Knowledge & Faith

Like the wise men, our journey to Christ is based on knowledge that we receive and, in turn, act upon in faith. There is no need for a "leap" of faith, or "blind" faith. Both the shepherds and wise men first received knowledge that lead them to go on a journey of faith.

If you're wondering where God is this Christmas, a good place to start is to learn the things that he has spoken. Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. ~Romans 10:17

Secular Meets Spiritual

In speaking with people, you quickly find that there is a belief among most that there is a real distinction between the sacred and the secular aspects of their lives. They may attend church, go on a retreat, or spend some small amount of time contemplating things beyond the visible realm, but those times are few and far between and are generally associated with “religious” actions or duties. The rest of the time, indeed the majority of their life, is otherwise spent in the secular realm—the duties of day to day life, especially one’s occupation. It’s quite tragic how we cut our time and activities into sections that exclude Jesus from having much to do with the areas of our lives where we spend the most amount of time.

We think of Jesus as an historical figure rather than a living presence -a friend, in fact- who walks with us through this journey we call life, always waiting for us to invite him to step into our lives, though never forcing himself in. It’s shocking that we can listen to his words with no regard for their meaning— “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world”. We don’t actually expect to hear from him, and in fact our expectations are exactly what most of us get when it comes to things of the spirit—a blank. I wonder, if Jesus meant what he said—that he is with us– how is it that he wouldn’t want to say something to us? If I am with a friend, I certainly am not silent as I might be with a stranger. No, we talk to each other! Imagine a relationship with Jesus where we could hear from him and be heard by him!

That is precisely what he offers us. It is the ability to live in his kingdom while here on earth. Remember the words—thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven? So, regardless of whether we are at church or at the office, in prayer or preparing a meal, we can have a relationship with him where we can actually hear him and be guided by him.

How different would our work be if we thought to bring Jesus into the challenges we face all throughout the day? What would change if we actually approached him with an idea or sought his guidance in our daily activities? What prevents us from doing that? Do we think it is futile? How sad, for us and him, if we think of God as absent and uninterested! We were created to interact with him. From the very beginning when he placed Adam in the garden, we learn that Adam “walked and talked with God.” It is for this purpose that we are created. And it is this conversation with God that brings meaning into all we do. The apostles came to learn this quite well.

Hearing from God is just that—something we learn to do. It doesn’t happen automatically, but it does happen! Think of all the things we learn to do—our whole life is spent learning– yet we neglect to learn about the things of the spirit. We think that we will discover those things on “the other side.” The truth is, eternity is already here! His kingdom is at hand—right now! Jesus came that we might live in his ways here and now, hearing from him and being guided by his very real presence among us. Let me encourage you to begin your conversation with God. You’ll be amazed at how ready he is to speak to you!

Advent: A Coming

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7



 (Keep in mind that the birth of Jesus as well as much of his ministry took place outside of any church setting.)

The story is simple: Joseph is a carpenter and Mary, his fiancee, is about to deliver her baby. She was told by an angel that this baby is a Holy child, the Son of God. They are to go to Joseph's home town to register for the tax. After a long and tedious journey on a winding, dusty road, the couple searched in vain to obtain shelter at any of the local inns. But there was simply no place to stay.With every inquiry came the same response, “No room.”

The weary and desperate couple finally found rest among some simple farm animals in a small stable, probably something like a lean-to, or a crude cave in the hillside. The animals voiced no objections, but allowed the couple in and witnessed the birth of the Christ child. Their gentle demeanor proved the perfect setting for the Holy One, the Lamb of God, to be brought forth. This is recorded history and no mere fairy tale.

In the fullness of time, God sent forth his son. Galations 4:4

Within each of us exists a similar place, an ideal place for the birth of the babe, awaiting our invitation to enter, in spite of how unkempt and odorous. No need to cleanse the dwelling, he will do that upon entering. No need to pretend in this place, no airs to put on, no hiding the raw desires to feed and survive. 
It is to this sort of place that the Christ child comes – the place where we truly live – deep in our hearts where we whisper things not meant for others to hear, things that reveal an uncertainty that cuts to the core. A place where shadows leave us wondering if what we see is true.

Remember John the Baptist - what was it that he said?  "Are you the One who is to come, or shall we look for another?" There is a doubt that nags, that restrains us, that holds us bound like prisoners, even while we see the prison doors fling open. It is from this bondage that Jesus came to free us, yet we continually disbelieve it, relegating the reality of God among us to that of a fairy tale. Can we change? Dare we? Perhaps this year...

Thy Kingdom Come

God’s work in the world is validated by the fulfilling of His word! What has been foretold has come to pass! How many people can say that the exact time, place and circumstances of their birth were foretold thousands of years prior? Jesus’ was. How many can say that the work and accomplishments they would complete in their lifetime have been foretold and documented thousands of years before they even lived? Jesus’ were. How many of us can say with precise detail the circumstances by which we will die? Jesus’ persecution, trial and manner of death were all foretold. His miracles were foretold. It was even foretold what people would say to him as he hung upon the cross.
What else has God foretold? We would do well to know. How will his kingdom be established and how will his righteousness come upon the earth? We proclaim each week the unfolding truth of God’s word:
Christ has died.
Yes. We know this and seek to follow in his footsteps.
Christ has risen.
Yes. We celebrate this and hope for our own resurrection.
Christ will come again.
Really? Can we say that with the same assurance that we have when we proclaim that he came and rose from the grave? Do we know what the scriptures have to say regarding his eventual return? Shouldn’t we know, so that we will be able to receive him? So many missed him when he first came, but the word of God says that when he comes again, EVERY eye shall see him and EVERY tongue proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord!