We've been in our new town for about two months now, and we're still looking for a church. We've put this in God's hands. I've prayed repeatedly for guidance on this, and I believe he will lead us to the right place.
We've visited a number of places. We've tried three LCMS (Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod) churches. This was our first priority since my wife has been a life-long member of the LCMS. One was a very contemporary service. We liked it OK, but we were very turned off with the second visit - the "praise band" seemed to dominate the service, and seemed more interested in giving an amateur concert than leading the congregation in singing. People carried on loud conversations during the songs, and even got up from their seats to talk to others. We're not going back there. Another was a very small congregation - only about 20 people, and most were senior citizens. Even the members seemed to think the church was dying, and it sure felt like it. Another LCMS church we visited was OK, but it was a long way away, and they were searching for a new pastor, and seemed to be possibly searching for an identity also. We also tried an independent congregation, which is more my style, but while I liked it, my wife didn't seem very hopeful. We've also tried two ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) churches. The first was very informal, maybe a little too informal, but we both generally liked it. But, it is quite far away from where we live. We attended another one this morning. It is a downtown church and very formal, maybe a little too formal for me. But there seems to be a lot going on there that we could possibly contribute to. Another factor we're dealing with is that the LCMS does not consider the ELCA to be as close in doctrine to them as you might imagine. But, I'm thinking that we'll settle in on one of those last two churches I've mentioned. (Once we choose one, we won't be nearly so picky with it! We just want to make sure we make a good choice before we commit ourselves!)
So, is this the right way to choose a church? Maybe a church should be chosen by family tradition. My wife, her parents, her sister and her family, and several of my wife's cousins are long-time LCMS members and they are very devoted to this particular denomination, and would be unhappy to see her leave the LCMS. Or, possibly, a church should be chosen based on its doctrinal positions. One could study the doctrinal stances of the major denominations, and also those of the local independent churches, and choose that way. To be honest, I haven't found a mainline denomination that doesn't have conflicts with the Bible. Or, possibly, one should choose a church that "feels" like the right fit: One in which you feel comfortable, has people who make you feel welcome, and has programs that you believe you can contribute to. It's especially tricky for a married couple or a family, because there are conflicting goals and opinions.
I don't know the correct answer to this. We're using a lot of prayer and patience. We're considering all of the factors mentioned in the previous paragraph. We're keeping our hearts and minds open to the direction of the Holy Spirit and we believe that through whatever means he chooses, he will lead us to the best church for us.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
God's will
Is it possible for someone to know God's will, fully and completely? For this post, I'm talking in particular about doctrinal issues. For example, does God want us to baptize infants? Some groups think yes, some no.
What has me thinking about this is a book I've been reading. In this book, the author basically claims that he has found the perfect, correct interpretation of the Bible regarding doctrinal issues.
There are a number of ways to attack this, it's just a matter of choosing which one to start with!
First, I'm not sure there is only one correct interpretation. Might it be possible that God has given humankind some room to make their own choices? Why not? He created each of us individually - isn't it possible that one person might have different worship needs than another?
Second, there are so many places for disagreement. How can we all agree on a single, correct interpretation for the entire Bible? In fact, how can even two of us agree on the correct interpretation? I mentioned to my wife the other day a verse that I thought was fairly straightforward:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28
I made the remark that this is "proof" that we have to take the first step in the process toward salvation. My wife said that she always thought this verse was directed at people who were already believers, it's just a prescription for finding peace from the burdens of this world. Considering there are literally thousands of such verses and passages, any two people are going to find a place for disagreement.
Third, if one claims to know perfectly God's will, isn't that basically the same as claiming to be on the same level as God? None of us can claim that!
I think the lesson in all of this is that each one of us needs to continue to try to learn more about God's will for our lives. This requires Bible study, prayer, openness to the direction of the Holy Spirit, and discussion. It's a life-long process. Hopefully, as we continue to do these things, God's directions will become more and more clear to us. But, we should never believe that we've arrived at the "final truth" (again, consider the reasons given above). After all, the Bible says:
Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. -I Corinthians 3:18
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. - Proverbs 26:12
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.-Proverbs 18:15
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. -Proverbs 12:15
What has me thinking about this is a book I've been reading. In this book, the author basically claims that he has found the perfect, correct interpretation of the Bible regarding doctrinal issues.
There are a number of ways to attack this, it's just a matter of choosing which one to start with!
First, I'm not sure there is only one correct interpretation. Might it be possible that God has given humankind some room to make their own choices? Why not? He created each of us individually - isn't it possible that one person might have different worship needs than another?
Second, there are so many places for disagreement. How can we all agree on a single, correct interpretation for the entire Bible? In fact, how can even two of us agree on the correct interpretation? I mentioned to my wife the other day a verse that I thought was fairly straightforward:
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28
I made the remark that this is "proof" that we have to take the first step in the process toward salvation. My wife said that she always thought this verse was directed at people who were already believers, it's just a prescription for finding peace from the burdens of this world. Considering there are literally thousands of such verses and passages, any two people are going to find a place for disagreement.
