Back up getting more play time

We may have our plans and schedules, but then there are God's. Internship continues to be simultaneously a delight and challenge. My supervisor has been called upon by the bishop to be involved on a part time basis helping out a nearby church. This increases my preaching responsibilities. I imagine there will be other additional duties as well. This is exciting and at the same time makes me cry out to God for wisdom and ears to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church.

My husband, Ray, and I are football fans. The analogy that immediately came to mind was that of  a backup quarterback in football. My supervisor would be the starting quarterback. Only he needs to spend some time leading a different team. I am being called upon to step up and lead the Grace Lutheran team in a greater measure.

Of course, this is what daily ministry consists of. We have one idea of how the line up will look, but God has another. God's will and plans for Grace and this other church are good.

Please keep us and the other church in your prayers. Thanks.


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Justice Revival

Revival is not something Lutherans discuss much, except with possible disdain when it comes to its seemingly inherent emotionalism. Jim Wallis at Sojourners has a different idea about revival though and is conducting justice revivals. Here is a clip of one in conjunction with a Vineyard Church.

Trouble Brewing?

It is good to take some time to look at where we're at, how far we have or have not come, and where we're going. We do that as individuals. Do we do that often enough as a church? During the summer, Emanuel Lutheran Church, West Warwick, RI did that in a series of cottage meetings in members' homes. It was enlightening and action has been taken as a result.

Gordon MacDonald suggests what it could look like if the church followed Starbuck's example of closing for a time to retool. What do you think?



Pictures courtesey of Fotosearch.

Imonk does it again

Michael Spencer, the infamous Internet Monk or Imonk once again is cutting right to the heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Please read "No Big Thing" at his blog. The url is http://www.internetmonk.com/.

You will not regret it.

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Interner Monk and Advent

Read what Internet Monk has to say about Advent our need of a savior. http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/the-mood-of-advent-we-all-need-a-savior

Systems Theory and Church Health

Quick, easy fixes are the antithesis of systems thinking. It is challenging, “because it is

much harder to integrate new tools than simply apply them separately” (Senge, 2006, p.

11). This is an all encompassing discipline: the individual disciplines being like

instruments in an orchestra, the fifth discipline being the orchestra. “By enhancing each

of the other disciplines, it … reminds us that the whole can exceed the sum of its parts.”

(Senge, p. 12).

This process of systems thinking parallels “Natural Church Development” (Schwarz,

2006, p. 10). Senge writes, “…vision without systems thinking ends up painting lovely

pictures of the future with no deep understanding of the forces that must be mastered to

move from here to there” (Senge, 2006, p. 12). Natural Church Development call this

“passionate spirituality” (Schwarz, 2006, p. 28) without “effective structures” (Schwarz,

p. 30). Healthy churches are characterized by strength in eight earmarks.

This discipline is useful in current and future church leadership roles; otherwise, one is

always putting out fires rather than effectively managing. The goal is, “to equip his

people for works of service” Ephesians 4:12 (Today’s New International Version) and to

bring them to maturity.

References

Holy Bible (2005). Today’s New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Schwarz, C. A. (2006). Natural Church Development: A Guide to Eight Essential

Qualities of Healthy Churches (7th ed., Rev.). St. Charles, IL: ChurchSmart

Resources.

Senge, P. M. (2006). Fifth Discipline: the Art and Practice of the Learning

Organization. New York: Currency Doubleday.

Delight, Commit, Trust

“Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD” (Ps 37:4-5a). Critical decisions require knowledge of God’s will achieved by delighting in him, knowing his voice and committing everything to him.

Engaging those around us is crucial in decision making, each bringing different gifts. Our church’s confirmation program was woefully inadequate, severely flawed. It is under the umbrella of Christian Education, which I chair. As the pastor’s project, our ideas were continually discounted. He left; opportunity arrived for revamping the program ensuring our youth encountered God.

“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Prv 15:22). The former chair rejoined the committee. A gifted retired teacher experienced in curriculum writing, involved with the youth, and voila, a new curriculum was born. We were all involved and unanimously approved it.

