"For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost?" Luke 14:28
For good or bad you find all sorts of things on the Internet, especially concerning the church. For instance last week was Ash Wednesday. I saw that a pastor and friend of mine did something incredibly creative. He went out into the streets of his city, in his clerical robes, and set up a sandwich board which read "Get Your Ashes here". That's correct. He went out to the people to offer them the Imposition of Ashes.
It was an effort to get the church outside of it's four walls. His church went to the broken, the hurting people of his city and offered them a chance to repent, and a chance to remember their place in the world. Not that there is anything magical about receiving the sign of a cross on one's forehead. But the gesture itself very well may have opened many pathways for conversation and an offer of a relationship with Christ.
However, not every idea is a good one, no matter how innovative it is. On that same day I saw an article about a church that was offering drive through imposition of the ashes. That's right you drove up to the church roll down your window and someone would mark you with a cross. Roll up the window and drive away, no muss, no fuss.
So how is this idea different than the first? It would seem that the first was motivated by a desire to touch those outside of the church with the Good News. The second is motivated by convenience. As if to say "We know you are busy, and this whole Lent and church thing is an inconvenience. I mean go to church on Sunday AND Wednesday? We'll make this as easy as possible for you. In fat we don't even need to have a conversation." So the cross merely becomes another thing to check off our list on a busy day.
While I never want to speak bad about another church, I wonder how one rectifies this with Jesus statement that we are to "count the cost"? Jesus says, "If you want to be my disciple, you need to know what you are getting yourself in for. It's going to cost you something." Being a disciple doesn't just cost us something, it cost us everything. We are asked to give Jesus everything in our lives. We are to put it all under His feet.
Many years ago theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer warned the church about cheap grace. Grace that doesn't cost you anything probably isn't worth very much.
Maybe that's why Lent is such an important part of the church year. It's a season of inconvenience. We are asked to slow it down a bit and be reflective. We are called to ask ourselves the difficult questions of life. Are we as close to God as we should be? What sins must we confess? What great work must Jesus do in our lives? Have we counted the cost? We are asked to give something up for Lent. Some even Fast. Is it because God enjoys it when we are uncomfortable?
Not really. We are asked to do it because a little inconvenience is good for the soul. It allows us to take our eyes off of ourselves and spend more time thinking about Jesus. It's a way for us to give God all of the good things in life, not just the bad. It's a chance to count the cost.
However you choose to observe the season of Lent, I pray it is a blessed one. I hope you are inconvenienced, at least a little bit. I hope you learn to count the cost. The Blessings you receive will be worth it.
In Christ,
Dr. Brian Jones <><
Monday, February 18, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
Setting Your Face
"And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he steadfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem" Luke 9:51
There are some journey's we love to take. Trips to see family, Thanksgiving at Grandma's house. Trips to the Zoo, or the Amusement park. Or those treasured, long planned out family vacations. They are the journeys to which we look forward. We keep the date circled on the calendar. we tell all of our friends and can't wait until you can send them pictures or post them on Facebook.
And then there are the other journeys. The trip to the doctor when you don't want o hear what they have to say. The meeting about your finances, the summons to speak with your boss. The walk down the school corridor to see the principal... not that it ever happened to me of course. These are the journey's we don't want to travel. We avoid them. We pull the covers back over our heads. These are the journeys we don't talk about because they can be painful.
Advent has always stuck me as a joyous journey. Its so joyous in fact that even the secular world joins in. It's common for us to complain that they are beginning their Advent too early. "Honestly Christmas decoration in October!" But how can it not be a joyous time? It's about a miraculous birth, and infant in a manger. Peace and Goodwill for all mankind.
This week we will begin a different journey. The Journey of Lent. It's, well, one of those "other" journeys. It's not pleasant. It's painful. It's the opposite of Advent. In Advent we celebrate life in the dead of winter. In Lent we remember a death in the time of Spring and renewal. Advent's about joy and eating. Lent's about contemplation fasting, looking at the painful parts of our life. We drag our heels on this journey, perhaps because we know full well what awaits us at the end. A cross. The broken body of the Son of God.
