Methodist Corner

My Blog has Moved, You Will Be Redirected in 5 Seconds.

2006-06-30T13:30:00.000-07:00

It's now located at http://www.methodistcorner.net

Invitation to Join

2006-05-17T11:48:00.000-07:00

If your interested in joining an email discussion list concerning all things UMC, then stop by Aldersgate1 at Yahoo Groups.
From the group description...

"This Group is a forum for members and friends of the United Methodist Church who wish to discuss our beliefs and traditions."

Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/aldersgate1

What's Your Eschatology

2006-04-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

This "What's Your Eschatology" quiz has been around for several months, but I just now had the opportunity to take it. No suprises here, although I must confess, I've studied eschatology just enough to consider myself a staunch pan-millenialist. Meaning I believe it will all "pan-out" in the end. It is fun though, to "wrestle" with the deeper meaning of God's word. Some would say that it's better just to leave those "deeper" things to God and find out the answers on the other side of eternity. I however, would rather think that any question that brings us closer to knowing who God is, as limited as that "knowing" may be, is a question worth asking. Anyway, here are my results...

You scored as Amillenialist. Amillenialism believes that the 1000 year reign is not literal but figurative, and that Christ began to reign at his ascension. People take some prophetic scripture far too literally in your view.

Amillenialist

100%

Preterist

85%

Moltmannian Eschatology

75%

Postmillenialist

75%

Premillenialist

10%

Dispensationalist

Left Behind

What's your eschatology?
created with QuizFarm.com

If you're interested, here are some definitions that might be helpful.

Eschatology literally means the study of the eschaton, the times of the end, 'last things', or 'end times.

Amillennialism is the teaching that there is no literal 1000 year reign of Christ as referenced in Revelation 20. It sees the 1000 year period spoken of in Revelation 20 as figurative. Instead, it teaches that we are in the millennium now, and that at the return of Christ (1 Thess. 4:16 - 5:2) there will be the final judgment and the heavens and the earth will then be destroyed and remade (2 Pet. 3:10).

Preterism is a variant of Christian eschatology which deals with the position of past-fulfilment of the Last Days (or End Times) prophecies in varying degrees. The term preterism is derived from the word preterite, or past perfect tense; it also has its roots in the Latin word præter, meaning "past." Adherents of Preterism are known as Preterists.

Partial preterism is a form of Christian eschatology that holds much in common with but is distinct from Full preterism (or 'consistent' or 'hyper' preterism) in that it places the events of most of the Book of Revelation as occurring during the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD (and/or Rome several centuries later) yet still affirms an orthodox future bodily return of Christ to earth at an unknown day and hour. Partial preterism sees Matthew 24, the Book of Daniel and most of the Book of Revelation (besides its last 2 or 3 chapters) as speaking about events no later than the first century AD, and about a coming of Christ in judgement not the (second, final and bodily) coming of Christ.

Postmillennialism in Christian eschatology is an interpretation of chapter 20 of the Book of Revelation which sees Christ's second coming as occurring after or post- the thousand year "millennium".

Premillennialism in Christian eschatology is the interpretation of chapter 20 of the Book of Revelation in the Bible which sees Christ's second coming as occurring before or pre- his literal thousand year reign on earth which some envision to be centred literally on King David's throne in Jerusalem.

Dispensationalism is a method of interpreting the Bible that divides history into distinct eras or "dispensations" in which God deals with man in a distinctive way and, in some cases, in which God's ethical standards change.

Filed In:

Theology

UM Action Briefing - Winter 2006

2006-03-30T06:41:00.000-08:00

Read the latest UMAction Briefing from the Institute on Religion
and Democracy.

Contents:

Judeo-Christian Standard for Lake Junaluska is Rejected
UM Judicial Council Was Correct
UM Lobbyist Attacks President Bush
Missions Agency Defends Secular Political Grants
Wesley Professor Addresses Pro-Life Service
Bouknight Declares Bright Future for UMC
UM Evangelism Professor Describes Church Growth

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The Holiness Manifesto

2006-03-27T10:26:00.000-08:00

An article in Christianity Today highlights "The Holiness Manifesto". Could this be a blueprint for churches today?

"In February, the top leaders of ten historic Holiness denominations released a theological manifesto to rearticulate their key doctrines for today."

Could it be that a return to the teaching of "holiness of heart and life" espoused by our founder, John Wesley, is just what we need to turn around the seemingly unstoppable exodus of members from our mainline churches?

Considering this recent quote from an article by the United Methodist News Service, it is obvious that we are in desperate need of change.

"There is one number in our denomination which keeps going up,' Coyner said. 'It is the percentage of churches that did not receive even one person as a new member by profession of faith, a number that is now up to 43 percent.

'If there is any number in our denomination that is steadily growing, that is it, and it is causing all kinds of other numbers to decline, including our ability to stand before God and say we are doing a good job in making disciples.' "

Links:

U.S. Churches Face Crisis, Discipleship Leaders Say - UMNS
The Holiness Manifesto - Christianity Today Magazine

Filed In:

Theology

Ok, I Admit It. I'm Scared.

2006-03-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

Actually, TERRIFIED is more like it. What do you do when you find yourself face to face with fear? I know what your thinking. "Where's your faith brother?" Well, that's the exact question I'm hoping you'll help me answer. How do you find you're faith when confronted with the possibility that deep within you lurks a sniveling coward who's greatest wish is to remain hidden within the dark recesses of your seldom visited past?

I think I know how Moses must have felt when God told him to return to Egypt. Here Moses is, standing in the very presence of God, witnessing what can only be described as a miracle - "The Burning Bush", and still finds room for doubt. "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" Moses asks. At this point, you'd think it wouldn't matter what you thought of yourself. God says "Go", so go. What more do you need?

I ask myself that question. "What more do I need?" But, unlike Moses, I haven't had that "burning bush" experience. Or have I? You see, in the dark recesses of my being, where the "sniveling coward" waits, there appears to be something invading his space. It is just a tiny pin-prick of brilliant white light. There! Hovering in the darkness... I'll cover it with my thumb... That doesn't help... It seems to know my very thoughts, anticipates my every action... This way, that way, it moves just enough to evade my fumbling... Is it growing? No, that can't be. STOP, NO, they'll see me. They can't see me. What will they think. They'll know me for who and what I really am. But what does it matter? He sees me, He knows me, but in spite of it all, has chosen me anyway. Should I surrender? Give in to the intruder? I can't, but I must. It's death, but it's life.

Jesus said "I have come as light into the world, so that everyone who believes in me should not remain in the darkness." (Joh 12:46)

So, what is it that I'm afraid of? Terrified of?
Moving. That's it. Moving. My wife and I feel that God is leading us to Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky. That would mean leaving our small Mississippi hometown and moving 481 miles away. I know it's not that far, but for me, it might as well be on the other side of the planet. Mississippi has been my home for thirty-three of my thirty-six years. I have a good job that pays well, a nice home, and family nearby. I'm comfortable, I'm content, what could God possibly want with me?

God almighty, what in the world are You thinking? I can't do this. You're asking me to leave the only home I've ever known, drag my children away from their family and friends, and ask my wife to do the same. I thought I had given You everthing you wanted. Who knew You'd ask for my life as well? But that's exactly what you're asking for isn't it?

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever. Amen. I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
(Rom 11:36,12:1)

Please pray for us.

Filed In:

Personal

Graduate Student Kicked Out of Internship Based on Religious Beliefs

2006-02-23T11:10:00.000-08:00

An online article on the Pacific Justice Institute website reports another obvious example of anti-Christian sentiment in the secular workplace. The article states...

CSULB ordered Ms. Escobar to sign a document admitting that she had “an inability to separate her religious beliefs from her role as a[n] . . . Intern.” She was also directed to refrain from sharing her faith, even during breaks and after work hours.

Would someone please tell me how it's possible to seperate yourself from your beliefs, especially religious beliefs. Aren't our beliefs an expression of who we are? To seperate yourself from your beliefs would be to fundamentally alter your character. That's not to say that your beliefs can't change or evolve, but as they do, YOU change.

Are you - Christian- willing to change who you are? Isn't that what the Romans asked the early Christians?

"It's ok for you to be a Christian," they said. "As long as your willing to worship our gods as well. Just leave your Christianity at the temple door. You can pick it up again on your way out."

Now Christians are being asked to leave their Christianity in their locker along with their jacket. Or maybe put it in your drawer beside your purse. Don't worry, you can pick it up again when you leave. Better still, leave it at home or in your church. Yeah, that's the answer, leave it at home. That way you'll be sure not to offend anyone with your talk of a "better way".

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There's No Such Thing as a Silly Question!

2006-02-17T15:01:00.000-08:00

In a recent email exchange from the United Methodist eMail group someone wrote the following.

"The questions we vigorously debate will be revealed as the work of Satan to divide us."

The following was my response...

Work of Satan? The debate maybe, the division probably, but the questions... I don't think so.
It's not the questions that divide us, but the hardness of our hearts. Some will say that the questions/debate about "non-essentials" aren't all that important. I disagree. Our conclusions concerning "non-essentials" may not be important, but the questions certainly are. They represent humanity's need to know it's creator. Your questions, my questions, can reveal more about us than our "statement of beliefs". It's what we don't know or what we're unsure of that pushes us forward in our quest for truth. Is it possible for God to be glorified through our debate? Certainly. The search for truth, for God's own truth, can be a glorious "means of grace".

