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The Nicene Creed July 29, 2007

From the church’s inception it has had to wrestle with how to correctly understand what God had revealed through the prophets and ultimately through the person of Jesus.  Likewise, we today also need to give effort toward developing a clear understanding of Christian doctrines and beliefs.  Primarily, we must recognize which of our beliefs are nonnegotiable and which are not.  It is necessary to distinguish between essentials and nonessentials.  The way the early church did this was to boil their shared beliefs or common affirmations from the Bible down to confessions and creeds like the Apostle’s Creed and the Nicene Creed.  You might have even grown up in a church in which the recitation of one or both of these creeds played a significant role in worship and/or the education and discipleship process of young Christians.  Or, if you were like me, you were impoverished by your complete ignorance of our faith’s history, believing that most of those who preceded us simply “got it wrong,” up until now. (more…)

Do you think of Jesus as a genius? July 22, 2007

When you think of Jesus of Nazareth what descriptions come to mind?  Do you imagine a holy man who, while off pondering deep thoughts, is not particularly brilliant?  Christians might wear the fashionable bracelets with the initials WWJD, “What would Jesus do?” which demonstrate that they at least think him to be an ethical role model.  However, do his followers also think of him as the smartest man in the world?  I believe the way in which we think of Jesus’ intelligence directly impacts how we submit to him as Lord and King. (more…)

The most important question you’ll ever ask July 19, 2007

I just spoke to one of them.  One of those people who have, in a very real sense, just “discovered Jesus.”  I think that’s one of the most exciting aspects of my role as a pastor—being able to sit and listen to the story of their journeys.  For many, this Jesus, who has now invaded their lives, had previously either remained a repulsive figure, or been kept at arms distance by recasting him as merely a “good man.”  But upon his invasion, their distain or dismissal transforms into devotion.  A common theme that I hear from these people is a surprise to discover that as they look back over their lives—now with new eyes—they see him ever-present.  Even though in a sense it looks as if he’s just come on the scene, in reality he’s preceded them each step in their own lives.  And he’s cornered them in hopes of hearing them formulate the most important question they’ll ever ask.  (more…)

Jesus the transformer July 16, 2007

When a crucifixion victim was nailed to his cross, a notice was pinned to the structure as well.  The notice informed the onlookers of the victim’s name and crime.  It was part of the final Roman humiliation.  Even after a long gruesome death, the victim’s dishonor could not be hidden.  For in his lowest state he could not remain anonymous.  Historians believe that Pontius Pilate even capitalized on Jesus’ death by giving a final jab to the Jewish people.  Pilate hung a notice over Jesus’ head reading INRI: Iesus Nazarenus Rex Iudaeorum, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.  But in an ironic way, the early followers of Jesus found a special meaning in the message.  (more…)

“The Secret” is nothing new July 12, 2007

In The Secret DVD, Lisa Nichols says to the listeners, “You are eternal.  You’re source energy.  You are God manifested in human form, made to perfection.”  Unfortunately, many people have met this book with open arms.  It’s even thrown some Christians into confusion.  I’ve cringed to hear of some church small groups whose normal study of the Bible has been diverted to a study of Rhonda Byrne’s latest self-help best seller, The Secret.

So, I thought that I would include a brief response to this recent book craze by Hank Hanegraaff of the Christian Research Institute. (more…)

Allowing evil just one small nail July 9, 2007

Here’s a fantastic illustration from Chuck Swindoll about the scary reality of keeping portions of our lives away from the lordship and control of Christ.

“A certain man wanted to sell his house in Haiti for $2,000.  Another man wanted to buy it, but because he was poor, he couldn’t afford the full price.  After much bargaining, the owner agreed to sell the house for half the original price with just one stipulation: he would retain ownership of just one small nail protruding from just over the door. (more…)