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“Galileo Was Right” Response

The following post is a response to watching the video “From the Earth to the Moon”, episode 10. The video can be viewed here: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4isiyl

This is not the type of video I might have expected coming into a Seminary course on congregational spiritual formation. It reminded me of something I might have watched in a science course in school years ago. Yet, I enjoyed the film, and I certainly see how it could parallel what is done by Pastors in the area of congregational spiritual formation. 

What stood out to me first in the video was the disinterest by the astronauts in the course work which was required of them. These were intelligent and capable individuals who were working to accomplish something of incredible significance. And yet, they were doodling in notebooks and longing to be out of the classroom. The content seemed irrelevant because they simply hadn’t been engaged in a way that grabbed their attention. This changed with the welcoming of a new professor and field trips as a means of study. 

Introducing field trips to the astronauts as a vehicle for learning brought about a new challenge though. They were made to know what they did not know. Whether the men in the desert studying rocks or the pilot trying to learn to describe the terrain while flying over it, these highly successful and learned individuals were faced with their own limitations. The obstacles could be and would be overcome. They overcame them because of the patient instruction of teachers and their own perseverance to learn what they needed to know so that they might do what needed to be done. 

The astronauts were given a new perspective on the same information and the same challenges. The new perspective afforded them a way to see the information and challenges in such a way that they became new to them. The quote by Plutarch mentioned at the end of the video is fitting for what happened. “The mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire to be lighted.” The video opens with the astronauts in a classroom in which a teacher is trying to fill their minds. The spark catches though when their curiosity, interest, and ultimately passion is stirred. 

It can be easy in any given subject or area of study to seek to download information or content to others. Yet, information alone does not tend to move people. How the information is presented and how that information is shown to have a connection to the passions of people is significant. Pastors must be aware of the impact their leadership, teaching, preaching, and more is having on the people they are called to shepherd. 

I am reminded of a story a professor in my undergraduate study once shared with our class. He said he had a teacher himself, years before, who was so passionate about what he taught. What set him apart though to my professor, was that he was passionate not just for the content, but for the students to engage with the content. One day, he decided to test this passion. He acted as disengaged as possible. My professor said that his teacher did everything he could to engage him. His professor couldn't simply share the information. He wanted the students to engage. He wanted it to impact his students. There’s a quote from Leadership Journal that hangs on my office wall that sums up this idea. “The joy of teaching lies not in one’s own enthusiasm for the students or even for the subject matter, but rather for the privilege of introducing the one to the other.”

This must be our understanding and approach as pastors. We are not trying to transfer information primarily, but rather the goal is to see transformation happen in the lives of people. It will require more than just a knowledge of scripture, theology, or history. As the astronauts needed to be “renaissance men” of sorts so must pastors be today. Men and women who would respond to a vocational call to ministry must dig deep wells of knowledge and experience, but they must also look to learn in a variety of fields to best prepare for the variety of people and variety of circumstances they will encounter in ministry. 

Near the end of the movie, a conversation between an astronaut from the Apollo 15 mission and his professor takes place. A once, disinterested student tells his professor that what he thought was his great adventure was replaced by a rock before him. So may it be with our pastoral work. Might the Spirit transform dreams and passions so that we are swept up instead in the greater things God would desire for us even if they don’t seem as such to us at first.

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Christian Faith: Individuals & Communities

“See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.” (1 John 3:1a, NRSV) I love this verse of Scripture! It’s been a favorite of mine for some time. There’s one word though that I am reflecting on in particular as I write this blog post. That one word is we. God has called each person to recognize that they are to be a part of a collective people. 

The Great Commandment, as found in Matthew reads this way, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37b-40) We are to love God as individuals. Faith is a profoundly personal thing in this way. Yet, faith does not stop there. Faith carries us into community with our neighbor who we are to love as ourselves. That is a profoundly corporate thing. Both the profoundly personal and the profoundly corporate are necessary to engage in the way of Jesus. 

Jesus said we are to love God, and we are to love our neighbor. It is a personal experience, and it is a community experience as well. John Wesley writes about this truth from Jesus in his sermon, Scriptural Christianity, “He that thus loved God could not but love his brother also; and ‘not in word only, but in deed and in truth.’” (Paragraph I.5) (emphasis mine)

The above image is of a statute that I saw in a small park in Savannah, GA recently of John Wesley. It was erected there because of the influence that he had in the area. One man, with ardent faith, made a significant difference. However, it was not an isolated faith. He did not think faith should or could exist in that way.  Randy Maddox writes about Wesley’s thinking in this way. “Time would thoroughly substantiate this assumption that the gathering of their followers around a common vision of the Christian life would be a significant ‘spiritual help.’ Indeed, Wesley would soon draw the broader conclusion of the inappropriateness of any model of spirituality that relied on the individual pursuit of holiness.” (p. 209, 1994) Wesley understood what Jesus made clear. Love of God necessarily leads to the love of others. Relationship with God and relationship with others are the natural by-product of growing in love. Those relationships are also necessary to us personally.