We don't want to go there because in the end we know why Jesus is on that cross. I, you, we put Him there. It was for the atonement of our sins Jesus went to the cross. To pay for our sins. To free us from the pain of sin, and to heal us of our own woundedness in life.
Maybe that's why this verse is so important to us. It says when the time had come, Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem. Newer translations say he "went resolutely". But I like the image of Jesus "setting his face." He knew what the stakes were going to Jerusalem. He knew how unpleasant this journey would be. But He also knew that at the end there would be resurrection. Life and hope. Reconciliation. So Jesus Set His face.
You may be going through your own personal Lenten season right now. You are walking a hard road. You're in the midst of some tough times ahead. The road is so dark you 're not even quite sure what's at the end. Do not fear. God is walking with you through this valley. You are not alone. The one walking with you knows a thing or two about painful journeys. And he knows about life and hope as well.
So have courage. Set your face toward Jerusalem this Lent. take the journey. It may not be a pleasant one. There may be some lean times ahead. But you do not walk alone. He who conquered the grave walks with you and He will conquer all your fears as well.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
There are some journey's we love to take. Trips to see family, Thanksgiving at Grandma's house. Trips to the Zoo, or the Amusement park. Or those treasured, long planned out family vacations. They are the journeys to which we look forward. We keep the date circled on the calendar. we tell all of our friends and can't wait until you can send them pictures or post them on Facebook.
And then there are the other journeys. The trip to the doctor when you don't want o hear what they have to say. The meeting about your finances, the summons to speak with your boss. The walk down the school corridor to see the principal... not that it ever happened to me of course. These are the journey's we don't want to travel. We avoid them. We pull the covers back over our heads. These are the journeys we don't talk about because they can be painful.
Advent has always stuck me as a joyous journey. Its so joyous in fact that even the secular world joins in. It's common for us to complain that they are beginning their Advent too early. "Honestly Christmas decoration in October!" But how can it not be a joyous time? It's about a miraculous birth, and infant in a manger. Peace and Goodwill for all mankind.
This week we will begin a different journey. The Journey of Lent. It's, well, one of those "other" journeys. It's not pleasant. It's painful. It's the opposite of Advent. In Advent we celebrate life in the dead of winter. In Lent we remember a death in the time of Spring and renewal. Advent's about joy and eating. Lent's about contemplation fasting, looking at the painful parts of our life. We drag our heels on this journey, perhaps because we know full well what awaits us at the end. A cross. The broken body of the Son of God.
We don't want to go there because in the end we know why Jesus is on that cross. I, you, we put Him there. It was for the atonement of our sins Jesus went to the cross. To pay for our sins. To free us from the pain of sin, and to heal us of our own woundedness in life.
Maybe that's why this verse is so important to us. It says when the time had come, Jesus set his face toward Jerusalem. Newer translations say he "went resolutely". But I like the image of Jesus "setting his face." He knew what the stakes were going to Jerusalem. He knew how unpleasant this journey would be. But He also knew that at the end there would be resurrection. Life and hope. Reconciliation. So Jesus Set His face.
You may be going through your own personal Lenten season right now. You are walking a hard road. You're in the midst of some tough times ahead. The road is so dark you 're not even quite sure what's at the end. Do not fear. God is walking with you through this valley. You are not alone. The one walking with you knows a thing or two about painful journeys. And he knows about life and hope as well.