I have a very dear friend who believes "once-saved always-saved". I disagree. I met Bob in a UMC Sunday School class where every morning we would discuss various "theological" issues. The teacher always seemed to steer clear of the tough questions and would never contradict statements made by anyone, no matter how far from orthodox they were. Somehow we got on the subject of OSAS and Bob made the emphatic claim that he would question the salvation of anyone who didn't believe it. We went back and forth for a few minutes and eventually agreed to "debate" the OSAS position next Sunday.

Some of the church leaders were absolutely terrified. All they could see was division, and they just knew that this was going to "tear the church apart". That next Sunday, we had our debate and in the classroom were several people that hadn't been there in quite some time. You see, the word had gotten out that Allen and Bob would be debating a very contentious subject and people wanted to be there to see what all the fuss was about. Maybe they came just to see a good fight, but the outcome was miraculous. I didn't change Bob's mind, and he didn't change mine. I'm not sure that anyone changed their mind concerning OSAS, but people were changed. I can't tell you how many people came up to me afterward to express their new found excitement. Apparently, our "questions" had prompted other "questions". People who hadn't read their Bibles in years we're not just reading them, but studying them. Their questions were prompting them to learn more of who God is.

My wife and I have been married fifteen years. Each day brings me new insight into who she is and what my response as her husband should be. As I seek to know and understand her, my love and appreciation for her grows. Our relationship with God is much the same. As we seek to know Him, we find out just how lovely He is.

As for me and Bob, what others thought would tear us apart, has led to a long and lasting friendship. Participating with others seeking to "know" God in a meaningful way, seeing the expressions of God's grace in their lives, and seeing God from their perspective can have a profound impact on our spiritual growth.

Paul had something to say about our "debates". He said, "Each person must be fully convinced in their own mind." He of course, was talking about the debate over food and festivals, but I think the passage from Romans 14 applies to our "non-essential" debates as well

...End response

This has really started me thinking, about how we tell our children that there is no such thing as a silly question, especially when they're just trying to learn about this world they live in. Do you think God ever thinks our "questions" are "silly"?

Filed In:

Theology

Why are United Methodists Mute in face of Calvinism?

2006-02-06T07:30:00.000-08:00

In a recent article , in The United Methodist Reporter, Rev. Donald W. Haynes discusses the apparent lack of "free will" authors. He also mentions the "secret weapon" of early methodism - Books. In "Why are United Methodists Mute in face of Calvinism?" he states...

"If we have no free will, we are not moral, responsible daughters and sons of the most high God, born in God's image. Rather we are robots, marionettes on a string, pre-programmed micro-chips.

Methodism, speak up! Preachers, become prophetic. Develop what your forebears called "holy boldness". Don't be intimidated by predestination in "grace clothing"."

I am often amazed at the lack of "Wesleyanism" encountered in our Methodist churches. Maybe it's just those I've been associated with, but there seems to be a serious lack of "Wesleyan/Arminian" theology being taught in our Methodist churches today. Maybe it's just the location, that's deep-south, where there are as many "Baptists", theologically speaking, in our pews as Methodists.

Filed In:

Theology

We Are What We Behold

2006-01-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

Christianity today has posted an excellent editorial addressing the two-edged sword of cultural influence.

"Scripture gives only one antidote for the temptation that cultural influence presents- worship of the living God."

How many of our churches have become hubs of social activism instead of assemblies for communall worship? However, I would rather a church be a "hub of social activism" than "meet, greet, and gossip social clubs"; but that's a different topic altogether.

Filed In:

Ecclesiolgy

Evangelicals: For or Against, the War in Iraq?

2006-01-24T06:18:00.000-08:00

That's a tough one to call. There's much being said today about the Republican party being hijacked by the "religious right"; but does any political party truly embody the ideals and principals revealed to us by our Holy Creator? I think not. As a self proclaimed evangelical, I am becoming increasingly disillusioned by all things political and yearn for "a better way".

As for the war in Iraq, this article from Christianity Today caused me to pause this morning and re-evaluate my feelings. I must confess, I find myself now more confused than ever. The question I keep asking myself is "does the end justify the means?" I think the question I should be asking is "Do the means reflect Christian love?" If the answer is "no", it doesn't matter what the end is.

Here's another one to ponder. If it's okay to send troops to a foreign country to violently depose a tyrant, then why do we condemn the one who bombs an abortion clinic? I know, I know, one is sanctioned by the government, the other is not; and government is ordained by God. Okay, good answer. So then why seek to depose a foreign government if it's ordained by God? No, no, wait a minute, I think I know the answer. That was "bad" government, ours is "good" government. Sorry, but I'm still confused.

Filed In:

UM Action Briefing - Fall 2005

2006-01-09T08:40:00.000-08:00

Read the latest UM Action Briefing from the Institute on Religion
and Democracy.

