Over the last several weeks I have enjoyed two baptisms and one remembrance of baptism. The first baptism occurred on my way into church one morning when I knocked over my coffee thus pouring the liquid over the floor board of my new car. Yes, it was Trinitarian in nature. A week later a cup of coffee was placed in a cup holder when the car ran over a bump causing the liquid to splash. All I could say was “Rejoice and remember your baptism”! The second baptism came weeks later when I was washing dishes. My cell phone rang but before I could answer it I needed to dry my hands. Reaching for a dish towel I forgot that ear phones were attached to the phone. My phone was baptized by the time honored tradition of immersion. Again, it was Trinitarian in nature.
Often the means by which a person is baptized becomes the focus of a baptism. How many times have you been asked by what method did your baptism occur? This has become a sticking point between denominations as to which method is right or wrong. The act becomes more important than the reason.
What is baptism? Baptism can be understood as a means by which a person is initiated into the church. It is also one of the ways a person experiences the divine love of God. In the exercising of the “Baptismal Covenant’ in our Book of Worship, people of all ages are recognized as participants in covenant with God. Baptism is an outward and visible sign of God’s inward grace. Since baptism is God’s action it is an unrepeatable event. God never fails to uphold God’s side of the covenant. Therefore, the covenant is never broken. While it is a single non-repeatable act at a particular time, baptism cannot be limited to a moment in time. Baptism is God’s way of promising to fulfill divine salvation. Repentance, justification, new birth, and ultimately sanctification aides my understanding that baptism is also a part of the journey of holiness but not a requirement for justification. Since a person continues to sin throughout their journey, baptism is God’s promise to forgive sins when the believer repents.
Another controversial difference between denominations is who can be baptized? In the United Methodist Church we practice the baptism of children and infants. We affirm our practice through Scripture. Acts 2:38-41 and 16:15, 33 refers to household baptisms which included children. However, the most compelling Scripture reference for me talking about children is located in Matthew 19:13-15. Children were brought to Jesus for him to lay his hands on them, pray for them, and bless them. Baptism marks the beginning of a faith journey. In the baptism of infants and children, the parents of the children, and the faith community, share in the responsibility of nurturing the children’s faith. Children and infants are heirs to the inheritance of the Kingdom of God. One of my greatest joys came during an infant baptism service. The joy on the faces of those in attendance as they remembered their baptism, their children’s baptism, and knowing they would also be a part of the life of this young baby for some time to come let us know we are body of Christ nurtured by the Spirit.
Baptism gives us a chance to remember God’s grace through the Holy Spirit and the vows we took when we were received as members into the church. It is a special time of worship.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Why?
Can you believe Ash Wednesday is less than a month away? It marks the beginning of Lent which can be thought of as a time a self-examination. Thinking back I recall those who have influenced my life the most. One such person was my high school civics teacher. One day he gave us a pop quiz using one word, “Why?” Pondering the question I thought “Why, Why what?” Part of me wanted to stand up and say “COME ON! REALLY? ARE YOU SERIOUS?” Determined, I put my pen to paper in hopes of giving an answer which would be awe inspiring. Proud of my answer I handed in what should have been considered a literary masterpiece that would influence society. My elation was short lived when I found out the answer was a single word, “Because”. The purpose of this quiz taught the class not to over complicate an answer to a simple question.
Think about this for a moment. Isn’t there a tendency for us to over think our explanations that we fail to provide an answer to the question? If someone approached us today about our beliefs, especially in the church, how would we respond? Often the responses to questions about our faith beliefs confuse others who never fully understand what we are saying. A simple question about “why” we believe what we do is complicated in trying to provide an eloquent theological dissertation describing our faith. During a round of golf a member of the foursome I was in asked me a question in regards to my theological stance on Scripture. He asked that if 100 people on an island had neverheard the good news of Jesus Christ and they died would they enter into the kingdom of heaven? At this moment there is no doubt in my mind that many of you are pondering this question. What is your answer and “Why”?
