Koinonia - Drawing From the Well

Philemon 6, "That the KOINONIA (fellowship, participation, community, sharing, etc.) of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ."

The picture that you are looking at is the best description that I can give concerning the experiences of this past weekend. I'm allowing you to gaze into raw emotion. A personal moment between myself, my good friend Mark, and the Lord. As we embraced, heart to heart, you could literally feel the Lord weaving our hearts together. This is what we share. This is the culture we long to cultivate. This is the reason for our Koinonia together. It's an endeavor that is not satisfied with just one church or one group of people experiencing this type of life. We believe this is what the Kingdom should look like among all of our brothers and sisters.

Over the past few months I have longed to see our people grow in their understanding, and experience, of Koinonia. I have preached, taught, and written about the value of our shared life together. Personally, I have also done what I could to demonstrate it. This weekend our people got a full on view of how this culture operates. Our leadership along with some personal friends received some personal ministry time that was amazing. But then on Sunday morning, our Pioneer Family was able to experience it on a whole new level.

The anticipation among our people was thick. As we gathered together you could feel the energy around us. The presence of the Lord was strong as He was cheering on our endeavor. When the singing portion of our gathering drew to a close, Mark, Randy, and yours truly took to the stage. We sat among our people and shared our hearts. One building upon the other. Honor given. Honor received. We spoke of the value of this culture and the biblical understanding of it. We challenged the people to go deeper, to look deeper, and to share deeper with one another. We exemplified this life before them. We watched as the Lord began healing hearts all around us.

Paul's letter to Philemon provides incredible insight into Koinonia's ability to draw out every good thing that is in us. He tells us that our shared life, our community, our joint participation, is effective for the full knowledge of the well that is within everyone of us. This is quite different from the church culture many of us have experienced. Some have come out of prophetic backgrounds where prophecy was used to tell you what was wrong in your life. Some grew up in the "your a dirty, rotten, sinful creature" background where there was nothing good in you at all. Rarely have people been able to view themselves as the creation of God bearing His image and likeness. Rarely has anyone looked deep enough into their lives to draw out who the Lord is in them. True, biblical, Koinonia is the cure for our religious systems. In Koinonia we understand that we belong to Him and to one another. We have a shared life to live.

As people encounter this culture, they experience love like never before. They discover a safe place to rise, to fall, to question, and to answer. They experience confrontation in a way that it is redeeming. The are liberated from shame, doubt, and self-degradation. They are also set free from false humility. The "humility" that always projects any good thing in their life as being the Lord rather than themselves. They are invited into a community where love is the government and honor is the rule. They are able to see the Lord in themselves and in others. They find that image and likeness is more than just a nice phrase.

Over the course of the last few days I have meditated on how this culture affected so many of our people. I have wept over the lives that were radically changed. I have laughed over the joy that I witnessed in the face of His people as they were able to let go of the wounds of the past. And I have become convinced that Koinonia is more caught than taught. It is better experienced than explained.

Yesterday morning I received a text from a good friend who was with us for Sunday morning:
"What you guys were talking about yesterday is what I have believed for years. If we all love God and love each other - and tell each other how we feel - and not get hung up on denominations...think how great this world would be?" As I read his text, my heart leapt for joy. Here is a man who has been in church for most of his life. He has understood this way of life but has rarely seen it. On Sunday he was able to experience what he always believed to be true.

Koinonia changes us. It challenges us in ways that just going to church never could. It begs us to tear down the facades. It forces us to see ourselves through a different lens. It points us to a better way of life and a greater unity in relationship. Koinonia changes the way we communicate because we look deeper into one another. Clichés cannot communicate what we see and feel. Programmed responses will not draw from the well within others. EVERYTHING about this life is intentional. This is the life that the Lord wants us to live with one another.

I have seen firsthand the power and effectiveness of Koinonia. I have witnessed the healing it brings. There is no better way for the church to do life together. "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Jesus at the Center

Growing up within a Christian community made a huge impact upon my life. It seemed to me that everyone I knew went to church. Well...at least most of the time. While my hometown had a handful of churches, I think most people either went to the Disciples of Christ Church or the Baptist Church. I share all of this with you because I don't think there was ever a time that my life wasn't influenced in some way by the Gospel or my understanding of God.

With all of that being said, I can't say that Jesus was at the center of everything. I was. Most of the teaching and preaching that I heard growing up seemed to have more to do with me (what I do/do not do) rather than Jesus (what He did/is doing). I wasn't raised in a legalistic culture. THANK GOD! However, I was raised with an understanding that I needed to pray every night and be sure to ask for forgiveness every night. Which I DID. Pretty much without fail. But man...that weighs heavy on the psyche.