This picture is very recent, and it is one of my very favorites. It is a picture taken of me and my son, Lincoln, in the waters of baptism in a service at our church. Looking on are my wife and oldest son. Lincoln made a decision to know and follow Jesus just this past summer. He has grown up in a home for a little over seven years where we have sought to follow the instruction found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. God’s grace has worked in his life over all those years, and he responded to that grace. The decision was personal, but he did not make it in isolation. He has a mother and brother cheering him on as the picture shows. What cannot be seen in the picture though are the hundreds of people who would cheer him on as he was raised up out of the waters just moments after this picture was taken. Beyond that, there are so many who have prayed for him, modeled faith before him, and shaped the people who shaped him. The “great cloud of witnesses” must not be forgotten in his personal decision. There has always been a community supporting, encouraging, and inviting him in. The personal decision is necessary. The community is necessary too. 

I’d like to share one last picture as I prepare to conclude this blog post. It is a picture of a group of 53 people who my wife and I recently went on a spiritual retreat with to Kentucky. 

Most of the folks in this picture have walked with the Lord longer than my wife and I have been alive. Yet, they invited us to join them on the retreat. More than that, they asked that I would speak. I was humbled by the invitation, and I put it before the Lord. He said to go, and so we did. I gave them what I had to give, and I received from them in return. Each person brought something, and the community we found there was far more than the simple collection of what each brought. God is good in that way.

For each person, the Christian faith is personal. We must desire and cultivate “a heart devoted to God” as John Wesley would say. (The Means of Grace, Sermon 16, Paragraph I.4) But the Christian faith does not stop there. When the Spirit falls upon us and fills us, we find ourselves swept up in a move of the Spirit. It is a move that leads us to love all people. “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:10, NIV) We are to love God. This love of God leads us to and equips us for the love of the Church. Then, we can rightly demonstrate God’s love to and for the world. 

Maddox, R. L. (1994). Responsible grace: John Wesleys practical theology. Nashville, TN: Kingswood Books.

Wesley, John. “Wesley Center Online.” The Wesley Center Online: Sermon 4 - Scriptural Christianity. Accessed October 10, 2019. http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-4-scriptural-christianity/. Wesley, John. “Wesley Center Online.” The Wesley Center Online: Sermon 16 - The Means Of Grace. Accessed October 10, 2019. http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-16-the-means-of-grace/.

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Justification & Sanctification

In John Wesley’s sermon, Salvation By Faith, he writes, “There is nothing we are, or have, or do, which can deserve the least thing at God’s hand.” (Paragraph 1) We have a sin problem. Some might say we are sin-sick. It’s true of all humanity. Romans 6:23 makes this clear. “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (NRSV) This is not the type of sickness that you just muddle through until you are well. This is a sickness that leads to death. Again, we look to Paul’s words in Romans. “For the wages of sin is death.” (6:23a, NRSV) The prognosis is not good. There’s no chance that the illness will simply run its course unless one is okay with that course ending up in death. But there is hope. The rest of Romans 6:23 must be considered. “But the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NRSV) And there you have it. What ails humanity does not have to be a terminal diagnosis. There is a Way that leads to life, and that Way is found in the person of Jesus Christ. (John 14:6)

All men and women are beset by sin. However, there is one who is greater than who or what would intend to do harm. John 10:10 reads, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I [Jesus] came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (NRSV) The enemy would seek our destruction, but "the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4, NRSV) It is because of the love and mercy of God that we might be justified and sanctified in and through His grace.

This painting hangs in a youth classroom at the church where I am privileged to serve. It was done by Mike Lewis of Jesus Painter Ministries. (His work can be found at http://www.jesuspainter.com.) It is a constant reminder to all who enter the love God has for us and the sacrifice that He made to make a way forward from death and the grave for all. In Christ, we can find justification. As John Wesley writes, “Justification is another word for pardon. It is the forgiveness of all our sins; and what is necessarily implied therein, our acceptance with God.” (The Scripture Way of Salvation, Sermon 43, Paragraph I.3.) This is huge! A sin-sick person, such as I, with nothing to bring or offer, can be made right with God because of God’s willingness to move to and for humanity. 

