His Face Showing Through (remix)

This Sunday's sermon really appealed to me. Ben Stuart did an outstanding job of going through Colossians 1:24-29. My Bible entitles this passage "Paul's Labor for the Church".

I ended up taking notes in prose-fashion so I thought I would share it here:

Either by craze or by cause
Living with purpose
But when purpose introduces pain
Do you see joy in it?
Rejoice in suffering
I have a cause
That's worth living for
Worth dying for
This is why I live
Two voices we give
An unreserved yes to
Authority
Love
The glorious riches of the mystery
God willed to make known
Once in the dark
Now in the light
Unknown made know
Not just the content
But the beauty of the passion
The story being told
Not knowledge or teaching
But the story of the good news
The gospel
Looking for hope
Save me!
The passions of our heart
Satisfied
The continuing work of Jesus Christ


All for now,
Lisa

After All, Who Dreams in Narrative?

I’ve been pondering the topic of theology a little more lately (see previous post on reasons why). I've found out that the word, theology, comes from the Greek word theologia (“Say any word and I'll tell you how the root of that word is Greek”, Gus Portokalos – My Big Fat Greek Wedding) which stems from the Greek theos, "God", + logos, "word" or "reason"). It doesn’t necessarily reference specifically-Christian theology; for there is theology for every type of religion.

I don’t believe there is anything wrong with Christian theology… so long as you don’t hang your salvation/sanctification hat on it. Meaning, I want to make sure to put first things first. God and His errant Word as the primary means of learning about God and theology as a way to formulate thoughts – making sure test each and every theological thought against the true light of God’s Word. What I do believe is really good about theology is that it can firm up my faith by building relationships between concepts and ideas that I had not seen before.

I’m reminded of what Paul said at the end of 1 Cor 13 (v. 12 "Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."). I even love the KJV best (v. 12 "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."). I think Rich Mullins said it best a while back, "I think if we were given the Scriptures, it was not so that we could prove that we were right about everything. If we were given the Scriptures, it was to humble us into realizing that God is right, and the rest of us are just guessing.")

Theology may be good, but we’re still guessing. Only the Bible contains the absolute, correct, non-negotiable answers. So, if theology can help me see God more clearly, I’m up for it. If I use it instead of studying the Bible or praying, then I want nothing of it. But clearly, it’s up to me how to use it.

Now, let me speak a little bit about my thoughts on using theology as a means of evangelism. I’ve often heard that no one will be reasoned into the salvation - God’s saving grace. I completely agree with this. A recent Our Daily Bread sums it up nicely… “Faith bridges chasms that reason cannot fathom.” My heart has never been won by reason… perhaps my mind, but my heart requires more than mere logic. Bottom line: the requirement of evangelism is to simply be obedient in proclaiming the gospel (the “good news”) of who Christ is and what Christ has done for me. I don't see anywhere in the Bible where God calls us to formulate a theology and profess it. When the Lord moves, He will make it unmistakable -- with a heart/head connection (a big picture, if you will). I’ll leave you with this scripture from Acts 16:11-14.

Lydia's Conversion in Philippi
From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the
next day on to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and
the leading city of that district of Macedonia. And we stayed there several
days. On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we
expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and began to speak to the women
who had gathered there. One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer
in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord
opened her heart to respond to Paul's message.

I hope I haven't stirred up too much of a hornet's nest, for I know a discussion on theology can annoy some and invite others to strongly defend their position. I invite you to explore this with me -- in a way that leaves us all a little better and with a better understanding of who God is and what He has done for us. So, what do you think? One thing: this forum should be a safe place for us to share. I love you all.

All for now,
Lisa

Use It or Lose It!

Sometimes the oddest things will wake you up to something. Two different incidences, totally unrelated to one other, woke me up to the fact that my walk with Christ was suffering. Why has my walk weakened? I won't say I've gotten busy, because that really hasn't changed; I've pretty much stayed busy. What did happen is that my priorities changed... very subtly, but markedly. I haven't been spending the same time in the Word that I had. What's worse, is that my desire had waned. However, the good news is that God can use anything to call us back. I thank Him for that.

First incident: my friend, Stephen Statham, very graciously gave me two CD's... both of recent Water's Edge classes. Just the fact that he so willingly gave them to me stirred me a bit. And then listening to them (I've only gotten half-way through the first one) woke me to the sleep within.

For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

Ephesians 5:14

The second was a good discussion about theology I had with another friend, Byron Richey. I've never been that interested in theology, in favor of spending my time more experientially with Christ and my study more focused on the Bible; however, this recent discussion spurred me on, and has motivated me to study. The fire has been relit!

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.

Hebrews 10:24

Well, I can feel my strength is gaining. Thanks be to God!

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

All for now,
Lisa