Missional Theology

 

I was reading an article today entitled Missional Theology for a Missionary Church written by Darrell Guder. In the article Guder states that a paradigm shift has and is taking place within our missiology. This paradigm shift revolves around missional thinking. Here is one of the crucial elements to the missional renewal.

Crucial to the church’s missional renewal is the rediscovery of Biblical eschatology. Christendom reduced the future hope of the gospel to the question of one’s individual lot in eternity, that is, to the hope of heaven and the fear of hell. The good news of God’s inbreaking rule in Jesus Christ means, as we are now learning, that god intends that his creation should be healed and made whole, beginning now and completed as God consummates his rule. We are witnesses to a living hope, for which the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are the guarantee and certainty. So we proclaim confidently that God, who has begun a good work in us, will bring it to complete by the day of Jesus Christ.

I agree with Guder regarding the rediscovery of Biblical eschatology. I find it so important especially within my Baptist circle. When much of the eschatology conversations revolves around “escapism” we miss the beauty of the Kingdom of God as an already reality. Dr. Russell Moore has a great article regarding this topic. Guder also states,

Long lost from our evangelistic proclamation is Jesus' own message of the inbreaking reign of God, which defines the fullness of God's saving purposes for all the world. If 'Christian society' equals the kingdom of God, which the western tradition has asserted until very recently (and some of the right wing still asserts), then that theme is irrelevant for the salvation of individual souls. Evangelism, in this form of reductionism, is the church's effort on behalf of unsaved persons, but it is not the church's own encounter with the gospel which calls it to continuing conversion so that it can be the sign, foretaste, and instrument of God's inbreaking rule.

Here are some thoughts:

•  We must not be afraid of eschatological conversations
•  We must adapt a theological understanding of soteriology that incorporates eschatology
•  We as a church need to discover the Biblical preaching of Jesus Christ
•  We must challenge our churches to pursue Kingdom of God ideas
•  We cannot be scared to talk about theology within our churches

The Faithfulness of God

As I read the New Testament I find myself constantly flipping back several hundred pages to the Old Testament. The more and more I read the New the more and more I see the Old. With that in mind I have decided to read through the Minor Prophets beginning with Hosea. It’s been awhile since I’ve read them so what better time than the present. I’d like to share with you a few ideas from Hosea.

The Story of Hosea

Hosea is an interesting book to say the least. It is about a prophet named Hosea who is called by YHWH to marry an unfaithful woman. Sounds like a marriage made in Heaven, right? But this soap opera isn’t simply about a man constantly pursuing an unfaithful bride. This story could be called an “enacted parable”. A parable is a story that demonstrates a specific truth. A parable that is enacted is a story that is lived out in real life. We could say that the life of Hosea and his unfaithful wife Gomer is an object lesson about YHWH and Israel.

The Woman Represents Israel’s Unfaithfulness

I’d like to draw your attention to the first two chapters. Hosea is commissioned to marry an unfaithful wife and have children of unfaithfulness, because “the land” commits unfaithfulness by forsaking YHWH (v. 2-3). Wow, what are great way to enjoy life.

“Hey, Hosea, I’m really going to bless your life. You know what, I have a wonderful plan for you; a life meaningful and full of purpose! I’ve ordained you to marry a woman that is going to run around on you and sleep with other men. Sounds great, eh? – The LORD

Well Hosea, being faithful to YHWH married Gomer, the unfaithful woman. But notice why he married her. Verse 2 states, because “the land” is unfaithful. “The land” is a reference to Israel, the people of God. We see a connection between Gomer and Israel and Hosea and YHWH. We have to keep in mind that YHWH made a covenant with Israel. Israel would be His people. He would love them and remain faithful to them and in return Israel would represent YHWH’s glory to the nations. However, Israel was unfaithful.

