I referred to a third category of thought in my last post regarding an interesting “conversation” I had with a visitor at church. And by the way, if this post makes no sense, I now officially have no excuse (Connar, my 2 month old, has slept through the night on consecutive nights for the first time in his young career).

This visiting lad spoke to me of persecution in the context of evangelism. Jesus said that we would be persecuted. So did Paul to Timothy in the third chapter of his 2nd recorded correspondence: “anyone who wishes to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

That’s a pretty darn challenging verse. If you are a true Christian (not just professing one), you want to live a godly life. And if the conditions of “A” are met, then “B” will inevitably follow.

The question is what does this look like on a daily level? In other words, how does this persecution come to us? Do we bring it on ourselves through evangelism and the persecution is their immediate response to us? Do we bring it on ourselves by living godly lives, and that inevitably offends people (i.e. not letting people cheat, confronting sin and injustice, etc…)? Or do we bring it on more through our methodology (how we share the gospel, disciple, discipline, teach, etc..) than our theology (understanding of God that we communicate with others)? And if that methodology brings about persecution, should that be subject to change?

First of all, in an attempt to make my blog entries shorter, I will just address one area of this idea of persecution and non-Christians (and unrepentant professing Christians) not liking us.

Let me give an example from my college ministry experience. Most big colleges-and UCF is a big college-have shouting evangelists in the designated “free speech” areas. They shout for people to repent. They really have no clue who they are shouting against. They have no clue of personal struggles, personal idols, or the personal beliefs that are stumbling blocks to even sitting down and talking about the gospel (and these must be addressed or people won’t listen).

And they get made fun of. That’s not being persecuted for Jesus’ sake. That’s being persecuted for not loving people where they are at. The shouting evangelist is hyperbole. You’re probably not one per se. But if we fail to listen to others (which ticks people off), and simply make them listen to us, I wonder if that’s really persecution. It’s more likely that we’re being persecuted for being a jerk and not loving others well.

So in some ways, I think we may offend people by the methodology, and not the gospel. And that’s neither the kind of persecution that is promised nor is it ‘good.’ So if its only the methodology that’s bringing persecution, that ought to be evaluated.

I had an interesting conversation (although I had to take more of a listening and defensive posture, so I say ‘conversation’ for lack of a better word) after church this Sunday. The subject matter included evangelism. I love it when someone I don’t know comes up and tries to tell me using preselected passages from the bible (ignoring one’s that I pointed out) in an geographical area he knows nothing about (you can’t go door-to-door evangelizing in this neighborhood when they won’t even come to the door for carolers!), how to do ministry. Specifically evangelism.

After I left the ‘conversation’ (it would have never ended), I had a few thoughts, some positive, some negative, and some I don’t know. I’ll pursue the latter tomorrow.

1.) Positive-I’m a crock pot evangelist (wish I could say that I coined that phrase) who believes in sharing the content of the gospel in the context of hospitality, community, community groups/bible studies, church (preached word), and one-on-one relationships. Folks like me, who focus on the context can sometimes neglect or put off sharing or discussing the content of the gospel. We may not be intentional in looking for opportunities that WILL come up in conversations. So I need to surround myself, or at least be in communication (or accosted by out of town church visitors) with folks who are ‘quicker on the draw.’ This man was and he reminded of the sense of urgency that must be considered. None of us are promised tomorrow. So I’m glad we had the ‘conversation’ even though it bothered me some. It did challenge me.

2.) Negative-If you ignore the context of relationships and mercy, I think you neglect to do evangelism the way Paul the apostle did (Paul was his example for why you need to go up to pretty much everybody you see and ask them, “If you were to die today…..”). I Thessalonians 2:8 reminds us that Paul’s missionary team shared not only the gospel of God but “our lives as well.” That spells relational ministry to me.

If one ignores the context, there is danger not only in ignoring relationships, but in ignoring real Kingdom work. For instance on Saturday, we worked from 8a-12 pm on a Habitat for Humanity house. Foundation work is a blast. But even if we are never able to share the gospel with those who eventually move into the house, we played a part in bringing the Kingdom (God’s invisible perfect will done perfectly in heaven) down to Earth. And there is a real danger in ignoring stuff like that if one thinks that saving souls is the only thing that matters ‘down here.’

I used to think changing my kid’s diaper would be like eating vegetables: a necessary evil. However, it has really become a delight. I love changing Connar’s diaper. Well, usually. Since I don’t usually do much breast feeding, this is our time to bond. This is THE time I’m guaranteed to get him to smile at me and do his baby noises. The Changing Table is one of my new favorite places.

I guess I’m learning a bit more about how God as a Father delights over His children (Zeph 3). When we sing in Sunday worship, I think its kind of like “cooing” before our heavenly Father. I think Sunday worship is like a big changing Table. Instead of the sound of one coo, there is a chorus of coos. And I know our Heavenly Father delights in the sound of His children even more than I delight in Connar’s enjoyment. Our delight in our heavenly Father brings Him the most glory.

Here’s a short video of Connar’s changing table excitement (and his mom and dad’s as well).