Before I could ever respond my golf buddy gave me an answer supported through the quoting of scriptural references. Told to me was the 100 folks on the island are denied God’s redemptive grace since they never professed Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Big theological words were used. Of course my limited cranial capacity proved to hinder my ability to understand his answer. LOL! All I could think about at the moment was Ezekiel 3:18 conveying the idea that if we are not sharing the word of God with those who have no knowledge then we will be held accountable for their death. In other words if we have knowledge of people on an island who have never heard the good news then we will be responsible if they die without knowledge of Jesus.
As for those on the island entering into the kingdom of heaven, well, let’s make sure they hear about God’s redemptive love.
Think about this for a moment. Isn’t there a tendency for us to over think our explanations that we fail to provide an answer to the question? If someone approached us today about our beliefs, especially in the church, how would we respond? Often the responses to questions about our faith beliefs confuse others who never fully understand what we are saying. A simple question about “why” we believe what we do is complicated in trying to provide an eloquent theological dissertation describing our faith. During a round of golf a member of the foursome I was in asked me a question in regards to my theological stance on Scripture. He asked that if 100 people on an island had neverheard the good news of Jesus Christ and they died would they enter into the kingdom of heaven? At this moment there is no doubt in my mind that many of you are pondering this question. What is your answer and “Why”?
Before I could ever respond my golf buddy gave me an answer supported through the quoting of scriptural references. Told to me was the 100 folks on the island are denied God’s redemptive grace since they never professed Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Big theological words were used. Of course my limited cranial capacity proved to hinder my ability to understand his answer. LOL! All I could think about at the moment was Ezekiel 3:18 conveying the idea that if we are not sharing the word of God with those who have no knowledge then we will be held accountable for their death. In other words if we have knowledge of people on an island who have never heard the good news then we will be responsible if they die without knowledge of Jesus.
As for those on the island entering into the kingdom of heaven, well, let’s make sure they hear about God’s redemptive love.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Three Essential Gifts
Genesis 12:1 Now the LORD said to Abram, "Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. 12:2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing.
Purpose: Why does this church exist? The church is called to feed the hungry, care for the sick, visit people in prison, and welcome strangers. In other words, the church is to be the body of Christ reaching out to the world in missions. At Church of the Palms we acknowledge we are part of the universal church engaged in missions. This suggests the church pursues love of neighbor and strives to employ its spiritual gifts, so that the church is a place where a person may experience the reign of God. The church is where the body grows in love, and experiences the beginnings of eternal life. In the body of the church people engage in a fellowship that helps deepen a person’s faith as the church supports and prays for each other. The church is a place where people celebrate the love of God revealed in Christ. The church resides in the hearts of all believers. The church provides a glimpse of eternal life.
Time: Ecclesiastes 3 tells us that there is a time to every purpose under heaven. Not everything lasts forever. As sad of a thought this may be or as much as we would like to think our church will be where it is forever is simply not a reasonable notion. Going back home to Alabama I am reminded that change is active. New developments, new roads, or shopping centers exist wherefields use to be. What was the country side is no more. Noticed is how populations come and sometimes go, even culture and language are in a state of flux. An effective church is in tune with its surroundings and speaking a language the community in which it exists can understand. We should take advantage of every moment not letting any opportunities pass us by if possible. We should live life to the fullest.
Place on the map: Why this place? What was going through the minds of those who decided this was the sort of church that should be planted? If the church is to be the first place the Kingdom of God is experienced then The Kingdom of God is present in the church today through its activities, and at the same time it awaits the second coming of Christ to establish God’s Kingdom on earth. The church in the world today is to be the first place where the reign of God can be identified and witnessed. The reign of God is more than a personal vision of God’s future, as the church is to be a place which transforms the world until God’s love, justice, and mercy prevail throughout the whole world. It is also a future event where the world will experience a complete healing and redemption.
