May 2010

The Most Radical Thing You Will Do on Sunday

It happens every week in churches throughout the world.  Whether in gold colored plates, buckets, or boxes passed around or left at the back of the gathering place, an offering is received.  Though a standard practice, in our consumer-based, “get all you can” culture that rewards the accumulation of wealth, participating in this weekly portion of the worship service is actually a radical statement of faith. 

The Mission and the Word

One hundred fifty-five world areas and counting! It is hard to imagine the magnitude of the work of the Church of the Nazarene when describing our mission. It is not just that we are in so many countries of the world. But in every place where Nazarenes are found we have a definitive message: "God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:19).

This message is not subject to varieties of interpretation that rob it of its decisive focus. The hope of the world is found in Jesus of Nazareth.

Visible Holiness

For about 20 years, I have had the privilege of teaching a course called “Doctrine of Holiness” at various Nazarene institutions. It is a course that contributes to ordination requirements for ministry candidates, and it explores a key emphasis of the Church of the Nazarene—that God is willing and able to transform us in such a way that we can consistently say  “yes” to Him and “no” to things that pull us away from Him. 

Ongoing Conversations

Like many college students, I was required (forced?) to read great literature from world-renowned writers.  I use terms like “required” and “forced” because, at that time in my life, I likely would not have volunteered to read those incredible novels and plays in my spare time. 

I often wish that I got as much enjoyment from them in those hectic college days as I do now when re-reading these great works.  At that time, many of these “have to” works were simply checklist items to plow through, (hopefully) pass a test on, and then move ahead to the next assignment. 

Do Not Be Afraid

A common way that God approaches His people is to invite us to move away from fear. “Do not be afraid” is a greeting from God the Father and from Jesus that we hear again and again in the Bible. 

What if we took this invitation seriously?