USE CURRENT LOCATION

Moved with compassion … He had compassion on them … His heart overflowed with compassion … (Matthew 9:35; Mark 1:41; Luke 7:13 – as a few examples)

Compassion was one of the primary descriptions of Jesus by those who walked with Him. Jesus was unlike other Rabbi’s who seemed to be primarily concerned with propriety, order and everything being appropriate. Whether it was a crippled person in need of healing, the woman at the well in need of acceptance, or the woman caught in adultery that needed forgiveness, Jesus was motivated by compassion.

I was thinking about compassion and expressing compassion the other day when I was looking up directions for a building in downtown Seattle on my phone. When I pulled up the map app, the option for the starting point for directions was “USE CURRENT LOCATION.” What a great description of how Jesus expects us to live out compassion. He wants us to start right at our CURRENT LOCATION.

He doesn’t expect us to change location spiritually or physically to show compassion. He expects us to show compassion from our CURRENT LOCATION. He wants us to show compassion right where we live, work and play. He doesn’t want us to get ‘more spiritual’ and then show compassion. He wants us to show compassion now. He doesn’t want us to move to another location and then start showing compassion. He doesn’t want us to take off on a ‘mission trip’ somewhere and start showing compassion. He doesn’t want us to give our money to someone else who can show compassion. He doesn’t want us to support the compassion of an organization. He wants compassion from us in our CURRENT LOCATION.

He wants us to look around and see the people in our CURRENT LOCATION who need compassion!

Who in your CURRENT LOCATION needs to be accepted just as they are? Who in your CURRENT LOCATION needs a friend? Who in your CURRENT LOCATION needs you to be praying for them? Who needs a helping hand? Who needs someone to lean on?

Don’t wait to start at some other place. Let the compassion of Jesus flow from you right now in your CURRENT LOCATION. There are people at your CURRENT LOCATION who need you to be the compassion of Jesus.

Seek Week - March 4 - 9

Sunday March 4th will start Seek Week here at SWAG. Over the last few years we have encouraged people to set aside some time during Seek Week to spend with Jesus. Usually Seek Week has been towards the very beginning of a new year. Scheduling this year pushed it further out. Interestingly enough Seek Week falls right in the midst of the traditional forty days of Lent.

Personally I am concentrating on some verses written by the Apostle Paul to the church in the city of Ephesus. These verses describe Paul’s prayer for the church in Ephesus and his heart for the followers of Jesus in that city.

I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. (Ephesians 3:16-20 NLT)

His prayer is that God will empower people; that God will cause their roots to grow down into His love and keep them strong. That they would understand God’s love. That they would understand how absolutely amazing that love towards us is.

These verses describe my desire for each of you. I take seriously the responsibility of caring for those that Jesus has entrusted to me. Often I feel so incredibly inadequate in my ability and in my performance as a pastor. Though I am inadequate, God is adequate. God’s adequacy comes to each of us in Jesus Christ! Paul wrote that God is able to ‘accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.’

Jesus, empower your people, cause their roots to grow deep in your love. Keep us strong. Help us understand God’s love. Amen

If You Always Do What You've Always Done ...

I have been chewing on a statement that you might have heard before: "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." Some say that it was Mark Twain who penned the words.

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.

There are areas of life where this is true. When people keep making the same choices over and over, they are destined to get the same results.

There are areas of life where this is not true, though. There are aspects of life when people make the same choices over and over, and instead of getting the same results, they get less.

Think about it in the area of finances. If I always do what I've always done, I won't always get what I always got because gas prices go up. I have to pay more to get the same amount of gas which I got before. The only way to get a lot more gas is to pay a lot more.

If I always spend the way I've always spent, I will not get what I always got because everything costs more. If I always make what I've always made, I won't get what I always got because every week my buying power is less.

In many areas of life the statement should be: "If I always do what I've always done, I'll get less or worse than I always got." Or maybe the statement should be: "If I do a little more than I've always done, I'll merely get what I've always got.”

