While I Mused The Fire Burned-- "On Being Real"

Transparency is so important. Jesus wants us to be real.  How easy it is to fake Christianity...to polish a super-pious image that looks great, but is phony. Through the years I've met Christians who are breaking their necks to be Mother Teresa #2.  Or, if you please, Brother Teresa!  Or Saint Francis of Portland, or Seattle...or wherever. Some Christians are trying too hard.  

But genuine Christ-followers?

Broken and spilled-out Jesus lovers?

Ah, many are sincere. They have the bright, outward veneer of Christian intensity. Busy?  Yes, but sadly, far from being authentically spiritual. 

Several years ago I came across some simple, yet profound advice:  "Be who you is, because if you is who you ain't, then you ain't who you is."

Earthy, but wise words. Words easily forgotten in the squirrel case of religious hyperactivity. Why not do a spiritual self-check?  This is a busy time of year and in a short time the holidays will be here. The church activity calendar will go crazy.

Have you become so involved in working for Jesus that you've forgotten the Jesus of the Work?  Are you keeping yourself clear so that Jesus can shine through?

Why not take a breath and allow His Spirit to make you real.  Transparent with His Grace. 

While I Mused the Fire Burned- "Sacred Cows Make Good Hamburger" #2

     Recently I talked about a number of biblical values that the western Church has contextualized to the point of syncretism that has forced us further and further away from biblical patterns of behavior.  In the first blog I said that "we have sacrificed transformation for culturally-determined "sacred cow" practices. I gave three Sacred Cows which need to be turned into hamburger ( see "Sacred Cows Make Good Hamburger" #1).  Here are three more.

     4.  Proliferation of church property dedicated to no one but those already Christian. 

American evangelicals are preoccupied with church buildings and massive building projects. Most of our edifices serve only us while failing to focus on serving others, particularly the have nots of the world. What are we doing to serve the needs of the larger community, especially those who are hurting and in need?  The Christian habit is to build to meet Christian needs. Perhaps this is the most significant evidence of an earthly culture at work conforming the church to the world. In much of the unreached world, church buildings are neither possible or affordable and yet the church is growing at a rapid rate in such areas. Today's believers must conceive of a church system that exists and thrives in the absence of buildings. 

     5.  Education as sufficient preparation for ministry without character development and 

           competence in disciple-making. 

Medicine is one of the few professions where mentoring or discipleship is a common and indispensable practice. Following medical school, a doctor goes through an internship, residency and specialized training, so why is it normal and necessary to train and mentor doctors so meticulously yet something as important  as communicating the gospel is treated so cavalierly?  Seminary education is vital, but learning the art of disciple making and learning to live truth is supreme. We should demand that disciples make disciples as a part of their vocational preparation. We must expect that one who is ministering must live out truth through a holy lifestyle. 

     6.  Understanding the "gospel" as primarily an issue of salvation. 

In a recent book, Scot McKnight says, "evangelism today is obsessed with getting someone to make a decision; the apostles , however, were obsessed with making disciples. Evangelism that focuses on decisions short circuits the design of the gospel..."  When people become Jesus followers their entire lives change. In spiritual terms, they see Jesus and do what they have been meant to do before the foundations of time; they fall on their knees and confess, "My Lord and my God."  What happens next in their lives is discipleship. No one can call himself a follower of Jesus and not be changed into His likeness. Matthew 28 tells us to go and make disciples of all ethne, not disciples of a culturally conformed North American church. Far from simply making decisions we must fulfill God's eternal purpose by being a disciple and making disciples. 

     Sacred Cows make good hamburger. We will never be free from the problems that cultural Christianity breeds unless we deal with these problems at their root. In an alien culture such as post modern America, it is easy to be squeezed into the world's mold, but we must rather follow the admonition of the apostle as he urged, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." (Romans 12:2).

While I Mused The Fire Burned - "Sacred Cows Make Good Hamburger" #1

     Just today I was talking to the executive pastor of a large evangelical church which by all accounts has had unusual growth and success over the last few years.  They have a godly pastor and a great staff, but my friend told me that changes must come.  He said "we have all the whistles and bells," but our people are shallow and do not live what they profess on Sunday.  They have all the "right stuff" without getting the right results.  The "whistles and bells" don't seem to be creating godly disciples.

     Sadly, this story can be told across the broad spectrum of the Christian church.  The most significant problems for the Church originate in our becoming lost in earthly cultures.  The net effect is that we attribute our cultures' values and beliefs to God and, in essence, reinvent God in our own image.  We have sacrificed transformation for culturally-determined "sacred cow" practices. Let me give you several Sacred Cows which need to be ground into hamburger:

     1.  Worship services ad nauseum. Most of us have failed to understand "worship" as something we do to honor our relationship with God and that requires us to bring something to the presence of God as an act of worship.  Sadly, worship has become an event that is viewed as entertainment or an event from which we should get something.  God is secondary if He is a factor at all.

