My Social Responsibility – Communication, Clarity, and Community

Greetings Dear Reader,

My pastor once told a tale of a woman who approached him after service claiming that the information concerning our church was deceptive.  She went on to explain that the denomination claims to be “Evangelical Free”.   In our culture most things followed by “free” mean that they do not contain that thing.  Our church is part of the Evangelical Free Church of America.  It is filled with free Evangelicals.  This dates back to our history in Europe and clearly does not communicate to everyone as it once did.

Sometimes I think that we place so much emphasis on what happens miraculously in the second chapter of Acts that we miss the very practical things that are happening there.  The first of those is communication.  As Christ followers it is vital that we communicate in a way that can be understood.  People need to hear us more that we need to use terms with which we are comfortable. 

If God is willing to make his followers able to speak languages they do not know then he can surely make us understood through language that is common to those around us.  I must be willing to use terms and language that communicates to those I am attempting to reach.

The second thing that is vital to my social responsibility is that I stay on message.  Many things that matter to me about theology, faith, and practice are not necessary to a seminal understanding of the Gospel.  When Peter speaks he is very clear that Jesus is the Messiah.  He is clear that Christ died and rose from the dead.  He is clear that this is the path to salvation. 

The apostles were very certain of what they had to say.  They communicated a single message.  I must not major on the minors.  It does not matter what I think about most theological issues if I cannot communicate a clear message of faith for salvation. 

At the end of this chapter the state of their living is almost like an obvious afterthought.  They were a community that was concerned about the social wellbeing of everyone and had a single passion.  They did not think wealth and possessions were paramount.  They focused on meeting the needs of the community.  Imagine the impact on the world if Christ followers did this.  We will visit this again in depth in chapter four. 

What I wish to make clear is that the early Christ followers who witnessed the miraculous were driven to live in a state of social equality so that no one lacked anything he needed.

I must do all three.  Any elements that are missing defeat my purpose.  Christ’s message without clear communication and real community seems contradictory and empty.  Social activism without Christ at its center is not sustainable.  All three are vital to the social success of the Gospel

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Second Thoughts - Baptism

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

Last night I had the great joy of attending the baptism of my dear friend Laura.  Since I am digging deep into the book of acts I found it very apropos that this coincided with my inner journey.  I love Laura dearly and I was overcome to hear how her journey with Christ unfolded.  She gets it right in not being attached to things over the journey. 

What danced around in my mind so much was the idea of Baptism for Christ followers.  In the final words of the Gospel of Matthew Jesus says some very specific things about what we are supposed to do as his followers.  I do not hesitate to say that we are to be symbolically immersed in water to proclaim to all our choice to follow Christ for life.  This is a public proclamation that we are on a journey and it belongs to God.

I would, however, like to posit that Christ is very capable of using double meanings in what he says.  Let us examine what he says in the last few verses of Matthew very closely. 

Mat 28:18-20 When Jesus came near, he spoke to them. He said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. So wherever you go, make disciples of all nations: Baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Teach them to do everything I have commanded you. "And remember that I am always with you until the end of time." (GW)

The Greek word here for “Baptize” is Βαπτίζω – or baptizō - 

1.    To dip repeatedly, to immerse, to submerge (of vessels sunk)

2.    To cleanse by dipping or submerging, to wash, to make clean with water, to wash one’s self, bathe

3.    To overwhelm

(Thayer)

I would posit that Christ is using his authority to say that the outward sign of baptism is to be an inward sign that one is being totally immersed in following Christ and his teachings.  I have been pondering this for two days now.  What is the physical baptism if not the outward expression of the choice to be totally immersed in following the teachings of Christ and in teaching those things to others?  Another rendering of this passage may make my point clearer.