This is just a” follow-up post” reflecting on Marc Antony’s Soliloquy in Shakespeare’s Julius Ceasar: “the evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.” Providentially, yesterday, was the 25th Anniversary of George Brett’s pine tar incident. He used more pine tar than was allowed (allegedly) and his game winning walk-off homer instead became just the last out of the game. The evil Yankees won.

But George Brett is a Hall of Famer. He has over 3000 hits, which is way good, and a career batting average above 3oo. But the first thing I think of George Brett is him running crazily and angrily on the field to argue this call. In fact I just found out Amy’s Uncle Earl played ball with Brett down in Sarasota in the 70’s. Apparently he’s a heck of a fisherman and a nice guy. But when he mentioned George Brett, the first thing I brought up was the pine tar incident of 1983 (in which he is sorry for).

Oh the evil that men do does live after them. If you think of Bill Buckner (who had a great career), you think of his error that cost the Red Sox the World Series. Fortunately. If you hear the name Scott Norwood, you think of him missing the field goal that sent the Buffalo Bills to their 4th straight Superbowl loss.

If we only did this with sports figures that would be one thing. But we do this with people who have wronged us as well. I look back on my past and see myself doing this. For instance, I saw a high school classmate’s name pop up on facebook and one thing popped in my mind (that was the guy who talked his way out of his responsibility for a ticket only to convince the cop it was solely my fault-its a long story and don’t have time to tell it). That’s the only thing I remember! of him. One of my college friends showed gracious hospitality to me over the years, paying for expensive dinners (never really sure where he got the money, though), and for a long time-not any more-the only thing that I remembered was his driving past my broken down Volvo in South Carolina.

Everything in us wants to run to the one ‘evil’ that lives on in our hearts and minds. But I think the gospel enables us to remember the many good things that people do to us as well. And remember those. And again, I would hope that people don’t ignore the things I do well, and only remember my failures. So I we ought to do what we expect others to do for us, eh?

Here’s the video of George’s “evil” that has caused people to forget his great baseball achievements.

As I was studying John 11 yesterday I came upon a few verses that made me think a little more than usual.

….Then after this he said to the disciples, “Let us go to Judea again.” 8 The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just now seeking to stone you, and are you going there again?”….Then Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus has died, 15 and for your sake I am glad that I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 So Thomas, called the Twin,(1 )said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Here are a few thoughts:

1.) Thomas is known for one thing: his doubt. Yet at this point he has no problem with risking his life to stay be Jesus’ side (and encourages his boys to do the same), even though the ‘goons’ have it out for Jesus. As Shakespeare (via Marc Antony) reminds us, “The evil that men do lives after them, the good is oft interred with their bones.” Doubting Thomas was ready for the stones, and all we remember of him is his failure to believe. I wonder what my bad nickname I’ll have after I’m gone.

2.) It’s amazing to me that a man would find it easier to risk his life than to believe that Jesus truly did bodily rise from the grave. It took Jesus himself showing up and setting the records straight for Thomas to believe the resurrection really happened. For many people, it’s the other way around. Believing isn’t as hard; it’s the facing persecution that can become a stumbling block. Different folks have different struggles. Some struggle more with intellectual matters, some struggle more with fear. Of course the Holy Spirit is aids us in dealing with either or both. That’s our advantage.

Different folks in different contexts have different styles of worship which honor God the same. And during some worship services there will be a prelude, or an offertory, which is sung, instead of merely played. It is not for the congregation to sing, but to reflect upon. And by reflecting we participate. I personally love this time.

I don’t know exactly what part of the service this clip fits into, but it is definitely unique, biblical, and challenging. It’s a rap song. While I don’t usually dabble into the rap scene, I still think it is legitimate and God honoring. Yes, even in church. Click here to watch some rap which is couched in this theology: missions exists because worship does not, so send me. In other words, God is not worshiped by many folks, so let us reach them for His glory. Wherever they are.

I’m really not super politically minded. I understand the importance, at least somewhat (I’m referring to my understanding here) of being well versed and aware of politics. I watched an interview with McCain the other day and had some thoughts.

One of the reasons I find it hard to follow politicians is something that really isn’t their fault. At least not totally. They really have to look like they have it all together. And I get that, in part. People wouldn’t vote for them. And it seems like they really can’t admit their faults. They can’t be broken because people attack that brokenness. And if they were on one side of an issue, they really can’t re-evaluate and change later, because if they do so, they’re blamed for flip-flopping.

I’m glad I’m allowed to evaluate my philosophy and practice of ministry without being accused of flip-flopping. But if someone accused me of flip-flopping, I wouldn’t mind. I’d just say “Always Reforming (I’ll spare you the Latin).” That was the battle cry of the early protestant reformers.

Anyhow, I follow people most closely who will recognize they are broken. If they’ve never admitted their weaknesses, need for prayer, apologized, then that person will not get my ‘vote.’ Pastors need to continually be reminded not to walk the road of the unbroken politician. So do all folks who lead. From churches to families. Fortunately my senior pastor has modeled that well for me.