Contents:

United Methodist Bishops Denounce War as "Immoral"
Lesbian Minister Defrocked
UM Lobbyist Criticizes UM Judicial Council
Episcopal Group Cancels Event at Lake Junaluska
Agency Rejects Church and Society Audit Over Methodist Building
Bishop Sprague Denounces Conservatives

Filed In:

Kierkegaard on the Scriptures

2005-12-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

"The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act accordingly. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined. Herein lies the real place of Christian scholarship. Christian scholarship is the Church¹s prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, to ensure that we can continue to be good Christians without the Bible coming too close. Dreadful it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Yes, it is even dreadful to be alone with the New Testament." -- Søren Kierkegaard

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Understanding the Trinity

2005-12-14T12:38:00.000-08:00

Click on the graphic for a larger image.

I based my design of the diagram of the Trinity on the classical Shield of the Trinity, which you can see examples of here on Wikipedia.

Often times when people ask me to explain the doctrine of the Trinity, I'll reply, "I can't explain it, but I can draw it." I'll then roughly sketch the "Trinity Shield". It really helps with young people. Recently I tried explaining the Trinity to my daughter. Try explaining "co-equal, co-eternal, etc..." to a 9 year old. When I drew the shield for her, she actually said "Oh, now I get it." How much she really understands remains to be seen, but for now, it's good enough just to have something that will inform her thoughts as she pursues various theological topics. Having that mental image of the Trinity will help her understanding of other doctrines as well, such as, the incarnation and atonement. It certainly has helped me.
Filed In:

Theology

Amazing Love - Quote by John Wesley

2005-11-17T09:59:00.000-08:00

Filed In:

What's your theological worldview?

2005-11-11T07:09:00.000-08:00

Several bloggers in the Methoblogsphere have linked to a web site. that, after asking a series of questions, attempts to determine what shapes your theological worldview. What is a worldview? Great question. ChristianWorldview.net has a pretty good definition...

"Everyone has a worldview. Whether or not we realize it, we all have certain presuppositions and biases that affect the way we view all of life and reality. A worldview is like a set of lenses which taint our vision or alter the way we perceive the world around us. Our worldview is formed by our education, our upbringing, the culture we live in, the books we read, the media and movies we absorb, etc. For many people their worldview is simply something they have absorbed by osmosis from their surrounding cultural influences."

I can't begin to stress how important it is to have a "Biblical Worldview"; that is, a worldview that is shaped/informed by the Truth revealed in the Bible.

A study done in 2003 by the Barna Group found that only 9% of born-again believers held a "biblical worldview". Barna defined "biblical worldview" as...

"believing that absolute moral truths exist; that such truth is defined by the Bible; and firm belief in six specific religious views. Those views were that Jesus Christ lived a sinless life; God is the all-powerful and all-knowing Creator of the universe and He stills rules it today; salvation is a gift from God and cannot be earned; Satan is real; a Christian has a responsibility to share their faith in Christ with other people; and the Bible is accurate in all of its teachings."

So let's review...

"Worldview" is how we view the world around us.
"Biblical worldview" is a view of the world based on Biblical truth.
"Theological worldview" is a view of the world formed by a particular system or systems of religious beliefs and teachings

Anyway, I thought I'd give the quiz a try. Here are my results...

You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan. You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists.

What's your theological worldview?

Filed In:

Theology

Antiwar Sermon Brings IRS Warning

2005-11-07T11:54:00.000-08:00

This article in the LA Times is disturbing for a number of reasons. Regardless of the theological issues, all Christians; no, not just Christians, all Americans should agree that a person does not forfeit their first amendment right when they step into the pulpit.

"The Internal Revenue Service has warned one of Southern California's largest and most liberal churches that it is at risk of losing its tax-exempt status because of an antiwar sermon two days before the 2004 presidential election. "

While I may not agree with all of Rev. Regas' theological assertions, I do however feel that he should be able to speak without fear of reprisal from the IRS. Although the content of his sermon did seem to favor Senator Kerry and would obviously affect the decisions of the congregation, I can't help but ask, 'what's wrong with that'? You have here a man being faithful to his convictions. If he's wrong, let the listeners decide. At least he's addressing the issues from a Christian perspective. His conclusions may be different from yours and mine or you may agree with him completely. Either way, a minister should not have to worry about the church losing it's tax exempt status when he faithfully exercises his first amendment right. See this page at the Center For Reclaiming America website for more information.

Filed In:

News

Take the Politics Test

2005-11-04T13:41:00.000-08:00

Ok, so it doesn't have much to do with Methodism, but it is kind of interesting. I can't decide if it's accurate, but it is... interesting. Take the quiz and see for yourself.

I am a

Social Moderate
(41% permissive)

and an...
Economic Liberal
(35% permissive)

I am best described as a:

Centrist

Link: The Politics Test

Methodist Rulings Reinforce Traditional Church Policy on Homosexuality

2005-11-01T13:32:00.000-08:00

It seems that the most obvious thing to write about today would be the recent decisions by the United Methodist Judicial counsel regarding homosexuality and the church. In an article on ChristianityToday.com, Kevin Eckstrom says...