     2.  Preaching without teaching/training.  Our Sunday experience is a one-way communications process where the people who come are passive listeners.  If it is really teaching there must active participation from both sides.  In many, if not most churches, the message simply fades away at the close of the service seldom to be thought of again.  Where is the training that really affects change?  Start living on Monday what you sing about on Sunday!

     3.  Orthodoxy without orthopraxy.  Right thinking (orthodoxy) must always be paired with orthopraxy (right behavior).  When a person comes to Christ, his or her direction is changed, but following Jesus will also bring a change of lifestyle.  Right living is as important as right doctrine.

     In part 2 of this blog I will give 3 other "sacred cows" which need to be dealt with.  Grinding up these customs which have grown up in the church is no easy process, but we will never be free of the problems which cultural Christianity breeds unless we deal with them at the root.  My friend who talked to me about the plight of his church will only continue to have significant issues unless the people's understanding of the gospel can be significantly changed and consumer christianity can be eradicated.  Sacred Cows make good hamburger.  Start grinding!

While I Mused The Fire Burned- "The Presence, The Hallowing Presence"

"The place where you stand is holy." This is what God said to Moses at the burning bush, and to Joshua on the outskirts of Jericho.
What makes a place holy? Only one thing- the presence of the Holy One. His presence makes the Temple holy. His presence makes a life holy.
The place where God encounters us to change us and command our service is sacred. Not the sand, not the bush, not the fire, but God- present, speaking, acting- made that desert spot holy ground for Moses. It wasn't the river he had crossed or the city he would conquer, but it was God who made the place where Joshua stood holy ground.
Only the presence of God makes a building a temple or a congregation a church. Holiness is achieved only by the living God as He graciously draws near to redeem and enlist human life.
We can meet together, we can sing hymns, say prayers, read Scripture and even give money, but all of this is empty ritual in a mausoleum unless God is present to own and bless us. We can write bylaws and mission statements, chant slogans, battle social evils and run victory laps, but our reforms are cosmetic and fleeting unless God is present to energize and direct us. Where holiness is concerned everything depends on the Presence. God's presence cannot be manipulated or controlled by people, not even ordained people in clerical dress. God is not a genie who appears because we rub the lamp or tap a bell or blow a whistle. He is sovereign.
His presence is not capricious. He comes where two or three are gathered in His name. Obedience assures His presence, disobedience forfeits His presence. GOD IS THE HOLY ONE. Nothing is holy except by His presence. Nothing is holy in His absence.

While I Mused The Fire Burned "Beyond the Music"

Last evening America's beloved gospel singer, George Beverly Shea, joined the heavenly crusade choir at age 104. My whole life is filled with memories of this humble man whose music has been heard by millions all around the world. The last time I heard him in person, he was in his 90s and his voice was still strong and resonant. I was amazed at the control and his ability to communicate the message of the song, but as much as I loved that rich baritone voice, it was never about the voice or even the music.

Bev Shea gave us all a powerful lesson in telling the story of Jesus. Whether one likes his style or the genre of music, it is refreshing to see a man who in such a simple, forthright way went straight for the heart. When he sang "I'd Rather Have Jesus" (which he also wrote) you immediately knew how personal that story was and it sent arrows straight to the heart of the listener.

For many singers, the music becomes the message. Not for Bev Shea. The tune was only a vehicle to bring the love and comfort of Jesus to a parched and aching heart. Much of the time his accompaniment was only a piano or organ because he wanted to keep it as simple as possible. Billy Graham said he never wanted to preach unless Bev sang first because when the song was over the audience was ready for the sermon. It was a perfect combination; both used their gift to tell The Story. In an age when music can become a cacophony of noise, George Beverly Shea spoke to the heart and the message he shared brought Jesus close and very personal. It was beyond the music.

Rex Bullock: It Was Love

Rex Bullock: It Was Love: It Was Love I love Easter.  It is the greatest day on the Christian calendar.  In fact, for me, every year Holy Week becomes more meani...

It Was Love

It Was Love

I love Easter.  It is the greatest day on the Christian calendar.  In fact, for me, every year Holy Week becomes more meaningful and significant to me.  The chance to commemorate and celebrate all that Jesus did for me grows richer and deeper.

This Easter weekend is already proving to be like a drink of clear water on parched lips.  Last night, our very young and still forming church community (transFORM Communities) held a love feast, climaxed with worship and holy communion.  It seemed so reminiscent of what the Early Church must have done--eager believers sharing life together.  The reflection on Christ's sacrifice was deep and the cheers by beaming believers were throaty and love filled.  It was pure joy to be together.

Today (Saturday) was such a highlight for LaWanda and me.  We hosted all our family (3 kids, their spouses and all our grandkids) for Easter dinner, an Easter egg hunt and a rousing game of kickball for all of us.  What a blast!  And what love radiated all over the place as innocent children scampered through the house and all over the yard.  The food was great, but the love that we share for one another was the greatest, by far.  The hugs when we all parted were so warm and heartfelt.

And now, I'm left to reflect on it all.  There's only one thing that can make this happen.  Jesus Christ is the center of it all.  Once again, it washes over me.  It was love.  His love is the reason we can know the kind of human love that we have for one  another.  My heart almost burst with love just watching kids and grandkids today, but that can only happen because of Him.

