Open Theology

Saint John the Theologian

Theology is a term first used by Plato in The Republic (book ii, chap 18). The term is compounded from two Greek words theos (god) and logos (rational utterance). It has been defined as reasoned discourse about God or the gods, or more generally about religion or spirituality. The Greek word is literally translated as "to talk about God".

I am currently studying a book entitled, Christian Doctrine by Shirley C. Guthrie, Jr. It’s actually very good. Though normally I typically struggle through “deep theological textbooks” but this one is written very well. The author even throws in some humor & personality flair, which is normally absent from these types of books.

Here is a quote I just love that is in the first chapter; Who is A Theologian? “Theology deals with a God whose thoughts are not out thoughts and whose ways are not our ways (Isa. 55:8) Theologians (pastors, teachers, Christians) who are sure that they have all the answers to all questions and that their task is simply to convince others that this is so are bad theologians. They only prove that they know nothing at all of the majesty and mystery of the God who cannot be captured and mastered by any human system of thought…. You will learn more from genuine open debate than from total agreement.”

When I say “Open Theology” I do not mean open to believe anything and everything, but OPEN to discuss and allow for differences of opinion, interpretation and belief… and in the end being mature enough to say, “This is what I believe to be true, but I’ll know for sure when I get to heaven and can get clarification.”

Be open!

No Bad Decisions

Proverbs 12:15 "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise."

I was thinking this morning about all the BAD DECISIONS I've made in my life, and all the good decsions I've made. What is the difference between the two?

And I would have to say that many, if not most, of my bad decisions we made because I did not seek counsel and the good decisions I made I had typically sought counsel from others.

Moral of the story: Before you make a major decision, or any decision that may have the potential to effect your life, seek counsel.

I am sure you, like me, have had many friends over the years make purchases, or make decisions that we could clearly see was not a good choice, and they later learned, but if they had just asked those around them they could have saved themselves much grief. We're all guilty, but why continue through life making unwise decisions?

Open, Honest Communication

Jana and I are in a series right now called, Growing a Healthy Marriage. I think it would be fair to say that it is our best marriage series ever. The content is fresh, impactful, and in-your- face-honest. To watch go to: www.vimeo.com/mercychurchkc

I truly believe that a marriage should be a safe place to share our most intimate stuff. The stuff that is deep in our hearts... even the crazy stuff we wish wasn't there. Our fears, our desires and our dreams.

I am seeing more and more lately how important it is for couples to have that freedom with their spouse... an "I can tell you anything, and you will still love me" type relationship.

Many times the husband or the wife has a growing resentment about "something" whatever it may be, and it can't be talked about... because everytime it is brought up it turns into a blow up, hurt feelings, tears, etc. So, the spouse ends up just "living with it" and resenting the spouse as a result. Which only drives them further and further a part... until one day they wonder, "what happened?"

Bottom line: You can have a wonderful marriage, if you and your spouse work at it!

One Lump of Sugar or Two?

Colossians 4:5-6
"Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out."

I was chatting with my wife this morning about the Christians who fear loving people right where they are because they feel you shouldn't "sugarcoat" the gospel message, or "the truth" as they put it.

Do these quotes sound eerily familiar?
"The truth hurts", "people shouldn't be comfortable in their sin", "I am just telling them what they need to hear... because I love them"... I will stop there, but you get my drift!

These kinds of "Christians" forget that the NUMBER ONE command of the ONE we are supposed to represent and imitate: Jesus said, "Love your neighbor as yourself..." I also like what Stephen Covey said, "Seek to understand rather then to be understood".

Yet one more quote: "Its God's job to judge, my job to love, and the Holy Spirits job to convict" - Billy Graham

Childish

James Dobson, Obama, McCain, President bush, Vote, Elections, BrackI recently heard about a "Christian" talk show personality who said that if the presidential candidate that he was supporting wasn't nominated to represent his political party in the presidential race... he would not vote for the first time in X amount of years.

How childish is that! It reminds me of when my kids were 2 and 3 years old and we'd serve some dinner and they'd pout and say they weren't going to eat it because it wasn't pizza.

I must admit I am amazed daily at the antics of the ultra conservative right-wing "Christians" all in the name of God.

It reminds me of all the actors who said they'd move to Canada if Bush became president. Guess what, Bush became president and these actors are still here making movies.

Honestly, it just makes them look nutty.

It's crazy really... you talk to 5 different "Christians" and they'll each have a different candidate that "God told them to vote for"... is God confused? Is God undecided? Does He not know the future? Is God democrat or republican? (Personally I think he may be Independent, but I don't know (I chuckle!))

Listen, I am passionate about some major "issues" facing our country as well... but let's remember that the Bible says in Psalms 21:1 "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases..."

Let's make sure we pray that the right person will get in office, whether it's who we "supported" or not. I don't claim to be a spiritual giant, but I just have faith in God, no matter what that it will all work out for the good.

And part of that coming true means; 1) I must do my part (vote and pray), 2) God must do His part (He will)... then all I can do is trust!

Happy voting!

Learn

Here are 5 questions we should all ask when we hear a message:

1. What is God saying to me through this message?
2. How does my life measure up to what was taught?
3. What actions do I need to take to better my life?
4. What do I need to study further?
5. What truth can I share with those close to me?

In my last blog I explained that I have never heard a sermon, and I have heard a lot of them, that I haven't got something from it. Why? It's not because I am anything special, it's just I ask questions of myself about what I have heard. I take the sermon personal.

I very rarely think how the message I just heard can help someone else... okay, I do that a lot... but I also think how it can help me. Ha!

Deeper

In regards to spirituality, what does it mean to “go deeper”?