“The freedom to do as I please in both the earth and above the earth has been granted me.  Because of this you must pursue the journey to disciple the entire human family to follow Christ and immerse them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.  Discourse with others so that you are teaching them to attend carefully to all things I have enjoined you to do.” (ATT)

My friend Laura has abandoned the false security of career and home to follow Christ in this command.  Seeing her baptized last night filled me with joy for her potential in this.  It also made me more determined to reach that same potential.  I am to be immersed in the mission. I am to become one with the vast ocean that is Christ and follow him fully.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

My Social Responsibility – Do Something

Greetings Dear Reader,

When Luke begins his continuation of the gospel story he recounts briefly the experience of the apostles with Jesus.  He points out that they are waiting.  This is how he ended his gospel and where he picks up the story.  What they are waiting for is clear in both writings. 

Luke makes it clear that even whilst they are waiting they “had a single purpose.”   They were praying.  They were seeking guidance from God whilst they waited for the promised power.  Over one-hundred and twenty of them gathered knowing that they were to do something.  They did not yet know what.

We know from Jesus that they were to continue the work Jesus had done.  Jesus had set an example for them of how to do this.  He had promised that they would receive the power to do it.  They were instructed to wait for the arrival of that power.  It arrived.

It is clear that as a follower of Christ I am empowered to be active.  Following implies action.  One cannot follow if one does not do something.  Jesus based this command on his own power.  “The freedom to do as I please in both the earth and above the earth has been granted me.  Because of this you must pursue the journey to disciple the entire human family to follow Christ and immerse them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.” (ATT)

This is not just a command to covert others to following Christ because he goes on to say so.  I am to “Discourse with others so that you are teaching them to attend carefully to all things I have enjoined you to do.” (ATT)

The gospel as lived out in my life must be socially active if I have any hope of following this final command of Christ.  Christ held discourse on these things after he had worked to change things so he could be heard.  He worked within the religious structure to show them that the purpose of the structure was to actively love others by both meeting their needs and redeeming their souls.  I cannot hope to follow in this if I am content to use only words.  I must make a social difference if I hope to make a spiritual one.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

My Social Responsibility – First Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Some years ago I was at a retreat with a colleague.  We were discussing late into the night the current applications from the second book of the New Testament written by Luke the physician.  He follows the development of the body of Christ for some years and in that following shows some very clear ways in which the church is socially responsible.  I recently came across my notes from that conversation.

In rereading the Book of Acts I am doing so from the perspective of my social responsibility as a Christ follower.  I will venture into social commentary about what I think the church, but more specifically I should be doing as someone who wishes to follow Christ and live his example.  My Son, Bezel and I were discussing this at lunch and it cemented the need for me to explore it.

In a world where vast social needs are being debated to the extent that the debate is overshadowing the meeting of the needs I see severe issues.  We should not be surprised that the world views irrelevant something that does not meet its needs.  I want to be sure that I clearly understand the needs that I am to meet as a Christ follower.  I invite you to journey with me for a bit as I explore this area of who I am in Christ. 

I do not claim to have any answers here but I hope to find some. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

A Perfect Peanut Butter Sandwich

Greetings Dear Reader,

I love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.  I have as long as I can remember.  A perfect one is as follows:

Fresh Sunbeam® bread

Smooth Jiff® Peanut Butter

Smucker’s® Strawberry Preserves

One must make two sandwiches as one is not enough.  The peanut butter must be spread thickly, about a quarter of an inch to the entire edges of the bread.  Thank you, Maxim for teaching me to use the back of a spoon for this instead of a knife.  It is much better suited to the task.

The jelly must be spooned on the other piece of bread at about an eighth inch thickness.  One must always

leave about a quarter inch of space on the edge of the jelly side so that the peanut butter can seal the sandwich.

The sandwich must always be fresh.  If one is to take them for lunch one should pack the makings separately and create the sandwiches at the moment.   Soggy PBJ is never a good thing.

Everything I have just written is absolutely the truth…for me.  There are some things that are essential to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.  They are bread, peanut butter, and jelly.  Anything beyond that is preference and taste.  Some people choose to eat crunchy peanut butter.  Some people like grape jelly.  I have made PBJ using left over pancakes as bread (this is quite good).  The point is that what is necessary to have a PJB and what we see as a perfect PBJ can be vastly different.