In Verses 4-8 we notice that Hosea and Gomer had children. These children have some pretty strange names that you probably wouldn’t find in a “baby name book”. But notice that these names provide meaning to the overall narrative. The first child was named Jezreel meaning “God sows/scatters”. Without getting into too much background, this simply indicates some sort of judgment that will come upon Israel. The next child was named Lo-ruhama, meaning “No Mercy”. The third child was named No-ammi, meaning “Not my people”. You may ask “why are these names so crazy?” 

Well, chapter 2 provides some clarity. Verse 1 states “Say to your brothers, you are my people and to your sisters, you have received mercy”. It is interesting because the children are named “no mercy” and “not my people”. Do you see the irony? The children of Israel have convinced themselves even in the midst of their idolatry that they have received mercy and they are YHWH’s people but Hosea (serving as a parable) says no, you’re not! As the mother of these children are unfaithful, so are the children of Israel are unfaithful.

“Upon her children also I will have no mercy because they are children of unfaithfulness…for she said, I will go after my lovers…She shall pursue her lovers but not overtake them and she shall seek them but shall not find them…I will punish her for the feast days of Baals when she burned offerings to them and adorned herself with her ring and jewelry and went after her lovers and forgot me, declares the LORD”  - Hosea 2:4-5;7;13

YHWH’s Covenant Faithfulness

Pretty depressing isn’t it? This woman (who represents Israel) is completely unfaithful to her husband (who represents YHWH). But hold on! Look at verse 14-15.

“Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness and speak tenderly to her. And there I will give her her vineyards and make the Valley of Achor (meaning trouble) a door of hope. And there she shall answer as in the days of her youth, as at the time when she came out of the land of Egypt” – Hosea 2:14-15

You notice the language. It is the language of seduction. Also realize that YHWH is the one speaking. He states that He will allure Israel, the unfaithful bride, back to Himself despite of her unfaithfulness. Verse 16 states “And in that day, declares the LORD, you will call me ‘my husband’ and no longer will you call me ‘my Baal’.

“And I will betroth you to me forever. I will betroth you to me in righteousness and in justice, in steadfast love, and in mercy. I will betroth you to me in faithfulness. And you shall know the LORD.” – Hosea 2:19-20

If you think it can’t get any more romantic look at this! The idea being implored here is the Hebrew concept of hesed. Hesed is a word meaning covenant love, loyalty, and unconditional faithfulness. This hesed is used with regard to YHWH’s love for Israel, His covenant people. Please get the image. You have an unfaithful bride (Israel) running around on her husband (YHWH). But the husband has made a covenant with her and in His loyalty and faithfulness He will pursue her regardless of her own unfaithfulness.

“And I will have mercy on ‘No Mercy’, and I will say to ‘Not My People’, You are my people and he shall say ‘You are my God’. – Hosea 2:23

The children of the unfaithful wife will finally receive mercy and will be called God’s people. Not because of their faithfulness but because of His faithfulness!

The New Testament Use of Hosea

Paul in Romans 9:25 quotes Hosea 2:23. In the context Paul is discussing the idea of Israel and God’s mercy. Yet Paul makes an amazing connection. The unfaithful ones in the context are Gentiles. The same God that called Israel ‘my people’ in Hosea is now calling Gentiles ‘my people’. Which must mean that Gentiles become part of the covenant people of God. Not because of something they have done for they were unbelieving in the first place. But solely because of what God has done in and through Jesus Messiah whereby He has demonstrated His covenant faithfulness through the cross and resurrection which is not only for Israel but for world as well. You know what, that includes us.

Implications For Us Today

I’m convinced that the main point is ‘God’s faithfulness over shadows our unfaithfulness’. I know for myself, even in my Christian walk, that I have been unfaithful to Him. I’ve either chosen to seek after idols or other objects instead of God. But the hope I have isn’t in my self-righteousness or faithfulness. My hope is in God’s faithfulness to me.

God is the God who pursues unfaithful people. Left to our own, we would remain unfaithful and never pursue God. But God’s relentless love and consistent pursuing of an unfaithful people is at the heart of the Good News.  

As you walk throughout this day and the rest of the week remember that God is faithful even when you are not faithful.

As we read the New Testament we must not forget the Old. Case and point, Hosea in Romans. However, at the same time, Hosea is using ideas and concepts found in Genesis and Exodus. When you read the Bible you are reading ideas that are not isolated but ideas that are completely imbedded within the whole drama of Scripture. The point is you don’t have to be a Biblical scholar to read the Bible rightly. You just have to know the storyline of the Bible.

Is it Worth it?

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding a one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:44-46)

The Personal Story

When I was in Oxford a friend and I went to a bookstore...shocking right? Bookstores in Oxford are like cows in East Texas (they are everywhere and they all look the same). We hit up several during the week but we were told that this one particular store had a huge theological section. The bookstore was tucked in an alleyway and you had to walk through a creepy little door which was behind a sign promoting fish and chips. As we walked into the bookstore we maneuvered in between shelves and hugged tight corners until we made our way to the theological section.

It was at this moment I heard the angels begin to sing the Hallelujah Chorus. Rows and rows, shelf after shelf of books!

We knew we were going to find something good. However, theological book buying is much different than any other book buying. 90% of the stuff that is out there is bad. 7% of the stuff is good and only 3% of the stuff is worth spending money on. As we looked we saw a few good things. But as an hour went by we began to see fewer and fewer things. No doubt we saw the bad stuff. But nothing good. I personally was looking for the “treasure”. I did find two books totaled up to 12 pounds (20 dollars). So, I was beginning to think of calling it quits…for that day, until I spotted a book in the corner. The white jacket cover had turned a light gray. I picked it up, saw the title, and “dropped” the other two books (fugitively speaking). It was Oscar Cullman’s Christ and Time. I had been looking for this “treasure” for over 2 years! It was published in 1964 and is the basic building block for my theological presupposition (that may not mean much to you but it was a huge deal for me). Not to mention on Amazon it was running about $80…used. I put down the rest of the books and bought that one for 14 pounds (roughly 22 dollars). I was overjoyed to find this gem!

The Treasure

You are probably wondering why on earth I am talking about books. Well the point is simple: as much as that book meant to me in that moment it is nothing compared to the worth of the Kingdom of Heaven. The worth and value of the Kingdom surpasses any monetary value that this world has to offer.

These two parables of Jesus show case the worth and value of the Kingdom. I’m not speaking just financial value but also in time, energy, and thought. Basically this could apply to anything we find worth or value in. Do not misunderstand me. Money, possessions, and leisure are important and I would argue necessary for our living. But compared to the salvific reign of God these temporary things became much like the 90% of the theological books on the market.

You are probably thinking that I’m saying something to the effect of “Just seek Jesus and sell everything you have because it isn’t worth anything anyway.” Much like a narcissistic monk in sixteenth century England.

However, listen to what Dietrich Bonheoffer had to say:

“So far then we are quite right; it is possible to have wealth and the possession of this world’s goods and to believe in Christ- so that a man may have these goods as one who has them not. But this is an ultimate possibility of the Christian life, only with our capacity in so far as we await with earnest expectation the immediate return of Christ.”

His point is yes, a Christian can have the wealth and possessions of this world only if the Christian recognizes these things in light of the coming Kingdom of God.

Why Bring This Up? 

Within Christianity we have to different types of theologies regarding money, possessions, and leisure. Let me example them:

·         Prosperity Theology: The basic understanding to this theology is that God wants you to be happy and the way in which this is fulfilled is by giving you the things you desire most. Specifically within our context that includes money, wealth, position, and self-worth. God blesses you through monetary things. These groups tend to have a messed up view regarding God’s grace and blessing.

