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This week Carol and I celebrated our 41st. Wedding Anniversary (by sharing a Chinese take-away with our kids!) Being based near where we were married in West Norwood, London, helped us reflect happily on THE DAY 41 years ago (- as far as memories would allow, that is!) We also marveled at our marriage journey together since.
In preparing couples for marriage I used to warn them how the vows they were going to say to each other demanded enduring love that was tough (like Christ's for us). Saying 'for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health' needs to recognize that these contrasts rarely balance out 50/50. There have been times when Carol has had to invest 100% of her enduring love to cope with the worst, and with sickness, because I could return very little. It's that generous self-giving that has welded love 'that is the greatest' into our marriage core.
Thinking again about the need for such intentional commitment, makes me realize just how appropriate these words are for partners who desire strong marriage -
Whatever is true,
Whatever is noble,
Whatever is right,
Whatever is pure,
Whatever is lovely,
Whatever is admirable.....think about such things (Phil. 4:8). For a long-lasting marriage, don't dwell on the negatives - think about the true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. Oh Yeah!
Friday, July 10, 2009
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Whatever Moments (1)
After an eventful journey to the UK, (with a roadway accident on the runway behind the plane delaying flight), we arrived back at Spurgeon's College where I was once Principal. Staying in student rooms for three days to catch breath, I went to see my successor - Dr. Nigel Wright - in my 'old' room. It is a magnificent large second storey room, lined with bookshelves from floor to 12foot ceiling. Its wide picture windows were open onto a stone balcony, overlooking lawns, flower beds and trees in nine acres of grounds below. A gorgeous view on a beautiful summer day. And then it happened....down the corridor outside I heard the noise of my grandchildren coming along the corridor. Luca (aged 7) and Anton (aged 4). They reached the open door, I turned and seeing me, they both charged into my open arms. As I knelt on the floor they gave me monumental hugs and kisses. It's hard not to be overwhelmed by the sheer unreserved love of grandchildren. Lovely moment ONE.
Whatever is lovely.....think about such things (Phil. 4:8).
Whatever is lovely.....think about such things (Phil. 4:8).
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Enjoying Life
I saw one of those painted signs which read: "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take..... but by the moments that take our breath away. "
There's an interesting article in the latest edition of Christianity Today called: "When to Be Naive." Edith Humphrey argues that there's a balance between on one hand being shrewd, thoughtful (Matt. 10:16) and discerning(2 Cor 2:11) yet, on the other hand, being open with child-like wonder:
"To be Christian is to allow the Holy Spirit to foster those elements of our nature that are unshakable and that are meant to grow: awe, wonder, dependence on God and, in appropriate measure, on each other and thankfulness....It is to "read' the world with both welcome and care."
That's how I want to be, as I prepare to see my grandchildren (since a year ago) and meet old and new friends. You probably won't see too many postings from me in the next few weeks...I shall be trying not to miss moments that take my breath away.
Whatever is true,
Whatever is noble,
Whatever is right,
Whatever is pure,
Whatever is lovely,
Whatever is admirable.....think about such things (Phil. 4:8).
There's an interesting article in the latest edition of Christianity Today called: "When to Be Naive." Edith Humphrey argues that there's a balance between on one hand being shrewd, thoughtful (Matt. 10:16) and discerning(2 Cor 2:11) yet, on the other hand, being open with child-like wonder:
"To be Christian is to allow the Holy Spirit to foster those elements of our nature that are unshakable and that are meant to grow: awe, wonder, dependence on God and, in appropriate measure, on each other and thankfulness....It is to "read' the world with both welcome and care."
That's how I want to be, as I prepare to see my grandchildren (since a year ago) and meet old and new friends. You probably won't see too many postings from me in the next few weeks...I shall be trying not to miss moments that take my breath away.
Whatever is true,
Whatever is noble,
Whatever is right,
Whatever is pure,
Whatever is lovely,
Whatever is admirable.....think about such things (Phil. 4:8).
Monday, June 29, 2009
Deadlines
My journalist son Simon says he enjoys deadlines because they let you know exactly what you are up against! Well, I have just completed two writing projects before deadline (and I didn't enjoy the pressure!) My article on "Preaching in the Baptist Tradition" has gone to The Preacher - a journal of The College of Preachers in the UK. At the end of my article I asked readers to post comments on my blog...so when the article is eventually published maybe there will be some fresh views. Perhaps not.
My major 7000 word project "Exploring the Architecture of Community Formation" has also been sent off to the Evangelical Homiletics Society for their Annual Fall Meeting in Fort Worth, Texas. It will go online early August. I originally intended blogging much more about this as I was writing, but time raced by. Again, I am hoping that once it is online there will be healthy feedback.
And now, I face prosaic deadlines of preparing for travel commitments ahead. I know what my son means about know exactly what you are up against. But there's plenty of pressure. Many of you will know exactly what I mean.
My major 7000 word project "Exploring the Architecture of Community Formation" has also been sent off to the Evangelical Homiletics Society for their Annual Fall Meeting in Fort Worth, Texas. It will go online early August. I originally intended blogging much more about this as I was writing, but time raced by. Again, I am hoping that once it is online there will be healthy feedback.
And now, I face prosaic deadlines of preparing for travel commitments ahead. I know what my son means about know exactly what you are up against. But there's plenty of pressure. Many of you will know exactly what I mean.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Which church do you belong to?