Following Christ is the same way.  There are things that are essential for me.  They are simple and direct.  I must insist that I believe and do those things.  I cannot say that beyond those simple things that anything is absolute truth.  How one worships God or how one feels about social issues are not my concern if those individuals are motivated by love for Christ.  I see it as insane that people like chunky peanut butter.  In my mind the existence of chunks violates the definition of butter.  That does not mean they are wrong. 

I must shed the filters of preference if I am to be wholly set apart to Christ.  I must end the division by promoting Christ, him crucified for my sins, and him risen for my redemption.  I can prefer many things within that freedom.  I can make choices about how to follow that are mine to live.  I must not demand that others do it the way I do it.  If I do I am violating the diversity that makes creation so beautiful. 

A perfect peanut butter sandwich is one that you savor and that fulfills your joy in eating it.  A perfect way to follow Christ is one that fulfills who he is and who he created you to be in him. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Bill’s Broken Watch

Greetings Dear Reader,

I have a friend, Bill who has a watch that does not work.  He wears it often.  I asked him the time one day and he commented that the watch does not work.  He then went on to tell me that it was a gift from his Bride and that it did not matter that it did not work. 

He does not know how much this impacted me.  As I attempt to cement my identity in Christ his small statement really speaks to me about who I am.  Is that now what Christ does with me.  I am busted stuff but he still claims me with pride and sees great value in me.  He is filled with joy that I am his.

I think too often I miss the delight that God finds in me and instead I see the failure, fears, and brokenness.  My Grandfather used to say that even a broken clock is right twice a day.  I spend so much time tell other broken people that they can become something.  I spend my energy showing them their value and potential.  I suppose I need to also remember that my busted stuff can be used for good.

Broken - Lifehouse

The broken clock is a comfort, it helps me sleep tonight

Maybe it can stop tomorrow from stealing all my time

I am here still waiting though i still have my doubts

I am damaged at best, like you've already figured out

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing

With a broken heart that's still beating

In the pain, there is healing

In your name I find meaning

So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on

I'm barely holdin' on to you

The broken locks were a warning you got inside my head

I tried my best to be guarded, I'm an open book instead

I still see your reflection inside of my eyes

That are looking for a purpose, they're still looking for life

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing with a broken heart that's still beating

In the pain (in the pain), is there healing In your name (in your name) I find meaning

So I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin')

I'm barely holdin' on to you

I'm hangin' on another day

Just to see what you throw my way

And I'm hanging on to the words you say

You said that I will be OK

The broken lights on the freeway left me here alone

I may have lost my way now, haven't forgotten my way home

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing with a broken heart that's still beating

In the pain(In the pain) there is healing In your name I find meaning

So I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'),

I'm barely holdin' on to you

I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'),

I'm barely holdin' on to you

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

A Pinch of Salt

Greetings Dear Reader,

Some years ago a friend told me that her husband was having trouble with the acid in coffee but he loved drinking coffee.  I remembered from my cooking days that in order to make coffee more mellow the head chef had used a pinch of salt in the urn.  I recommended this to my friend and her husband was again able to enjoy his coffee.

Often when my students are not working well during lab time I remind them that I have a three hour lecture on salt that I will be glad to deliver should they not return to their tasks.  I love salt in proper proportions.  I very rarely put in my food.  I feel it detracts from the taste and too much salt is unhealthy.

I read the other day a comment which said, “I see the world is the same but where is the salt and light?”  It seems that one of the things that Christians embrace in being salt is that they are allowed to rail on the sins of those who are outside of the faith.  I think that the proper use of salt would be to remove the acid not enhance it.

I am to be salt of the earth. Actually according to Jesus I already am.  If I am more salt than I am other things I will be unpleasant and unhealthy.  If my salt cuts the acid in the world and enhances the natural goodness then I am doing what I should.  I rarely weigh in on social issues but I know that anything less than love for those who are outside of Christ is not healthy for anyone.

