So here is the question of the week:

Why should I go to church?

(Check out previous questions here)

Hard to believe that was 9 years ago. I was at the church office, meeting with N.S. in the old church library (which I had claimed as my office), and we were tuning into the radio hearing the reports. Later I was at Tim Horton’s (no surprise there) meeting with B.B., and I shared with her I was shaking on the inside, not believing the news. I went home early that afternoon and watch the TV reports, non-stop, for the rest of the night (and week). I remember crying, and thinking that we had just experienced a seismic historical event that would forever rock our world. I remember wondering what it all meant for us as a family, but also for the world, and the mission of the church. Our ‘bubble’ had burst, and things would never be the same…

Where were you on September 11, 2001? What went through your mind? How has your life changed because of it?

So here is the question of the week:

Why are there so many different kinds of churches (or denominations)?

I recently read this story on the web, and it stuck with me. It made me think about my own family, and what it is I wish for them?

Recently I overheard a father and daughter in their last moments together. They had announced her departure and standing near the security gate, they hugged and he said, “I love you. I wish you enough.” She in turn said, “Daddy, our life together has been more than enough. Your love is all I ever needed. I wish you enough, too, Daddy.”
They kissed and she left. He walked over toward the window where I was seated. Standing there I could see he wanted and needed to cry. I tried not to intrude on his privacy, but he welcomed me in by asking, “Did you ever say goodbye to someone knowing it would be forever?” Continue reading ‘“I wish you enough”’ »

Imagine being at the local market, when some classical music is piped in over the speakers. Then, to your surprise, the gentleman behind you starts warbling an operatic tune… and then the whole market place erupts in song. I would love to have been there that day!

This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. [Colossians 1:1]
In my church background, talk about being “chosen by God” was primarily a debate about whether we are ‘saved’ because God chose us or because we chose God.
Otherwise known as the doctrine of election or predestination.
In the reformed tradition we have a whole document(“The Canons of Dordt”) dedicated to explaining that the right answer is that God chose us, and everyone who teaches otherwise is wrong!
I have studied this debate, and participated in it, for years; I know the bible verses usually brought up by both sides.
My own perspective is in the mysterious middle – God chooses us and we choose God, and somehow it all works out.

But what is missing in this abstract theological debate is the purpose for which those that are chosen are called.
What does it mean that God chooses us, or that we choose God?
Think about the army: whether we are conscripted or we sign up voluntarily, we are there for a purpose.
I see the issue of being “chosen by God” less a matter of privilege (‘I am chosen, you are not’) and more a matter of responsibility!
What we need to figure out most of all is what it is we are chosen for.
According to Paul, it is to be an apostle (or missionary) of/for Christ Jesus.

When we talk about being “chosen by God”, don’t forget that we are chosen for a purpose!
If only we had a whole document in our tradition dedicated to explaining this!!!

I received an email from a friend, looking for feedback on a particular belief that they are uncertain about. They need to know if what they are thinking is biblically (theologically) true. Here is the what they wrote me:

I have a theological question. I think this is true, is it? It is a serious issue for me I would like your comment.

I said to God today: “Okay I accept. I accept that whatever comes my way, or has come my way comes via You. You allow, permit, let happen what happens to me. You do stop things, change things, send things…. what comes is what you have allowed.
You are wise and the Ruler of the universe and all knowing the past, present and future. You have the Plan. You want the best for me and You love me all the time.
You do not want me to suffer, You cried when I cried, but You still allowed it.
I am your child and I do not understand why some things but I accept that You know and that is enough for me.
I want to be able to totally trust You and for that I need to accept this.”

This coming Sunday at Crossroads (July 18) Pastor Lisa Vanderleek will share a message from Luke 4:3-37. The message is entitled “The Onion Sermon”. As Jesus began his ministry, different people had different reactions to his message. Some rejected him right away. Others were amazed by his teaching, and still others recognized him as the Son of God. Just as an onion has layers, so too does our life of faith. We have layers of rejection, amazement and recognition as we discover the person and message of Jesus of Nazareth. How do you react to Jesus, or to His message?