Some of you may have been raised the same way. You may be wondering why I would even talk about such a thing in a negative light. What's wrong with asking for forgiveness every night? What's wrong with it isn't the asking. What's wrong with it is the mentality behind it. Once again I was thrust upon myself. Did I pray? Did I ask for forgiveness? Did I include everything? For years I lived on pins and needles. I knew that Jesus died for me. I believed it. BUT...was I really forgiven? Did I follow the right procedures? Was I going to be judged for finishing off the grape juice from the communion platter? There just seemed to be a lot of "what if's" in what I believed. Little did I know at the time was that there were a lot of "what if's" in the people around me.

This is the sad part of the story. Men and Women of faith that I grew up around who were not settled. They went to church. They took communion. They gave in the offering. Some of them sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, took up the offering, and even said amen to the preaching. But they were stuck. They were unsure of the nature of God. They, just like me, heard a lot of preaching/teaching that revolved around them. I don't think any of the pastors or teachers that I sat under meant it. I think they were just passing on what had been taught to them. Back and forth we would go from the love of God to the judgement of God. Back and forth between Heaven and Hell. Back and forth between peace that passes all understanding and be sure that you know that you know that you know you are saved. Can I get off the roller coaster now?

If anyone wonders why I preach the Gospel that I preach today, now you have your answer. If anyone wonders why I put so much emphasis on the finished work of Christ, wonder no more. I have simply come to a place where I realize that Jesus is enough. Salvation is Jesus plus nothing. Everything that needed to be done has been done in Him. All one needs to do is take a leisurely stroll through the New Testament letters to understand that. However, it's what we have been taught in regards to US and WHAT WE DO that keeps us from fully embracing the Good News. By the way, you can test out my theory if you like. The next time you go to church, see how often they talk about Jesus. I'm serious. I know it's a "Christian" church, but you would be amazed. People are often inundated with messages like this: 3 STEPS TO.... 4 PRINCIPLES FOR.... WAYS IN WHICH YOU... Over and over again there is such an emphasis on what you - the individual - bring to the table. What we miss out on is Christ in You the hope of glory.

The following is a list of things that the Bible declares and reveals about Jesus. This is not an exhaustive list but a great starter. I hope it is an encouragement to you.

Jesus...
The Word Made Flesh, The Christ, The Son of the Living God
The Perfect Expression of the Father's Image
The Son of Man (thus the perfect expression of humanity)
The Author & Finisher of Faith
The Last Adam, Firstborn of All Creation, & The Firstborn from the Dead
The Creator & Sustainer of Life
The Summation of All Things
The Redemption, Reconciliation, Restoration, & Regeneration of Humanity
The Mediator of an Everlasting Covenant
The WAY, The TRUTH, The LIFE
As I wrote all of these down, I kept hearing: Jesus - the Father putting all of His eggs in one basket.

The emphasis of the entire New Testament is upon Jesus. In fact, many of the Old Testament prophecies pointed toward His coming, His suffering, and the establishment of a New Covenant. 27 "books" all centered upon one incredible individual. 27 books dedicated to sharing Jesus, explaining all that was accomplished in Him, and helping us to understand faith in Him. 27 books to move us away from an Old Covenant mindset into a New Covenant reality. 27 books that tell me that Jesus is enough. It just seems to me that if we are to be a truly New Testament church that we would be dedicated to the same message and that Jesus would be at the center of all things. Even our performance.

Our faith is not about what we bring to the table. Our faith is about what He brings to the table. It is His grace that empowers me. His love that compels me. His Spirit that guides me. His righteousness that clothes me. His peace that surrounds me. His humility that humbles me. His faith that saves me. His finished work that completes me. Over an over again, these 27 books remind me that even in my life it's all about Jesus. As I have been able to lay down a faith that was centered upon me, I have discovered a faith that is full of joy, full of freedom, and full of incredible security in the Father's love. I have found Him to be faithful (as He promised). I see that He never leaves me nor forsakes me. I have tasted and seen that the Lord is GOOD. And it is this faith that I now share with others.

It's been an incredible journey. I will be forever grateful for how the Lord has opened my eyes. As I move forward, I invite you to join me. Join me in seeing all that He has accomplished. Join me in the freedom that belongs to the sons of God. Join me in the dance, the "perichoresis" of oneness, fellowship, and relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There is more to faith than you have realized. Jesus at the center makes all the difference. Be blessed.

In Honor of Purim

Yesterday marked the celebration of Purim among our Jewish brethren. A holiday that remembers the willingness of Esther to put her life on the line to preserve her people. In honor of Purim, I want to celebrate the strong women within the church.

Over the years I have heard people (mostly men) say that the lack of men within the church necessitates that women step into particular roles. I disagree. These women step into these roles because they are gifted, anointed, and fully equipped by the Father. The Holy Spirit, throughout history, has used women in profound ways. It's not the lack of men that necessitates women stepping forward. It's the will of the Father who uses women "for such a time as this."