“One important part of organizational communications is to convey the mission, vision, and values so that all … understand the big picture of what is trying to be accomplished.”(Lussier & Achua, 2007, p. 198) We presented the plan to the church council, receiving their blessing to proceed. val(Holy Bible New International Version 1984 )ues

“… Trust in him and he will do this” (Ps 37:5b). Vicar Todd, substitute pastor, next hurdle, was supportive and became involved. We now team teach the third year class.

References

Lussier, R. N., & Achua, C. F. (2007). Leadership Theory, Application,

Skill Development (3rd ed.). Mason, OH: Thomson Southwestern.

Holy Bible (1984). New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

A Profound Mystery

Belonging to Christ as “a bride in relationship to her loving and caring bridegroom (Eph 5:25-32) [1]is my most cherished image. Though “bride,” is absent from the passage, its meaning “is a profound mystery … I am talking about Christ and the church” (Eph 5:32).

Having been under loved and well loved, this interconnectedness with Christ is richer, dearer as my husband ministers love to me. “Christ loved … and gave himself up for her” (Eph 5:25). “It was on the cross that our Lord gave himself up for his bride … all the more telling, since ekklesia is feminine.”[2] Encouraging my education and vocation, Ray lovingly sacrifices.

Christ’s “mak[ing] her holy, cleansing her …washing with water” (Eph 5:26), loving her as is, but transforming her as “separate for himself a people for his own possession”[3] is profound. Paul possibly “was alluding to the purification of the bride before the marriage ceremony (Ezek 16:9).”[4] His “radiant church” (Eph 5:27a) “in unsullied splendor … Paul … applies … to the presentation of the church as a pure virgin to Christ her husband,”[5] normally the bridegroom’s friend’s function. Christ “introduces the bride to the bridegroom … himself.”[6]

Unlike some spouses, Christ continually cares for his bride, us (Eph 5:29). Connected, united, we are “members of his body” (Eph 5:30). This relationship “is a profound mystery” (Eph 5:32).

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[1] Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin and Daniel G. Reid, eds., Dictionary of Paul and His Letters (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1993), 248.

[2] Frank E. Gaebelein, ed., The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 11 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1981), 76.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid., 77.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

The Bible. New International Version.

Are we irrelevant?

To many non-Christians, the church seems irrelevant. Dan Kimball speaks to this issue regarding the post-modern generation. “People in emerging generations are open to discussing … truth. But they're looking for conversation, not a lecture, and facts, not rhetoric.”[1] To speak the language of today’s seekers, one must learn the language.

Daniel Hill desired to understand younger, unchurched people. “For Hill, whose day job is ministering on staff with Willow Creek Community Church's Axis outreach, Starbucks provides a context to build meaningful relationships with postmodern, Gen-Next twentysomethings who are far from God.”[2] God given intellects give us creativity in outreach.

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[1] Dan Kimball, “I Like Jesus … Not the Church,” Outreach and Evangelism Today, 14 March 2007, n. p. Online: http://www.christianitytoday.com/outreach [14 March 2007].

[2] Brett Lawrence, “Starbucks Spirituality,” Leadership Journal, Fall 2002, n. p. Online: http://www.christianitytoday.com/biblestudies/areas/biblestudies/articles/070815.html [20 August 2007].

Faith and Reason

“Sacred Scripture indicates … how deeply related are the knowledge conferred by faith and the knowledge conferred by reason…”[1] Rejecting reason denies being made in God’s image as intelligent beings. Reason without faith denies God’s plan, rejecting fellowship with him. “Intelligence enables everyone, believer and non-believer, to reach ‘the deep waters’ of knowledge (cf. Prov 20:5).”[2]

Credo ut intellegam ("I believe in order to understand') and intellego ut credam ("I understand in order to believe") need to be kept in tension. Through faith, we understand who we are and where we fit in. Life can be intolerable without faith. God’s plans are “plans to prosper … not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’” (Jer 29:11).

