the encounter

Sunday at encounter we covered Hebrews 10 and learned that Christ was the once and for all final sacrifice for sins. No more lambs, bulls, sacrifices, or blood. Also no more have to pray, have to read the Bible, have to be good in order to gain God’s favor, approval, love, or forgiveness.

All of that was completely satisfied when Christ died once for sins and sat down at the right hand of God. We saw that when we become His child, that He sees us then as forgiven, perfect, holy, and loved as much as He loves His Son. I realize that is the opposite of how I often feel, but it is continually how He feels about me.

Everyone responds to this truth in different ways. Some told me how relieved and grateful they were. Some told me they found new freedom. Some were askingdifficult questions. Some were still taking it in.

• How are you doing at digesting that truth?
• How is it changing your view of God?
• How is it changing your view of you?
• How is it changing your view of others?

Then I will forget about their sins andno longer remember their evil deeds. When sins are forgiven, there is no more need to offer sacrifices. Hebrews 10:17-18

So we are made holy because Christ obeyed God and offered Himself once for all. Hebrews 10:10

Grace. Its always a more than you ever imagined.

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Just finished reading Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson (author of In a Pit With a Lion on a Snowy Day). Started the book on Saturday and wrapped it up yesterday at lunch. It was a great easy read at 174 pages.

This is one of those books I’m sure my friends and family hate me reading — because I’m constantly stumbling upon great thoughts/quotes/ideas and dropping them txt messages or Tweets throughout the day to share those same thoughts.

The idea/title of the book comes from the name the Celtic Christians had for the Holy Spirit – an Geadh-Glas or “the Wild Goose.” It may seem strange calling the Holy Spirit “The Wild Goose” – especially when you consider what we typically mean when we say, “a wild goose chase” — but to me I can definitely identify with this image of the Holy Spirit.

When you’re following God’s plan for your life, I’ve found that it’s very rare for you to know exactly where you’re heading. And at times the path you’re heading down may seem pointless “but rest assured, God is working His plan.”

Throughout the book Batterson gives examples of six different cages we find ourselves in that keep us from truly chasing The Wild Goose. I found myself identifying with pieces of each one – but primarily the cage of responsibility.

I often find myself thinking, “I could do this – but I have other responsibilities I’m tied to.” I also find myself wanting, as Batterson puts it, for “God to provide miraculous signs before I come out of my cage.” I want God to part the river before I get my feet wet. Yet if we live our faith out this way — is it really faith?

As Batterson points out, Mark concludes his witness of Jesus Christ by writing, “They went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.” If we get moving, God will confirm our direction along the way. We can’t simply wait for God to show us each and every step we should take. Sometimes you just have to stop praying and actually act by stepping out on to the water.

I also love Batterson’s point about the call for Christians to react in a way that’s counter to the world’s way of reacting. Throughout this year I’ve been challenged over and over again by authors like Brian McLaren and Shane Claiborne to be a true follower of Christ’s “third-way.” Batterson summarizes and explains it simply when he says, “it is much easier to act like a Christian than it is to react like one.”

Most of us are good actors — we can play the part. But our reactions reveal who we really are. And maybe that is why Jesus focused so much of His teaching on reconditioning reflexes.

Pray for those who persecute you.
Love your enemies.
Bless those who curse you.
If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.
If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.

… the supernatural reaction is both counterintuitive and counterreactive. Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek. Think of it as spiritual aikido. We absorb the energy of others and convert it into a righteous response. So persecution becomes a catalyst for prayer. Hatred inspires love. And we convert curses into blessings.

Finally, I was amused to re-read some of the stories Batterson’s been sharing on his blog and via Twitter the last year and a half. After subscribing to his blog a year or so back I often felt like I was reading a letter or a book from an old friend who’s re-telling some of the great stories of his life and laying them out as perfect illustrations for God’s love and guidance.

Skimming back through the book it seems like every page is marked to some extent. Maybe its just because this book comes at one of those points in my life where I’m feeling caught up in many of my own crazy wild goose chases, or it may just be that good of a book… you’ll just have to read it and find out for yourself.

The book drops at bookstores around the country next Tuesday – August 19th or you can pre-order it from Amazon.com.

related ::
ChasetheGoose.com
Mark Batterson’s blog

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Stop whatever it is you’re doing and go downloaded Phil Wickham’s Singalong — today — right now. You’re going to want this album. Seriously. Even if you’ve never heard of “Mr Divine Romance” you’ll find yourself joining in on this live Singalong album.

And better than the music – it’s free! I mean does it get cooler than that? Open source Christianity at it’s best. (in all fairness you have to sign up for Phil’s e-newsletter to get the download).

via e-mail (after downloading the album):

“Singalong” was recorded May 9th, 2008 in Portland, Oregon at Solid Rock Church. This recording is something I have wanted to do for a long time and it’s amazing to see it finally come together. The faces represented on the cover are people that were either at the show, or watched the show when it was broadcast online, then sent me their face. I hope you enjoy the record and tell your friends. Thanks so much for stopping by. -phil

So I’m telling my friends – near, far and wide – download this album.

philwickham.com

HT: Shaun Groves.

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After Sunday’s message, as I think more and more about my tribe (or my church family) other thoughts continue to cross my mind.

I had a great “e-mail” exchange this week via Myspace where we discussed other words that might work even better than “tribal.” For some, the idea of a tribe seems to exclusive. Historically, most tribes kept to themselves and didn’t look out for those who weren’t born into the tribe. I agree. The metaphor tends to break down there.

We talked about other words or metaphors that might better describe the relationships and ideas that the church should be built around. Other words that we mentioned were “community,” “family,” and even simply “church.” Sadly for some of us, some of these words carry their own baggage or negativity. Perhaps there will be (new) other terms that will best describe our church family in the future.

Regardless of which word we finally “settle on” I keep asking myself this same question, “So what does this tribe, this community, this oneness look like?” As I mentioned yesterday, “I’m not entirely sure – especially in modern America.”

But I do know this ::

Jesus told his disciples, “By this all men will know you are my disciple – if you love one another.” – John 13:34 & 35.

Seems that Christian brotherhood and sisterhood and community and unity were very big on Jesus’ plan/plate.

In the Hebrew Scriptures we read about the “tribes of Israel.” The 12 tribes whom God called upon to be different in their culture. To be set apart. To be unique.

He calls them to accept the foreigner into their homes.

He calls them to ignore the idol worship of their neighbors.

He calls them to put their trust in Yahweh rather than in a king, or a Pharaoh or a President.

He calls them to honor the Sabbath – a day you set aside all your business of the 24/7 consumerism and focus on God – the creator of it all.

And so the Hebrews get very accustomed to this calling of being “separate” from the world (not that anyone’s ever really figured that out).

And then Jesus shows up on the earth and starts telling everyone that he was forming a new tribe.

A tribe where the Hebrews would join together with the Gentiles. No wonder they got upset and had him killed. That in and of itself could be considered blasphemy.

It would be like the Texas A&M Alumni Association telling folks that from now on graduates of the University of Texas and the University of Oklahoma will now all be considered a part of the Texas A&M family!

This new tribe that Christ was creating would be a tribe for all who were baptized into Christ and have clothed themselves with Christ.

Where there is neither Jew nor Gentile, Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, American or Iraqi, neither slave nor free, neither male nor female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus.

It’s a radical idea and I believe it calls for radical changes in our thinking and behavior.

Because when the tribe succeeds – we all succeed!

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