The twin rulings represent a major setback for liberals who advocate greater inclusion of homosexuals in the nation's second-largest Protestant denomination, and served to reinforce church policy on homosexuality as ironclad.

I should be happy, right? So why do I feel so heartbroken? Don't get me wrong, I agree with the decisions. I agree with our "Discipline" that says...

The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.

But it also says that all persons are of "sacred worth". Knowing this, I can't help but feel sympathy for those that are hurting because of these decisions. While this may drive us closer to "schism", it is still my prayer that God would mend the divide between us, as He draws us closer to Himself.

Filed In:

News
UMC

Website Design Lesson

2005-10-25T12:18:00.000-07:00

I don't know what made me think to do it, but this morning I checked to see what my blog looked like using Microsoft Internet Explorer (I use Firefox by the way). Well it was a mess. The layout wasn't anything like I expected. Since most people use IE, I've spent most of my free time today working on a setup that would render properly across multiple browsers. Let me know if something looks out of place.

The Pursuit of God

2005-10-21T08:36:00.000-07:00

For some time now, I've been trying to put into words what I had in mind when I chose the name for this site, "Methodist Corner". I think the new tag line, "where God's previous working meets man's present response" (under the site name above), really captures the essence of what I was thinking. That is to say, things happen when God meets man. I wish I could take credit for it, but it actually comes from A.W. Tozer's book The Pursuit of God.

"We pursue God because, and only because, He has first put an urge within us that spurs us to the pursuit. `No man can come to me,' said our Lord, `except the Father which hath sent me draw him,' and it is by this very prevenient drawing that God takes from us every vestige of credit for he act of coming. The impulse to pursue God originates with God, but the outworking of that impulse is our following hard after Him; and all the time we are pursuing Him we are already in His hand: `Thy right hand upholdeth me.' In this divine `upholding' and human `following' there is no contradiction. All is of God, for as von Hugel teaches, God is always previous.

In practice, however, (that is, where God's previous working meets man's present response) man must pursue God. On our part there must be positive reciprocation if this secret drawing of God is to eventuate in identifiable experience of the Divine. In the warm language of personal feeling this is stated in the Forty-second Psalm: `As the hart panteth after the waterbrooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?' This is deep calling unto deep, and the longing heart will understand it."

Follow this link to read the entire book online.

Updated Profile

2005-10-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

I've finally updated my profile. Take a look.

Little Lambs Childrens Ministries

2005-10-18T08:24:00.000-07:00

Today online, I met Mrs. Esther Murial founder of Little Lambs Childrens Ministries. Please take a minute to visit her website.

UMAction Briefing

2005-10-18T06:59:00.000-07:00

Read the latest UM Action Briefing from the Institute on Religion and Democracy.

Contents:

Lake Junaluska Conference Center Hosts Pro-Homosexuality Event
COSROW Chief Touts Liberalism
Wesley Seminary Professor Defends Wesleyan Theology
Six Annual Conferences Approve UMAction Resolutions on Abortion
Bishop Hayes Urges Sound Doctrine at Confessing Movement Institute
Methodist Building Issue to Go Before DC Attorney General
Move Forward in Mission!

Disciplined Disciple

2005-10-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

     My daughter, Marianne, asked me what she could do to improve her writing. She's only 9, but she loves to write about anything and everything. It doesn't matter to her; Fiction, non-fiction, or somewhere in between. Just put her in front of a computer or put a pen in her hand and she writes. She comes up with some amazingly creative story lines with complex characters. Anyway, enough bragging, back to the question.
     "What can I do to improve my writing?" she asked.
     "Just write," I replied. "Write every day whether you want to or not. A sentence, a paragraph, or a page full, just write."
     Reflecting on her question makes me think of "discipleship" and what we can do to walk closer each day with the Prince of Peace. I realize that the answer is much the same.
     "Pray each day whether you want to or not. One minute or one hour, just pray. Read your Bible each day whether you want to or not. A verse, a chapter, a book, just read. Show people each day that you love them whether you want to or not." Being a disciple requires discipline; imagine that. I hate to admit it, but that's something I need desperately to work on. But once again, my little girl gets to teach me a thing or two.
     "Lord help me to take my own advice each day and become a disciplined disciple"

Schaeffer on "The Trinity"

2005-10-05T15:01:00.000-07:00

"Every once in a while in my discussions someone asks me how I can believe in the Trinity. My answer is always the same. I would still be an agnostic if there were no Trinity, because there would be no answers. Without the high order of personal unity and diversity as given in the Trinity, there are no answers.