“Most reflective believers with a theistic orientation realize that the truth of God’s existence is not immediately obvious.”[3] Anselm, a “reflective believer,”[4] stood “… in a long line of thoughtful believers who have sought to give a rational account of why they believe in God….”[5] Peter taught, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Pet 3:15).

Bill Hybels explains:

Most secular folks have written off Christians as people who believe in floods and angels

and strange miracles. My goal is to explain, in a reasonably intelligent fashion, some matters that touch their lives. I hope when they leave they'll say, "Maybe there is something to the Bible and to the Christian life."[6]

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[1] Pope John Paul II, Fides et Ratio, 16.

[2] Ibid.

[3] Michael Peterson, William Hasker, Bruce Reichenbach and David Basinger, Reason and Religious Belief: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Religion, Third Edition (New York: Oxford University Press, 2003), 11.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Bill Hybels, “Speaking to the Secular Mind,” Christianity Today, 12 July 2006, n. p. Online: http://www.christianitytoday.com/bcl/areas/missions/articles/071206.html [12 July 2006].

The Bible. New International Version.

What are your gifts?

Have you ever wondered what your spiritual gifts are? In my class on leadership, we were required to take the following test to determine those gifts. See what yours are.

Romans 12 Motivational Gifts Test http://www.gifttest.org/

The Workaround for Postmodernism

God's people face many challenges in living an incarnational lifestyle in today's world. Postmodernism presents us with challenges such as a belief that there are no absolutes. On the other hand, there is an unprecedented openness to spirituality.

In postmodernism, “The issue is the “imposition of one set of cultural ideas upon another.”[1] Oppressive ideologies are taboo. The answer is following Jesus’ example of love. “Through humility, love, and patience … preachers can take measures to dispel the concern of people who have witnessed atrocities and deceptions in the name of truth … and … God.”[2]

Christ reaching out to the marginalized with a “radical embrace,”[3] his inclusiveness, appeals to postmoderns. The universality of the gospel, for all would be a drawing factor.

Regarding metanarratives, “The gospel is not a metanarrative, an ideology imposed on people, but an intranarrative, a reality exposed in one people and one person—Christ.”[4] The collapse of metanarratives is good. The gospel “can represent clarity and stability in a culture adrift without an anchor.”[5] The desire for honesty and reality demands openness and vulnerability on the communicator’s part.

Stories are valued in postmodernism bringing openness to personal testimony. Listeners may not agree; but they will listen “because of the postmodern mentality of legitimizing each person’s view of reality.”[6] Stories “give purpose and shape to social existence.”[7]

Narrative preaching is most suited to postmoderns, as didactic preaching was for modern listeners, resembling personal story more than lecture.[8] The gospel should not be presented as a quick fix or cure all. That would serve as metanarrative, thus risking rejection.

Churches with lively worship are growing because others may “appear far too cerebral and removed from the real world.”[9] Postmoderns are open to faith, but dislike accountability, desire faith, but do not trust institutions, “crave community yet stress personal fulfillment in their lives.”[10] Johnston refers to this as “’have it your way’ spirituality.”[11] The faith must be experiential to be real for the postmodern, the onus being on us to demonstrate God’s love (1 Jn 4:7-8).

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[1] Graham Johnston, Preaching to a Postmodern World: A Guide to Reaching Twenty-First Century Listerners (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2001), 107.

[2] Ibid., 108.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid., 109.

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid., 110.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid. 111.

[9] Ibid.,120.

[10] Ibid., 121.

[11] Ibid.

The Bible. New International Version.

Everything old is new

Mystery religions are still practiced in contemporary Western culture. “… The New Age movement’s grown, and … with it an embrace of the supernatural often expressed in an anti-intellectual manner with crystals, palm readings, star signs, psychics, and the like.”[1] Some promote goddess worship, singling out the feminine attributes of God.

Ancient and pagan beliefs are incorporated “into modern society … to recapture what technology and science have stripped from the contemporary world,[2] exemplified by the “Force” in the “Star Wars” series. Luke Skywalker was urged to rely on the Force and not his computerized targeting system; thus destroying the Death Star, and saving the day.