So have courage. Set your face toward Jerusalem this Lent. take the journey. It may not be a pleasant one. There may be some lean times ahead. But you do not walk alone. He who conquered the grave walks with you and He will conquer all your fears as well.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
Monday, February 4, 2013
Segmented Spirituality
"From His abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another." (John 1:16)
By now you've probably seen a photo of the bill left for a patron at a restaurant. Apparently the patron of this restaurant was in a dinner party of at least five people. The restaurant has a policy that any dinner party five or more is automatically charged an 18 % tip. Instead of getting her 18% the waitress found the bill with this written on it "God gets 10% of my money. Why should you get 18?" it was signed, "A Pastor"
I have no interest in beating down a colleague in the ministry. and I certainly don't know what his (I'm assuming its a he) financial status is. He may not make much money. Most clergy don't. I don't know what his family status is either. And I've certainly made enough mistakes in my life to know I have no right to point fingers at anyone else.
That disclaimer being made, it would at least appear that this pastor is guilty of something we all are guilty of at times. Segmenting our spirituality. When poled most people, certainly most Christians, would label themselves as "spiritual people". But rarely does that spirituality, or their faith effect how they live day to day. Mind you faith has its place and purpose. Just not in my day to day decisions.
The pastor was referring to his tithe he gives to the church. "God gets 10% of my money." But that's not exactly a Biblical understanding. Biblically we understand that everything we have is a gracious gift from God and that we are to use all of it to glorify Him. He asks that we use 10% to glorify Him through the church. But what about the rest? If it all comes from God should we not assume that its all to be sued to glorify Him? And wouldn't one of those ways be to be gracious to a waitress at a restaurant?
But as I said before we are too quick to point a finger at the pastor, aren't we all guilty of this? We tithe our time to God. We give Him an hour (sometimes even two) on Sunday morning. Maybe another hour in the week. And the rest of it is ours to do what we wish. Or is it? In truth while God does want us in worship and fellowship with Him through the body of Christ, He expects us to glorify Him with all of our lives. Let me say that again. All of our lives.
Consider how different your life would be if that were your mindset. Not making any decisions at work or taking any actions that don't glorify the lord. Not engaging in any activity or participating in a conversation with friends that doesn't glorify Him. Seeing ones relationships not a as place where we are to be pleased but as opportunities to glorify God?
Am I saying we all must become pious "holy rollers"? Well, not but I wonder if that would be so bad. No, glorifying God doesn't mean using His name in every other sentence. Rather it's about developing a state of mind where we ask ourselves, "Would what I am doing bring honor to Jesus?"
Why not try it this week? Just for a week try not segmenting your spirituality. Turn all of your life over to God, attempt to glorify Him in all that you do. My hunch is you won't want to stop. You'll find yourself happier, more joyful, more at peace. You'll feel as if you did something that really mattered. He has given us so many gifts in His graciousness. What have you given Him?
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
By now you've probably seen a photo of the bill left for a patron at a restaurant. Apparently the patron of this restaurant was in a dinner party of at least five people. The restaurant has a policy that any dinner party five or more is automatically charged an 18 % tip. Instead of getting her 18% the waitress found the bill with this written on it "God gets 10% of my money. Why should you get 18?" it was signed, "A Pastor"
I have no interest in beating down a colleague in the ministry. and I certainly don't know what his (I'm assuming its a he) financial status is. He may not make much money. Most clergy don't. I don't know what his family status is either. And I've certainly made enough mistakes in my life to know I have no right to point fingers at anyone else.
That disclaimer being made, it would at least appear that this pastor is guilty of something we all are guilty of at times. Segmenting our spirituality. When poled most people, certainly most Christians, would label themselves as "spiritual people". But rarely does that spirituality, or their faith effect how they live day to day. Mind you faith has its place and purpose. Just not in my day to day decisions.
The pastor was referring to his tithe he gives to the church. "God gets 10% of my money." But that's not exactly a Biblical understanding. Biblically we understand that everything we have is a gracious gift from God and that we are to use all of it to glorify Him. He asks that we use 10% to glorify Him through the church. But what about the rest? If it all comes from God should we not assume that its all to be sued to glorify Him? And wouldn't one of those ways be to be gracious to a waitress at a restaurant?
