Why Study for a Sermon?

I really wonder if it has come to this – pastors outsourcing the work of creating their sermons. Skye Jethani writes:

The Wizard of Oz was a mighty and powerful being to be feared and respected…until the curtain was drawn back and the Wizard turned out to be a mechanical façade created by a little man pushing buttons and pulling levers. The classic story came to mind this week as I heard two separate stories of megachurch pastors literally outsourcing their Bible study and exegetical sermon preparation work.Apparently the trend is not as uncommon as one might think, although I’m sure not every large church pastor utilizes the services of outsiders. The program works like this-a megachurch pastor has limited time and many obligation. He simply cannot pour hours of labor into studying the Bible, exegeting the texts, reading commentaries, and researching historical interpretations. So, he hires a credible and educated Bible student to do this work instead. The exegete-for-hire then delivers the essential points in a summary paper that the pastor can add pertinent illustrations and applications to before delivering the sermon to his flock.

No way can I improve on Skye’s thoughts so read the rest of his post here.

Dirt

When you dig a hole for yourself, I guess you have to throw the dirt on someone.

Wayne Jacobsen and Dave Coleman put this line into the mouth of a child in their somewhat controversial book. A simple line, but I found myself paused in my reading as I thought it through. How many times do we find ourselves attacking others, throwing dirt on them, to cover up our own failings? Why do we do it? The old proverb is true:

Throw dirt enough, and some will stick.

If you persistently say bad things about someone, people will begin to believe your accusations, even if they are not true. Commonly called mudslinging, it is might also be a means of distracting others from the hole being dug; or maybe from how dirty we are ourselves. Sadly, I can do this is some pretty subtle ways to the people I love the most – shifting blame, even “accusing” my wife for faults as I toss the dirt from my personal mud hole on her (probably all the while thinking self-righteously that I’m building her a castle, or a fine sculpture, or some other silly mind game).

My Bible reading for the day included this classic passage – the place I need be every day to keep from digging myself a hole or tossing dirt.

Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV)
23 Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
24 And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!

A Perspective Rarely Considered

Cat and Dog Theology by Bob Sjogren and Gerald Robison  is an unusual look at American Christians and their theology. Basically, there are those who are like dogs who serve the master; and others more like cats, who think they are the master. The authors nuance and develop the argument a lot more, but it works.

The book leads to some interesting considerations, rarely considered in most circles in American Christianity:

Cats, like the fastest horse at the end of a race, expect to be in the winner’s circle. They always relate to the major character; they never relate to the minor characters—those aren’t the famous ones. They want and expect life to be safe, soft, easy, comfortable, secure, and they expect to always come out on the top. They believe that’s just what God wants for all of us.

As an illustration, they point to the story of Job. Cats really love the story and identify with Job, being faithful, and having the blessings of God in the end. Sure he goes through hell on earth, but in the end he the one blessed.

But what about Job’s children? Were they not in the plan and purpose of God? What can we learn from them?

The tough question needs to be asked, Did God love Job’s kids as much as Job? The obvious answer is yes. Did God have a plan for their lives? Not as obvious, but the same answer still stands, yes.

The authors then point us to a convicting conclusion:

You see, Cats only focus on God’s blessing while on earth. “Where are the blessings in these seventy years that I’m alive?” they ask. Dogs realize that their lives can be in ruins for those seventy or so years, and eternity is where the Lord’s glory is greatly revealed in their lives. The apostle Paul writes, “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all: (2 Corinthians 4:17). Therefore, relating to Job’s kids is just as viable as relating to Job. Are there lessons outside the winner’s circle in other passages?

A Hard Place to Share Jesus

Not to be an alarmist, but this is surprising! It is hard to believe that this is happening in England. I wonder how long until we have similar laws in the USA.

Christians persecuted in England

The Shepherd Becomes a Showman

Skye Jethani notes that there is a somewhat outspoken encouragement for church leaders to “embrace entertainment.” Apparently the the thought is that this approach will open doors that will ultimately lead to life transformation. Jethani takes issue with this in his current book.

“These pastors, representative of so many contemporary Christians, believe that God changes lives through the commoditization and consumption of experiences. If our worship gatherings are energetic, stimulating, and exciting enough then people will attend, receive what’s being communicated, and be spiritually transformed. The justification for this approach is simple – people won’t come to a church that’s boring. And what qualifies as boring is defined by our consumer/experience economy. … In Consumer Christianity, the shepherd becomes a showman.” – The Divine Commodity, p. 75.

This book, surprisingly published by Zondervan, clearly articulates a significant weakness in many American churches. The complaint about the consumerization of the church is not new (e.g., John MacArthur made that point years ago); but Jethani’s approach is creative and compelling. Using paintings by Vincent Van Gogh he provokes some deep thinking.

I’ve been thinking of posting several of Jethani’s insights, but realized that his argument is best served by reading it whole. You even get a meaningful and surprising lesson in Art! His thoughts on the Lord’s Table (communion) are insightful; his challenge about seeking a place to be comfortable are convicting.