So much to be done and so little time.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Bless His Heart
I’m not sure if y’all have seen the latest news to come out of the State of Alabama. The newly elected Governor, Robert Bentley, was speaking in a church when he made the comment “Anybody here today who has not accepted Jesus Christ as their savior, I'm telling you, you're not my brother and you're not my sister, and I want to be your brother.” All I can say is “Bless his heart”. The pastor of the church where Bentley was speaking said “He was trying to relay something that is fundamental to our faith, that people who believe in Jesus are related. He didn't mean that he's not part of the brotherhood of humanity.” “Bless his heart”.
More often than not our whole year builds in the highly anticipated holidays creating excitement with warm attitudes then all of a sudden the anti-climax to the holiday season known as the month of January slaps us in the face. With not much on our agendas we settle back into the same old routines of prior to the holidays. Unfortunately this sometimes includes our faith. Instead of talking about the “Love come down at Christmas” an emphasis seems to be placed on that which separates us from others. When the message changes the people on the outside of the church are once again saying “See, it is the same old church. One we don’t want to be a part of”. In defense of the Alabama governor I am sure he really wasn’t trying to exclude anyone. Let this serve as a reminder that we are to be intentional about our faith and the good news by choosing words consistent with our beliefs.
Why is this so important? A friend of mine who served an old mill village church explained how church worked during the ‘40’s, ‘50’s, and early ‘60’s. Church and faith were not a choice but a condition of employment. Church attendance records were maintained on mill employees. Church pews were full yet such attendance was taken for granted. The spiritual life of church members was never developed. I remember as a child attending church with my mom and wondering why the man standing up preaching was so angry. All he did was holler at everyone attending the service (Bless his heart). However, the good news tells us a different story. In the story of the Prodigal Child clearly one child makes the right decision and one the wrong decision. Or is that the case? Yet, the father sees the “child on the outside” wanting to come back home. As the wayward child is embraced the other son gets mad. His attitude, including his words, is not consistent with the inheritance to be received.
Although I cannot speak for others I know that I have been both children in the story. During the slow time found in January I have found myself examining my life. It has not been pretty. My inconsistency is somewhat frightening “Bless my heart”. Rather than dwell on the past I realize a need to let that go by placing my trust in God. Instead of getting in the way of God maybe I should move over so God can work. I pray this is something we all should try to do. If we can, God’s love will be made known through our church and we will not hear people saying “Bless their heart”. I am truly blessed to be associated with the Church of the Palms and all who attend.
More often than not our whole year builds in the highly anticipated holidays creating excitement with warm attitudes then all of a sudden the anti-climax to the holiday season known as the month of January slaps us in the face. With not much on our agendas we settle back into the same old routines of prior to the holidays. Unfortunately this sometimes includes our faith. Instead of talking about the “Love come down at Christmas” an emphasis seems to be placed on that which separates us from others. When the message changes the people on the outside of the church are once again saying “See, it is the same old church. One we don’t want to be a part of”. In defense of the Alabama governor I am sure he really wasn’t trying to exclude anyone. Let this serve as a reminder that we are to be intentional about our faith and the good news by choosing words consistent with our beliefs.
Why is this so important? A friend of mine who served an old mill village church explained how church worked during the ‘40’s, ‘50’s, and early ‘60’s. Church and faith were not a choice but a condition of employment. Church attendance records were maintained on mill employees. Church pews were full yet such attendance was taken for granted. The spiritual life of church members was never developed. I remember as a child attending church with my mom and wondering why the man standing up preaching was so angry. All he did was holler at everyone attending the service (Bless his heart). However, the good news tells us a different story. In the story of the Prodigal Child clearly one child makes the right decision and one the wrong decision. Or is that the case? Yet, the father sees the “child on the outside” wanting to come back home. As the wayward child is embraced the other son gets mad. His attitude, including his words, is not consistent with the inheritance to be received.