Scientology is another cult that has become increasingly high profile, claiming to be an “applied religious philosophy.”[3] Several famous actors and actresses live by and promote it. Mother Earth is worshipped by others in their quest for what is natural. Whatever the form, there is a “new search for the transcendent, anything beyond the empirical realm.[4]

These religions have a great deal of influence on contemporary secular culture. There has been gravitation to religions that do not promote absolute moral standards. One cannot assume previously acceptable behavior as opposed to that once discouraged; coarse language, sexual permissiveness, couples living together and having children without benefit of marriage. This is no longer looked upon as unusual.

We have no right to condemn any behavior, including that of homosexual/lesbian couples. “Morality must allow for people to operate within what is natural for them …. Take, for instance, an issue such as homosexuality. Postmodernity would view the state as a person’s ‘nature.’ … Nature, as opposed to any external moral system, must stand pre-eminent as that which directs life.”[5]

The effect on sacred culture is that there are more alternatives for those who want spirituality without Christ. In postmodernism, anything is ok. Your story, whatever works for you is sacrosanct. Without absolutes, the God of the Bible is one among many options. It seems very narrow minded to many to claim that salvation is through Christ alone.

This inward look has produced a greater realization of the spiritual capacity of human beings. Likewise, it’s cultivated a deeper sense of the mystic element of life … this is a backlash against modernity … Postmodernity embraces a wider perspective of reality, taking into account the spiritual and intuitive aspects of human existence.[6]

Our challenges have multiplied regarding methodologies and means necessary to present the gospel in a way receptors will understand. In modernism, it was important to appeal to one’s intellectual struggles with faith. Postmodernism is not so rational, but more emotional. We must reach out to people where they live. Jesus’ example is par excellence in this respect. Most importantly, Jesus had compassion on the hungry, demonized and sick (Mt 9:36; 14:14; 15:32; 20:34 etc.). He fed, delivered, healed and shepherded them (Mt 15:32-38; 14:14; 9:35-38 and so on). The felt need of wholeness is one we can address with the love of Christ.

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[1] Graham Johnston, Preaching to a Postmodern World: A Guide to Reaching Twenty-First Century Listeners (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2006), 45.

[2] Ibid., 45.

[3] Wikipedia. Scientology, 2007. Online: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientology [31 July 2007].

[4] Johnston, 45.

[5] Ibid., 46.

[6] Ibid., 44-45.

Bath and Supper

God cleanses and feeds us by these means of grace.

Baptism is carried out by Christ’s command calling us to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them” (Mt 28:19).

As a Lutheran, infants as well as adults and children are baptized. I have struggled with this sometimes because my understanding since becoming a believer is that it should follow faith, not precede it. From early church history, however, infants have been baptized. In Acts, entire families were baptized (Acts 16:15, 33). Cyprian of Carthage (200-258) wrote approvingly of the practice. [1] The Book of Concord states, “We maintain that we should baptize children because they also belong to the promised redemption that was brought about in Christ (Mt 19:14). The church ought to extend it to them.” [2]

In The Small Catechism, Luther explains, baptism “brings about forgiveness of sins, redeems from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe it, as the Word and promise of God declare.” [3] Luther continues:

For without the Word of God the water is plain water and not a baptism, but with the Word of God it is a baptism, that is, a grace-filled water of life and a “bath of the new birth in the Holy Spirit.” [4]

Luther concludes his thoughts by quoting Titus 3:5-8.

It has always bothered me how many evangelicals and non-denominational churches refer to the bread and wine (or in their case grape juice) as “elements,” that were simply symbols. The holy supper, Eucharist, communion, what have you was always much more significant than that to me. I could not agree with the Roman Catholic view, but I knew in my heart it was more than symbolic.

Lutherans believe in the “real presence” in the holy meal, but in a different way than the Roman Catholic Church. Luther explained, “It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ himself for us Christians to eat and drink.” [5]

Our church offers communion every Sunday. Not all Lutheran churches do. In the past, in this country, some feared it was “too Catholic” to do so or that it would not seem special and would become too commonplace. Thankfully, this attitude is changing among Lutherans today and there is a greater movement toward weekly communion. I find a very intimate sense of God’s presence as the bread is offered, “The body of Christ, given for you” and the cup, “The blood of Christ, shed for you.”