But as I said before we are too quick to point a finger at the pastor, aren't we all guilty of this? We tithe our time to God. We give Him an hour (sometimes even two) on Sunday morning. Maybe another hour in the week. And the rest of it is ours to do what we wish. Or is it? In truth while God does want us in worship and fellowship with Him through the body of Christ, He expects us to glorify Him with all of our lives. Let me say that again. All of our lives.
Consider how different your life would be if that were your mindset. Not making any decisions at work or taking any actions that don't glorify the lord. Not engaging in any activity or participating in a conversation with friends that doesn't glorify Him. Seeing ones relationships not a as place where we are to be pleased but as opportunities to glorify God?
Am I saying we all must become pious "holy rollers"? Well, not but I wonder if that would be so bad. No, glorifying God doesn't mean using His name in every other sentence. Rather it's about developing a state of mind where we ask ourselves, "Would what I am doing bring honor to Jesus?"
Why not try it this week? Just for a week try not segmenting your spirituality. Turn all of your life over to God, attempt to glorify Him in all that you do. My hunch is you won't want to stop. You'll find yourself happier, more joyful, more at peace. You'll feel as if you did something that really mattered. He has given us so many gifts in His graciousness. What have you given Him?
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
Monday, January 28, 2013
Links
"For this reason, since the day we heard it, we have not ceased praying for you that you may be filled with the knowledge of God" (Colossians 1:9)
Have you ever heard a story,m who's imagery was so powerful you never forgot it? Maybe it even changed the way you lived or saw the world? I have one. It's so ingrained in my mind and heart, I've probably shared it with more than a few of you. So bear with me, because I think it's one that needs repeating.
A young pastor, and evangelist, came into a church and preached during a three day revival. he gave an altar call at the end of each service with varying degrees of response. But on the last night ,, the Holy Spirit broke through (as we used to say when i was a kid). many came forward to receive Christ for the first time.
As you can imagine young minister was feeling pretty good about himself, who wouldn't be. But as he began to leave that night he felt a slight tug on his sleeve. It was an older man, one of the dear saints of the church. the man said "You know, it seems to me it takes about 50 people to bring someone to the Lord, like 50 links in a chain. Isn't it funny how we only give credit to the 50th link?" And then he shuffled off into the night.
His point was that almost no one just decides to go to a church service and give their life to Jesus. God has brought many people into that person's life over the years. grandparents who prayed for them. parents who took them to church. A Sunday School teacher, a youth minister. A pastor. Maybe a friend. And while none of those people got to see the end results of their prayers and efforts, God used each of them and their love as a link in that person's salvation.
John Wesley referred to this as Prevenient Grace, the grace that goes before. It's God's efforts to let us know that He loves us and bring us to him long before we were even aware of him. of course it's not just people. God might use a circumstance, both good and bad, a piece of music or a sunset. That's one of the wonderful things about God's grace. There is a wildness to it that we cannot control.
My reason for writing this today is two fold. One is that this might be a good day for you to think about the links in your chain, all the people God used to bring you to him. Give thanks for them in prayer. Maybe, if you know where they are, you might send them a note and thank them. It's your opportunity to be a blessing back to those who have blessed you.
The other reason I write this is to encourage all of you who have a burden for someone on your heart. You have prayed, witnessed, invited them to church. And yet nothing seems to happen. Don't worry. It might just mean you are the 23rd link in a chain of 50. But each link is important and vital. each one is needed. Each is a vital part of the grace of God.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
Have you ever heard a story,m who's imagery was so powerful you never forgot it? Maybe it even changed the way you lived or saw the world? I have one. It's so ingrained in my mind and heart, I've probably shared it with more than a few of you. So bear with me, because I think it's one that needs repeating.
A young pastor, and evangelist, came into a church and preached during a three day revival. he gave an altar call at the end of each service with varying degrees of response. But on the last night ,, the Holy Spirit broke through (as we used to say when i was a kid). many came forward to receive Christ for the first time.