The Persons of the Trinity communicated with each other and loved each other before the creation of the world. This is not only an answer to the acute philosophical need of unity in diversity, but of personal unity and diversity... We must appreciate that our Christian forefathers understood this very well in A.D. 325 when they stressed the three persons in the Trinity as the Bible had clearly set this forth. Let us notice that it is not that they invented the Trinity in order to give an answer to the philosophical questions which the Greeks had at that time understood. It is quite the contrary... The Christians realized that in the Trinity, as it had been taught in the Bible, they had an answer that no one else had. They did not invent the Trinity to meet the need; the Trinity was already there and it met the needs.

Let us notice again that this is not the best answer; it is the only answer. Nobody else, no philosophy has ever given us an answer to unity and diversity."

--by Francis Schaeffer, from He Is There and He Is Not Silent

Filed In:

A Life Examined

2005-10-03T07:36:00.000-07:00

Wondering
Wandering
Listlessly moving
Forward
Backward
To life's ebb and flow

Watching
Waiting
Desperately wanting
To be
To belong
But lost to it all

Reaching
Searching
Endlessly yearning
Seen
Heard
God knows me

Changing
Rearranging
Fashioned in love
Breathless
Fullness
I am complete

God's Call

2005-09-26T07:07:00.000-07:00

"So, tell me about your relationship with your father." Uh oh, he had to go there didn't he. Friday, as part of the "candidacy process", I had a meeting with the Conference psychologist. He asked some very tough questions that, along with reading Deitrich Bonhoeffer's The Cost of Discipliship, has really got me thinking about God's call and what it means to answer.

Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isa 6:8)

I wish that I could say that my response to God’s call had always been “Here am I. Send me.” Unfortunately, it has often been just the opposite. For as long as I can remember, God’s call has been present. And though it has taken thirty-five years for me to answer, I now look back on my life and see how God’s guiding hand has brought me to this place, where I can say without reservation, just as Isaiah did, “Here am I. Send Me!”

My family first saw the evidence of God’s call when I was a small child, much of which I can’t even remember. A great deal of my time was spent with my grandparents, and while they rarely attended church, they never missed an opportunity to watch Brother Adrian Rogers’ Sunday morning service on television. As soon as he was finished I would set up a TV tray and “preach” to anyone who would listen. My uncle told my mother recently “I thought for sure that boy would end up a preacher the way he used to carry on come Sunday morning.” Like most children, I dreamed of being an astronaut, policeman, doctor, or cowboy, but preacher was always mixed in there somewhere.

My adolescent years saw, what I considered to be a great upheaval. In the winter of ‘81 when I was eleven, my mother and stepfather moved us from Memphis, Tennessee to Batesville, Mississippi where we began attending a fundamental holiness church. While that by itself may not be bad, for an eleven-year-old boy that could barely remember the last time he was in a church, three-hour worship services, four days a week can be something of a shock. This began a struggle with my parents that lasted through my teen years where I tried to balance pleasing my family and determining for myself what it meant to please God.

As a young adult, on my own, I continued to seek God and struggle with what it meant to please Him. This eventually led my wife and I through the doors of Courtland United Methodist Church, where the love we felt assured us that this was home.

Most of my life has been like so many others. My wife and I have been married fifteen years. We have two wonderful children, who remind us everyday who God is. The journey hasn’t always been easy and at times I didn’t even recognize it as a journey at all. There have been times in my life when I was sure that in the face of my persistent refusal, God had given up and would let me live my life the way I wanted to. But thank God, that in spite of my protests, He has been ever faithful.

Just when I thought that I had reached a place in life where I could be comfortable, a wonderful family, a good career, God’s call echoes within my heart, just a little louder. “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” There is only one answer that fills my mind, “Here am I, send me!”

While I may not yet fully understand where that answer will lead me, it is my intention to be considered a candidate for ordained ministry and to fulfill the requirements necessary for ordination as an elder in the United Methodist Church. Above all, my goal is to serve God wherever His call may lead.