I am sure you, like me, have heard Christians say, “I want to go deeper”. And when I have asked them, “what do you mean, deeper?” They usually say something about “more praise and worship, or deeper bible teaching”. But when I pry more to find out what “deeper bible teaching” is, they really can’t tell me exactly. But if I continue to dig I find out - it is sometimes, that they come from a Charismatic background and want to see the “gifts of the spirit in operation”. (That’s a subject for another blog at a later time)

There are some teachers who teach verse by verse using greek and hebrew, or some, like me, teach from Old Testament and New Testament stories and pull the life lesson we learn from it, or what I like to call the “useable life applicable portion”… in other words, what does they bible mean for me today, in the 21st Century! Neither style is wrong, just different. I guess I honestly don’t care about the dimensions of Noah’s Ark; but what I do want to know is what I can learn from Noah’s life story… how his experiences relate to my experiences here and now.

I think we pastors must always be aware of those who are coming to our services… for us, we have all types; some long-time Christian, some non-believers, some new believers, and some anti-Christians (believe it or not).

For some Christians, church is all about them. They forget about all the “new believers or non-believers” who sit in a Sunday service soaking up every part of the service and it’s our (Christians) responsibility to serve them. Jesus, the most mature and spiritual believer who has ever walked the planet said, “He came to serve NOT BE SERVED”. He gave of Himself, which is what we should do as “mature” Christian … give of ourselves to help people who do not know Christ. I look at it like this; I have just one life to live here on earth, approx 90 -100 years worth, and I've got a job to do... when I get to heaven I will have eternity to "go deeper" and learn all the mysterious stuff of the Bible, but now... I am on a mission!

I have a heart and desire to grow as well as anyone who hungers for God… therefore I take responsibility for my growth and read. But can I just tell you, I haven’t heard a sermon, even after I had been to Bible College (and learned it all – ha), as simple as it may have been that I wasn’t challenged at some level. I am not living 100% perfect… therefore any sermon I hear challenges me in some area of my life to do better.

I think what we get from a message, is pretty much based on what kind of heart I have. If you have a teachable open, humble heart, you will receive so much from God, but if you have a prideful, religious, self-centered heart… not much can penetrate that.

Bible’s translation of “Deeper” – is a more committed relationship to Jesus Christ, which is a life committed to LOVING our neighbor as our selves! Going deeper should lead us to treating people with more love and respect. Deeper is being more like Jesus in every-way! Using your gifts to help other people is going deeper! Serving in the local church is going deeper. Going deeper is the responsibility of each believer!

Someday, when each of us stands before God to be judged for our lives He will not say, “So, Joe Smith, how did your church help you go deeper?” No, He will say something like, “Joe Smith, what did YOU do to grow spiritually, and how did you serve those around you?”
My opinion on the whole “deeper” thing is that it’s pointless to learn “new” deeper things in the bible until we are able to live the most basic and important of commands – LOVE!

Shalom!

An American Privilege

I heard about something that our Fox 4 has on their site... you answer some questions and it will match you to the candidate that best matches your thoughts and values... I found it to be an interesting tool.

http://wdaf.4wmt.com/cmm/

I want to encourage you - as a Christian and as an American to VOTE! Whether Republican or Democrat we have a responsibility to participate!

There is nothing worse than someone complaining about the “way things are, or the decisions being made” when they themselves didn’t cast a VOTE! I would say it borderlines ignorant, just to be honest. If you do not vote, that is your choice… and I have no problem with that, but please shut your yapper! I say that with all the love I can muster up. Ha!

I often am asked, “Timmy who are you voting for?” I will not say, but I will say that I probably am not going to vote for who you think I would vote for… but here is how I do make my decision:

1) Who do I trust has this countries best interest at heart
2) Who do I think can lead this country well (a strong leader)
3) Who has a good track record
4) Who has strong morals & Values (that doesn’t necessarily mean they have to be a “Christian”)
5) Who will be able to make the changes necessary to make our country great
6) Who has an agenda (or vision) for doing good

I also have a distain for candidates who are arrogant and/or prideful… if they seem to want the office for power and prestige rather than to serve, then I will certainly not vote for them!

Lastly, I pray for God’s direction in this process!

What Women Need

MEMORY VERSE

Ephesians 5:33

“But each one of you must love his wife as he loves

himself, and a wife must respect her husband.”

1 Peter 3:7 “…husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” - ESV

What Every Wife Needs is LOVE!

1) CONNECTION.
2) SUPPORT.
3) FAMILY commitment.

CHALLENGE: Husbands, love your wives more this week then you did last week!

DIG DEEPER

HOW CAN I BETTER SHOW YOU LOVE?

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS I AM DOING THAT YOU DO NOT LIKE?

WHAT ARE SOME THINGS I AM DOING THAT YOU DO LIKE?

Frustration

John 14:1

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God”

With the economy like it is, or at least like they say it is… the housing market and on and on it goes…. Frustration can creep in! And our hearts can become troubled, or fearful.

I love the scripture above; it encourages me to put my trust right where it belongs. And right where it’s safe… in the arms of God! But its not always easy!

I experience frustration, often actually! And I have to remind myself to “Trust God”. I think frustration comes when you expect one thing and get another. At least for me this is often the cause… I want or expect X, then I bust my hind-end and get Y… frustrating!

This is when I personally ask the tough questions; am I expecting too much? Do I need to change? Does something else need to change? Do I just need to keep pressing on?

Then, we wait to hear from God! And guess what? He always speaks. Not auditable of course, at least I have never heard an audible voice, as much as I would dig that it hasn’t happened.

Listen… God is speaking!