One of the strongest women of faith that I knew was my Great Aunt Zula (Nana as we called her). I can still remember the times our pastor would call on her to pray. She was faithful, full of love, and graced with the Lord's compassion. I will always be grateful for her, and I will always be grateful for a pastor that was willing to allow her to participate in the service.

I realize that in 2015 there are many more women pastors, deacons, teachers, and worship leaders. However, it wasn't that long ago that women only served the church in much smaller roles. Typically limited to working with children (or other women), these ladies faithfully served the church. They did what they could to make a difference in the lives of others. There were those who stepped up into greater leadership roles, much to the dismay of male church leaders. They were ridiculed, protested, and mocked. They endured it because they believed that the One who called them was faithful. Other women simply departed to the mission field. It was on the field that they felt the equality that the Lord always wanted for them.

In Galatians 3:28 we read that in Christ all divisions are broken down. There is no such thing as Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, nor Male or Female. We are all ONE in Christ. For years I was ignorant of this truth. I saw the church as a male dominant organization. I saw men as the only reasonable leadership. Thankfully, the Lord has delivered me from this type of thinking. I have grown to appreciate the various roles that women have filled within the church. I see their heart for the Lord. I recognize their value to the Body.

For those who would decry this type of thinking. Those who would try to use the Bible to argue against a woman's ability to speak or lead in a church. I would simply ask that you do your homework. Get into the original language. See those passages of Scripture in context. I can assure you that the Apostle Paul did not promote the disparagement of women. He often worked alongside of strong women in the church. Leaders in their own right. Apostles. Prophets. Deacons. He knew their strength. If there was any caution that he gave to the women it was in light of particular situations within the church. I believe he would be saddened by the way we have kept women from fulfilling their God given role. I think he would be bothered by the fact that we used his words to do it.

I have a friend whose grandmother was a pastor. She was a pastor when women pastors were unheard of. You cannot imagine the difficulty she experienced. Undaunted, she served faithfully. I honor her for her bravery. I am blessed by her willingness to endure. Her faith and her devotion to the Lord is to be emulated. It's women like her, like others that I have encountered, that have helped the church become what it is today. They understood our oneness in Christ. Through much tribulation (most of it coming from their own brothers and sisters in Christ), they have overcome the ignorance of others.

In honor of Purim, I honor the strong women whom I have encountered in the church throughout my lifetime. I honor those whom I walk with today. I see you. I celebrate you. I rejoice that we are one in Christ and members of the same Body. I'm grateful that my journey with the Lord has allowed our paths to cross and/or that we have been able to walk together. I am blessed to know you.

Encountering Him...

The Gospel of Luke records a story about two disciples walking down the road to Emmaus. Their encounter with the Lord gives us something to think about. Encountering Him may be different than what you expect.

Within the Gospels we actually read of two encounters the followers of Jesus had with Him that were out of the ordinary. Though they spoke with Him and were in His presence, they did not know it was the Lord. For Mary, it was when He spoke her name that she realized it was Him. For the disciples on the Emmaus road their eyes were opened to see Him before He left. Many have wondered why we read these accounts in Scripture. Some have wondered if Jesus looked differently. I just wonder if it was part of His ministry in the Spirit.

Things like this often go against our logic. Most people would just rather Jesus do the same thing over and over again. If only there were some steps to take, some principles to apply, or some directions to follow. But where is the relationship in that?

I love what the disciples said after they realized it was Jesus who walked with them: "Did not our hearts burn within us...?"
I love it because it helps us in our own encounters with Him.
It encourages me to recognize what I feel, and what I sense in my own spirit.

How have you encountered the Lord? How have you seen Him? Did He speak your name? Did you heart burn within you? Regardless of what your experience/encounter was like, I want you to be encouraged. The Lord wants to encounter you as much as you want to encounter Him (if not more). The Bible is full of people encountering Him at different times and in different places. Some of them were praying. Some of them were simply going through life. Some of them expected the Lord to move. Some of them weren't expecting anything.

The more we understand that the Lord wants us to encounter Him, the more we can move out of religious exercise and into genuine relationship. We recognize that faith in Christ brings us into something that is real. It also keeps us from simply trying to appease a distant deity. We realize that He is in us, with us, and for us.

Over the years I have known people who have had a physical encounter with the Lord. Others saw Him in visions or dreams. Some have heard Him speak or heard Him through someone else. Their encounters challenge me. They compel me to know the Lord personally. They remind me that the Lord is not far from any of us. Jesus promised His disciples that He would manifest Himself to them. You are no different.

How many of us have read the Scripture for an encounter with Him?
How many of us have prayed believing that we would encounter Him there?
How many of us in worship have experienced His presence, or seen His activity among us?
Or how many of us have been in conversation with others about the Lord and His presence became strong among us?
This is all a part of our journey with Him. It's a journey where He is very much involved. He has crossed all worlds to be with us. The Spirit of the Lord convinces us of this reality. He encourages us. He manifests Himself.