·         Poverty Theology: This type of theology is held among many separatist groups such as the Amish, monks, and many holiness groups. They view money, possessions, and leisure as things that aren’t holy and godly. Therefore a rejection of the “world” is the only godly obligation for a Christian. Suffering and poverty is the primary mark of a Christian. These groups tend to be most legalist.

However, Jesus had a different view regarding money, possessions, and the things of this world.

He said, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

In the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus makes the point that God will give you clothes, food, and things you need for living in this world, which is only by seeking the Kingdom of God first. This goes back to the point of the parables in Matthew 13. Seeking the worth and value of the Kingdom of God over against the monetary things of this world is much more important than seeking the monetary things first.

Now, I’m not proposing a “check list” of priorities. This type of thinking really distorts God’s Kingdom.  Instead I’m proposing that once we seek the Kingdom of God first for our lives then and only then can we begin to see all the areas of our life through that filter. So instead of asking the question “Am I putting God first so that He will bless me?” We should be saying “Since I am seeking God’s Kingdom how will this affect my view of money, possessions, and the things of this world?”

Only by seeing the Kingdom of God as worthy and valuable can we truly see the “all these things” in the proper perspective. Compared to the Kingdom of God they are worth nothing. But those things being used in the Kingdom of God find value and become important.

Back to Bonhoeffer’s point; A Christian can have these things only with a proper perspective of the Kingdom of God.

So is now a third option for theologies regarding money, possessions, and the things of this world.

·         Kingdom Theology: This type of theology is held by Jesus. He stated that by seeking the Kingdom first above all things allows the Christian to view their money and possessions in the proper perspective. The Kingdom is more valuable than those things and compared to the Kingdom they are worth nothing. But those things, if viewed through the filter of the Kingdom, find worth and value by being used for Kingdom expansion.

So as we reflect on these things here are a few questions to ask yourself:

·         Are you viewing the Kingdom of God as worthy or valuable?

·         Are you seeking God’s Kingdom first above all things?

·         How are you viewing your possessions?

·         Is there anything in your life that you value more than the Kingdom?

·         Are you seeing your possessions through the Kingdom filter?

The Unique Son of God

If you ask the majority of people to quote one verse in the Bible most will reply with John 3:16,

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

I remember learning this verse at a young age. However, I’ve wondered what it meant for Jesus to be “his [God’s] only Son” (τὸν Υἱὸν τὸν μονογενῆ). Many translations render the phrase “Only Begotten Son”. There is a very important question to be asked then, “What does this phrase mean?”

Does God Have Other Sons?

Before we start answering the question it is important to see other Biblical passages concerning God’s Son(s).

1.) Exodus 4:22-23 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son, and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.” If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son."

-          The Lord called Israel His Son.

2.) Job 1:6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them.

3.) Job 38:6-7 On what were its bases sunk,
               or who laid its cornerstone,
                   when the morning stars sang together
               and all the sons of God shouted for joy?

-          It is hard to tell who the “sons of God” are within the context. They could be serving as some divine counsel or a host of angels. However, what is important to see is that whoever it is, they are called sons of God.

4.) Genesis 6:4 The Nephilim were on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of man and they bore children to them. These were the mighty men who were of old, the men of renown.

-          Again this is a confusing passage. Notice though that the “sons of God” had sex with the daughters of man. This could parallel the Job passage. But for now that that isn’t important. Whoever they are it is evident they are called “sons of God”.

5.) 2 Samuel 7:12-14 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.  I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son.

-          David is given a promise that one of his sons would be king over Israel. God tells him that He will be his father and the king will be a son to Him. Therefore the King of Israel would be “God’s son”.

6.) Psalm 2:7 I will tell of the decree
                      The Lord said to me, “You are my Son;
                 today I have begotten you.

-          In the context of Psalm 2 God will present his Anointed one and he will call him His Son.

7.) Luke 3:38 …the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

-          In the genealogy Luke traces the linage of Jesus back to Adam, who is the “son of God.”

