"Politicians as Theologians"

I think that God - in a wonderful display of divine irony (the same irony that is displayed by "winning" salvation while dying on a cross), must have been guiding our founding fathers when they ratified the First Amendment to the constitution, which among others things, laid the groundwork for the separation of church and state. Perhaps, God knew what lousy theologians we all really are, but especially politicians. Michele Bachmann made the comment last week that God is trying to get politician's attention through natural disasters. Also last week, in a sermon entitled "You Better Think," we talked about using our heads as well as our hearts in discerning God's will. During that sermon, we talked about a tool that Methodists have used from the very beginning of our tradition - the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. The quadrilateral is a tool for discerning how God is on the move in the world. Based on the article that I read, I did not see that Sen. Bachmann mentioned what rationale was behind her theological reflection. Nor did I notice what sources she was citing to establish the truth of her convictions. If she were telling us about a budgetary issue, would she not need to cite her source so that we can check her facts if we were so inclined? Why is it then, that when it comes to speaking for the God of the universe, we do not need to know how she arrived at her conclusions? Are we to simply "take it on faith?" I preach for a living. I claim to speak for God every Sunday. But, I would never want my people to simply believe me because I said it. I want them to read the scriptures that I cite, and read others as well. Apply the quadrilateral to my truth claims. I am not saying that theology should only be the purview of trained professionals (Lord knows, many of us have made a mess of it). What I am saying is that anyone - but, most especially a politician trying to somehow invoke the idea that God is on her side (or his side) - should grant the public the opportunity to know on what basis these truth claims are being made. The politicizing of religion and the religionization of politics are very dangerous. When they happen, they must be done thoughtfully, reverently, and most important, humbly (with great fear and trembling).

"Right Religion"

Scripture – Amos 5:1-4

Yesterday, we talked about a subject that should be near and dear to the heart of everyone that claims the name of Christian – the subject of justice. When we hear that word, many of us come up with our own definition of what it means. But, when the bible talks about justice, especially in the Old Testament, it is talking about caring for the poor, treating people with fairness, showing hospitality to the stranger. It is talking about forgiveness and new beginnings. So, the first thing we need to remember when we talk about justice is that I am not talking about an American definition, where justice is associated with our rule of law. I am not disparaging that system, but that is not what the bible is talking about. So, when we talk about justice, it is a wonderful idea for Christians to understand what the word means to God (his definition is eternal; ours is only a few centuries old). That is why becoming a people of God’s justice begins with learning. I mentioned a resource yesterday – the Poverty and Justice Bible. Get a hold of this bible if you truly want to understand the scope of God’s love and craving for justice. Below, I have included a list of places where you can learn about justice issues and how you can get involved. But, there is one thing we can all do – pray. Pray daily for justice, for God’s justice. Begin with research and prayer, and then be open to where God will lead you. What if the church’s pursuit of justice were as constant as an ever-flowing stream? What if the church stopped being safe and started being brave?

The hungersite.com

Not for Sale Campaign

International Justice Mission (sign up to be a prayer partner)

International Child Care

Bread for the World

Orange County Food Bank

Living Water International

UMCOR

LOTC is starting a Food Pantry Ministry. Contact the LOTC church office and let us know if you would like to get involved.

Go on to the LOTC Facebook Page and add your own

"No Bullies"

Bullying is an epidemic in our country. I don't personally think that this is new. But, with the advent of the 24-hour news cycle and social media, it has finally become news. I am a Christian minister and I do not believe that violence is always the best response to problems. However, I have seen (and experienced) the damage done from bullying and it is epic. Personally, I don't think that we have begun to scratch the surface on this problem. What are schools doing? Most of the responses I have seen involve developing a "no tolerance" policy. Let's be honest. This doesn't really address the problem. Bullies know how to not get caught. I have always told my son that he needs to use words...first. But, if words fail, he has dad's permission (probably not the school's) to use force. That's just my opinion. I was thrilled, however, to read an article on Yahoo about the Gracie Academy "Bullyproof" camp. Philosophically, I agree with them 100%. But, the beauty of this idea is that they provide young people actual tools that they can use in order to deal constructively (and appropriately) with bullies. Kudos to Gracie for coming up with a solution that puts the power to deal with bullies in the hands of the kids being bullied. That is where it belongs.