The truth in many areas of life is actually: If I do substantially more or different than I've always done, I'll get more or different than I've always got.

I haven’t been chewing on this in relation to finances or about getting things or about bettering life. I’ve been thinking about how there is a natural deterioration in the spiritual arena. When a person’s spiritual life is left to itself, it rusts, molds, grows moss and deteriorates. It takes a certain level of attention to spiritual health just to keep from rusting and molding spiritually. It takes a greater level of attention to spiritual health to keep growing and changing. The level of attention which, at one point in life, brought growth and change eventually is the level that is needed just to keep rust, moss and mold away.

Spiritually - praying, reading, resting - are you doing what you’ve always done or are you doing different/more?

Simply Jesus

Simply Jesus is the title of a book by the world’s leading New Testament scholar, NT Wright. Simply Jesus? Can people in 2012 know Jesus? Is there anything ‘simply’ about Jesus? More than 2000 years have passed since Jesus walked the earth, performed miracles, died and rose again. Throughout the last 2000 years innumerable volumes have been written about him. There are scores of views of who Jesus is and what he was like.

Can we completely know who Jesus is and what he was like? We almost certainly can’t know ‘completely’, but we can become more accurately acquainted with who Jesus was, and what Jesus was like, than is often believed. Jesus is not just a person imagined by broken hearted people whose stories have been elaborated on through the centuries.

Jesus is a real historical figure who walked this earth. There are records of him, and maybe as important, there are historical records of the time that he lived in. These documents have greater reliability than any writings from antiquity.

People in our part of the world are familiar with the name of Jesus. They are often not familiar with the real person of Jesus. People use the name of Jesus but most of the time they are not referring to the actual Jesus. They are referring to a view of Jesus that is an amalgamation of the varying views that they’ve come into contact with.

People sometimes say ‘the legend has grown’ when they refer to a historical figure. It is true that often the ‘legend’ does grow. This is not true of Jesus! The legend that is conveyed and referred to has shrunk instead of grown. The real Jesus is so much grander than what is believed by those who are Jesus followers, and the real Jesus’ grandness is so far above what is believed by those who are not yet Jesus followers.

Do you want to understand simply Jesus? It is possible; it just takes some digging. Dig, Dig, Dig.

Aborigines and Character Building

The Bible says some important things about people having or growing in ‘character.’ Ruth is called a woman of noble character. The book of Proverbs talks about a wife of noble character. Paul writes to the Corinthian believers about ‘bad company corrupting good character.’

Character is not something people possess. Character is something that is either forged or not forged in a person’s life. Paul wrote to the believers in Rome about the development or forging of character in a person’s life. We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. (Romans 5:3-4 NLT)

For 5000 years the aborigines of Australia practiced a form of ‘initiation’ or ‘right of passage’ from childhood to manhood with their young men. When a boy entered into the early years of manhood, he was taught about weapons, hunting and power. As part of the initiation process the young man was required to make his own axe. For a man the axe was a multifaceted tool. It was used for protection, hunting, gathering and building. While making the axe he was taught about the uses and the dangers of the axe. He was also instructed in the uses and the dangers of power. When the time was right, the young man would finish his axe, go on a ‘walkabout,’ and when he returned it was expected that he would be responsible with his axe and with his ‘power.’

In the late 1800’s, as the colony of Australia was being developed, the government observed that some aborigines had the necessary axe and others did not. The lack of having an axe limited their capacity for work and for providing for themselves. The government decided that they should provide each man with an axe.

Anthropologist and sociologist look back at that moment as a significant point in the collapse of the aboriginal culture. Soon violence, rebellion and crime erupted among the aboriginal people in ways never seen before.

The problem? The axe was given without the time, attention and expectations built into the young men. They were given the tool without the necessary character being ‘forged’ in their lives. They now had a weapon but didn’t know how to control and correctly utilize the power behind the weapon.