As you can imagine young minister was feeling pretty good about himself, who wouldn't be. But as he began to leave that night he felt a slight tug on his sleeve. It was an older man, one of the dear saints of the church. the man said "You know, it seems to me it takes about 50 people to bring someone to the Lord, like 50 links in a chain. Isn't it funny how we only give credit to the 50th link?" And then he shuffled off into the night.
His point was that almost no one just decides to go to a church service and give their life to Jesus. God has brought many people into that person's life over the years. grandparents who prayed for them. parents who took them to church. A Sunday School teacher, a youth minister. A pastor. Maybe a friend. And while none of those people got to see the end results of their prayers and efforts, God used each of them and their love as a link in that person's salvation.
John Wesley referred to this as Prevenient Grace, the grace that goes before. It's God's efforts to let us know that He loves us and bring us to him long before we were even aware of him. of course it's not just people. God might use a circumstance, both good and bad, a piece of music or a sunset. That's one of the wonderful things about God's grace. There is a wildness to it that we cannot control.
My reason for writing this today is two fold. One is that this might be a good day for you to think about the links in your chain, all the people God used to bring you to him. Give thanks for them in prayer. Maybe, if you know where they are, you might send them a note and thank them. It's your opportunity to be a blessing back to those who have blessed you.
The other reason I write this is to encourage all of you who have a burden for someone on your heart. You have prayed, witnessed, invited them to church. And yet nothing seems to happen. Don't worry. It might just mean you are the 23rd link in a chain of 50. But each link is important and vital. each one is needed. Each is a vital part of the grace of God.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Success
“Come,” he said.
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matt. 14:29-30)
Epic Fail! You can look it up sometime. If you do you will find online pages and pages of pictures and videos of people failing. Some of them admittedly are funny. Sort of an online America's Funniest Videos. People falling, making a poor decision to cut a limb while they are sitting on it, you know that sort of thing. But some of them can be incredibly cruel.
One of the reasons these are so popular is that we can all relate. We have all field at some point, whether that be trying to walk across an icy parking lot to Ill advisedly believing that we can make it down that steep hill on a bike. I suspect these sites are also popular because it helps us know we aren't the only ones making mistakes or failing. There is a baser part of our natures that enjoys seeing someone else fail, because it keeps us from feeling so bad about ourselves.
And we all fail. None of us has a perfect success rate. None of us gets it right all the time. And today everyone will know about it. It's one of the unfortunate byproducts of our living in the age we do. No one's failings are privater anymore. Fail, and there will certainly be cameras flashing and posting before you get home.
Peter is fortunate he didn't live in today's world. Can you imagine? Here is Peter, walking on the water toward Jesus, and suddenly he panics. The waves are all around him. He begins to flail, sputter and sink. If this happened today, the other 11 disciples would all have their smart phones out videoing Peter.s epic fail.
Or was it? When I read this story it reminds me that God doesn't define success and failure the way we do. we are results oriented. the only way to measure if you are a success is by the results we have at the end of the day. Did we accomplish what we set out to do.
But Jesus doesn't view success in the same way. For Jesus success isn't measured by results, but by obedience. Let me say that again. God does not measure our success by the results of our endeavors, but by our willingness to be obedient to His call.
Isn't that Good News! When we understand this, it frees us from the feelings of anxiety and guilt we often carry. And it allows us to understand that sometimes what we see as a failure, God will use in a completely unexpected way to bring about His kingdom.
When we begin to understand this we see that Peter is not the failure in this story. The failure belongs to the eleven who refused to get out of the boat. Yes, peter needed Jesus to rescue him. It didn't go exactly according to plan. But Peter walked on water. He refused to stay in the boat. He answered His master's call. Just think. Eleven others missed an opportunity because they were too busy worrying about results instead of obedience.
Is God calling you to follow Him into unknown territory? Is He calling you to meet Him out on the water. Then, my friends, by all means start walking. Remember the ones who fail are not the ones who splash around. They are the ones who never get out of the boat.