If I am to be salt then I must assure that I am balanced in my approach to things.  I must seek to neutralize the acid and enhance the flavor.  I must preserve and season.  As with all things I must walk that narrow path between humility and boldness that reflects Christ and him alone.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

The Missing Piece

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am a longtime lover of the work of the late Shell Silverstein.  If one can read The Giving Tree without shedding a tear one needs his emotional well refilled.  Another of his books, The Missing Piece is a fable about trying to find that which fulfills us.

Whilst I love the story and the writing I must disagree with the conclusion that one can find the missing piece

and be fulfilled.  I am learning that the only time I am complete is when I allow the space that only Christ can fill to be filled by him.

It is when I try to replace the “God shaped vacuum” in my heart with anything else that I feel the most alone and incomplete.  All of the temporary satisfactions that I attempt leave me unfulfilled.  However, when I allow Christ to guide me in my steps and be my fulfillment I feel joy.  I feel whole and capable. 

I have been rereading a book given me by a dear friend as a graduation gift.  Even though the words were penned in 1633 they are eternally true.  When brokenheartedness assails me or I feel the shadows of loneliness and discontent vying for my energy I must refocus on that which fulfills me.

In Christ alone there is completeness.  In following is the only way that I do not put my wants/needs ahead of others and being loving to them.  There is no thing I have found that bring this level of peace.  I just wish I could always remember that in the moment.  In finding the missing piece is Christ is where I find my peace.

Jesu – The Temple – George Herbert

Jesu is in my heart, his sacred name

Is deeply carved there: but th’other week

A great affliction broke the little frame,

Ev’n all to pieces: which I went to seek:

And first I found the corner, where was J,

After, where ES, and next where U was graved,

When I had got these parcels, instantly

I sat me down to spell them, and perceived

That to my broken heart he was I ease you,

                                And to the whole is J E S U.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Blaming God

Greetings Dear Reader,

Too often when I encounter people who have walked away from faith they relate a story of a Christian or a church that has wronged them in some way.  Others speak of the irrelevance of the church to their generation.   Whilst I would agree that wrongs done by others and lack of true mission in some churches are valid complaints I would say that these issues have answers that can be addressed.

I have been harmed by others who claim to follow Christ.  My obligation is to forgive them and not to blame God.  I have seen churches that do not live out the mission Christ gave us.  They too have harmed me.  It is my obligation to work within the church to help correct the course of the journey.

If I blame God, disavow him, or sacrifice my belief in him I am also doing wrong.  If I choose to indulge my anger and pain over forgiveness and grace then I should not be surprised if I begin to doubt.  Failure to walk in grace yields doubt.  The inner pressure of anger and bitterness fuels disbelief. 

I must assure that no matter how dissatisfied I am with those around me and the way they treat the gospel that I do not blame God for their wrongs.  In choosing to give us free will God allows for followers that do not live up to his desire for us.  If he tolerates this then so must I.  I cannot allow their failures to cause me to forget my own.  I cannot allow a lack of grace in the church to overshadow the depth of grace I need.

I cannot demand that others be perfect until I am.  I cannot blame God for allowing them to fail until I cease failing him.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

We Paid for the Party with our Dearest Blood – After the Frey

Greetings Dear Reader,

In many countries today is still a holiday.  Easter Monday is celebrated in many Eastern Orthodox countries.  It is also a holiday in Australia.  In the United States candy is on sale and forgotten eggs are rotting in the yard.  I went to church, made apple cakes from and ancient recipe, and feasted on wild boar.

What is the difference for me then?  On this side of Holy Week I need to get my bearings a choose where to walk.  What I must not do is allow the cross to fall into the past.  I must not allow the price to be forgotten.  I cannot forget the cost of my feasting and celebration.  The cost of my joy, the price for my celebration, and the wages for my sin is God’s blood.

I must not walk any further without constant awareness of this.  Atonement exists because God died for me.  Anything good I have is because of this.  Anything beneficial I do is attributed to this.  It is Christ’s sacrifice for me that allows me to even begin to be pleasing to God.

The Resurrection must propel me to more than a once a year vigil.  I must live and move as if a resurrected Christ calls me to follow and then follow with all my heart.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."