Almost everyone I know would agree with this statement. Many verses can be used as a proof text for this belief. Both male and female are made in the image of God (Gen 1:27). There are no distinctions between male and female in Christ (Gal 3:28). And God shows no partiality (Rom 2:11).

But I guess my wife and I are the exception to everyone else. Because we believe being husband and wife is different then simply just being male and female. We are not two people that are equal. We are two people joined together as one. God does not see us as equals, he sees us a one being.

Marriage is a special and unique relationship. Where male and female are indeed equal in value, equal in importance, and have the same opportunity for salvation, in the covenant of marriage it is no longer two people but one body. The sum is indeed greater then its parts.

All marriages look different. But where a marriage becomes unhealthy is when they forget they are one flesh. Selfish ambition, coveting, and pride can quickly ruin a marriage. Humility, respect, and love will build a marriage up.

Husbands and wives aren’t sharing their lives together, they are sharing one life together.

The world laments the fact those who have religious convictions vote according to their convictions. As if somehow if the person did not have their religion then they would agree with the rest who have a different religion or none at all. As if one person’s opinion is less valid because it is influenced by the person’s religion.

The truth of Christ is another matter all together. If the nature of Christ is true then nothing else matters. He is Lord of all and his commands define life and rules the world. It is not mere religion that dictates my life, it is Jesus Christ!

Jesus says, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” If Jesus is Lord of my life then I must deny myself daily and follow him. What my friend was insisting was that I put my proverbial cross down in order to engage in conversation with him. But it is no longer I that live but Christ within me. How can I, who as denied himself and his own desires, stop being who Jesus has made me to be?

If I come across as being “overly religious” then perhaps it is Christ living through me. When he does I speak like him, albeit a little imperfect. But hey, I am growing daily in Christ. Jesus will continue the good work that he has started in me until that final day when we will see him. Then we will know him for we will be like him.

I once believed God could do anything; grow a blue orange or create a round square. I dealt with this in another post. I believe God is limited by his own nature.

The same goes for his power. We can imagine an all powerful God who can do anything our imagination can fathom. But I don’t believe this is true. God is only as powerful as he says he is.

God is powerful enough to create the world from nothing. He is powerful enough to do all the things he has done in history. And he is powerful enough to do all the things he says he going to do.

So when I encounter the question, “If God is all powerful why is there still suffering in this world?” God is either all powerful and doesn’t care about suffering, or he is incapable of ending suffering. This is all in spite of the fact God has taken steps to deal with suffering in this world through Jesus Christ. I would initial argue they are just being impatient.

But his is a legitimate question one in which I believe I am incapable of adequately answering. Nevertheless I would answer several ways. First, I would mention the actions God has already taken in Christ and his future kingdom. Second, I believe God being the ultimate being capable of weighing every scenario chose Jesus Christ as the best, and only, solution. Third, in light of the second reason I would state that God is incapable of ending suffering here and now.

“Whoa, I think you’ve just lost your religion pastor Drew.” Not in the least. If Christ is the best and only way, any other way is impossible for God to take because his own desire and will constrains his power. As I stated before, God is limited by his own nature. He cannot be God and not-God. It is impossible.

Then, you would say, “Then he is not all powerful! How then did he create the universe?” But he is all powerful. Having the ability to do something does not mean you actually do that thing. Lack of action does not mean lack of ability. It means one can control one’s self within his own set of parameters. For God, his parameters, are his nature, his law or word, and his decreed plan.

So is God all powerful? He only needs to be powerful enough to be the God he has revealed himself to be.

Students of the first session of Reach Out School

This is why First Mission as partnered with Reach Out School of Ministries to start new bible school in Nakuru. Classes are in session only three times a year for two weeks per session. The classes are intense and accelerate. This way it insures the student does not have to take too much time away from family and work.

Also, the goal is for tuition, room and board, to be as low cost as possible. To keep costs down the school has partnered with the Church of God in Kenya to offer their Certificate in Ministerial Studies (CIMS). Also, the teachers are manually translating the material from English to Swahili.

This is where First Mission comes in. We want to help the pastors and leaders who are not able to pay the full price for school. We want to be able to sponsor 40 pastors for one two week session this year. Second, we want to be able pay for the teachers’ work in translating and in teaching. Four teachers are needed for one two week session.

Students of the first session of Reach Out School

Tuition along with room and board for two weeks in only $120 per student. This means you could give a one time amount of $30 you would help sponsor a student for almost 4 days of college education! Or you could give $30 a month for four months and sponsor a pastor for a full two week session.

