Sunday, June 24, 2012

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Cindy and I were blessed to share lunch with Walter, Julie Bryant and family after church. Happy Birthday Walter! Today we talked about finding our character developed so we may be trusted with a vital spiritual experience. (see story about old time Methodist preacher Clovis Chappell.) That type of spiritual experience has the potential of causing Jesus to be preemminent in our lives. (that too from clovis chappell story) In many people Jesus is present; in some Jesus is prominent; is a few Jesus is preeminent. To check where we are we could take the "Mordecai test." Mordecai is a central character in the book of Esther. When all is said and done Mordecai rises to power and influence. The scripture says the reason for this is "because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews. (Esther 10:3) So here is the test of the preeminence of Jesus in our life. Are we working for the good of others and speaking up for those without a voice? It's been a good day. (although pretty hot) I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Followers of Jesus Christ find themselves in a tremendous position. Christians are forgiven, Spirit filled with all the inspiration and foundational work the Lord does in life, and assured of eternal life in heaven. That is all great. But that merely scratches the surface of the Christian life. Frankly we are not "saved" so we may enjoy the benefits the Christian life. The Christian life is about being called and challenged to claim the purpose God has for us. The way to meet the challenge is through courageous commitment to following Christ and serving Him and people. This was our lesson from the Book of Esther. She was discovering that she was not favored and chosen merely for the pleasure of royalty. She was favored and chosen and came to royal position to be poised for her purpose. When the challenge came she stepped forward with courageous commitment. What an example. Listen for your call and meet the challenge with courageous commitment. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve

Monday, June 11, 2012

Annual Conference

Good to be home from this year's session of the Missouri Annual Conference. From my perspective this was a great time. Our understanding of "conferencing" is so much more productive from other expressions that emphasize mostly legislative work with much debate and posturing. Bishop Schnase has led us to a place where "conferencing" points to learning and focusing on the mission of the church. This year was a prime example of what can take place when the people called Methodist gather to worship, learn and serve. Youth were our focus this year. It was really neat to see all the youth present and participating. On Friday several youth bands shared - Flight Line from PWUMC was a hit! Thanks. We ordained 17 elders. We commissioned 10 provisional elders. We recognized people for great work. We adopted a budget that represented a .05% increase. We celebrated appointments. Kendra Creasy Dean - "Almost Christian" spoke and communited the struggle with faith powerfully. A case may be made that we (church) have taught our young people to build a faith that is a Moral Therepuetic Deism. In other words we want to be tolerate of all, find a way to be happy and if we get in a pinch ask God to help us. That is a long way from "take up your cross and follow me" - Jesus. It is always great to see friends. It is great to be home. Back at church tomorrow - where the true joy takes place. steve

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Reflections From Sunday Evening

People of faith may live and thrive in an alien culture. That is the thesis I propose being found in the Book of Esther. (This is our Defining Moments series this month - Defining Moment in the book and life of Esther.) The dispersed Jews found themselves in a very alien culture. Read the book of Esher and you will see what I mean. As Christians we find ourselves living in an alien culture. If you read Matthew 5-7 (the Sermon on the Mount) not looking for laws or rules but for a picture of what life is like when lived in relationship with Jesus, you get an idea of what a "Christian culture" might be. When we compare this culture - blessed are the poor in spirit, blessed are those who mourn (we prefer happiness), blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, with the culture we live in today we see a huge difference. Kingdom of God culture also loves our enemies, prays for those who persecute us, avoids lust, adultery and even divorce. The Kingdom of God culture is truly counter-culture. This is not a law but a grand vision for life as it is meant to be. Our culture is actully made of several sub-cultures. We have the culture of the rich and famous, the culture of violence and so on. A troubling point is that many of us tend to feel the kingdom of God culture is odder than this one we are living in today. The good news is that people of faith - Christ followers - Christians may live and thrive in an alien culture. I see our task not one of cultural accomodation. Neither is our call to escape this present age. I go with the old theologican Richard Niebuhr who says Christ seeks to trnasform culture. We are called to be agents of change. We are called to be empowered by the Holy Spirit and serve Christ as transformers of culture. People of faith may live and thrive in an alien culture. It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too. steve