In Christ,
Dr. Brian Jones <><
Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” (Matt. 14:29-30)
Epic Fail! You can look it up sometime. If you do you will find online pages and pages of pictures and videos of people failing. Some of them admittedly are funny. Sort of an online America's Funniest Videos. People falling, making a poor decision to cut a limb while they are sitting on it, you know that sort of thing. But some of them can be incredibly cruel.
One of the reasons these are so popular is that we can all relate. We have all field at some point, whether that be trying to walk across an icy parking lot to Ill advisedly believing that we can make it down that steep hill on a bike. I suspect these sites are also popular because it helps us know we aren't the only ones making mistakes or failing. There is a baser part of our natures that enjoys seeing someone else fail, because it keeps us from feeling so bad about ourselves.
And we all fail. None of us has a perfect success rate. None of us gets it right all the time. And today everyone will know about it. It's one of the unfortunate byproducts of our living in the age we do. No one's failings are privater anymore. Fail, and there will certainly be cameras flashing and posting before you get home.
Peter is fortunate he didn't live in today's world. Can you imagine? Here is Peter, walking on the water toward Jesus, and suddenly he panics. The waves are all around him. He begins to flail, sputter and sink. If this happened today, the other 11 disciples would all have their smart phones out videoing Peter.s epic fail.
Or was it? When I read this story it reminds me that God doesn't define success and failure the way we do. we are results oriented. the only way to measure if you are a success is by the results we have at the end of the day. Did we accomplish what we set out to do.
But Jesus doesn't view success in the same way. For Jesus success isn't measured by results, but by obedience. Let me say that again. God does not measure our success by the results of our endeavors, but by our willingness to be obedient to His call.
Isn't that Good News! When we understand this, it frees us from the feelings of anxiety and guilt we often carry. And it allows us to understand that sometimes what we see as a failure, God will use in a completely unexpected way to bring about His kingdom.
When we begin to understand this we see that Peter is not the failure in this story. The failure belongs to the eleven who refused to get out of the boat. Yes, peter needed Jesus to rescue him. It didn't go exactly according to plan. But Peter walked on water. He refused to stay in the boat. He answered His master's call. Just think. Eleven others missed an opportunity because they were too busy worrying about results instead of obedience.
Is God calling you to follow Him into unknown territory? Is He calling you to meet Him out on the water. Then, my friends, by all means start walking. Remember the ones who fail are not the ones who splash around. They are the ones who never get out of the boat.
In Christ,
Dr. Brian Jones <><
Monday, January 14, 2013
Neverending Story
"For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him" (Acts 28:30-31)
I admit I like closure. I like things wrapped up in a nice bow. It's just a part of my personality. In fact whenever I've taken a personality test that's the part I score the highest on.
Therefore I've never liked movies that have an open end to them. You know the ones I'm talking about don't you? The ones with the cutesy, or artsy ending where you have to draw your own conclusions. My gut reaction has always been "Somebody got paid a lot of money to make this movie. And I know I paid a lot to watch it. Finish the story. I'm not not here to do your work for you." Again my apologies. As I said, that's the place my personality tests come out the strongest.
Maybe that's why for a long time I never cared for the way the book of Acts ends. It ends with the verses on the top of this page. Not exactly a climatic moment is it? I recently read through the book of Acts again, and I was struck by how many threads to the story are left unfinished. Many people, important at the beginning, just disappear. We don't know, for example what happens to many of the Disciples. Peter all but vanishes. We don't even know what happens to Paul. The book just ends with him under house arrest.
Of course one of the reason the story ends the way ti does is that Luke took the story as far as he could. At the time of his writing, Paul and Peter's stories hadn't been finished yet. Luke isn't so much avoiding an ending as he is bringing his readers up to date as best he could. But notice no one ever completed it. Stories such as the upside down crucifixion of Peter, or the death of Paul could have been included a short time later. The story could have been completed. Or could it?