Yet, God does not force us to receive this grace. It would seem staggering that anyone would refuse the cure of an illness that was deadly. It’s odd to think anyone would rather blindly stumble through the world and end up broken when sight and a clear way forward is offered. That happens so often though. We stumble in sin even when a way out is made for us. God’ s love and power for us is demonstrated in His move to save us, yet He will not force this salvation upon us. Maddox, writing about John Wesley’s thinking, makes clear that “without God’s grace, we cannot be saved; while without our (grace-empowered, but uncoerced) participation, God’s grace will not save.” (p. 19, 1994) My son entered the baptism water, in the above picture, because of simple, child-like faith. As Wesley says, “Grace is the source, faith the condition, of salvation.” (Salvation By Faith, Paragraph 3) Aiden was made right with God. It was not something he brought to the table. Rather, it was possible because God made a place for Aiden at the table, and he responded with a “yes.” 

God is not content though in simply setting us in right relationship. Aiden said “yes” in a moment that set him on a course to say “yes” to God day by day. Every good and healthy relationship happens in people who long to grow closer to one another. It is the same with God. Sanctification is that growing closer. “At the same time we are justified, yea, in that very moment, sanctification begins.” (Wesley, The Scripture Way of Salvation, Paragraph 1.4) God enables us to respond to His grace, and then He equips us to be shaped more and more into the full image of who we are to be in Him. I love the way that John Wesley articulates what this looks like later in the same sermon just referenced. “Entire sanctification...perfection...perfect love...It is love excluding sin; love filling the heart, taking up the whole capacity of the soul.” (Paragraph I.9) Love is not content with a moment alone. We are justified in a moment. And then, moment-by-moment, God continues the sanctifying work in our lives. In fact, Maddox suggests that Wesley would see this work continuing on into paradise. (p. 191, 1994) I think of the following image. 

This is a painting of Mother Teresa that was done by a friend of mine (Michael Spalding). It was part of his senior art show when he was a student at Olivet Nazarene University. In this painting, I am reminded of the on-going sanctifying work God does in our lives. It is a lifetime work, and, as Wesley suggests, perhaps more. Mother Teresa continued to be submitted to God and say “yes” day-by-day. She was encountered by love, and in faith, walked in love by the work of the Spirit throughout her lifetime.

Sanctification, as Wesley writes, is about love. And love simply doesn’t stop. It keeps on going. I think of Romans 13:8. “Owe no one anything, except to love one another.” It is the work God does in us, and it is the work that spills out of us into the lives of others. May this work happen so clearly through the life of each and every person who professes Jesus as Lord in our homes, communities, the marketplace, schools, churches, and anywhere else that we may find ourselves and to anyone we might come in contact with. To God be the glory for the great things He has done, is doing, and will yet do. 

References

Lewis, Mike. "Proof to Thomas." https://jesuspainter.myshopify.com/collections/gallery-giclee-art-print/products/proof-to-thomas-giclee-gallery-grade-print-16x20

Maddox, R. L. (1994). Responsible grace: John Wesleys practical theology. Nashville, TN: Kingswood Books.

Spalding, Michael. "Mother Teresa."

Wesley, John. “Wesley Center Online.” The Wesley Center Online: Sermon 1 - Salvation By Faith. Accessed September 19, 2019. http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-1-salvation-by-faith/.

Wesley, John. “Wesley Center Online.” The Wesley Center Online: Sermon 43 - The Scripture Way of Salvation. Accessed September 19, 2019. http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-43-the-scripture-way-of-salvation/

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Nature & Grace

There is a problem with the human condition. It is not a new problem. It is not a problem identified solely by one individual or group. Rather, it is a problem that is understood by different people through the years. In our present culture in the U.S.A., we are not surprised when we see fighting and backbiting. We see labels such as homophobic, misogynistic, racist, bigot, and more being thrown around. Everyone is aware that things are not as they should be. We don’t all agree though on what the problem is precisely or how to come about a solution. 

One way to consider the problem with our human condition, from the vantage point of the Old and New Testaments that comprise the Bible, is called sin. John Wesley, in his sermon The End of Christ’s Coming (Sermon 62), writes “To take the matter from the beginning: ‘The Lord God’ ... ‘created man in his own image;’ -- in his own natural image, as to his better part, that is, a spirit, as God is a spiritual; endued with understanding; which, if not the essence, seems to be the most essential property, of a spirit.” (Paragraph 3) While we may be created in the image of God, it is doubtful that any would contend that we live up to such an image at present. The problem is sin. From the vantage point of traditional western christian thought, we have a guilt problem. From the vantage point of eastern christian thought, we have an “infirmity of our nature.” (Maddox, p. 73, 1994) We are sin-sick so to speak. We have been marred by sin. Yet, we are not left in a hopeless estate. 