Maybe you have a special heart for teachers? The wages for two weeks of work for a teacher is $240. If you give a one time gift of $30 you would help support a teacher for almost two days work! Or you could give $30 a month for eight months and sponsor a teacher for a full two week session.

This is your mission: make a difference. Let us be your First Mission. Click here it give today!

The other day I was walking in town along with my son. We crossed a bridge that spanned a small river. My son was surprised to see a pretty river under the bridge. Usually when we cross the bridge we are driving over. There is much a little boy does not see sitting in a car. He also noticed something else not so pretty.

He asked me, “Why do people liter?” The liter was strewn on the banks of the river and in the wooded area on both sides. I simply told him, “Some people just don’t care about other people.”

Huh? What does caring for people have to do with caring for nature?

This is where “creation care” begins for the follower of Jesus. At what point do my actions towards our environment affect my fellow neighbor? Trash along a river bed does affect the quality of the water. In turn you can poison fish, or worse, poison people who drink the water or eat the fish.

Another example: You may not think littering on the highway affects other people but I assure you it does. Debris on the highway affects the integrity of the roads and driving conditions. This in turn affects the condition of our vehicles. Doing damage to a car owned by a low income family can have a dramatic affect on that family, especially if it is their only means of transportation to work.

Some Christians tie “creation care” to God’s mandate for Adam to “tend the garden” (Gen 2:15). They say if Adam was commanded to tend the garden of Eden then Christians ought to follow suit. I don’t think this way. It places nature on a level on par with Man, as if to say, love your neighbor and nature as yourself. I believe the earth was made for Man, and not the other way around. If I am to understand Jesus correctly my obligations begins with God and ends with Man. I don’t remember Jesus teaching on “creation care.”

But nonetheless the second greatest commandment to love your neighbor as yourself includes keep the environment your neighbor lives in clean and safe. Let’s all do our part in remembering God’s creation and the people he loves.

The Gentile culture consisted of any one who was not Jew. Therefore, you had Greeks, Romans, Africans, and Asians just to name a few. What separated these cultures was the Law of Moses. The Jews said that everyone should follow the Law of Moses to be part of the community. But the Gentiles did not want to commit to such laws and throw away their own culture. Needless to say there were conflicts with in the community.

But Jesus changed all that. The Apostle Paul says, “For Jesus himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people… He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations.”

The culture that divided was torn down. What was left was a culture that transcended all other cultures. One that every culture could adapt and follow without compromising their own. Jews were allowed to continue to be Jews. Gentiles were allowed to be Gentiles. And those who followed Jesus, whether Jew, Gentile, rich, poor, man, or woman were made one people within Jesus.

Through Jesus we can now have peace. We will have peace one with another if we follow Jesus! Cultures fail to bring people together. Yet Jesus our mediator can bring people together under the mutual understanding of loving God and loving our fellow humans.

 Part 1

LeVar Burton played a favored character Geordi La Forge in TNG series. But before I discovered Star Trek I watched LeVar on Reading Rainbow. I believe my love for books began with Lavar say, “But you don’t have to take me word for it…” He encouraged children to read. Even now LeVar is building a better tomorrow with his work in Reading Rainbow.

In a recent interview with TechCrunch LeVar spoke about his idea that creativity plus technology equals culture. He said, “I don’t believe science has provided an answer to the questions that human beings tend to ask in terms of ‘Why are we here?’, ‘What are we doing here?’,  ‘What is the mission while we’re here?’” These are questions of value. Science can answer the questions of “how”, “where”, and “what”. But science can never answer the questions of “why” and “who” when it comes to culture. Because the “why we are here” and “who we are”  are values that can only be defined by those within the culture.

LaVar continues, “If religion was going to be the answer it would have done it already. The last 2000 years have revealed that religion is yet another way that tends to divide us. I genuinely believe that after looking into it culture is the only mechanism that tends to bind us together.” He dismisses religion (specifically Christianity due to the time frame he uses) in favor of culture. But is not religion a part of culture? And does not culture itself divide? Take two different cultures that believe in the same religion you can still have conflict, the American Civil War for example.

I don’t believe you can separate culture from religion. Or that culture is neutral when it comes to conflict. It can fuel conflict just as well as religion. Where religion fails culture does also.

What we need is to find a culture that transcends all other cultures. One that can be adapted into every culture in our world.

