I'm really excited about this new (to me) way of staying in touch and talking about a variety of things. Most of you will, no doubt, be a lot further down the 'blogging' trail than I am. I've seen a number of blogs; this is only the second time I've ever posted on one.
My plan is to jot out some thoughts each week, usually toward the beginning of the week. Sometimes the blog will be serious, sometimes not; it may range from thoughts about our mission as a church to ramblings about my favorite college football team. Whatever the content, this is a place to connect and 'talk'.
It so happens that my first blog comes at a time when a series of messages I've just finished has created as much feedback as any I can remember. Folks have commented by phone, email and some passing comments about this series called "The Quest." Some have expressed full agreement; others have expressed concern. In every case, without exception, whether in agreement or not, the conversations have been good-spirited and mature.
One of my goals in the sermon series was to put a new 'frame' on what we do together as a church. One way of 'framing' our work together as a church is to think of the church as something like a bus that's on its way to heaven, and the goal of the bus is to add more people. In this 'frame,' most of what the church does is to help people be prepared to go to heaven.
A second 'frame' for our work, one that I tried to describe during this series, is that the church is a community of people who are being renewed in the likeness of Christ, and together we are praying and working to join our lives to God's work of renewal in this world. In this frame, the focus is on this world, and the reason for that is, I believe, God intends to renew this world, and he wants to use you and I as his agents in that renewal project. I believe that was the central content of Jesus' preaching. I believe he called us to pray and work, to join our lives to God's love, so that God's will is done on earth as it is in heaven. In this frame, God's love for the lost is just as vital as it is in the first frame. Part of God's renewal project is to restore lost people to a right relationship with himself, one in which they can trust God for eternal life. But in this frame, our focus is also on all the ways that God wants to renew the world. I believe that includes renewing the world by feeding the hungry, liberating those who are oppressed, renewing the beautiful creation, healing those who are broken, and the list goes on.
Well, you've heard enough from me. I'm really interested to hear now from you. Jot out your ideas, include your name, and be part of the conversation.
--Steve
4 comments:
Steve, to me basically what you are saying in regard to the 2nd frame is "faith without works is dead". Am I tracking with you? Doyce
Steve,
Here are a few questions just to think out loud a minute.
How did the church get so off track and confused about all this? How did the first frame become the dominant view?
What suggestions do you have for those who believe their faithfulness to Christ is tied to the first view you describe? This makes it hard for many to even be open to the idea of reframing. How does a person begin to think their way back through all of this so that they might begin to see the wisdom and necessity of the second frame? Your sermons series is a good start in that direction. What next?
This is quite a radical reframing which makes one see the whole of life differently. I hope others will jump in the conversation with a mind open to the possibility of being “reframed”.
Welcome to the computer Age. We have enjoyed your sermons for the last few weeks. I agree with your second frame ideas. We have been called to make disciples, which to me is more than just getting a ticket to heaven. It is a changed life, tht then can change lives around it. In the past I was invoved in a church that believed in the bus idea. These people would say things like, it doesn't matter what I do, I 'm already saved and god knows I'm a sinner and i cant change that. They had nointerest in growing or helping others, or the world. I believe we need to grow and change and become what God created us to be and that will not happen with out a real relationship with Jesus
Pastor Steve,
Your heart and passion is refreshing! I am enjoying your sermons, as is my family who listens online (even though they attend another church).
Correct me if I'm wrong, but how I am interpreting your (Jesus') message is that there is a Kingdom of heaven on earth as there is in Heaven. Once we are saved, we become a citizen of Christ's Kingdom on earth. Our purpose is no longer building our own kingdoms, but building and serving in God's Kingdom.
During my college years, I remember coming to a point in my life when I thought, "Okay, I'm saved. Now what? Wait for heaven?" I felt very lost. I was also saddened by the statistics that, besides going to church, American Christians live lives virtually synonymous with non-Christians. I think your messages help Christians take hold of their salvation and go forward, aligning their purpose and meaning to Jesus' on earth. Being saved is just the beginning of an exciting life in the Kingdom!
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