So, to recap:

-          Adam is God’s son

-          Israel is God’s son

-          The “angels or divine counsel” are God’s sons

-          The King of Israel is God’s son

-          The Anointed One is God’s son

How does Jesus differ from the rest of God’s Sons?

Jesus, The Unique Son

John 1:14,18 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father's side, he has made him known.

John 3:16, 18 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

1 John  4:9 In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him.

In Johannine literature, the word used to distinguish Jesus is “only” (John 3:16 = μονογενῆ or a form of the word). This word is also used 4 other times in the NT (Luke 7:12, 8:42, 9:38; Hebrews 11:17). Each time it is translated “only”. In John’s writings the word is used exclusively of Jesus as the Only Son of God. What is the particular nuance of this word? BDAG states that this word coveys the idea of “being the only one of its kind or class (unique in kind). Uniquely divine as God’s son and transcending all others alleged to be gods.” Jesus is the unique or special Son. Thus this sets him apart from the others sons of God or so called gods. Jesus then is the unique chosen one through whom eternal life is found. Salvation is found exclusively in the unique Son, who is Jesus Christ.

To intensify this idea John clearly links the Only God and the Only Son, Jesus Christ. In John 1:14-18 the word “only” connects the “only son” and the “only God”. Thus, this unique and only Son is actually the unique and only God, whom no one has seen. However, the Only Son has now revealed this Only God by taking upon flesh and dwelling among men. So the uniqueness of Jesus Christ is the revealing of the Only God. God now has a face, Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

What does it mean for Jesus to be the Only Son of God?

Namely, the uniqueness of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, speaks to His role as the revealer of God and bearer of God’s salvation. Salvation then is exclusively found in Jesus. Jesus reveals in a unique and special way a new understanding of God. To see Jesus is to see God. For Jesus is the only and unique God.

So, John 3:16 conveys this idea,

For God loved the world in this way, that he gave his unique and special Son, that whoever believes in this unique Son should not died but have eternal life.

Eternal life is found solely in God’s unique Son, Jesus Christ the revealer of God and the bearer of God’s salvation. This truly sets Him apart.

Stay Strong...Cure FA

God uses those who depend on Him. In most cases He uses the most unlikely of people. You know those people who aren’t “strong” in the eyes of the world. However, when I think of someone who is strong, my mind reverts to Natalie Newman my dear friend.

In the spring of 2010, I remember receiving texts messages from her mother asking for prayer. I remember going to Children’s Hospital to see her and pray for her. I remember sitting in the waiting area as Natalie’s family received the news. Natalie was diagnosed with Friedreich's Ataxia (FA).

What is Fridreich’s Ataxia?

Friedreich’s ataxia (FA) is a debilitating, life-shortening, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder. About one in 50,000 people in the United States have Friedreich's ataxia. Onset of symptoms can vary from childhood to adulthood. Childhood onset of FA is usually between the ages of 5 and 15 and tends to be associated with a more rapid progression. Late onset FA (LOFA) can occur anytime during adulthood. FARA is supporting research that will improve the quality and length of life for those diagnosed with Friedreich's ataxia and will lead to treatments that eliminate its symptoms.

Living with FA

My friend “Natalia Gene” and her family are very close to my heart. Her dad was one of the men that God used to lead me to faith in Jesus. Her mother helped organize my wedding. And of course her siblings…let’s just say I have too many stories about them.

As you can imagine living with FA is not only difficult for Natalie but also it has taken a toll on her family. Yet, Natalie is certain that God has a purpose for her, "I know God made me the way I am, so I can be a witness to other people.” At age 14 she is confident that God will continue to use her life to demonstrate His good news to those around her. And I am confident that God will sustain her faith as He unfolds His plan for her.

Fighting For a Cure

On March 23^rd Ride Ataxia is holding their Third Annual Bike Ride in Denton. This event is held to raise awareness for FA. Natalie, her family, and many friends will be there.  

Would you please consider partnering was Natalie as she fights for a cure?

