"Pervading"

"One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all. - Ephesians 4:6 (AMP )                                                  

Recently, my wife and I were able to enjoy a wonderful time of renewal and refreshing at the Ministry Team Retreat, sponsored by the Virginia District Church of the Nazarene.  Dr. Bob Broadbooks, USA/Canada Regional Director for the Church of the Nazarene, and the featured speaker, reminded  us that we are to be "purveyors of the presence of  Christ."  We were also reminded that we were to point others to the Christ that "is present, although absent."  In other words, the components of our worship together should magnify a Christ that has come to visit with a people seeking after him.  It was a powerful reminder that everything we do is run through the filter of "God in Christ, reconciling a world unto himself."

As I have been studying the book of Ephesians, I have found great encouragement through its words.  Through its pages, a marvelous portrait of the Church emerges in breathtaking beauty.  In Ephesians 4, a call to unity (v. 3) is given as one of the ways God fulfills his purpose for the Church. In verse 6, we see that there is only one God who is "over all, and through all, and in all" (NIV).  Unity is so much easier to achieve when focused in one direction.  One body, one Spirit, one hope (v.4), one Lord, one faith, one baptism (v. 5), and one God.  Sounds pretty clear, does it not?  Yet, too often, many seem to be running after agendas, programs, plans, numbers, goals, etc.  The problem, then, is no one is on the same page.  "Me" becomes the primary focus, not "Him."

So, "pervading." The Amplified Bible picks this word up for the word "through", or "dia" in Greek.  While the word may denote movement, extent of time, or "by means of", the message here involves God's "pervading immanence".  To put it another way, God is not detached from his creation.  He is not just a spectator watching from the wings.  Pain and suffering often obscure his presence and action.  Job wondered openly about his plight, and complained to God (Job 29-31).  Jesus, in all of his humanity, wonders aloud why his Father had abandoned him (Matthew 27:46).  Thinking God is far off or that he does not care is sometimes easy to do.  Forgetting him is easier than that.

But, God is not far off.  He is actively involved in his creation.  He is moving it according to His plan and purpose and this assures that life has meaning and makes life worthwhile.  Job was answered out of the whirlwind; Jesus was answered on Easter morning.  God is present.  He is with you and me, comforting, healing, and redeeming.  We are not left hopeless.  By being "through all, " I can encounter God through many avenues.  My Bible, the communion table, a friend, a stranger, creation, an artist, or a servant of God can speak the presence of God into my life.

How does our view of worship change, if we were to believe God is present and active?  Should not our times together reflect the importance of that?  What would our ministries look like?  Should they not reflect the hands of God reaching out?  Speaking for me, I want to be a "purveyor of his presence."  I would hope my words, actions, and attitudes would point someone to his redemptive work in the world.  Think on these words by Brian Doerksen

He is here, listen closely
Hear Him calling out your name
He is here, you can touch Him
You will never be the same

"Bold"

"Therefore, since we have such hope, we act very boldly."

- 2 Corinthians 3:12 (NAB)

I think I got my first "lack of caffeine" headache the other day.  I still want to believe it is just psychological, with no medical certainty.  I am not really sure what to make of it, but there it was.  The remedy?  A venti Gold Coast Blend from Starbucks.  Extra bold.  Not bold.  EXTRA BOLD.  Better than a pill, the coffee worked its medicinal purpose, sending my headache away.

I probably cannot blame anyone but myself.  Over the last twenty years, my coffee preferences have gravitated towards the extra bold.  Folgers and Maxwell house no longer offer the same satisfaction as the selections offered at my local Starbucks.  As I read this passage of Scripture the other day while drinking a nice travel mug of Starbucks Christmas Blend, I begin to wonder what my "spiritual blend" is.

Some like their Christianity as a nice little morning diversion to help them "get moving" for the day.  Maybe something a little light and gentle.  A relationship with the Creator is not something to get all worked up about.  God is there when He is needed.  The church has other people doing stuff.  The Bible is ok, I guess, but why read it everyday.  It is a nice easy blend of Christianity.  It is enjoyble, but ultimately, you really do not have to deal with the headaches.