Encountering Him cannot be mapped out. It looks different for every person. We are unique individuals and the Lord meets us accordingly. The exciting part about this is that when we begin to recognize Him among us, then we can learn how to encounter Him with one another. The Church becomes something greater than a meeting center to learn a lesson. We become a Body where the Head is clearly seen.

May your heart burn within you for His presence. May you hear Him speak while on the road. May you hear Him call your name. On encounter with the Lord can change everything. Be blessed!!!

The Beautiful Gospel

“He [Jesus] fought and conquered. On the one hand, He was man who struggled for His fathers and through His obedience cancelled their disobedience. On the other hand, He bound the strong one and freed the weak and bestowed salvation on His handiwork by abolishing sin. For He is our compassionate and merciful Lord who loves mankind ... Had not man conquered man's adversary, the enemy would not have been conquered justly. Again, had it not been God who bestowed salvation we would not possess it securely.”
― Irenaeus of Lyons, Against Heresies 3

Today's blog is titled: The Beautiful Gospel. Why? Because the Gospel changes Everything!!! It is within the Gospel that we discover life, love, and liberty. The announcement of Jesus' coming (His Incarnation) was considered by the Angels, "Good Tidings of Great Joy." When Jesus was preparing His disciples for the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple (Matthew 24), He stated that "this Gospel of the Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world as a testimony to the nations..." Gospel means "good tidings" and "the announcement of good news."

Over the last couple of weeks, I have not been able to get away from the beauty of this message. I even talked about it with you last Friday. Who could have believed this is what the Father had in mind? Even though the Prophets saw it coming, I don't think they even understood how BIG his coming would be. I also don't believe they understood all that He would accomplish.

Irenaeus, the church father quoted above, did a masterful job of talking about the incarnation of Christ, along with His vicarious suffering. He understood fully the finished work of Christ. His writings, Against Heresies, was meant to guard the faith and the beautiful gospel against the attacks of Gnosticism. It was the heart of this church father to preserve this wonderful good news. A fight that continues to this day. He saw within Jesus the summation of all things. He recognized within Jesus' finished work all that was needed for the salvation of humanity. And within the Gospel, He saw the unconditional love of God.

Read what author and speaker Brad Jersak has to say about the Gospel and our proclamation of it: "the Gospel is that Jesus is the Savior of the World, the Restorer of Hope, the Perfection of Love, and the One who would embrace all and redeem everyone from our enslavement to Satan, sin and death. Telling the world this fabulous news and inviting them to it is integral to how Christ is restoring the cosmos."

He is the Savior of the World
Is there any doubt that what Jesus did, He did for all of humanity?

He is the Restorer of Hope
All that was lost, all that we need, all that we could ever long for is in Him.

He is the Perfection of Love
He is love personified. God is love and Jesus embodied love. He gave Himself in spite of rejection, abuse, and shame.

He is the One who would embrace all and redeem everyone
This is a done deal. It's our recognition of this reality that allows us to experience it.

One of the reasons that I quoted an early church father today is because I want you to see how those closest to the Apostles understood the Gospel. They saw within the Gospel the hope of all humanity. They recognized Jesus' sacrifice as ONCE and FOR ALL. They saw within this Gospel the rescue, recovery, and restoration of mankind. All the failings of the First Adam were done away with in the Last Adam (Jesus).

As I type these words, I realize that so many among us may find this as a foreign gospel. Something that sounds too good to be true. Part of the problem is our understanding of Scripture. Because so many people are content to read the English rather than look into the Hebrew and Greek, we miss out on the power of so many words. We miss out on the tense of verbs. We miss out on the right pronouns. All things that matter to our understanding of the faith. Does the "faith of Christ" differ from "faith in Christ"? I believe so. Does a verb in the past tense differ from one in the present tense? I believe so. Does our understanding about being "born again" change when we see it in the original language "born from above"? Does our understanding change when we realize it is in a passive tense (meaning it is something that happens to an individual rather than something that an individual makes happen)? I believe so. All of these things matter. Which is why the early church fathers fought so hard to protect the beautiful gospel from those who would seek to do it harm.

The Beautiful Gospel is just that, It's BEAUTIFUL!!! It's full of wonder. It may sound to good to be true, but it is true nonetheless. This is our hope. This is where we find our value to the Father. This is where His heart for humanity is on full display. This is THE GOOD NEWS that is to be proclaimed throughout the world as a testimony to the nations. God is Good. God is Love. God has reconciled us to Himself. Be reconciled. Take down your walls. Remove any mindsets and irrational thinking. Repent (change your mind) and Believe that He is for you, not against you. You are included in the Father's love.