"It was love that sent a Savior

To this world of sin and woe;

It was love that left heav'n's portals,

And came down to dwell below;

It was love that stilled the waters

On stormy Galilee;

It was love that paid sin's ransom,

One dark day on Calvary.

Refrain:

Love so divine,

Love so sublime,

Love that is deeper than any sea;

Love for us all, oh, how can it be!"

And I'm still trying to understand it all, but I'm learning more about it when I commemorate His death and tomorrow (Easter Sunday) we will celebrate His resurrection.  Hallelujah!

While I Mused The Fire Burned--"It's Still All About Jesus"

When we think of the "Bride of Christ," the Church, we still think of buildings and programs. Our consumer-driven society has deeply affected how the Body acts and how we perceive ourselves. In order to have an effective, successful "church," we think we have to have all the right "stuff." That means the building has to be customer-designed, with nice grounds, convenient parking and breathtaking bathrooms. Once we get to the building we have to have state-of-the-art programs which have been focus grouped and tweaked for just the right outcomes.

But is this really what God had in mind for His Church? Never once in the New Testament is the church described as a physical building. I've never read about one customized program in the New Testament. A large amount of what we do today is extrabiblical at best and unbiblical at worst.

When you read chapter after chapter of the New Testament there is the picture of a body made up of members. There's the picture of a family with brothers and sisters who have died to themselves and their selfish ways and who are living in Christ. In this picture of the church, people aren't just parking for an hour and participating in certain programs. Instead, Christ's Church is comprised of people who share the life of Jesus every day.

So how do people come to know Christ without all our paraphernalia? Well, Jesus said, "if I be lifted up, I will draw all men to me." Indeed, it's still ALL ABOUT JESUS.

"Down Into the Mess"

In my early morning fireside musings ("...while I was musing the fire burned," Psalm 39:3b) thoughts on personal leadership continue to emerge. In the arena of life, as a Christ follower, what is my responsibility to those who are broken and bleeding? After all, those people are all around me. What is my attitude? More important, what is my action?

As Jesus was teaching throughout the country, He would go into towns and villages and there he would see people who "were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd." Matthew 9:36 says that He said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few."

The clear implication is that He was confronting broken and confused people who were crying for someone to help. Jesus looks around and pleads for helpers...workers who will pour in healing oil and bind up wounds.

The need for harvest hands has not lessened in our post modern world. Will I turn my back and fail to inhabit this space? In her book, "Concerning the Inner Life," Evelyn Underhill says, "(The saints) do not stand aside wrapped in delightful prayers and feeling pure and agreeable to God...They go right down into the mess; and there right down in the mess they are able to radiate God because they possess Him."

Today, go down into the mess and He'll go with you!

Rex Bullock: 2013! Can You Make the Trip? We made it. We just...

Rex Bullock: 2013!  Can You Make the Trip?
We made it.  We just...: 2013!  Can You Make the Trip? We made it.  We just crashed through the threshold of a brand new year.  Some partied hard with champaign...

When the Church Prays

When the Church Prays

2013!  Can You Make the Trip?

We made it.  We just crashed through the threshold of a brand new year.  Some partied hard with champaign and fireworks, and some "hung it up" and went to be early.  Some worried about going over the "fiscal cliff," while others didn't care, because to them Washington is always in a state of perceived crisis.  Whatever our state of mind, Happy New Year is now more than words on everyone's lips.  2013 is here.

Who knows what tomorrow will bring.  This new year is untried and untested.  Whether you're an optimist or pessimist, I am assured, based on God's Word, that He goes before us into the unknown future.  The Master of the wind and waves will give us all the grace and victory we need. 

It's our attitude that will make the difference in HOW we make it.  Recently, I read a poem which puts it into perspective.  Written by former University of Illinois football coach Ray Elliot, I think it is appropriate as we enter 2013.

The Proper State of Mind

If you think you're beaten, you are.

If you think you dare not, you don't.

If you'd like to win, but think you can't,

It's almost a cinch you won't.

For out in this world you'll find 

Success begins with a person's will.

It's all in a state of mind.

For many a race is lost

Before a step is run,

And many a coward fails

Before his work's begun.

Think big and your deeds will grow.

Think small, and you'll fall behind.

Think you can, and you will.

It's all in a state of mind.

If you think you're outclassed, you are.

You've got to be sure of yourself before you win the prize.

Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man.

But sooner of later the person who wins

Is the person who thinks he can.

It's all in a state of mind.

By keeping our faith in God, in 2013 we WILL win, because He is going to give us a winning mind.  We're going to minister to more people than ever before.  We are going to see more people come to Christ than ever before.  We're going to see God's Kingdom around the world grow as never before.  It's in our minds, but more than that, it is in our hearts.  It's in God's heart to help us accomplish His purpose and His path.

I welcome 2013, though I have no idea what He has in mind for me.  It will be a significant year.  Make  it a Jesus filled year.  Can we make the trip?  YES, with His help we can.  And we will.