parable about the life that is lived by those for whom Christ died. In the end, Barabbas, by a twist of fate and his own doing, finds himself crucified with a group of Christians:

“And so they were led out to be crucified. They were chained together in pairs, and, as they were not an even number, Barabbas came last in the procession, not chained to anyone. It just turned out like that. In this way, too, it happened that he hung furthest out in the rows of crosses.

A large crowd had collected, and it was a long time before it was all over. But the crucified spoke consolingly and hopefully to each other the whole time. To Barabbas nobody spoke.

When dusk fell the spectators had already gone home, tired of standing there any longer. And besides, by that time the crucified were all dead.

Only Barabbas was left hanging there alone, still alive. When he felt death approaching, that which he had always been so afraid of, he said out into the darkness, as though he were speaking to it:

---To thee I deliver up my soul.

And then he gave up the ghost.”

he is risen

But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. 5 And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” 8 And they remembered his words, 9 and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 Now it was Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James and the other women with them who told these things to the apostles, 11 but these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them. 12 But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened.

death on a friday afternoon

“Father, forgive them, they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

“This day you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43

“Woman, behold your son.” John 19:26-27

”My God, my God, why have your forsaken me?” Mark 15:34; Matthew 27:46

“I thirst.” John 19:28

“It is finished.” John 19:30

“Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.” Luke 23:46

footwashing

We call this evening Maundy Thursday which is rooted in the new mandate that Jesus gives us to love one another in John chapter 13. Click here to visit Wiki for a pretty good summary of the history of Maundy Thursday.

This evening we also remember Jesus and the manner in which he washed his disciple's feet as an example of service and love. Click here to visit a website with some amazing artwork depicting Jesus and his footwashing.

they can be like a sun

They can be like the sun, words.

They can do for the heart

what light can

for a field.




St John of the Cross
1542-1591

mission outposts

One thing that I love about Catholic churches, particularly in Arizona, California, and Mexico, is the way that these buildings sit with their doors wide open, welcoming any and all who happen by. There is something very spiritual about walking into a centuries old mission church that has been an outpost for Christ’s message of love and redemption for so long. Click here to see the amazing history of this outpost for Christ that has celebrated over 400 Easters!

living as the saved

As we move into holy week and consider our Lenten journey, we turn to think about our own lives in relation to the work of Christ- giving his life in order that we may have a life of freedom. What kind of life are we living? When we look back at life’s end, will we be able to tell each other we have lived a good life that is worthy of the one who died in order that we may live?

This scene from Saving Private Ryan depicts Ryan as he visits the grave of one of the men who has given his life in Ryan’s stead. Ryan’s entire life has been lived in relation to this man who has died in his place.

peter mayer: holy now

This is an absolutely amazing song.

what would jesus do with a hummer?

This series of videos is pretty good humor as we look at ourselves as the church.

amen

kid rock- rockin with Jesus in his heart

I have to tell you that I am not a Kid Rock fan. Not for any particular reason, he is just not someone whose music really resonates with me. I must be getting old. This video has me second guessing however (not my aging mind you).

Anyway, It is worth the time to read what Kelly Fryer posted about Kid Rock's upcoming tour and watch the video posted above.

Note to Kid- You don't "send your kids to church," you bring them into a Christ-centered community that will embrace them and teach them about God's love and their call to extend that love into the world.

Perhaps part of our problem is the fact that we are "sending our children to church" instead of doing the hard work as adults of being communities rooted in Christ's radical call to love our neighbor beyond measure.

new monasticism

Click here to check out Church of the Apostles, a new urban church that has emerged out of the Lutheran tradition in the Seattle area.

I'm a Christ Follower (Mac vs. PC Parody) Part 02

Here is a comment that was posted about this video parody:

"This video shows me how Christianity, little by little, is becoming the religion it claims not to be.

Don't get me wrong, I, myself am a christian. However, I feel that many of us have forgotten how to be ordinary, everyday people. I think if we learned to be "Christ Followers" more than "Christians", then there's a good possibility that people will want to get to know the Christ that lives in us, and want to know him for themselves."

Food for thought as we engage the world: in the name of Christ, or as one who follows him, or as a disciple, or as a Christian. The name we use to describe ourself is not near as important as the life we live in relation to those we encounter along the way.

who are these spirited musicians?

loans that change lives

Have you heard of Kiva and the work that they are doing connecting people with means to people with needs? Click here to check this site out and consider the implications for the ushering in of God's kingdom....

Lord, when did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink?

Perhaps on March 22nd?

seven habits of highly ineffective churches

Here is an article that was sent to me by a friend that was written by an author named Anthony Robinson that affords us the opportunity to laugh at ourselves and also to TURN and change.

ON THE THEORY that a capacity to laugh at ourselves and our foibles is good for the soul, I recently wrote a piece for use in my own denomination, the United Church of Christ, called "The Seven Habits of Highly Ineffective Churches."
I suspect it can be generalized, with some mental editing, to temples, synagogues and other religious congregations.

Tongue in cheek, here it is:

1. Elevate mediocrity to a spiritual discipline. Figure out where average falls and aim below there. Doing things with excellence, joy and flair may make someone uncomfortable. God doesn't really expect much anyhow.

