The Wrong End of the Telescope

I am speaking at a retreat at my church this weekend on how we can't answer the question "WHO AM I? until we answer a more important question: WHO IS I AM? I'm using this video I found on Youtube. It's from a famous sermon from S.M. Lockridge.

I think in our churches today many are looking at God through the wrong side of the telescope. They believe in God, but He is small, insignificant and at the edge of the horizon of their lives. We need to find ways to help turn the telescope around and see the God who is huge, near, and is is the not on the horizon, but is the sun in the solar system of our lives that whose holy gravitational force holds all things in our lives and world together (Col. 1:16-17).

One thing that young people need today is a greater vision of God. One of the ways which they will see that of course is through what and how we teach, but what will capture them most is when that teaching is coupled with the lives of adults and peers around them who live "radically" different from the world, risk much, joyfully abaondon the American dream, are generous with their resources, take action when they see a need and view people they encoutner with eyes of compassion rather than comparison. Our theology needs to drive our living. For far two long we've allowed them to be seperated.

Videos like this aren't the answer, but they do help me to ask myself some good questions. When young people...my children...my neighbors...observe my way of life, will they gain a large view of who God is because of how I am responding to Him with all that I am?

Of First Importance

"For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, 4 that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, 5 and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. 6 Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. 7 Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. 8 Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me." 1 Corinthians 15:3-8 3

Paul said that to him, what was of FIRST IMPORTANCE was Christ crucified and risen. In the Church today we assume that we all agree this is of FIRST IMPORTANCE. I'm not sure that is the case. Sure, tomorrow it will be as it is Easter Sunday. But I am not convinced that the majority of those who are part of the North American Church would say on tuesday afternoon that what is of "first importance" is Christ crucified and raised. (i'm not sure this would be my first answer either...and this troubles me deeply.)

The death and resurrection of utter importance...and more than that...it is of "first importance"! Without the cross and the empty tomb, the Christian life is both impossible and pointless.

How does the cross shape our view and role in marriage, parenting, friendship, citizenship, pastoring, leadership, etc? In each of these roles, if I can not say that Christ's death and resurrection is of first importance then I do not understand the majestic grace of God in how the cross and empty tomb free, sustain, uphold, and empower me through faith to fulfill all these roles for the good of those on the other side of them rather than for myself. (2 Corinthians 5:15 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.)

What would happen the other 364 non-Easter days of the year if what was of first importance to you and me was the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus the Christ?

Ten Questions that will Change your Life

I was in a meeting with Tim Addington today and he shared with us the 10 questions that have the potential to bring the 1000 various pieces of our lives into focus. Those questions are:
1. Why am I here? Pinpoint your purpose.
2. What is my sweet spot? Understanding how you are wired.
3. What will I leave behind? Looking toward your Legacy
4. What really matters? Establishing Clear Priorities
5. What is my plan? Determining effective ways to grow and develop
6. How do I best recharge? Recognizing the rewards of refreshment
7. How can my life have a ripple effect? Initiating ways to influence and inspire others
8. How do I relate to God? Deepening your spiritual connection
9. Will I say YES to God? Responding to the Creator’s Call
10. What shall I do next? Creating a plan for the years ahead

Faith

A friend sent me this quote a couple months ago. I found myself reading it again today:

When you know God wants you to do something and you can't fathom how you are going to do it, you are right...until you move on it. If you are sure it's from God, and even though you have not power in yourself...DO IT! That is faith. The moment you decide to do it the power of God is released to you, and you can move forward in full confidence. Then, God gets the Glory!