At the end of one of yesterday's services one man came up to me. He told me that he is often asked by people what church he belongs to. "Oh, they expect me to say, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist...something like that. But I always tell them: I belong to the church of the firstborn whose names are written in heaven (Hebrews 12:23). That really changes the emphasis! I belong with the saints in heaven." His face lit up as he pointed out the verse in his Bible.
That is a pretty good reply isn't it, when people want labels!
That is a pretty good reply isn't it, when people want labels!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Pain in the head
I was preaching this morning (among other things) on Matthew 16:16 when Simon Peter answers Jesus: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." I mentioned that I was at a supper party this week when a Christian leader lamented how often Christians seem to describe Jesus beginning with their feelings:"I feel close to Jesus" or "I don't feel close to Jesus" etc. with touchy-feely language. When Peter gives his inspired answer (and it really is inspired) he begins with who Jesus is and dares to make a doctrinal statement. Believing that there is one God, he claims Jesus is His Son. One God, yet both Father and Son, (and Holy Spirit). Now Peter is at beginnings of bewildering possibilities we call The Trinity!
I recalled what Studdert Kennedy is supposed to have said: Christianity brings peace to the heart and pain in the mind." What we declare about Jesus Christ is always going to take us deeper. As someone else commented: If God were small enough to be understood, he would not be big enough to be worshiped." Of course touchy-feely is OK, but how important it is to say deeper truths, doctrinal truths about who Jesus is. That really sets him uniquely apart.
I recalled what Studdert Kennedy is supposed to have said: Christianity brings peace to the heart and pain in the mind." What we declare about Jesus Christ is always going to take us deeper. As someone else commented: If God were small enough to be understood, he would not be big enough to be worshiped." Of course touchy-feely is OK, but how important it is to say deeper truths, doctrinal truths about who Jesus is. That really sets him uniquely apart.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Baptist Preaching (6)
This posting identifies four more characteristics of preaching in the Baptist tradition:
4) Preaching has social impact. This emphasis is a major part within the black Baptist tradition, but also emerges elsewhere (as seen in Rick Warren’s ministry). However, in general, white Baptist preaching has tended to stress evangelism rather than social action.[i]
5) Preaching is community forming. All the above characteristics belong within Baptist convictions about the local church – communities comprising those who have been baptized or who are on the way to baptism. Preaching has a pivotal role in creating this community. Indeed, “preaching and community are reciprocal realities.” [ii] Baptist churches will vary in how they practice the “priesthood of all believers” (1 Pet. 2:9). Some will exercise non-authoritarian congregational polity, while others have developed more hierarchical structures. But, at its best, Baptist preaching builds relationships as the body of Christ and, especially in contexts like the black church, may have huge impact on surrounding community. And recently, Baptist leaders have challenged congregations to express how “depth in worship comes more readily when we determine to be thoroughly Trinitarian in our approach to preaching.”[iii]
6) Preaching reveals spiritual qualities. Spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible study remain important for Baptist preachers, and help explain an emphasis on ethos as a vital component to leadership. While a quality such as “warmth” sounds vague, it can often be applied to Baptist preachers because their role and relationships within community need devotional transparency.
7) Preaching involves pragmatics. While this word can be used negatively, Baptist preaching is always concerned about outcomes, of making church “work” better to Christ’s glory. Whether using the latest technical opportunities for evangelism, or seeking new forms of attracting people to worship services, Baptist preaching often operates on an entrepreneurial edge. Of course, great dangers lurk of accommodating to society’s consumerism and individualism, but intentional preaching that “makes a difference” often marks Baptist preaching.
To each of these statements there are many exceptions and, as hinted, there are many potential negatives. However, together they represent something of preaching in the Baptist tradition. I know others will have different views and perhaps they will share agreements and disagreements!
4) Preaching has social impact. This emphasis is a major part within the black Baptist tradition, but also emerges elsewhere (as seen in Rick Warren’s ministry). However, in general, white Baptist preaching has tended to stress evangelism rather than social action.[i]
5) Preaching is community forming. All the above characteristics belong within Baptist convictions about the local church – communities comprising those who have been baptized or who are on the way to baptism. Preaching has a pivotal role in creating this community. Indeed, “preaching and community are reciprocal realities.” [ii] Baptist churches will vary in how they practice the “priesthood of all believers” (1 Pet. 2:9). Some will exercise non-authoritarian congregational polity, while others have developed more hierarchical structures. But, at its best, Baptist preaching builds relationships as the body of Christ and, especially in contexts like the black church, may have huge impact on surrounding community. And recently, Baptist leaders have challenged congregations to express how “depth in worship comes more readily when we determine to be thoroughly Trinitarian in our approach to preaching.”[iii]
6) Preaching reveals spiritual qualities. Spiritual disciplines of prayer and Bible study remain important for Baptist preachers, and help explain an emphasis on ethos as a vital component to leadership. While a quality such as “warmth” sounds vague, it can often be applied to Baptist preachers because their role and relationships within community need devotional transparency.
7) Preaching involves pragmatics. While this word can be used negatively, Baptist preaching is always concerned about outcomes, of making church “work” better to Christ’s glory. Whether using the latest technical opportunities for evangelism, or seeking new forms of attracting people to worship services, Baptist preaching often operates on an entrepreneurial edge. Of course, great dangers lurk of accommodating to society’s consumerism and individualism, but intentional preaching that “makes a difference” often marks Baptist preaching.
To each of these statements there are many exceptions and, as hinted, there are many potential negatives. However, together they represent something of preaching in the Baptist tradition. I know others will have different views and perhaps they will share agreements and disagreements!
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