While there are a number of ways in which people might try to approach and contend with the brokenness we find in our world, the solution for the follower of Jesus is wrapped up and rooted in the move of God. In particular, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus highlights, accentuates, and works on the behalf of humanity in a way that nothing else does or can. We may seek political, economic, relational, medical, and other such solutions, but try as we might, they are not sufficient to the task. However, all of these elements can be used redemptively when sufficiently sourced through the grace of God. They are not the root of the solution, but they all can and should play a role.

It is in humility that we must come before God and recognize our need of Him. After all, as Maddox notes on the thinking of John Wesley, “we are created and dependent beings.” (p. 67, 1994) This isn’t a negative thing though. I think of my son. 

This picture is of him praying at a baptism service at our church a number of years ago. I knew a time when he was not. He has been throughout his life, dependent on me, his mother, and others. Yet, he is loved immensely and has gifts, talents, and graces afforded to him to steward. To be created and dependent is a beautiful thing when there is great love and affection afforded to the one upon whom we owe our existence and subsistence. I think of a favorite passage of scripture of mine found in 1 John 3:1a. “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are.” We are beloved children, and that is a good thing. 

It is because of God’s love for us that He doesn’t leave us to languish in our sin and brokenness. While others may strive against the brokenness in our world, we can rest in Him who is interested in the work of “the gracious and gradual restoration of humanity to God-likeness.” (Maddox, p. 67, 1994) Yet, it is not just trying to put things back together like gluing a broken vase back to its original state. It’s much more. John Wesley writes that in the work that God does in preparing us for eternity we will find, “an unmixed staled of holiness and happiness far superior to that which Adam enjoyed in Paradise.” (Sermon 64, Paragraph 18). 

We have a God who is mighty in strength and power, and He is for us. It makes me think of a recent trip to our local zoo. The lion is powerful and sits comfortably and confidently regardless of situation. 

We too can be confident regardless of circumstance because of the Lion of Judah. “Then one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered.’” (Revelation 5:5 NRSV)

In Jesus, we can have redemption. It is afforded to us. It is not forced upon us. God loves us, and love by its very nature doesn’t force, contrive, or coerce. “Without God’s grace, we cannot be saved; while without our participation, God’s grace will not save.” (Maddox, p. 19, 1994) Jesus came that we might be saved. We share “a bond of brotherhood” with Jesus. (Crawford, p. 38, 2015) God has made a way, and we can live in that new Way. Jesus says in John 14:6-7, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.’” (NRSV)

There is a way out of the brokenness. There is truth amidst a world of deceit. There is life in a world so often marred by death. Sin is a real problem in our world, but the love and grace of God is a real solution to that problem. 

Are you living in step with the grace of God today? Are you aware of your need for Him? If you are, then you will find yourself equipped to better handle the brokenness in your own life. There will be hardships, but we will never be left alone to them. And we will be able to live out and share this good news with others. We need not label the brokenness in our world as though there are good people and bad people. Rather, we can see everyone as someone deeply loved by God and look to address the sin-sickness in our world by sharing the love and grace of God that has been afforded to us. 

We must deal with ideas, practices, and systems that are harmful to people. Yet, we must do so in ways that demonstrates love to everyone. After all, we are all caught up in and guilty of feeding into brokenness in our world at one time or another. The work of God though makes a way forward. As John Wesley writes, “[The Christian] feels a displacing at every offense against God, but only tender compassion to the offender.” (p. 26, 1966) We are offended by the brokenness in our lives and world. In Christ, we are overwhelmed with compassion and a desire to see things set right and people made whole through the grace and love of God. 

Maddox, R. L. (1994). Responsible grace: John Wesleys practical theology. Nashville, TN: Kingswood Books.

Wesley, John. A Plain Account of Christian Perfection: as Believed and Taught by the Reverend Mr John Wesley from the Year 1725 to the Year 1777. Kansas City, MO: Beacon Hill Press, 1966.

(n.d.). Wesley Center Online. Retrieved from http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-62-the-end-of-christs-coming/

(n.d.). Wesley Center Online. Retrieved from http://wesley.nnu.edu/john-wesley/the-sermons-of-john-wesley-1872-edition/sermon-64-the-new-creation/