Although I cannot speak for others I know that I have been both children in the story. During the slow time found in January I have found myself examining my life. It has not been pretty. My inconsistency is somewhat frightening “Bless my heart”. Rather than dwell on the past I realize a need to let that go by placing my trust in God. Instead of getting in the way of God maybe I should move over so God can work. I pray this is something we all should try to do. If we can, God’s love will be made known through our church and we will not hear people saying “Bless their heart”. I am truly blessed to be associated with the Church of the Palms and all who attend.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Love Revealed Unexpectedly
On the third Monday of every year our nation celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Across our land people in many cities, including my home town (Selma, Al.), will gather in remembrance of a man whose ideological stance was grounded in Biblical principal. People will tell their stories of how one man made things possible that might not have happened. How has your life been affected?
After graduating from college I took a job which required me to relocate from Alabama to Sumter, S.C. Not exactly the place a single person in his early 20’s desired at that time. I was a stranger in a new town who knew no one. I was all alone. One night while traveling down a dark country road the water pump on my car went out. The pre-cell phone era was a dark time but that didn’t really matter. Remembering some houses back up the road I drove my car to one and asked if they would be kind enough to call me a tow truck. What happened next took me by surprise. A young man walked with me back to my car and cared enough to stay until the tow truck came. Most notable about this young man were his physical features. One arm with his hand curled inwards took away the attention from legs of different sizes until he walked. I was an athlete in good shape who took much for granted. We engaged in some wonderful conversation that night. The tow truck came and I haven’t seen him since.
Did I happen to mention that he was also African-American? This young man did not care about my skin color or athletic ability. He looked beyond his own limitations by caring for my immediate needs. Isn’t this the message that Dr. King was trying to get across? Physical appearances, ethnic origins, or even gender are not signs of higher importance. Such features identify us as individuals not our net worth. In Jesus the Christ we are all one. Only we get in the way of God’s intended purpose for creation. In other words we are all God’s children. I learned a lot that night. God’s love reaches all people through all people.
After graduating from college I took a job which required me to relocate from Alabama to Sumter, S.C. Not exactly the place a single person in his early 20’s desired at that time. I was a stranger in a new town who knew no one. I was all alone. One night while traveling down a dark country road the water pump on my car went out. The pre-cell phone era was a dark time but that didn’t really matter. Remembering some houses back up the road I drove my car to one and asked if they would be kind enough to call me a tow truck. What happened next took me by surprise. A young man walked with me back to my car and cared enough to stay until the tow truck came. Most notable about this young man were his physical features. One arm with his hand curled inwards took away the attention from legs of different sizes until he walked. I was an athlete in good shape who took much for granted. We engaged in some wonderful conversation that night. The tow truck came and I haven’t seen him since.
Did I happen to mention that he was also African-American? This young man did not care about my skin color or athletic ability. He looked beyond his own limitations by caring for my immediate needs. Isn’t this the message that Dr. King was trying to get across? Physical appearances, ethnic origins, or even gender are not signs of higher importance. Such features identify us as individuals not our net worth. In Jesus the Christ we are all one. Only we get in the way of God’s intended purpose for creation. In other words we are all God’s children. I learned a lot that night. God’s love reaches all people through all people.
Apathy or Revolution: Your Choice
Does March 7, 1965 ring a bell to anyone? This day became known as “Bloody Sunday” when civil rights marchers left Brown Chapel A.M.E Church in Selma (my hometown) walking east towards Montgomery only to be greeted by local and state law enforcement who attacked them with billy clubs and tear gas. I really can’t imagine what must have been running through God’s mind when the events of this day occurred. This isn’t God’s intended purpose for creation, is it?
Looking back through history such an event mentioned above is not an isolated occurrence. In our country alone Native Americans, Irish immigrants, and women are some other groups who have also faced an oppressive system. World history gives a similar picture of select groups facing an evil force opposed to all that God stands for. Hitler used the term “useless eaters” in reference to Jews, those with a Slavic heritage, and even handicapped people just to mention a few. It seems one group dislikes another and attempts to justify its superiority over another. Even Jesus could not get things right as he associated with all the “wrong” people. Yet, for me, one conversation that I continue to remember is when a manager for Bilo (I worked at the same store) explained to me how American Christians were now God’s chosen people since the Jews lost that status because they do not believe Jesus to be the Messiah. I understand what N.T. Wright meant by the term ‘human evil” as it takes various forms to support a claim by one group that they are absolutely right.