The words “given for you” and “shed for you…for the forgiveness of sin” show us that forgiveness of sin, life, and salvation are given to us in the sacrament through these words, because where there is forgiveness of sin, there is also life and salvation. [6]

I found Hayford’s explanation lacking, but Grudem did a nice job explaining, “Because there is such a sharing in the body and blood of Christ…the unity of believers is beautifully exhibited at the time of the Lord’s Supper.” [7]

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[1] Steven A. McKinion, Life and Practice in the Early Church: A Documentary Reader (New York: New York University Press, 2001), 14.

[2] Robert Kolb and Timothy J. Wengert, eds., The Book of Concord: The Confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2000), 320.

[3] Timothy J. Wengert, Luther’s Small Catechism: A Contemporary Translation (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1996), 214.

[4] Ibid., 215.

[5] Ibid., 222.

[6] Ibid.

[7] Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England: InterVarsity Press, 1994) 955.

The Bible. New International Version.

Being filled with the Holy Spirit

We were presented with a very interesting series of questions this week in Principles of Theology. See how you would answer them.

What is your view regarding the topic of Baptism in the Holy Spirit? Specifically, (1) Is it a work of grace distinct from and subsequent to regeneration? Why or why not? (2) Is tongues the initial evidence of Baptism in the Holy Spirit? Why or why not?

My response is below

I am divided on the issue of the baptism with the Holy Spirit. I have experienced this and it has been beneficial in growth in grace, particularly as a relatively new believer. Jack Hayford’s interpretation of the scripture is one I agree with regarding this being a work of grace distinct from and often subsequent to regeneration.

Throughout the book of Acts, in particular, we see the infilling of the Holy Spirit as a separate work. Passages such as Acts 8:14-16; 9:16-18; 10:44-45 and so on speak of this as a separate experience for believers besides the apostles. Some may contend that this was limited along with miracles to the early church, but we are told, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching” (2 Tm 3:16). Acts certainly includes “all.”

I also have some of the same concerns expressed by Wayne Grudem. There has been too much evidence of a “them and us” attitude toward those who have not experienced this work in their lives. There are many fine godly believers who have not been baptized with the Holy Spirit per se (at least not in charismatic or Pentecostal terms), but are certainly filled and overflowing with the Holy Spirit and have a walk with God that I admire. The two tiers, two categories systems are very destructive to the work of God in his church.

As Grudem stated,

Therefore, it is appropriate to understand filling with the Holy Spirit not as a one-time event but as an event that can occur over and over again in a Christian’s life. It may involve a momentary empowering for a specific ministry (as…in Acts 4:8; 7:55), but it may also refer to a long-term characteristic of a person’s life (see Acts 6:3; 11:24). [1]

Tongues can be, but does not necessarily have to be the initial evidence of the baptism with the Holy Spirit. In scripture, there are other evidences. The gospel accounts of Jesus being filled with the Spirit did not result in tongues. In Luke 1:41-45, Elizabeth blessed Mary upon her infilling of the Spirit. Zechariah prophesied according to Luke 1:67-79. In Acts some of the other manifestations are powerful preaching (Acts 4:31), wisdom, maturity and sound judgment (Acts 6:3), powerful preaching and testimony while on trial (Acts 4:8) [2] as well as other evidences.

The bottom line is following Jesus and being conformed to his image in every way possible. “So these are the terms by which a person can receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit: obedience, humility, purity, and receiving: wanting God’s will, wanting God’s way, wanting God’s nature, and wanting God’s fullness.” [3]

A. B. Simpson, founder of the Christian and Missionary Alliance expressed in the song, “Himself”:

“Once it was the blessing, now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, now Himself alone.” [4]

“Himself alone” [5] says it all.

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[1] Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994), 782.

[2] Ibid., 784.