Not Easily Forgotten

2005-09-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

We were still several hundred miles from the coast when we began seeing the tell-tell signs of Katrina's fury, a battered sign here, a missing shingle there. With each passing mile as we approached our destination, the scene became increasingly bleak; mile after mile of endless destruction mirroring the battered souls that sought refuge from the storm.
There are moments in time when reality bursts upon you with such ferocity that you are changed forever. On Saturday, September 10, I experienced such a moment when I was awakened from a dreamy sleeplike state, induced by a constant barrage of unimaginable images of destruction, so widespread that my mind became numb to the never ending sea of battered lives. Slowly at first, the images came, as we made our way from Northwest Mississippi, south to Gulfport, then west on I-10 to Waveland, crossing Hwy 90 to Gladstone Street and finally to the small one-story house with the green roof, where we went about the task of collecting what remained of our loved-ones treasures. We gathered pictures taken over several lifetimes, furniture that Grandpa made, wood carvings that spent hours being fashioned on the craftsman's table, keepsakes and mementos, things of value because of time not money spent. And when the last strap was being tightened on the trailer, I realized that the time spent with my family in this labor of love was oh so much more valuable than the priceless treasures we collected. These irreplaceable reminders of life's most precious moments became for me symbols of life's most enduring theme; love. Good enough, lesson learned, or so I thought. One last time before we leave, I'll survey the damage done to this small house with the green roof. As I walk around the southern end of the house, I notice something brightly white among the grey fence slats and brown pine needles. Hurriedly now I move forward. What could this be that stands out so starkly against the brokenness? Anguish now washes over me, as I realize that I am seeing what I hoped to never see. It is a tiny white shoe, washed undoubtedly by the churning waters and the pounding rain. A small white sneaker with a velcro strap, small enough for maybe a four year old. A four year old... my son is four years old. My heart breaks as I wonder how many times this small white sneaker with a velcro strap was slipped onto a little four-year old foot. Sometimes in a hurry, "come here and put this shoe on, we're going to be late." Or maybe playfully, "boy, that's not a foot." How many mornings do you think were spent looking for this little white sneaker with a velcro strap. "Here it is. I found it under the bed."...

Now I've found it,
and I wish I could slip it,
on the little foot that lost it.

Lord, Liar, Lunatic?

2005-09-09T14:17:00.000-07:00

"I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: 'I'm ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don't accept His claim to be God.' That is one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of thing Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic-on a level with the man who says he is a poached egg-or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill him as a demon or you can fall at his feet and call Him Lord and God. But let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to." -- C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

Safe at Last

2005-09-06T13:30:00.000-07:00

Uncle Toy and Aunt Peggy are now safely in Rhode Island. My wife Sheranne and I took them and their dog Rudy to the Memphis Int'l Airport Saturday morning. They'll be staying with their daughter, Becky Jo for awhile. Thank you for the many prayers offered on their behalf.

It is amazing to see the outpouring of support from across the country and around the world. I'm sure that many of you have given already, but if you haven't, please consider following one of the links at the top of this page and assist in the reliefy effort by giving generously.

I've heard some people say, those that chose to stay, when they were warned of the impending disaster, deserve what they got. I don't know about you, but I've made some pretty careless decisions before. Not only have I made careless decisions, but some were completely stupid. Not only have I made stupid decisions, but I'm sure I'll make some more. My prayer is, that when I do, that someone, somewhere, who is smarter than I am, is gracious enough to lend me a hand, wether I think I need it or not.

What a Difference a Day Makes

2005-09-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here's another update on Uncle Toy and Aunt Peggy. Like someone's actually reading this. But it makes me feel better anyway.

The original news that they were on their way to Jackson was incorrect. Actually, they were still in their home. The emergency personnel from Batesville, as their last deed before coming home to regroup and recoup, found Toy and Peggy's house using a street address that had been relayed to them.

By this time the floodwater had receded from their home and they assumed the worst was over. They were completely unaware of the massive devastation spread across the remainder of the Gulf Coast region. When the Batesville firefighters were finally able to talk to them early Wednesday morning, they had decided to stay in their home and wait for basic services to be restored, not realizing how long it would actually take.

Later that afternoon they decided to try and travel 10 miles to a friend's home in Diamondhead, where they hoped that living conditions would be somewhat bearable. They "hitched" a ride to Diamondhead (I've yet to get all the details of this) and made it there sometime Wednesday evening.

Their friend's house was in much better condition. It even had electricity and running water supplied by a generator and well, but was uninhabited. Their friend, a Doctor, had evacuated before the storm struck and was safely in Florida. They settled in for the night, hoping for some much needed rest.

All the while, Richard and J.C. were headed to their home in Waveland not knowing they had moved. Eventually Peggy was able to contact her niece and inform her of their location, which was relayed to Richard. The Doctor's home is located in a closed community in Diamondhead, protected by a wall and armed security guards. When Richard and J.C. arrived there about 9:00 last night, they found, to their dismay, that they had driven the length of the state, only to be stopped by a security guard that wasn't about to believe this haggard looking duo was looking for anything but trouble.

After a brief but intense conversation with Martha, Toy's sister and my mother-in-law, the guard relented and helped the pair search door to door until they found the elusive couple. Richard and J.C. took the two home, where they gathered their belongings and began the long return trip north. They finally reached our house this morning, just as I was leaving for work.

I'll try to post more details of their experience after I get a chance to talk with them this evening.

Answered Prayer

2005-08-31T11:38:00.000-07:00

They're alive! Praise Our Great God and Creator! Not long after I posted the prayer request for Uncle Toy and Aunt Peggy, I received a call from my mother-in-law, Martha, informing me that rescue personnel had found them. I've now been told that they are being taken to a hospital in Jackson, MS where they'll be examined, treated, and finally released to my brother-in-law, Richard, and father-in-law, J.C., who are on their way there now. Richard and J.C. will bring them back to Courtland, where they will stay with my wife Sheranne and I until we figure our what's next. Becky Jo, Toy and Peggy's only daughter, is expected to arrive by airplane in Memphis this evening. We hope to have her reunited with her parents either late this evening or early tomorrow.