I finished up my “preaching tour” of the Southwest, well Southwest FL Presbytery. I had a few “home games” and a few “away games.” I finished up the tour on the road in Riverview, FL. Before the worship service officially started, we had the opportunity of hearing how God had impacted middle school youth group on their week long camp last week.

One of the little lads exclaimed, like the 80’s smash hit-though he probably wasn’t quoting it, because I’m sure had never heard of it or Dirty Dancing-“I had the time of my life.” He said it was the best week of his whole life.

He had been challenged greatly and wanted to learn how to live out his faith, “sticking out” among other simply by his life. Then he told the congregation something to the effect of, “I want to be able to share my faith with my friends, but I have no idea what to do. If anyone wants to help me, you know where to find me…”

I was blown away. What humility to confess weakness, uncertainty, and the need for his community to assist him. I assured him I often feel the same way about evangelsim and a lot of other things, and I have to ask for help often. I of course used him as an example of the need for discipleship. But I what alluded to was his attitude. What would churches be like if not only youth, but adults were to embrace his posture? I want to grow, and I would love for someone in particular, and my church community in general, to assist me in that discipleship. I really wanted to go over there and hug that kid. But I think he would have thought I was a bit weird. Maybe next time I will, knowing that he’d be in good company.

Here’s a short video of Connar using his new “bumbo.” Unfortunately he thinks its a toilet.

Last night Amy and I had a hot date. Literally. We went to a free screening of a movie called Fireproof at a place called Marriage Works (a marital ministry that looked pretty cool) in Bradenton. Because I’m some big shot pastor (yeah right), people can get a hold of my email without too much homework. I’m assuming this ministry sent out a ton of emails to people in the area asking if they would be interested in a free screening of this movie. And free Chick-Fil-A. Oh, about the “hot part.” It was way hot with all the pastors, ministry, and community leaders crammed into the room.

From the people who brought you Facing the Giants comes Fireproof. Some time in September for the lay folk. Sorry for bragging. The plot takes you inside the struggling marriage of a fire fighter who encounters the gospel and the possibility of a renewed marriage. I was skeptical of how much Amy and I would enjoy it, since I don’t really like “Christian” movies-though I did like Midnight Clear which I saw a few weeks ago on recommendation from a friend. I actually did like it. I was drawn into the story, which I guess is what makes a movie “good,” at least in part.

The acting was fairly bad and the jokes were cheesy. But I still laughed. If I told you Stephen Baldwin was NOT in it, then can you guess who played the fire fighter? Its a no-brainer. Yep, Kirk Cameron. He was decent, I thought.

We had to fill out cards at the end which indicated whether or not it would be a good outreach movie. Sending non-Christians to movies to hear the gospel may work. But I can’t imagine sending my kayak fishing buddies to it though. But maybe a neighbor or two.

My view of evangelism takes place in relationships, hospitality, and community, as opposed to in a theater. Why can’t I just tell them myself? But do I?

When I left, I realized that many attending that night WERE those type of people who would bring their unbelieving friends to such a movie. And that’s good. People will hear the gospel. But what would I do? I can say that I believe the gospel is to be proclaimed in relationships, in hospitality, in dialog, in mercy, etc…But if I never actually verbally discuss, speak to, investigate with, or preach (at church by bringing folks) the content of the gospel, and the response of repentance and faith, then my style of evangelism is not really evangelism. That hit me hard.

I have a few folks in mine that I could bring with/send to a movie like this. But otherwise, our hot date really challenged me to be more intentional in seeking opportunities to dialog with and discuss the content of the gospel.

I’m pretty excited about Connar’s sleeping. He went 6 hours last night between feedings! From 12:00-6:00 am. Unfortunately he sleeps like the Bucs played after they won their Super Bowl in 2003. He has yet to put back-to-back “wins” together and will probably go for three hours tonight. But there’s some promise….

Anyhow, one thing we do to try to calm him and make him sleepy is to use the pacifier. It has quite the soporific effect. Sometimes Connar loves the pacifier. Sometimes he spits it out. And as soon as he spits it out, he wants it back in. He enjoys the pacifier, then spits it back out. And sometimes he won’t take it at all.

I think Connar’s use of the pacifier parallels our own desire for intimacy and relationship. At some levels, we crave intimacy. To be known, to be known deeply. Yet we are scared to be known because we don’t want people to really know our thoughts and hearts. Their filled with all kinds of stuff. We’re ashamed, and so we pull away. And yet don’t want to be unknown and so we draw close only to spit the relational pacifier right back out. Sometimes we don’t want to have anything to do with intimacy.

We were created for relationship and intimacy because we are created in God’s image. Because God is Trinitarian (deep relational intimacy existing among Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and we’re made to reflect something about Him, we obviously are made for relationships and intimacy. Yet sin entered the world and Adam and Eve hid from God and each other by covering themselves with leaves. They spit the proverbial first pacifier out on the ground. And we’ve been spitting it out, and crying for it to be put back in, and enjoying it, and then spitting it out again, and refusing it back. And so goes the pacifier cycle.