Character is part of what God is doing in each of our lives. He is at work through the tough times and through the good times, building character in our lives. Privileges, independence and power without character lead to destruction. Are you letting Jesus forge character in your life?

Music, Instruments, Worship and Singing – How about this history? Part 10

During the last part of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st century the face of the church has been going through earth shattering changes. The last 500 years the church has mostly consisted of people who were white, European and lived north of the equator. This has changed and continues to change in unprecedented ways. The mold of the church is now darker skinned, African, Asian and Latin American from south of the Equator.

Most of what the Western church would refer to as “real worship music” is not indigenous to the vast majority of today’s ethnically diverse church. Music started before the world was ever created. Before the great flood of Noah’s time Jubal was said to be the first of all who play the harp and flute. (Genesis 4:21 NLT)

Let me give you a personal observation. Various cultures, generations, individuals and movements within the church and church history each have music that appeals to them and that enables them to worship. A common practice for people is to claim that the music that appeals to them is ‘real worship music.’ “That’s not real worship or they aren’t really worshipping’ is a statement that I have heard people declare regarding forms of music that didn’t appeal to them.

The dilemma for each of us is that the music that God used to speak to us and to our generation becomes sacred. People who came before us really didn’t know ‘true worship’ and people after us ‘aren’t really worshipping.’ The music that God used to touch our lives and change people in our time period must be the most important and the ‘real worship music.’

When I think in those terms and talk in those terms aren’t I really saying: “When God chooses a CD or downloads a song to listen to (HE IS THE AUDIENCE AFTER ALL!!!!), the music God chooses is the music that appeals to me. God and I like the same kind of music.” “It moves us!” “In spite of the diverse music of the various periods in history, various cultures, various generations, various church movements and the incredible diversity in music appeal I’m sure that God chooses my music.”

When stated that way, the whole discussion seems a little foolish.

The reality is that God made us unique people and told us to worship him and adore him in unique ways and that He loves the diversity!

Now you know my opinion! --- The controversy around music continues! Matt

Music, Instruments, Worship and Singing – How About This History? Part 9

Here is some food for thought:
“If worship transforms us into kinder, more loving people, then why do we fight over worship?” Paul Basden

During the 19th and 20th centuries ‘freedom of style and independence’ in the area of worship was promoted from many corners of the church. This ‘freedom’ is what history now ironically called the "Liturgical Movement."

Religious music experienced a makeover to fit changing and evolving congregations. Liturgies were simplified and often translated into the language and culture of different people groups. The ‘Liturgical Movement’ sought to safeguard the history of the traditional music in the church all the while designing a style of music that would meet the needs of a more modern church attendee.

Music was not only simplified but was integrated into the worship service. Pastors, writers and composers once again wrote religious words that were sang to common folk melodies. The use of common melodies encouraged congregations to join in the singing. Examples of famous hymns set to popular tunes are "Amazing Grace" and "There is a Fountain."

Throughout the 20th century the debate about Christian music has gone through a range of seasons and storms in various movements. Some movements, who were once ridiculed and criticized for the adoption of ‘worldly’ music, songs or ways, have now become the movement that ‘is holding firm’ and ‘is not compromising.’ Each generation experiences in some ways the chastisement of the previous generation for ‘not really worshiping’ and for being shallow and entertaining. Ironically within a few short decades the chastised become the chastisers.

The latter part of the 20th century has been a repeat in many ways of the last 2000 years. A new musical idea once again transformed the music of the church with the introduction of what is often referred to as ‘Contemporary Christian Music.’ From the folk rock of the 70's, with its guitars and drums, Christian music morphed again with the rap groups of the 21st century. Christian music continues to evolve with artists who aspire to preserve the message of the church while meeting the needs of an ever-changing world.

