Kingdom Shaped Desires
As we have been looking at Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians this Spring, it occurs to me that one problem of the Corinthian church is a problem of desire. Yes they knew and loved the Lord, but their hearts still desired the divisive debates of their culture; still desired the status of Roman cultic worship; still desired the pride in “superior” manifestations of the Spirit. Much of Paul’s letter could be seen, then, as an effort to reorient their (our?) desires, from that of the wisdom of the world to the wisdom of God which, as we’ve seen, is foolishness to the world. For the next three blog posts, we’ll take a look at our desires: 1) What do we desire? 2) Culturally Shaped Desires 3) Kingdom Shaped Desires.
Culturally Shaped Desires
As we have been looking at Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians this Spring, it occurs to me that one problem of the Corinthian church is a problem of desire. Yes they knew and loved the Lord, but their hearts still desired the divisive debates of their culture; still desired the status of Roman cultic worship; still desired the pride in “superior” manifestations of the Spirit. Much of Paul’s letter could be seen, then, as an effort to reorient their (our?) desires, from that of the wisdom of the world to the wisdom of God which, as we’ve seen, is foolishness to the world. For the next three blog posts, we’ll take a look at our desires: 1) What do we desire? 2) Culturally Shaped Desires 3) Kingdom Shaped Desires.
What do you desire?
As we have been looking at Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians this Spring, it occurs to me that one problem of the Corinthian church is a problem of desire. Yes they knew and loved the Lord, but their hearts still desired the divisive debates of their culture; still desired the status of Roman cultic worship; still desired the pride in “superior” manifestations of the Spirit. Much of Paul’s letter could be seen, then, as an effort to reorient their (our?) desires, from that of the wisdom of the world to the wisdom of God which, as we’ve seen, is foolishness to the world. For the next three blog posts, we’ll take a look at our desires: 1) What do we desire? 2) What practices are shaping our desires? 3) What practices will shape our desires for the Lord?
The Essential Ascension
Don’t look now, but you are about to miss a major holiday! What, you’re not getting off work?! Didn’t even realize there was a celebration approaching?! Don’t worry, because you are certainly not alone. Falling between Easter (Resurrection of Jesus) and Pentecost (the sending of the Spirit), oh so close to Mother’s Day, graduations, and the coming of summer, the Ascension is an important Feast Day of the Church marking Jesus’ return to heaven from earth (Acts 1:9-11; Hebrews 9:24). Its significance, however, lies far beyond a simple commemoration of an event in Jesus’ life. Indeed, the Ascension is a statement about the very identity of Christ that has profound implications for us.
Resources for “Keeping a Holy Lent”
Each year, as we kick off this liturgical season, we are invited to "keep a holy Lent," but often we have no idea what that means! Lent is a season of preparation and repentance - preparing for the great Resurrection Celebration of Easter by remembering and repenting of the ways we are separated from the Lord. Historically Christians have taken part in this season with spiritual disciplines including fasting, intentional prayer and Scripture reading, and almsgiving. These practices don't make us more holy, better followers of Jesus, but rather they highlight the distance God has traveled to rescue us from sin, death, and evil. You may have your own Lenten resources to follow, but if you are looking for some, here are a few that we recommend:
Remembering the Curse
Today, Christians around the world will go to their churches and let their clergy smear the ashes of burnt palm fronds on their foreheads while reminding each of them: “You are but dust and to dust you shall return.” It is a peculiar ceremony to say the least! Why do we engage in such a ritual each year? Is it mere superstition? Of course, for some it is. But, under the ashes, there is there a deeper, more profound reminder about life, death, and salvation.
The “Patriotic” Church (Part 2)
I wrote this series of posts a few years ago in an attempt to show that what we think of as a patriotic church - one filled with the symbols of the USA in an ode to our belief in American exceptionalism - is not really patriotic at all. True patriotism does not blindly celebrate the nation or elevate it to the status of the Kingdom of God, but works to help the nation see the truth about itself and fulfill its God-given duties and responsibilities. The church should take the lead in this respect, but too often falls short, choosing instead an uncritical celebration of the red, white, and blue. Perhaps it is a stretch to discuss the prophetic voice of the church in the terms of “patriotism.” However, in a context that is deeply patriotic, it’s worth considering how we might prioritize these values in light of the Kingdom. Finally, this is Independence Day weekend of a presidential election year, so if ever Christians were to do meaningful reflection about what it means to be patriotic, this is it.
The “Patriotic” Church(Part 1)
I wrote this series of posts a few years ago in an attempt to show that what we think of as a patriotic church - one filled with the symbols of the USA in an ode to our belief in American exceptionalism - is not really patriotic at all. True patriotism does not blindly celebrate the nation or elevate it to the status of the Kingdom of God, but works to help the nation see the truth about itself and fulfill its God-given duties and responsibilities. The church should take the lead in this respect, but too often falls short, choosing instead an uncritical celebration of the red, white, and blue. Perhaps it is a stretch to discuss the prophetic voice of the church in the terms of “patriotism.” However, in a context that is deeply patriotic, it’s worth considering how we might prioritize these values in light of the Kingdom. Finally, this is Independence Day weekend of a presidential election year, so if ever Christians were to do meaningful reflection about what it means to be patriotic, this is it.
Resources for Listening with Charity
Some highlighted resources to assist our efforts to listen with charity as we seek to build relationships and begin to understand the experience of being Black in this country.
Hope and Mercy Amidst Suffering and Injustice
The death of George Floyd and the nationwide protests and riots that have followed have left our nation filled with anger, despair, fear, and newfound resolve. In the aftermath, with situations changing rapidly, “hot takes” coming out hourly, daily protests and new injustice, it is easy to become overwhelmed and paralyzed. Therefore, we must ask, how can we keep our eyes on Christ and our hope oriented toward his Kingdom in a way that reflects Biblical justice in our present-day?