Others like a little more "kick" to their Christianity.  A richer, more balnced blend, if you will.  They take their places at the church.  They love the great old stories of the Bible.  They can tell you about the life of Jesus, quote spiritual maxims, and tell you about the "good ol' days of the church", all while feeling really good about it.  It is a nice blend.  It showcases our spirituality without being too radical.  It is one that, for a moment, can give you a little satisfaction.

And then there are those apostle Paul types.  No watered down Christianity for them.  No cream or sugar, please.  In fact, a couple of shots of espresso will top off that extra bold, extra tall cup of power surge really nice, thank you.  What type of Christianity does this look like?  It is a radical abandonment to the Father for a divine purpose.  It is not for the faint of heart.  There is nothing safe or gentle about it.  In 2 Corinthians, Paul speaks of great pressure that called into question his own endurance (1:8 - 10), anguish of heart (2:4), carrying the death of Jesus, so his life might be revealed (4:10 - 12).  Notice Paul's words in chapter 6:

³ We put no stumbling block in anyone’s path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. ⁴ Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; ⁵ in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; ⁶ in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; ⁷ in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; ⁸ through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; ⁹ known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; ¹⁰ sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything (NIV).

Now that's boldness!  Why could Paul be so bold?  He knew the hope he had.  A relationship with God gave him a hope, not only in the present, but in the life to come.  When Paul locked on to that, He could do nothing except to act with boldness.  The greek word "parrhesia" means "freedom and frankness in speech."  It also carries the meaning of "free and fearless confidence."  There is no way Paul would travel this road if it were not for the hope he had.  This was born out of his relationship with God.

So, what is your blend?  The easy way might bring minimal satisfaction, but true Christianity is about abandoning ourselves to the Father.  When we discover the hope that we have been given, and when we realize that we are messengers of that hope, watered down Christianity does not work anymore.  Yeah, there are some headaches when participating at this level.  Oh, but how good it is when we see God at work!

I could say more, but my mug is empty and I am going to visit some of the shut ins.  I think there is a Starbucks on the way.

"Equip"

 ¹¹ Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. ¹² Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.   (Ephesians 4:11-12 NLT)




A couple of weeks ago, I proceeded to mount a kitchen radio to the underside of a cabinet.  After putting off this task for awhile, the time had come to finally get it behind me.  Unfortunately, the task proved to be more difficult, because I coud not find a screwdriver that fit into the cabinet.  So the task of tightening the screws was long and painful because I lacked the proper tools for the job.




It is easy to be frustrated in those types of situations.  Unfortuantely, we allow life in the Church to be equally frustrating.  Too often, the Church heads off into battle trusting our own strength, while being grossly unprepared. As frustration at our futility sets in, so does disappointment.  The Church, as seen through the lens of Ephesians 4:11-12, encourages us.  Christ has given to the Church everything needed to carry out his work. He has given us the right tools. 




I feel struck by the word "equip" in this passage of Scripture.  "Equip"  (katartismos) is a blend of "kata", which means "throughout", and "artios" which means "fitted."  The imagery is clear.  The responsiblity of the Church is to "thoroughly fit, or equip" the Body for what God has called us to do.  How does He do this?  By using others as well as myself.  When I realize that God is using me to "thoroughly equip" my brother and my sister, my wants and desires have a way of becoming insignificant. How I view my brother and sister radically changes. 




What would happen if all of those cool images you and I have of the Church would be seen through the filter of "thoroughly equipping" the Body?  Want to have a potluck?  How can this be used to thoroughly equip?  Want to have a  cool children's ministry?  How can that be used to thoroughly equip?  Love that worship music?  Am I allowing it to thoroughly equip?  How can my small group and friends be used to thoroughly equip one another?




God has given the Body, everything needed to be His ambassadors.  Apart from Him, I am not even in the right toolbox.