[3] Jack W. Hayford, Grounds for Living: Sound Teaching for Sure Footing in Growth & Grace (Grand Rapids: Chosen Books, 2001), 166.

[4] A. B. Simpson, “Himself,” Online: http://online.auc-nuc.ca/alliancestudies/ahtreadings/ahtr_s3.html [12 June 2007].

[5] Ibid.

The Bible. New International Version.

Leadership Model

Lk 9:18-27

Peter’s Declaration about Jesus

Once when Jesus was praying alone, with only the disciples near him, he asked them, ‘Who do the crowds say that I am?’ They answered, ‘John the Baptist; but others, Elijah; and still others, that one of the ancient prophets has arisen.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Peter answered, ‘The Messiah of God.’

Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection

He sternly ordered and commanded them not to tell anyone, saying, ‘The Son of Man must undergo great suffering, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.’

Then he said to them all, ‘If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it. What does it profit them if they gain the whole world, but lose or forfeit themselves? Those who are ashamed of me and of my words, of them the Son of Man will be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. But truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God.’

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The New Revised Standard Version (Anglicized Edition), copyright 1989, 1995 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Though many have been practicing this for years, journaling is a new spiritual discipline for me. In my Christian Discipleship course through Regent University, that is the discipline the prof wants us to practice this week. Surprisingly to me, I have found it to be a tremendous asset to my time in God's Word and prayer. Here are some of my reflections on the above passage.

God's economy and the world's are in complete opposition to each other.

"For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it." That is certainly not what you will hear from co-workers, neighbors and the media!!! So often, it's all about us: how we feel, why we're embarrassed to share our faith. If we want to save our lives, we'll lose them. If we lose our lives for Christ's sake, we gain them.


The Call:

I among others, feel called to the ministry, to leadership in the church. For myself and others, this is the message I get from the above passage of scripture.

1. Who do you say that I am? If we are to proclaim the gospel, who is Jesus? That is key.
2. We need to deny ourselves, take up the cross and foll0w him.
3. If we strive to save our lives, we lose them. Losing our lives for Christ's sake, we save them.

The call is to the cross and to death of self. Of course, that leads to life in Christ! The servant leader, the Lord Jesus Christ is the ultimate model of servant leadership. Those of us desiring to work in the kingdom, in his church must be servant leaders.

Peace!

Shepherding

I had the privilege of preaching on Sunday. The gospel was from John where Jesus asks Peter three times, "Do you love me more than these?" He then charges him to feed my lambs etc. On the heels of that, Sunday night we got word that our pastor was resigning and taking a call in CT. Then Mon. morning I read this post, written by Henri Nouwen which seems so timely.

Laying Down Your Life for Your Friends

Good Shepherds are willing to lay down their lives for their sheep (see John 10:11). As spiritual leaders walking in the footsteps of Jesus, we are called to lay down our lives for our people. This laying down might in special circumstances mean dying for others. But it means first of all making our own lives - our sorrows and joys, our despair and hope, our loneliness and experience of intimacy - available to others as sources of new life.

One of the greatest gifts we can give others is ourselves. We offer consolation and comfort, especially in moments of crisis, when we say: "Do not be afraid, I know what you are living and I am living it with you. You are not alone." Thus we become Christ-like shepherds.

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A hen as a stronghold???

Today's readings are powerful and interesting. Psalm 27 portrays the God of light, salvation, a stronghold who delivers us from trouble. The gospel shows Jesus' missional orientation. He will not depart from his calling in spite of the threats of Herod. So far, so good.

Jesus as a mother hen? We don't consider hens that strong or powerful, certainly unlike the imagery of Psalm 27. As a hen gathers her young chicks to protect them from danger, she leaves herself most vulnerable, exposing her breast. She gives her own life for the chicks. Even so, Jesus, arms open wide in love upon the cross gave himself for us. The Jerusalem chicks were rebellious, refused to be gathered. What about us? We are offered protection and shelter, salvation. Willful rebellion brings on a desolate house, void of God's presence. Rather, let us be gathered together and declare, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord."

Annotation of http://jesuscreed.org/

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What do you think about how we do church??