God has continued to bless Natalie and I know that He will use her life in great and mighty ways!

Stay Strong…Cure FA

Celebrating the Resurrection

"We could cope—the world could cope—with a Jesus who ultimately remains a wonderful idea inside his disciples' minds and hearts. The world cannot cope with a Jesus who comes out of the tomb, who inaugurates God's new creation right in the middle of the old one." – N.T. Wright

The world has a hard time with the fact that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead. The Enlightenment clearly tells us that there is no such thing as a man, who was dead, being brought back to life. That defies the laws of nature. So this doctrine of the Christian faith causes problems for the skeptics, boggles the minds of the scientist, and is the area that the atheist attempts to attack. Yet the belief of the physical resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone for our faith and practice. If Jesus Christ was not raised from the dead, there is no Christianity. Again there is no reason to believe in Jesus if He was not resurrected from the dead. So it is, that the confession “Jesus Christ…died on the cross for the sins of the world, was raised bodily and exalted to God's right hand...” is the reason why we celebrate our salvation. 2000 years ago Jesus Christ was put to death on a cross. Yet three days later, God raised Him from the dead. In the event of the resurrection, Jesus Christ started the New Creation. No longer will death have dominion over creation because it was defeated. In fact death is the greatest enemy of the world but the event of the resurrection, Jesus Christ changed the entire sum of creation.

“Jesus’ return from the grave is the dawn of the new day: God’s people and all creation will share in his resurrection life.”

We as Christians should celebrate the resurrection, the celebration of the New Creation, the celebration of the defeat of death. In light of this I’d like to share with you with 8 New Testament passages that speak about the resurrection that have impacted my walk with Christ. They are all found within different context and applied differently but you’ll see the emphasis of the New Testament authors: the resurrection of the Son of God, the Messiah; Jesus.

1.) Luke 24: Interacting with the Resurrected Jesus

On the road to Emmaus, the two disciples walked with their heads hanging. They placed their faith in the man who called himself the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth. They had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. But of course that didn’t happen, because Jesus of Nazareth died at the hands of the Romans. Yet they were met by a man on the road who asked them why they looked so depressed. They explained the story of the man and how he died. But to their surprise the one who met them was the One who died. Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead and to prove that He was resurrected had a meal with them. He revealed Himself to them in the most intimate way. He interacted with those two disciples and restored their hope and expectations.

2.) Acts 2:22-36: Preaching of the Resurrected Jesus

Peter after being filled with the Holy Spirit stood up in the midst of Jerusalem and began to preach the first evangelistic sermon in church history. With the radical statements about the Spirit of God being poured out in the last days and the death of Jesus by the hands of lawless men under the sovereignty of God, Peter began to speak about the resurrected Jesus. He made the point that this Jesus God raised up from the dead, and they were all witnesses to the event. With the preaching of the resurrected and exalted Christ, 3000 men were baptized.

3.) Romans 6:5-11: Application of the Resurrected Jesus

Paul, in his argument about sin and grace makes the point that in the midst of sin the grace of God abounds all the more. But before his hearers can go out and sin habitually he quickly gives a series of questions: “Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? No way!! How can we who died to sin live in it? Do you not know that those who were baptized into Jesus were baptized into His death?” Paul then makes the statement that we are united into His death and also in His resurrection. Therefore baptism is the act in which the death and resurrection of Jesus is applied to a believer as a metaphor. Paul concludes that “We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him.”

4.) 1 Corinthians 15:12-28: Defending the Resurrected Jesus

In his defense of the resurrection of Jesus, Paul as he does so often starts his argument with a question. “If Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?” If Christ isn’t raised then the preaching of Paul is in vain. Also if Christ isn’t raised, we are dead in our sins. If that is so, then Christians should be the most pitied in the world! But Christ was raised as the first fruit of all those who have died. The promise is to believers who have died. They will be raised from the dead and death will be defeated. The last enemy will be destroyed!