However, what shames me the most is not what took place in my hometown or my country even what my race or gender has done to others. My shame lies in the apathy towards other groups since I have not been directly affected. Genesis 1:28-29 informs us of God’s intention not only for humankind but for all of His creation. Our stewardship in caring for creation was supposed to be a reflection of the image of God that we were created in. Apathy tends to lay the ground work for exploitation of others or things much less the wasting of resources that could be used to care for others. Isn’t ignoring the evil in this world which does not affect us the same as turning our backs on God’s calling in our lives?
This Sunday we will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day in our church. While he was an instrumental factor in the civil rights movement back in the Sixties we cannot forget today what was started back then. Race relations still are not where they should be, equality between the genders does not exist, slavery is alive and well in our world today, and the Christian Church continues justifying its superior stance. As celebrations take place all over our nation Sunday and Monday honoring Dr. King let’s not loose sight of the bigger picture. Dr. King’s message in his speech “I Have a Dream” was about inclusiveness. The scope of his message included everyone although race relations were the focus of the civil rights movement and continues to be so today. After all, isn’t this the message of the Gospel? Did not Jesus come as a revolutionary opposing an exclusive system? God’s love for creation is for all not just some nor does God turn His back on creation? Let us take upon our shoulders what Dr. King started by reaching out to make a difference in our community. Let us become like Jesus and be revolutionaries for the Kingdom of God fighting that which is in opposition to God’s purpose for creation. Together, hand in hand, we will no longer turn our backs upon creation but will make a difference.
Looking back through history such an event mentioned above is not an isolated occurrence. In our country alone Native Americans, Irish immigrants, and women are some other groups who have also faced an oppressive system. World history gives a similar picture of select groups facing an evil force opposed to all that God stands for. Hitler used the term “useless eaters” in reference to Jews, those with a Slavic heritage, and even handicapped people just to mention a few. It seems one group dislikes another and attempts to justify its superiority over another. Even Jesus could not get things right as he associated with all the “wrong” people. Yet, for me, one conversation that I continue to remember is when a manager for Bilo (I worked at the same store) explained to me how American Christians were now God’s chosen people since the Jews lost that status because they do not believe Jesus to be the Messiah. I understand what N.T. Wright meant by the term ‘human evil” as it takes various forms to support a claim by one group that they are absolutely right.
However, what shames me the most is not what took place in my hometown or my country even what my race or gender has done to others. My shame lies in the apathy towards other groups since I have not been directly affected. Genesis 1:28-29 informs us of God’s intention not only for humankind but for all of His creation. Our stewardship in caring for creation was supposed to be a reflection of the image of God that we were created in. Apathy tends to lay the ground work for exploitation of others or things much less the wasting of resources that could be used to care for others. Isn’t ignoring the evil in this world which does not affect us the same as turning our backs on God’s calling in our lives?
This Sunday we will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. day in our church. While he was an instrumental factor in the civil rights movement back in the Sixties we cannot forget today what was started back then. Race relations still are not where they should be, equality between the genders does not exist, slavery is alive and well in our world today, and the Christian Church continues justifying its superior stance. As celebrations take place all over our nation Sunday and Monday honoring Dr. King let’s not loose sight of the bigger picture. Dr. King’s message in his speech “I Have a Dream” was about inclusiveness. The scope of his message included everyone although race relations were the focus of the civil rights movement and continues to be so today. After all, isn’t this the message of the Gospel? Did not Jesus come as a revolutionary opposing an exclusive system? God’s love for creation is for all not just some nor does God turn His back on creation? Let us take upon our shoulders what Dr. King started by reaching out to make a difference in our community. Let us become like Jesus and be revolutionaries for the Kingdom of God fighting that which is in opposition to God’s purpose for creation. Together, hand in hand, we will no longer turn our backs upon creation but will make a difference.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Why is church important?
Why is church important? Really, think about it for a moment. Life would be simpler if we did not have to get up early on Sunday mornings. At times I have rolled over to shut off my alarm clock on a Sunday morning with the thought “I wonder if anyone will miss me if I don’t show up?”
Michael Slaughter, in a sermon, made the point “Followers of Jesus are not called to go to church, rather to be the church, sharing Christ’s life, extending Christ’s love, reflecting Christ’s light to a world that longs to see authentic faith”. In my opinion this one sentence could have been the entire sermon. However, that would be short selling the Good News we are called to share. Church is so much more than a place where we gather on Sunday mornings. During the exile of the Jewish people beginning in 722 B.C. and ending in approximately 536 B.C. saw a fascinating development. Prior to the exile the only place of worship was the Temple in Jerusalem. After the exile came a need for the people to stay connected to each other much less God. The development of a center (Synagogue) allowed for people to come together Scripture reading, prayer, study, and worship. Included in the function of the Synagogue was a center for the education of children. In essence, the church was taken to the people.
One issue which keeps coming to the front when we stop attending church is the privatization of our faith life. Rather than being exposed to other thoughts and ideas our views become limited. Eventually a skewed view of God is created including the message we present. A recent article posted at BostonHerald.com featured a group of individuals spreading the word of God. Yet, the message is about the end of the world (May 21, 2011). The common characteristic uniting these individual Christians is they are not associated with any particular church. Instead they apparently hold to a similar view of Scripture thus driving them to seek out others who believe the way they do.
If we are to live as followers of Jesus called to be the church we need a starting point. Study, prayer, fellowship, and worship is a foundation to be laid by the church. Through our participation and attendance such structures are possible. While the church has many functions it starts as a center for development found in the synagogues built during the Jewish exile. From here our missions and outreach are strengthened which enables us to present a more well rounded view of God. I look forward to seeing each and everyone of you in church.
Ephesians 4:11-16
11The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ. 14We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people’s trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. 15But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body’s growth in building itself up in love.
Michael Slaughter, in a sermon, made the point “Followers of Jesus are not called to go to church, rather to be the church, sharing Christ’s life, extending Christ’s love, reflecting Christ’s light to a world that longs to see authentic faith”. In my opinion this one sentence could have been the entire sermon. However, that would be short selling the Good News we are called to share. Church is so much more than a place where we gather on Sunday mornings. During the exile of the Jewish people beginning in 722 B.C. and ending in approximately 536 B.C. saw a fascinating development. Prior to the exile the only place of worship was the Temple in Jerusalem. After the exile came a need for the people to stay connected to each other much less God. The development of a center (Synagogue) allowed for people to come together Scripture reading, prayer, study, and worship. Included in the function of the Synagogue was a center for the education of children. In essence, the church was taken to the people.
One issue which keeps coming to the front when we stop attending church is the privatization of our faith life. Rather than being exposed to other thoughts and ideas our views become limited. Eventually a skewed view of God is created including the message we present. A recent article posted at BostonHerald.com featured a group of individuals spreading the word of God. Yet, the message is about the end of the world (May 21, 2011). The common characteristic uniting these individual Christians is they are not associated with any particular church. Instead they apparently hold to a similar view of Scripture thus driving them to seek out others who believe the way they do.
If we are to live as followers of Jesus called to be the church we need a starting point. Study, prayer, fellowship, and worship is a foundation to be laid by the church. Through our participation and attendance such structures are possible. While the church has many functions it starts as a center for development found in the synagogues built during the Jewish exile. From here our missions and outreach are strengthened which enables us to present a more well rounded view of God. I look forward to seeing each and everyone of you in church.
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