I think there is a very good reason why Acts was left this way. The book is the story of the work of the Holy Spirit in the Body of Christ. It;'s the story of the church. Where do you end such a story? With the Martyrs? Withe spread of the Gospels to the Western world? With John Wesley? or the 2nd Awakening in America? the early 20th century revivals in Wales? With you in church last Sunday?
Acts doesn't end because God is still writing the story. The Holy Spirit is still working. In the church, in the world, even in you and me. God's power has not Waned. His spirit still does Miracles. He still changes lives. No the problem does not lie in a lack of God's power, but in a lack of vision on our part. We fail to see we are still a part of this story. We've stopped expecting God's Spirit o write a new chapter in our lives.
Maybe it's time we begin to do just that. I wonder what might happen if we would begin to pray, "Lord write the next chapter of the Book Of Acts in my life, in my church today." Would the Holy Spirit move through us? Of course he would! Praise God His story continues, and we are a part of it.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
I admit I like closure. I like things wrapped up in a nice bow. It's just a part of my personality. In fact whenever I've taken a personality test that's the part I score the highest on.
Therefore I've never liked movies that have an open end to them. You know the ones I'm talking about don't you? The ones with the cutesy, or artsy ending where you have to draw your own conclusions. My gut reaction has always been "Somebody got paid a lot of money to make this movie. And I know I paid a lot to watch it. Finish the story. I'm not not here to do your work for you." Again my apologies. As I said, that's the place my personality tests come out the strongest.
Maybe that's why for a long time I never cared for the way the book of Acts ends. It ends with the verses on the top of this page. Not exactly a climatic moment is it? I recently read through the book of Acts again, and I was struck by how many threads to the story are left unfinished. Many people, important at the beginning, just disappear. We don't know, for example what happens to many of the Disciples. Peter all but vanishes. We don't even know what happens to Paul. The book just ends with him under house arrest.
Of course one of the reason the story ends the way ti does is that Luke took the story as far as he could. At the time of his writing, Paul and Peter's stories hadn't been finished yet. Luke isn't so much avoiding an ending as he is bringing his readers up to date as best he could. But notice no one ever completed it. Stories such as the upside down crucifixion of Peter, or the death of Paul could have been included a short time later. The story could have been completed. Or could it?
I think there is a very good reason why Acts was left this way. The book is the story of the work of the Holy Spirit in the Body of Christ. It;'s the story of the church. Where do you end such a story? With the Martyrs? Withe spread of the Gospels to the Western world? With John Wesley? or the 2nd Awakening in America? the early 20th century revivals in Wales? With you in church last Sunday?
Acts doesn't end because God is still writing the story. The Holy Spirit is still working. In the church, in the world, even in you and me. God's power has not Waned. His spirit still does Miracles. He still changes lives. No the problem does not lie in a lack of God's power, but in a lack of vision on our part. We fail to see we are still a part of this story. We've stopped expecting God's Spirit o write a new chapter in our lives.
Maybe it's time we begin to do just that. I wonder what might happen if we would begin to pray, "Lord write the next chapter of the Book Of Acts in my life, in my church today." Would the Holy Spirit move through us? Of course he would! Praise God His story continues, and we are a part of it.
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
Monday, January 7, 2013
The Power Of Grace
"If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven" (John 20:23)
I have been looking with much anticipation to seeing the movie version of Les Miserables. And so it is with a bit of frustration I write this ,today almost two weeks after it's opening that as of yet I've not made it to the theater to see it. Oddly enough Christmas time tends to be busy in the church, so making the time hasn't been easy. Add to that the virus that seems to be running rampant right now has kept at least one of our family members down for the count for over a week now. At least I've avoided that.
There are a few reasons why I wanted to see the movie. One of the main reason I confess is that it was eh musical Kelly and I saw on our Honeymoon in Toronto 23 years ago this past week. So being able to see the movie version come to life on or near our anniversary had a nice symmetry to it.