5.) Ephesians 1:15-23: The Dominion of the Resurrected Jesus

For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (No need to explain)

6.) Philippians 3:1-11: Being Conformed into the Resurrected Jesus

Looking back on his life, Paul shows the difference between religion and following Jesus. It isn’t the law that makes one right before God but through Jesus. You can’t work your way to God it is only through Jesus Christ. Paul says that everything he gained in his life should be considered “rubbish” (garbage, trash, dung, manure, etc). Paul concludes that his righteousness comes from God that depends on faith. But he continues by adding what that faith looks like. It consists of knowing Him, the power of His resurrection, and sharing in His sufferings becoming like Him in his death. He wanted this all because he wanted to attain to the resurrection. Paul’s desire is to be conformed into the life of Christ, by His death and resurrection.

7.) 1 Peter 1:3-5: Hope of the Resurrected Jesus

Peter gives his greeting to the elect exiles of the dispersion by giving one of the most encouraging openings in all of the New Testament. God has given them mercy because He saved them. Their hope in their salvation is rooted in the resurrection of Jesus. This hope consist of an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading which is kept in heaven. This salvation is guarded by God but will be revealed in the last time. God will show His power by raising men and women from the dead giving them full salvation in the end.

8.) Revelation 21: The Newness that will come because of the Resurrected Jesus

Then I saw, as John said “a new heaven and new earth”. This renewed/restored creation and people will the Bride of the Lamb. The New Creation is the final home for all who follower the Resurrected Jesus. God said that “I am making all things new.” This means a new people, new place, new way, and complete New Creation. No more pain, tears, mourning, death. This is the marriage of heaven and earth. As God created the heavens and the earth in Genesis, so will God create a new heaven and new earth. They will come together in the end. Everything will be made right. The full redemptive plan of God will be consummated and everything will be new, good, right, and holy. This all happens because of the work of the Lamb, who was slain and resurrected.

These 8 passages are not an exhaustive list of resurrection passages. They are simply some passages that have impacted my walk with Jesus. As we are roughly a month away from Easter let us remember to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and continue to walk in the newness of life.

“But the good news is this: death has been defeated; our conqueror has been conquered. In the face of the power of the kingdom of God in Christ, death was helpless. It could not hold him, death has been defeated; life and immortality have been brought to life.” – George Eldon Ladd

Marriage, Children, Economy, and the Created Order

In a 2012 New York Times article entitled Strong Marriages and Economies an intriguing point was made,

The bottom-line message is that what happens in the home does not stay at home; rather, the size of families, and their stability and quality, has important implications for the health of the global economy.

The point is clear: our economy is directly affected by marriage. However, it is evident that marriage in America is on the decline. As the National Marriage Project indicates the total number of marriages fell from 2.45 million in 1990 to 2.11 in 2010. So, in a country suffering with a lack of jobs, an unstable economy, and an unpredictable future the role of marriage is crucial to our society. The question has to be asked then, “Why is marriage so important?”

The Created Order

What is the purpose of marriage and why is it so important? The Biblical worldview provides a solid answer,

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

So God created man in his own image,
in the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.

And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26-28)

God, in His love and wisdom created man and woman in His image. This image is functional, meaning, God created man and woman to do something which does not include just sitting around aimlessly hoping that God would provide. The creation of the man and woman is the first marriage and they were given a task. They are to first, be fruitful and multiply. Second, fill the earth and subdue it. Third, have dominion over creation. We could call this task creating society. It is important to notice, however, that marriage itself is not a private union but a social institution. God created marriage to benefit creation. Bonhoeffer would say it this way,

Marriage is more than your love for each other. It has a higher dignity and power, for it is God’s holy ordinance, through which He wills to perpetuate the human race till the end of time. In your love you see only your two selves in the world, but in marriage you are a link in the chain of the generations, which God causes to come and to pass away to His glory, and calls into His kingdom. In your love you see only the heaven of your own happiness, but in marriage you are placed at a post of responsibility towards the world and mankind. Your love is your own private possession, but marriage is more that something personal – it is a status, an office.