“LeVar Burton On How Interstellar Human Travel Could Become A Reality [TCTV]“
Video By: Colleen Taylor Thursday, March 14th, 2013
http://techcrunch.com/2013/03/14/levar-burton-100-year-starship-tctv/

Part 2

During my recent trip to Kenya I saw first hand the poverty that exists in the world. Poverty hinders the education of many children and adults. Some people have lost hope for themselves and their children. But there is hope. There are a growing number of people who desire better for their lives and lives of their children and community. They know education is the key. First Mission is dedicated to helping pastors, leaders, and children in Africa realize their dreams through education. This will be done through charitable  sponsorships to support teachers; through sponsorships to pay tuition for students of all ages; and funds to build schools and churches. Education is the first step out of poverty. First Mission aims to provide that step.

Our friends in Kenya are well on their way to building a education program in Kenya. They already have 35 pastors and deacons signed up for the first round of classes. But, there is still much more to be done.

Our biggest obstacle are the start-up cost. Currently we need $1600 just to file the paperwork. We ask that you pray for our new endeavor and ask for God’s favor in our humble beginnings.

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Christ Gives A Fuller Revelation:

[1:1] Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, [2] but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.
(Hebrews 1:1-2 ESV)

Throughout the New Testament there are several instances in which the revelation of Christ is highlighted as better, higher then the law, and final. Christ “is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (v. 3). He is the example of God on this earth. Where the Old Testament lacks Christ reveals. Where the Old Testament was inadequate Christ made adequate. Where the Old Testament over stepped its boundaries Christ superseded it.

Christ Is A Better Messenger:

[3] For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.
(Hebrews 3:3 ESV)

God sent Moses to lead His people from the house of bondage, God sent Christ to lead His people out of the bondage of sin. Christ was the messenger that was sent before the people of Israel into the promise land. Rightly so does the writer of Hebrews mention the Creator is above the created. Should not the maker receive more glory then the one made?

Christ is a better High Priest:

[14] Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
(Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV)

The High Priest of the Old Covenant represented the people to God. He would where a vestige of jewels that represented the 12 tribes of Israel. He would enter the temple, the Holy of Holies, once a year on the Day of Atonement. But Christ, the last Adam, represent all mankind, and once and for all made atonement once. There is not need for an intermediary. Christ is our intermediary!

Christ makes a better covenant:

[6] But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. [7] For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.
(Hebrews 8:6-7 ESV)

The Old Covenant was inadequete to save one to eternal life. The promises in the Old Covenant were not eternal in the sense they only promised blessings on earth to those who had faith in God. But, there was a City of God that was to come! The New Covenant will bring the City to earth, and it is now here inside of us! Christ brought us not only blessings in the here and now, but eternal blessings; better promises! “In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” (Hebrews 8:13 ESV)

Christ is a better Sacrifice:

[10:1] For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. [2] Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins? [3] But in these sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. [4] For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
(Hebrews 10:1-4 ESV)

Christ’s sacrifice was better because it took all our sins away once and for all. There is no need for further sacrifice. Christ said, “Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body have you prepared for me.” (Hebrews 10:5 ESV) His body is what God desired. He wanted a fuller, a better, sacrifice that would save His people from their sins.

Christ provides a better way in faith:

[36] For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. [37] For,
“Yet a little while,
and the coming one will come and will not delay;
[38] but my righteous one shall live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
my soul has no pleasure in him.”
[39] But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.
(Hebrews 10:36-39 ESV)

[12:1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [2] looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
(Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)

It is by faith that we are saved. Just as the people of Old looked to Christ, the new City of God, in faith we too must follow through in faith. Christ is the author of this faith. It is a gift given to us to use, to exercise, in our endurance. Not only does he give us this faith he also perfects our faith. He will complete the good work in us until the end. The Old way was one of works. Yet, faith is the way God had planned throughout all the ages.

The lawyer had asked Jesus what was the greatest commandment in the law. Jesus asked the lawyer, “How do you read it?” The lawyer replied, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” After an affirmation from Jesus the lawyer wanted to clarify who a neighbor really was. In reality, the lawyer wanted to be able to choose who was his neighbor. Jesus went on the tell the parable of the Good Samaritan.

We often interpret this story to mean that everyone is our neighbor. This is a good safe interpretation. It moves us to be nice and loving to everyone we come into contact with. But, could we be missing an important application? Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon in their book The Art of Neighboring said, “The problem is…that when we aim for everything, we hit nothing. So when we insist we’re neighbors with everybody, often we end up being neighbors with nobody.” They encourage everyone to get involved with their actual neighbors. Concerning the parable of the Good Samaritan, Pathak and Runyon state, “Jesus assumed that his audience would be able to love those nearest to them, their literal neighbors, the people most like them, who shared the same heritage and geography.” Basically, those who live near by, our actual neighbors.

Maybe the first step towards following Jesus involves walking across the street.

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