2. Take no risks. A successful practice of risk avoidance is often best achieved by sending any and all new ideas to a minimum of four boards or committees who understand it's their role to say no to any new ideas. This process may need to be reinforced by remarks noting how a particular idea might make the church liable, cost money or ruffle feathers.

3. Practice the following evangelism strategy: "If they want us, they know where to find us." Assume that everyone does know where you are and what you are. It also can be helpful if your building looks like a medieval fortress. If you don't have that going for you, encourage ushers and greeters to look like palace guards as they perform their role.

4. Blame early and often. Maintaining dysfunction in a congregation is made easier if scapegoats are regularly identified. In some congregations, ministers make wonderful scapegoats. You may also blame "newcomers," or "people who don't understand how we do things in this church." If all else fails, blame the conference, the denomination or Satan.

5. Always be prepared to make an account of the excuses that are within you. Have an all-purpose excuse such as, "I've just been so busy" (elaborate at great length just how busy you are, implying that no one else is busy). Occasionally try out a creative new excuse, such as, "Our dog ate the printer-ink cartridge and required an emergency appendectomy. He is now very busy, too."

6. Make it clear to all that the job of the pastor(s) and staff is to keep everyone, meaning church members, happy. Think of your church as the "Love Boat" and the pastor as the cruise director and activity planner. The job of clergy and staff members is to keep everyone on board happy. If someone is unhappy, it's a sure sign your pastor is not doing the job.

7. Spend as little money as possible. Even though you may enjoy spending money on personal things like a car or a cruise, you can demonstrate your commitment to modesty and simple lifestyle at church. The very best programs cost nothing. And why would your church building need renovation? If it was good enough for your grandparents, it'll be good enough for your grandchildren.

The other half and literally the flip side of the booklet is, "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Churches." But we'll save those tips for another time.

Churches, temples and synagogues have a high calling -- to deepen the spiritual lives of their members. And yet they are very human institutions beset by human foibles and, yes, sin. In this, of course, they are not unlike other voluntary groups, companies and other institutions. Sometimes it's good to laugh at these things.

What's even better than laughing at our foibles are the countless people in congregations who, despite frustrations and challenges, continue to work and serve with flair, courage and good humor. Such wonderful people manage to remind us all of the grace and love that often go unseen or are taken for granted in our various communities of faith.

After all, it's no great thing to be active and engaged when everything is going swimmingly. It is a great thing when people persist when frustration is real and change of ineffective habits is slow in coming. Hats off to those who persist!

changing landscape part ii

From 1990 to 2000 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America grew by 26,431 members in the greater Mpls/St. Paul metro area. This represents a growth rate of 6.8 percent over the ten-year period. This is in many ways quite concerning when we consider that the population for the metro area grew at 16.9 percent and the growth rate across all faith communities was 11.8 percent.

But considering that 9 of the 11 mainline protestant denominations decreased in membership at an average decline of 16.9 percent, the ELCA would seem to be doing a better job than its mainline counterparts in at least retaining its own members.

Or consider this: 56.5 percent of the population of the MSP metro is reported as adherents compared to 91 percent in Jackson County in rural SW Minnesota or to only 37 percent adherents in Seattle or Portland.

The religious landscape is indeed changing at a rapid rate right here in the heart of Lutherandom. Click here to visit an interesting site with everything you would like to know about demographics and adherents to particular faith traditions.

connecting people who care with people in need

Check out these two sites that are trying to connect people who have skills and a passion to help others with people who are in need of help. Ark Alimghty was introduced in conjunction with the movie Evan Almighty. Favorville is modeled after Craig’s list in the manner that it connects people.

be the music

I am
a hole in a flute
that the Christ's breath moves through-
listen to this
music.




The longing to live a life that is a creative and spirit-filled expression of Christ's love in the world has been on the human heart for nearly two thousand years since his disciples found an empty tomb and encountered a risen Lord. This poetic expression is from Hafiz, a Persian poet from the 14th century.

a deeper well within

Click here to visit an organization that we lifted up last fall as we considered our responsibility to the global community in response to Christ's invitation to meet him as we give water to the thirsty in Matthew chapter 25. Let the living water flow...

share the well

The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Jesus, to the Samaritan woman at the well

buzz said the bee, luv said JC

How do we act intelligently and with common purpose in community? How do we collectively determine the most advantageous plan of action within a Christ-centered spiritually discerning missional community?

Martin Luther would suggest that the work of Christ allows us to regain our proper creaturehood in relationship to God. If our creaturehood is restored in Christ, then perhaps our organization should become more organic and creature like?

“Simple creatures following simple rules [like maybe a rule of love?], each one acting on local information…with complex behavior coordinated by relatively simple interactions…”

Check out this article on swarm theory and the way that its premise (and promise) may influence spirit led missional engagement in the world.

"I was a stranger and you welcomed me..."

One of the mandates from Christ in Matthew chapter 25 is to welcome the stranger. Click here to view an organization that is welcoming the stranger, sees the changing landscape of North American culture, and is working to expand the kingdom through the tough work of crossing cultural boundaries.

capturing imagination

There are some creative ideas that capture our imagination so fully that you cannot help but see God's fingerprints all over them. Click here to visit an organization that impacts the world and lays hold of your imagination.