"You Better Think"

Scripture: John 7:14-24

Yesterday, we continued our sermon series “Aim High: Rethinking Church” by talking about a topic that is (in this pastor’s humble opinion) not talked about nearly enough in the church. That topic is, of course, the copious and consistent use, or lack thereof, on behalf of the church, of its God-given mental faculties in discerning God’s truth. Forgive me, sometimes I like to have fun with words. Put simply, we talked about using our heads and our hearts to understand God. This truth is indeed a simple one. But, it is so often disregarded. It is based on a simple idea. God gave us many – not just one – tools for discerning truth. Chief among these sources of understanding is God’s story, the Bible. However, God gave us many resources for understanding the bible. That list includes (but is not limited to) church tradition, the work of Christian scholars, general scientific wisdom, reason, and the witness of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. When we fail to use all of the tools that God has provided, we are not being faithful to God. And this is important. The first thing to go when times are difficult is the intellect. Out of fear, people will believe and do some strange things because it gives them temporary relief from their fear. This is how the process of "demonizing" others works (we talked about this during the sermon yesterday). Circumventing the intellect is how cults work. But, it is not the way of true Christianity. If we are going to follow Jesus, we better think.

"Evangelism I'm Not Fond Of"

Last night was the Mercy Me concert after the Angels/Orioles game at Angel Stadium. A group from LOTC participated in the fun. We were treated to an extra-inning win by the Angels followed by the concert (I had to leave before the concert - I work Sundays). I was looking forward to a wonderful time of fellowship with church members. And the game and the fellowship were outstanding. But, prior to the game, as we approached the stadium, there were people holding various signs. I think that they were attempting to evangelize, but I didn't sense anything good in their news. The sign attached to this blog is one example. Other examples include, "the blood of Jesus cleanses sin" (that was by far the most positive sign that I saw), or "After death, judgment." I always find it amusing how people that talk about the "judgment" are so secure in their own standing before God, as if they have seen the list. Of course, the irony to all of this is that the people were posting these signs on the one night there were probably more professing Christians at an Angels game than any other night (due to the Mercy Me concert). Talk about preaching to the choir! The point is that this message (a) does not represent the core of the gospel (read the gospels and explain to me how I am incorrect on that point), (b) appeals to very few people outside of the church (do people ever drop to their knees and repent after reading these signs), (c) and offends some people in the church. Here is my question for the folks "evangelizing" at the Angel game last night. Why did I not see a sign with the word "love" on it anywhere? How can someone evangelize about God without using the word love?

"Love First..."

Last week we continued our sermon series "Aim High: Rethinking Church." We asked an age old question in worship. What would happen if the church were a community of faith that loved people first and asked questions later? The question seems simple, and yet, as we learned in our sermon based bible study this Thursday morning, there are some serious consequences if the church puts that principle into practice. The greatest consequence, however, would be that there would probably be considerably less socially sanctioned violence in the world. If we respond to someone that we view as an enemy (be it theological, political, or literal) with love and compassion first (not forgetting that, of course that they are our enemy), we can certainly take up any matter under debate afterwards. But, here's the thing. Arguing with someone (or fighting with someone) will be considerably different after we have already shown them compassion. Consider the story of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan and the man that was robbed were bitter enemies. Had they met at a political rally they might have thrown rocks at one another. And yet, because they met under the circumstances they did, and because the Samaritan showed compassion (i.e. loved first and asked questions later), the whole relationship was changed. It is especially interesting to note that Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan in response to the question, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

"The Miracle of Compassion"

Scripture: Matthew 14:13-21

Yesterday, we talked about the famous story of the feeding of the multitudes as it was recorded by Matthew. This is the only miracle story that appears in all four of the gospels. There are slight variations in each version, but the constant thread in all of them is Jesus' admonition "you give them something to eat." Jesus instructed his disciples to take care of the people. It did not make sense to them because they did not have nearly enough food. But, Jesus was not interested in what they did not have. He was interested in them sharing what they did have. Scholars have attempted to explain this miracle by suggesting that everyone brought food with them, but they were unwilling to share it with others until they saw the power of Jesus to heal, until they experienced Jesus' faith and compassion for the crowd. So, when the food was being passed around, they included their food in with the rest. While this theory has problems of its own, I want to suggest that even if this is what happened it is no less of a miracle. Maybe it is more of a miracle. Transforming the hearts of people is one of the greatest miracles ever. What if the church was transformed, as well? What if we became the answer to many of our own prayers? What if the church were a community of faith that loved people first and asked questions later?

Here is some information on some of the organizations that I talked about during the sermon yesterday.

UMCOR - the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Our denomination's relief agency that responds to humanitarian crises around the world. Currently, they are providing relief for the crisis on the Horn of Africa.

International Justice Mission - fight slavery, human traffiicking, and land grabbing in Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Not for Sale Campaign - finds slavery and human trafficking throughout the world.

International Child Care - an internationally recognized children's health care ministry in Haiti and the Dominican Republic

Special Olympics - join the team from LOTC as we volunteer for the fall games in Orange County (more details to follow)

Special Olympics - help throw Pastor Jon "over the edge" to support the work of Special Olympics

Orange County Food Bank - join LOTC as we prepare food boxes for elderly Orange County citizens (more details to follow)

If you would like to tell us about a place where you share Christ's love by serving others, go to the LOTC Facebook page and let us know about it.