Consumer Alienation

No comment required:

Alienation has conditioned consumers, including the religious variety to believe context is irrelevant. Value is found only in something’s immediate usefulness, in its ability to satisfy our immediate desire. As a result we have alienated God from the larger story of Scripture that informs us of his character and attributes. At the same time that we are flippantly producing more words about God, we are paradoxically less interested in the words he has spoken about himself. Why bother reading what happened long ago in a land far away? Instead, just boil the story down to three applications on a PowerPoint Slide.

This is the view of God a consumer culture feeds to our imaginations—a controllable and convenient deity devoid of any relevant context. But before this false god can be replaced in our minds it must first be erased, shattered by an encounter with the true God beyond our grasp.

From The Divine Commodity by Skye Jethani (emphasis mine).

OK. One comment. We must preach, teach, proclaim, and live, the truth of the true God. It is more powerful than trying to rail against the false ones.

Comfortable?

No one can follow God and be comfortable for long (p. 43) – Mike Yaconelli, Messy Spirituality

If you don’t believe it, then you might not be following God all that closely. Yes, God promises to supply all our needs, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy or pleasant; but it will be worth it.

Enjoying the Joy

“Love is what exists between people who find their joy in each other’s joy.” – Tullian Tchividjian, Unfashionable.

I’m sure that I’ve come across this concept in other writings, but Tchividjian puts it concisely and clearly. Mrs. Random and I have talked about this many times. Sorry to say I’ve not been as good at this as she is, but we try. It really isn’t too hard when we keep our eyes off of ourselves and our needs, wants and desires. OK. I guess it can be difficult since it is so easy to find myself looking out for me. Yet when I focus on Linda or others and find ways to foster her joy even in little things it is wonderful – and I think I might enjoy her joy more than she does! I’m pretty sure that the feeling is mutual. It doesn’t even have to be something big. A favorite chocolate bar, or a stop at a quilt store, may bring some to the greatest smiles from her. I can’t speak for her, but she seems to really enjoy it whenever I enjoy something. Which means I enjoy her joy at my joy which brings her more joy which means I … wow!

Imagine if we practiced this, not only with our spouses, but with our friends – actually all those whom God has called us to love. What if we didn’t even have to think about it – that it was just who we were? I’d like to hope that I could love like that. It would be a good thing for a pastor!

Of course there is a danger of getting self-centered in this. When I enjoy bringing delight to my wife, or a happy moment to a friend, or something fun to my kids or grandkids because I feel good or want the focus to be on me, I selfishly undermine the “gift” – not to mention  my integrity. I think I cheapen the relationship as well. Thank God for grace!

The thought that blows me away most is that God, as ultimate lover, takes joy in my joy. It amazes me that I should matter that much. This too is grace!

Chimes

Wind chimes have not really been one of my favorite things. At least most of them. I guess I’ve been around some poorly made, poorly tuned, chimes that are often grating and annoying, rather than peaceful and soothing.

So, a few months ago, when I arrived at SonScape for a week-long retreat I was somewhat dismayed to note that there was a wind chime on just outside the rear door to our suite. I wondered if there would be a way to “disable” it or even remove it, but then forgot about that as I enjoyed the spectacular view of Pike’s Peak and took note of the wonderful accommodations that were supplied.  The air was absolutely still so the chimes were quiet and I gave them no further thought. In fact, I didn’t notice them again for three full days.

In the midst of a time of reflection and prayer, seeking God’s direction and insight, I expressed my frustration that God seemed rather silent and was failing to make himself known. Linda and I were being very quiet in a setting created for solitude when I noticed gentle, sonorous, music just at the edge of my consciousness – perfectly tuned wind chimes playing in a very gentle breeze. Unbidden, my thoughts seemed guided to the insight that God, like the chimes, is there all the time, he is often silent, and rarely makes much noise, and is often forgotten, but never forgets … and speaks gently and peacefully into the chaos of our lives … even if we don’t understand the words.

I began to hear the chimes more often, and missed them when they were silent. They became something of a metaphor reminding me God’s presence and his peace. I noted several themes within the metaphor that mean much to me – including the recognition that chimes speak loudest in a storm.

So, I came home and promptly bought some chimes to hang outside my office at home. And every so often a gentle breeze has come up and the music begins. I’ll notice it after a while and smile at the reminder that God is there and he is not silent.

While I Was Surfing

While on a brief vacation last week, we spent some time on the beach at Corona del Mar in Southern California. I didn’t go surfing or even swim (still not sure I trust my shoulder to that stress yet). I did do some web surfing though (not on the beach – I just thought that made a nice segue).  Since I haven’t done the random link thing for a while, and haven’t posted anything for a week, it sure seems like a good time to share some of the waves … links I found.

This site is pretty sobering. But it makes it here just because of the name behind it – Poodwaddle.com.

Decide what you’re afraid of. I may be Alliumphobic. Or Chorophobic. Maybe even Ophthalmophobic.

Balldroppings is kind of addicting. Turn on the sound. Drive people crazy.

This is just a little scary – especially when alone.

Come here when you need to make some noise or hit something.

How about a truly annoying site – click a couple with the sound on and you’ll agree. It will drive your mates crazy.

Need a new clock for your computer. Turn on the sound for effect.

My favorite spot to grab a bite. Fresh ingredients. Well run. Owned entirely by a young lady. Read the book. This place is run really well. Some great lessons for the church.

 

 

Finally, you can learn to understand cats by looking into their brain here.