As joyful as am about the wonderful news of our beloved family members, I can't help but feel equally saddened by the tremendous suffering still being endured by countless others in the wake of this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected.

And to Chris Olsen, who is among the many brave emergency workers, who are even now risking their well being to help those in need; I can't begin to tell you how deeply we appreciate all that you have done for us. I know there are others with you, but from one "Batesville Boy" to another, thank you and God bless you.

Relying on God

2005-08-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

Please pray for my wife's Uncle Toy and Aunt Peggy. They were last heard from Aug 29th, at 9:30 a.m. as the eye of hurricane Katrina was passing over them. They decided to stay at their home, located in Waveland, Mississippi, and ride this one out, just as they had countless other times. Take a look at this map to see how close to the gulf they are.

Also, please pray for my wife, Sheranne and her family, as we try to deal with this overwhelming sense of helplessness and uncertainty. We fear the worst, but know that through all things, God is our sustainer.

And pray for those that are even now walking through "the valley of the shadow of death". God's mercy and grace be with us all.

God Behind Barbed Wire

2005-08-29T09:17:00.000-07:00

A survey of the life of Jurgen Moltmann, Nazi soldier turned theologian, reveals a remarkable story of hope and redemption. In this article, Philip Yancey shares with us a glimpse of the miraculous transforming power of God's grace. Yancey writes...

Moltmann had no Christian background. He had brought two books with him into battle—Goethe's poems and the works of Nietzsche—neither of which nourished much hope. But an American chaplain gave him an Army-issue New Testament and Psalms, signed by President Roosevelt. "If I make my bed in hell, behold thou art there," the prisoner read. Could God be present in that dark place? As he read on, Moltmann found words that perfectly captured his feelings of desolation. He became convinced that God "was present even behind the barbed wire—no, most of all behind the barbed wire."

This is what we must communicate to this lost and dying world; that God is right there where you are, crying with you, hurting with you, suffering with you, longing to transform you in the midst of life's storms into an oasis of calm.

Reigniting a Holy Brand

2005-08-22T06:42:00.000-07:00

Shane Stanford, in his article, Reigniting a Holy Brand, which appeared in the August edition of the "Mississippi United Methodist Advocate" lists five principles that can energize ministry.

■Principle One - Passion is personal.
■Principle Two - Word of mouth still works best.
■Principle Three - Follow me home.
■Principle Four - All success begins small.
■Principle Five - No connection, no bother.

Simple, but very practical. See the article for an explanation of each principle.

Nothing Has Changed But the Name

2005-08-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

This is after all a work in progress. I'll be posting here instead of here.

It's All About Jesus

2005-08-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

Maybe us evangelicals could learn something from our Orthodox brothers and sisters. In this very insightful article, the author, a former Baptist, examines the similarities and differences between Orthodoxy and Evangelicalism.

What a Great Idea

2005-08-15T11:25:00.000-07:00

Preach the GOSPEL!
Bishop Hayes of Oklahoma speaks of the need for doctrinal renewal.

"Since 1968 we have been dealing with declining membership," Hayes observed. "We need to preach the word of God and the Gospel of Jesus Christ unashamedly without fear and restraint. The people who show up at our churches on Sunday are looking for help and hope. They are looking for comfort, reassurance, and a healing word. How can they hear without somebody preaching to them?"

See the related news story.

Jesus Cares!

2005-08-12T10:01:00.000-07:00

I met this man online recently. He certainly has a heart for God. Please keep him in your prayers. Take a look at his photo gallery.

Christian Nation?

2005-08-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

Is there a "Christian Nation" left in this world? This article certainly makes me wonder.

Dukes Are Hazzardous to Your Health

2005-08-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

How utterly disappointing. After reading this review, I think I'll stay home and watch the re-runs. Looks like Cooter isn't very happy about it either.

Aslan's Coming

2005-08-11T10:53:00.000-07:00

If you're a Narnia fan, you'll want to take a look

Searching for Unity

2005-08-05T09:57:00.000-07:00

In his paper Searching for Unity: Revisiting the Doctrinal Standards, Pastor Phil Thrailkill of Duncan Memorial UMC, in Georgetown, South Carolina, says...

"As much as it galls us and goes against our natural tendencies, and as much as it may appear as a distraction from getting on with the work, it is time for United Methodists to enter a season of explicit doctrinal clarification and exploration."

I couldn't agree more. What makes a Methodist a Methodist? Even if we can't agree, let's at least know what it is that we don't agree on.

Sponsor A Child

2005-08-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

Compassion International: Christian Child Sponsorship

Methodist Blogroll

1990-01-01T10:00:00.000-08:00