Third, if one claims to know perfectly God's will, isn't that basically the same as claiming to be on the same level as God? None of us can claim that!
I think the lesson in all of this is that each one of us needs to continue to try to learn more about God's will for our lives. This requires Bible study, prayer, openness to the direction of the Holy Spirit, and discussion. It's a life-long process. Hopefully, as we continue to do these things, God's directions will become more and more clear to us. But, we should never believe that we've arrived at the "final truth" (again, consider the reasons given above). After all, the Bible says:
Do not deceive yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age, he should become a "fool" so that he may become wise. -I Corinthians 3:18
Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. - Proverbs 26:12
The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge; the ears of the wise seek it out.-Proverbs 18:15
The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice. -Proverbs 12:15
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Trust in God
About six weeks ago, my wife and I moved to a new town. We're really enjoying our new house and our new situation. About the only negative I can report is that our old house hasn't sold yet. It's been on the market about two months, and in this very slow housing market in the U. S., that's not long enough to start worrying just yet. We've put the selling of our old house in God's hands, and I believe he will take care of it perfectly.
However, my human impatience still bothers me about this from time to time. How long can we make two house payments? (The answer is not very long!) Is it possible that there is no one out there who would be interested in our house? It's not really that bad, is it?
My wife and I were talking about this the other day, and she had some things to say that were very helpful to me. She said that God knows who he has planned to move into this house - someone who will love the good things about it. But, maybe this person or family isn't ready to buy yet. Maybe God has more to do with this person before they are ready to make the move. We just have to be patient that he knows what is best, and his timing is always perfect. She also made another point: If we're going to trust in God for something as big as salvation, can't we trust God for something as small as selling a house?
Good advice, I think. The human/carnal part of me would like to decide for God when our house should sell, but the spititual side of me knows that he knows what is best better than I do.
However, my human impatience still bothers me about this from time to time. How long can we make two house payments? (The answer is not very long!) Is it possible that there is no one out there who would be interested in our house? It's not really that bad, is it?
My wife and I were talking about this the other day, and she had some things to say that were very helpful to me. She said that God knows who he has planned to move into this house - someone who will love the good things about it. But, maybe this person or family isn't ready to buy yet. Maybe God has more to do with this person before they are ready to make the move. We just have to be patient that he knows what is best, and his timing is always perfect. She also made another point: If we're going to trust in God for something as big as salvation, can't we trust God for something as small as selling a house?
Good advice, I think. The human/carnal part of me would like to decide for God when our house should sell, but the spititual side of me knows that he knows what is best better than I do.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Young Earth vs. Old Earth
Scientists have now established that the universe is about 13.7 billion years old. One factor that gives this estimate a great deal of credibility is that this estimate was found using a number of different methods, not just a single method. So, this estimate seems reasonably "certain," at least as certain as one can be when discussing the distant past! With my overriding principle that the Bible and science never contradict one another, I've typically believed the validity of science's concept of the age of the universe, while interpreting the six creation days in the Bible as "time eras," each of which could be billions of years long, and not necessarily all of the same length.
But something struck me recently. To the best of my knowledge, all of the methods that have been used to estimate the age of the universe have one assumption in common: The laws of physics have never changed. After all, why should we think that they had?
But they have changed! According to Genesis, before the Flood, the earth was surrounded by a canopy of water, and it did not rain - instead, streams of water (like sprinklers?) came from the ground and kept things watered. If the laws of physics had been the same before the Flood as they are now, these things would not have happened in that way.
So, we have reason to believe that the laws of physics have changed. While I have no problem with a Christian who believes in the "old earth" creation theory, the "young earth" creation theory might still be correct - each of the "days" in six days of creation might have actually been 24 hours, and God used whatever methods he wanted (including "changing" the laws of physics) to accomplish the tasks he wanted to in each 24 hour period.
The bottom line is I really don't think it matters whether one believes in the "old earth" or the "new earth" creation theory. All that is important is that one believes that God created everything in the way he chose to be best!
But something struck me recently. To the best of my knowledge, all of the methods that have been used to estimate the age of the universe have one assumption in common: The laws of physics have never changed. After all, why should we think that they had?
But they have changed! According to Genesis, before the Flood, the earth was surrounded by a canopy of water, and it did not rain - instead, streams of water (like sprinklers?) came from the ground and kept things watered. If the laws of physics had been the same before the Flood as they are now, these things would not have happened in that way.
So, we have reason to believe that the laws of physics have changed. While I have no problem with a Christian who believes in the "old earth" creation theory, the "young earth" creation theory might still be correct - each of the "days" in six days of creation might have actually been 24 hours, and God used whatever methods he wanted (including "changing" the laws of physics) to accomplish the tasks he wanted to in each 24 hour period.
The bottom line is I really don't think it matters whether one believes in the "old earth" or the "new earth" creation theory. All that is important is that one believes that God created everything in the way he chose to be best!