The controversy around music continues! Stay Tuned for the final episode – Part 10

Music, Instruments, Worship and Singing – How about this history? Part 8

Here is some food for thought:
“If worship transforms us into kinder, more loving people, then why do we fight over worship?” Paul Basden

In the 18th century as population, travel, printing, mass manufacturing and standardized education increased, church music style and preferences stretched further than it ever had before. Christian song writers and composers "borrowed" familiar melodies from the secular world and popular songs were rewritten using religious words.

During this time hymns, anthems, and choruses were composed for congregational participation in both Catholic and Protestant churches. Throughout this era the same melody was often used as a hymn and a cantata or mass. For example, Bach's Cantata #80 is based on the hymn "A Mighty Fortress is our God." Beethoven's Ninth Symphony and "Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee" share a melody line.

‘Spirituals’ is the label that was given the songs, anthems and chorus sung by the slaves, in the southern states, during this period. The spirituals brought comfort, community, hope and a connection to God. Much of what has happened in the music industry over the last 200 years, including in the church world, has been a mixing of popular, familiar and cultural music. These music styles and preferences have been adopted by different groups of believers and used as their expression worship of God.

The use of ‘borrowed’ material from the world and visa-versa is not new. Musicians have been ‘borrowing’ melodies, rhythms and styles in every setting for generations. The instruments, melodies, styles and environments may have changed but the controversy of what constitutes true worship music has always been there.

Stay tuned for Part 9.
Matt

Music, Instruments, Worship and Singing – How about this history? Part 7

“If worship transforms us into kinder, more loving people, then why do we fight over worship?” Paul Basden

The controversy over the organ continued to be played out in church circles for years.

John and Charles Wesley, the founders of the Methodist movement, were both song writers. Charles Wesley was the most prolific. He wrote 6,500 songs during his lifetime. He often used bar tunes as the musical background for the songs he wrote. Many of the songs that Charles wrote were paraphrased from the Church of England’s Prayer Book.

John Wesley was said to have commented about the organ: “I have no objection to the organ in our chapels provided it is neither seen nor heard.”

During the 1860’s Charles Spurgeon refused to place an organ in his 5,000 seat Metropolitan Tabernacle out of fear that people would come to hear the music, and not the message. Over time though the organ and the style of music the organ was suited for became the tradition of the church.

On the other end of the spectrum of the discussion and controversy over church music, worship style and instruments, William Booth (1829-1912), founder of the Salvation Army, used brass bands on the streets, which he was criticized for. His response to the criticism was, “Why should the Devil have all the best music?”

The controversy around music continued! Stay tuned for Part 8.

Music, Instruments, Worship and Singing – How about this history? Part 6

“If worship transforms us into kinder, more loving people, then why do we fight over worship?” Paul Basden

One of the most prolific worship song writers of all time was Isaac Watts (1674-1748). He has been called the “Father of English Hymnody.” During his song writing career he created a stir by paraphrasing Scripture into his ‘man-made’ hymns.

Watts was brilliant as a young boy, having learned five languages by the time he turned twelve. As a young man Watts was distressed by the dry singing in the English churches. His frustration motivated him to produce over 750 hymns. His derision for the existing church music moved him to remark, “The singing of God’s praise is the part of worship most closely related to heaven; but its performance among us is the worst on earth.” The influence of the hymns that Watts wrote on the English churches of his day compares to the impact that ‘contemporary music’ has had on the church in the last 50 years. In Watts’ time churches often split due to the conflict between traditional church music and the sacred music. Much of this conflict was directly related to the songs that he wrote.1

The sacred music that Watts wrote once again allowed people to move from being audiences of great works of music to participants in the worship service. Throughout the 18th century, composers "borrowed" common melodies of popular non-church songs as the tunes for worship music. The worship lyrics were sung to the popular tune. During this period hymns, anthems, and choruses, as the church has come to call them, were written by musicians, clergy and lay people.

The controversy around music continued!
Stay tuned for Part 7.
Matt

1. (Resource: THE PHILOSOPHY OF CHURCH MUSIC AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE EXPANSION OF THE CHURCH -- A Paper Presented to Dr. Thom Rainer - The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)