Marriage, between a man and woman, then in the mind of God is the foundational building block of a society. Again, marriage is created to benefit creation. Thus without strong marriages a society (creation) could possibly collapse.

Social Issues

If marriage is the foundational building block of a society it appears that our culture is steadily moving away from that social institution. And since it is moving away it is possible that our society will too. Yet in the same vain there are several other issues hindering our country that I believe are playing a part in this social-economic decline:

Abortion: Under the banner of convenience 55 million babies in the last 40 years have not had the “choice” to benefit our society. Abortion is actually counterproductive to the whole purpose of society. We as a country have allowed the eradication of a complete generation that could have married, produced jobs, and strengthen our economy and society. Instead we have chosen to circumvent the very process of society. We as created being are given the task to create; however, we have chosen to destroy that which we have created, which will result in the collapse of creation.

Homosexuality: Without a clear definition of marriage the lines have become blurred and “for the sake of love” our social institution has become nothing more than a privatized union between two individuals. Homosexual unions are counterproductive to society for reasons that are obvious. Those unions cannot have children. Without children you cannot have a future generation.

Declining Birth Rate: Heterosexual couples are adding to the mess. From 2007-2010 the birth rate has fallen by 8%. In 2012 the birth rate was 64.1 per 1,000 women. Recently articles have shown that if the birth rate continues to fall we will be unable to the keep population stable.

Low Marriage Rate: An ABC news article states in 1960, 72 percent of U.S. adults age 18 and older were married compared with 51 percent today. The median age when adults decide to finally take that big step is also the highest its ever been for both men and women — 26.5 and 28.7 respectively.

(As a side note, I would argue that even within the Evangelical world the attempt to “protect our children” from sex has resulted in a low marriage rate among us Christians. Maybe we should be encouraging early marriage instead of late.)

What Can We Do?

You may be thinking that I’m saying “Hey, all you have to do is get married and make babies in order to sustain our country.” Well…maybe…but not quite. It isn’t just about “getting married” and “making babies.” It is something more foundational than marriage. It first starts with changing the current paradigm regarding humanity, namely we are created to be rulers over creation. We humans aren’t the recipients of creation. We are created in God’s image. We are created to benefit creation. Also being created in the image of God includes community. This leads me to say that humans are created for community. We are relational and communal beings. This I fully believe is experienced through marriage. So, as humans we are created for community, which is experienced fully in marriage for the benefit of creation. This is a complete worldview shift.

Am I saying that marriage is the only savior for the social-economic structure of America? I wouldn’t use the word “only” but I do believe that healthy marriages benefit society and could possibly further the economy of our nation. For example in a Huffington Post article the writer states,

[There is] a real premium that men tend to enjoy when it comes to marriage … Men who are married tend to earn more than men who are not married. What we think is happening here is that the act of getting married, and often having kids, encourages men to think in terms not just of their own welfare but of the welfare of their families, and to behave more responsibly... Marriage seems to help men become more responsible, more strategic in their thinking and more oriented towards the long term rather than just having a good time in the present.

[Women are] more likely to accumulate wealth and assets when they get and stay married in part because they’re often pooling their income with their spouse, and partially because they and their spouse tend to adopt a more long-term orientation toward their financial well-being rather than a short-term orientation.

Liberals and Conservatives agree that marriage benefits the economy. But theologically marriage is important because God has called His people to be a blessing to the nation and society. This is Kingdom action. We can do this by being stewards of the things God has given us and taking the opportunity to rule over creation. We can participate in the Genesis mandate to “work and keep” the garden. When our government speaks about jobs and the economy they aren’t actually addressing the true issue. The issue begins with the proper view of society, marriage, and our role living under the reign of God.