Monday, July 14, 2008
Great Smoky Mountains
I just returned from a short trip to the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in east Tennessee/west North Carolina. The Smoky Mountains (also known as The Smokies) probably wouldn't be considered mountains by people used to the Rockies or the Alps - maybe they'd be better named The Big Rolling Hills. But they are beautiful! Full of trees and lush greenery and lots of wildlife. There are butterflies everywhere, and it's common to see deer, bears and wild turkey. The Smokies are also filled with rushing rivers and streams with cold, clear water.
I have a great sense of God when I am in the Smokies. Surrounded by his beautiful and perfect creations, I feel a strong connection to him. His fingerprints are everywhere. How good he is to provide us with a little hint of heaven! And how good he is to give us the wisdom to preserve this land and not let it be taken over by development and other uses.
A couple of relevant Bible verses:
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." -Romans 1:20
and not as directly related, but illustrating the same principle:
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." -Psalm 19:1
So, get out in nature and open your heart and mind to his presence, and get recharged!
I have a great sense of God when I am in the Smokies. Surrounded by his beautiful and perfect creations, I feel a strong connection to him. His fingerprints are everywhere. How good he is to provide us with a little hint of heaven! And how good he is to give us the wisdom to preserve this land and not let it be taken over by development and other uses.
A couple of relevant Bible verses:
"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse." -Romans 1:20
and not as directly related, but illustrating the same principle:
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." -Psalm 19:1
So, get out in nature and open your heart and mind to his presence, and get recharged!
Friday, July 4, 2008
voluntary simplicity
I think the "voluntary simplicity" movement is more consistent with the Christian life described in the Bible than the stereotypical contemporary American lifestyle of consumerism and "keeping up with the Joneses." Here are a few reasons:
1. Non-materialism: Voluntary simplicity advocates minimizing possessions as opposed to consumerism. Store up treasures for yourself in heaven, not on earth. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
2. Minimizing negative impact on the earth: God created the earth for us to inhabit and enjoy, and we have a responsibility to take care of it. God's creations are perfect - the actions of humankind can only harm them.
3. Dedicating yourself to what is truly important to you: We're warned in the Bible through the parable of sowing the seeds how easy it is to get distracted by the details of everyday life. We're told to put first the kingdom of God, and the other things of this life will be taken care of.
4. Finding pleasure in the simple things: God provided us with so many things that we can easily enjoy, such as birds, sunsets, clouds, trees, pets, friends, streams, etc. God is the perfect artist and the perfect engineer. In order to enjoy life, we don't need to spend a lot of money, or have a big house, or a fancy car, or a high profile job.
5. Living for the moment: God forgives us for the past, and God will take care of the future - we only need to concentrate on the present. Don't delay happiness until you lose weight, or you finish school, or until you buy a house, etc. - you can always find another reason to delay happiness. Now is the time to be happy!
6. Natural health approaches: God created the body so that it has incredible self-healing capabilities. We only get in the way of these capabilities with over-dependence on medications.
In the book "Finding God at Harvard" edited by K. M. Kullberg, one of the writers says: "... a life centered on God and founded upon such values as simplicity rather than consumption, sharing rather than accumulation, and solidarity rather than "success" does not have to remain an abstract possibility. It can be a lived-out reality rather than a wished-for idea, one empowered and sustained by the wholeness that the resurrection of Jesus Christ makes possible for the inner self."
Google voluntary simplicity and learn more about this lifestyle and reflect on how well it fits in with the teachings of Jesus.
1. Non-materialism: Voluntary simplicity advocates minimizing possessions as opposed to consumerism. Store up treasures for yourself in heaven, not on earth. The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.
2. Minimizing negative impact on the earth: God created the earth for us to inhabit and enjoy, and we have a responsibility to take care of it. God's creations are perfect - the actions of humankind can only harm them.
3. Dedicating yourself to what is truly important to you: We're warned in the Bible through the parable of sowing the seeds how easy it is to get distracted by the details of everyday life. We're told to put first the kingdom of God, and the other things of this life will be taken care of.
4. Finding pleasure in the simple things: God provided us with so many things that we can easily enjoy, such as birds, sunsets, clouds, trees, pets, friends, streams, etc. God is the perfect artist and the perfect engineer. In order to enjoy life, we don't need to spend a lot of money, or have a big house, or a fancy car, or a high profile job.
5. Living for the moment: God forgives us for the past, and God will take care of the future - we only need to concentrate on the present. Don't delay happiness until you lose weight, or you finish school, or until you buy a house, etc. - you can always find another reason to delay happiness. Now is the time to be happy!
6. Natural health approaches: God created the body so that it has incredible self-healing capabilities. We only get in the way of these capabilities with over-dependence on medications.
In the book "Finding God at Harvard" edited by K. M. Kullberg, one of the writers says: "... a life centered on God and founded upon such values as simplicity rather than consumption, sharing rather than accumulation, and solidarity rather than "success" does not have to remain an abstract possibility. It can be a lived-out reality rather than a wished-for idea, one empowered and sustained by the wholeness that the resurrection of Jesus Christ makes possible for the inner self."
Google voluntary simplicity and learn more about this lifestyle and reflect on how well it fits in with the teachings of Jesus.
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