But it's more than the music as great as that is. It's even more than the reminder of the first days of our marriage, as important as they are to us. What draws me back to the musical , and in all fairness to Victor Hugo the book, is the message.
I've read much lately on how depressing Les Miserables is. And indeed there is more than a fair amount of depression, death, poverty, poverty and cruelty. Yes main characters die. But to only see this is to miss what I believe to be Hugo's main point. What I believe Hugo is trying to show is how one small moment of grace to one person can effect generations. And how if we ignore that grace we lose all hope.
In the story the protagonist Valjean, hating mankind, steals some silver from a Bishop. When caught not only does the Bishop forgive Valjean but gives him the "best of the lot" Silver candlesticks. That one act of Grace, of kindness, changes Valjean forever. In that act he discovers the redemption found in the arms of God.
The Candlesticks are in many scenes for eh rest of the play reminding us of God's life changing grace. Because Valjean is change, he saves others often at great risk to Himself. He even tries to spare the life of the man sworn to capture him, the man who refuses to recognize grace, Javert. In the end Valjean dies with his loved ones around him. Javert, unable to give or receive grace, commits suicide.
Life changing grace, no matter how small can change the world. That's what Jesus is saying in this often misunderstood and enigmatic verse at the top of our blog. Jesus reminds us that an act of forgiveness or grace, even if it seems inconsequential to us may be the difference between heaven and hell for others.
As we begin this New year, I can't help but wonder what would happen is we, who have truly experienced the grace of God, might try to extend in even small ways,. God's grace to someone else? What would happen if you would do this?
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
I have been looking with much anticipation to seeing the movie version of Les Miserables. And so it is with a bit of frustration I write this ,today almost two weeks after it's opening that as of yet I've not made it to the theater to see it. Oddly enough Christmas time tends to be busy in the church, so making the time hasn't been easy. Add to that the virus that seems to be running rampant right now has kept at least one of our family members down for the count for over a week now. At least I've avoided that.
There are a few reasons why I wanted to see the movie. One of the main reason I confess is that it was eh musical Kelly and I saw on our Honeymoon in Toronto 23 years ago this past week. So being able to see the movie version come to life on or near our anniversary had a nice symmetry to it.
But it's more than the music as great as that is. It's even more than the reminder of the first days of our marriage, as important as they are to us. What draws me back to the musical , and in all fairness to Victor Hugo the book, is the message.
I've read much lately on how depressing Les Miserables is. And indeed there is more than a fair amount of depression, death, poverty, poverty and cruelty. Yes main characters die. But to only see this is to miss what I believe to be Hugo's main point. What I believe Hugo is trying to show is how one small moment of grace to one person can effect generations. And how if we ignore that grace we lose all hope.
In the story the protagonist Valjean, hating mankind, steals some silver from a Bishop. When caught not only does the Bishop forgive Valjean but gives him the "best of the lot" Silver candlesticks. That one act of Grace, of kindness, changes Valjean forever. In that act he discovers the redemption found in the arms of God.
The Candlesticks are in many scenes for eh rest of the play reminding us of God's life changing grace. Because Valjean is change, he saves others often at great risk to Himself. He even tries to spare the life of the man sworn to capture him, the man who refuses to recognize grace, Javert. In the end Valjean dies with his loved ones around him. Javert, unable to give or receive grace, commits suicide.
Life changing grace, no matter how small can change the world. That's what Jesus is saying in this often misunderstood and enigmatic verse at the top of our blog. Jesus reminds us that an act of forgiveness or grace, even if it seems inconsequential to us may be the difference between heaven and hell for others.
As we begin this New year, I can't help but wonder what would happen is we, who have truly experienced the grace of God, might try to extend in even small ways,. God's grace to someone else? What would happen if you would do this?
In Christ,
Rev. Dr. Brian Jones <><
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