"Grace Availed"

A few weeks ago, Light of the Canyon completed a sermon series on Exploring Galatians. We had a lot of discussion on the role of legalism and grace in Christianity. I observed on more than one occasion that, all too often, the Christian Church continues to press "legal" requirements. We say to other people, "you are a sinner, you are going to hell, etc." It is the height of arrogance to suppose for a second that God has empowered us with the authority over heaven and hell. This past week, as we began our sermon series on "Rethinking Church," we told the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. It is important to remember that the eunuch was returning to Ethiopia from Jerusalem where he wanted to worship. The passage does not address this directly, but it is safe to assume that the eunuch was turned away (see Leviticus 21:17-21). In our bible study today, we contrasted the eunuch's experience at the temple with his encounter with Philip. We noted that where the law had failed him, grace availed him. Oh, how wonderful it would be if we in the church remembered this. Here is the question again. What if the church were not a building but was ten thousand doors that open people to the experience of God’s grace?

"Ten Thousand Doors"

Scripture: Acts 8:26-40

Yesterday, the sermon probably asked more questions than gave answers. I think that, often times, Jesus operated the same way. He would share a parable and then ask the listener, "what do you think?" Truth tends to stick with us better when we do a little digging to get there. The main question that we talked about yesterday (if this was not obvious from the fact that I asked it several times) is, "What if the church were not a building but was ten thousand doors that open people to the experience of God’s grace?" It was my hope and prayer that by asking that question in the context of a personal anecdote that I received from one of you and a powerful scriptural illustration that we would all be inspired to "rethink church" in new ways, in ways that specifically involve us opening doors to others. I have been thinking about this a lot lately. One of the practices that I am hoping to improve on is my ability (and willingness) to be a better listener for people Sometimes, pastors hear part of an issue and then we become so eager to help you solve your problems that we do not necessarily hear everything you are saying. In the illustration that I shared with you yesterday during worship, the person from our church that met with the visitor was a wonderful listener. He paid attention. And that is one of the things that I am going to be working on in my ministry. The other thing I am going to be working on is being more disciplined with my time. It is easy to get overwhelmed by the many tasks that need to be accomplished on any given day. One of the areas where this effects me personally is in sermon preparation. I am not always disciplined with my time when I am in the office. One of the things that I am going to be doing in the weeks and months ahead is to close the door to my office when I am in prayer or study (I already close my door if I am in counsel with someone). I will place sign on my door letting people know what I am doing and will instruct Ami to hold my calls. During these times, I will be available for emergency issues, etc. I am hoping that this will allow me to be more directed in my work as your pastor. I certainly recognize the irony of preaching a sermon about opening ten thousand doors and then sharing with you that I am going to be closing the door to my office more than I have in the past. But, the purpose of trying to be more disciplined with my time is so that my sermons might be more "door-opening experiences" for everybody. The point of all of this is that I want to encourage all of you to prayerfully consider ways that you might rethink church in your lives. Remember this question. What if the church were not a building but was ten thousand doors that open people to the experience of God’s grace? How would you be different?

"Rethinking Church"

Our new sermon series "Aim High: Rethinking Church" begins this Sunday, August 7. What if the church was not a country club for saints, but a hospital for sinners? What is the church was not a building, but a community of faith? What if the church was more concerned with getting heaven into us rather than getting us into heaven? What if the church changed people’s lives and changed the world? For too long, the church has settled for being comfortable and safe. But, that no longer works. It is time to aim higher and to rethink church. Check out the promo right here. Thanks to the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection for the video.

"Parting Words"

Scripture: Galatians 6:11-18

Yesterday, we concluded our sermon series "Flight School: Exploring Galatians" by looking at Paul's parting words to the church. These words were very important to Paul. That is why he wrote them himself in big letters. It is much like when we send an e-mail and use capital letters, we are trying to really make our point. And Paul's point was simple. Christ did everything for us. All that we did was to say yes to Christ. That should NEVER (notice the big letters) give us cause to boast or brag. Instead, it should inspire us to help others to say "yes" to Christ, as well. And how do we do that? We do it in a variety of ways, but none of them involve judging, demeaning, or otherwise humiliating them. This is Paul's point. Being a Christian gives us NO RIGHT TO BOAST. It merely means that we humbly serve God in bringing others to Christ. Remember, throughout history, the pattern has been that God has chosen people to do his work and he has made them worthy. God did not just find the worthy people and choose them. And God has NEVER called someone simply for their own benefit. All that have been called to God are called in order to works for God's kingdom "on earth as it is in heaven." In our society, there is a horrible trend towards speaking of others in demeaning and derogatory ways. It is accepted and acceptable. The problem with this is that it is wrong, it is not biblical, and it is un-Christian. This kind of talk is arrogant and it implies that the person doing the talking is somehow superior to others. That is simply not the case. We are not superior to anyone and we have no reason to boast. And it is really that simple.