Doubts…

Thursday  February 26, 2009

I find myself struggling with doubts of one sort or another.   Some are deeply theological, some are philosophical to a degree.

I cannot find my bearing.  I feel much like a ship tossed by heavy seas looking for the light of the nearest lighthouse.

Yet I find myself somewhat confident that I’m in the right ocean, and headed generally in the right direction.

But I long for smooth seas and straight line and confirmation of my course.

Read on…

A song for living…

After delving deep into theology and apologetics, I find myself worn out, tired and argumentative.

I find myself unable to worship as I have in the past.

I find myself less “alive” and “vibrant”.

I find that I have lost something and find maybe something of what Paul spoke about in Galatians:

Galatians 2:19-21   19 For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law– I stopped trying to meet all its requirements– so that I might live for God.  20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.  21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.

I think maybe Paul reinterpreted the meaning of Christ’s coming and death and resurrection.  I think maybe there is grace in that.

I think maybe Paul would be upset with us on stopping with him and using his letters as a “new law” instead of moving it further.

I think maybe that Paul would want us to live the grace and love of God in spirit and truth.

And finally, I think that this song speaks to where I am currently….

“Come Around” Lyrics      [edit]
by Jimmy Needham | from the album Not Without Love

COME AROUND
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Written by Jimmy Needham

I thought I’d win them all with words
I’d say a smooth little line to win the room every time
And they’d be moved by what they heard
My tongue as empty as my heart
It’s not enough to play the part
O Jesus give me more than words

CHORUS:
We pass out paper facts all week but they won’t come around
We can debate theology but they won’t come around
Apologetic reasoning but they won’t come around come around
There’s only one way they’ll come and its love

I am a one man marching band
And you’ll be mighty surprised to realize just how I’m playing my songs
Its all live music ten till one come hear some cymbal crashing, son
And maybe hear me beat the gong

CHORUS

Men with other men loving the mammon more than God, man
They’re in a sinking ship and who can save them? God can

Maybe for a minute I can get back to the heart of it
Sure I’ve got zeal but does love have a part in it?
Passionate words and beautiful phrases
They just don’t mean much if I don’t have Jesus in it

CHORUS

And its love
And its love
And its love
And its love

Theology….why is it…

that the more I get into theological scripture studies and theological discussions I feel less “alive” and less “vibrant” I wonder…

Honest Questions about a Parable for anyone reading this…

I wanted to gauge people’s opinions of this parable with a few questions. There are no right or wrong answers. I just want to hear people’s thoughts about it.

Read on…

Apology to Richard Dawkins

I had a post on here where I stated that Mr. Dawkins had added “fool” to his list of accolades due to his lack of belief in God.

I realized today the profound message of Christ in loving your neighbor includes even an enemy [though I don't consider Dawkins an enemy per se].

However, in the message of love that Christ brought, there is no room to accuse a neighbor of anything that stems from a lack of love.

Call it what you will, but Christ’s message of love is unconditional I think. I am unfit to judge someone who I disagree with and to accuse them of anything. Having done so, I realize that I stepped out of a message of real love and tried to justify my accusation.

I know that may sound crazy or extreme, but if Dawkins is my “neighbor” then it was a very unloving thing to do and extremely short-sighted.

So, my sincere apologies to Mr. Richard Dawkins.

In Christ,
Chris