As a small group or church leader, do you ever run across a person with a mixed worldview? A Christian who can’t articulate the fundamentals of their faith? A Christian whose values and beliefs are blended with beliefs of other faiths or worldviews? Or perhaps you are discipling a person who holds onto lies and can’t seem to replace them with truth. These are difficult enough circumstances, but add to that your own lack of clarity and we have a real mess. Beieve me. I’ve been there.

Enter Christian Contours: How a Biblical Worldview Shapes the Mind and Heart. This book is a series of chapters written by different authors and edited by Douglass S. Huffman, Professor and Associate Dean of Biblical and Theological Studies at Biola University in LaMirada, CA. All of the other authors are on the faculty at Northwestern College. His goal is to “reacquaint al Christians with the basic claims that the historic Christian faith has about all of life in every era.” He addresses both the heart and the mind, with the intent of encouraging a biblical worldview scholarship, character, and conduct.

The authors do a good job of pointing out how to use the material practically. They also offer outstanding footnotes and a huge resource section (66 pages) at the end. While this book is definitely written at a college level, it offers some very practical strategies for helping your folks live authentically. For example, they affirm a single Christian worldview, which in turn should affect behavior. They make the case that while my beliefs don’t change truth, the truth can change my beliefs. If I operate out of an authentic Christian worldview, it will change I behavior. And that makes this an excellent resource for leaders who want to see their people  grow into “mighty oaks of righteous, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor” (Isa 61:3).

As Peter brings his letter to a close, he offers encouragement to his audience, both young and old. It seems that he’s saying that suffering is hard, so we need one another.

He tells the older readers to be good examples, to shepherd the flock of God that is among them. Sue Edwards points out that, while our natural tendency is to assume he’s addressing the men who hold the office of elder, in fact, that office did not exist until the early second century, long after this letter was written. Therefore, he is addressing men who, simply because of their age and experience, were viewed as leaders of these Diaspora churches. That makes it more applicable to us today. I don’t hold the office of elder, but I certainly meet the criteria of an older woman, an elder, and therefore, have responsibility to set a good example for younger women – and men.

He also addresses the younger generation, urging them to humbly be subject to the leadership of the elders. He suggests that by being willing to humble themselves, their turn will come when God will exalt them.

Young and old tend to be fretful and anxious, but Peter urges us to cast all our cares upon him, for he cares for us. That’s good news, whether we are being persecuted or just living life. He also tells us why we need to cling to God – we have an enemy who is deliberately prowling around looking for the weaklings and the loners. He’ll pick them off without a thought.

In my experience as a prayer minister and small group leader, I’ve seen all too well how Satan works his way into those who are weak and into lives that look pretty good. And usually because of ignorance, these people lay out the welcome mat and allow him to wreck havoc with their lives. When we finally get to the source and free them, there is great rejoicing. But that work is almost never done alone. We need community.

As Peter winds up this book, his point seems to be that you will suffer, but you don’t need to suffer alone. If we live caring for one another, submitting to one another, and watching one another’s back, we can get through the tough times and in the end we will be rewarded when He himself restores, confirms, strengthens, and establishes us.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this study. I believe it’s timely for us in America. Please share your thoughts with us.

Photo: iStockPhoto

We’re all terminal.  Yep, that’s the human condition. Not one of us will get out of this life alive. But for some reason, most of us live like we will.

Peter, writing in about AD 60, says, “The end of all things is near.” Remember that he is writing to the diaspora – to Jews who have been expelled from their homelands because of persecution. Their lives have already been uprooted. Now he’s saying that the end is near. And indeed, things got worse and in 70 AD, the Romans destroyed the temple in Jerusalem and conquered the Jews. Yes, for many, it was the end. Since that time, Christians have lived with the belief they are living in the end times. Paul said it. Peter said it. Our pastors today say it. Some Christians believe they will be snatched away before things get really bad, but tell that to believers in most of the third world. They are living in tribulation right now.

In this 8^th chapter of Sue Edwards’ study of 1 Peter, she explores how we can persevere knowing that that end is near. Peter tells us, “Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray.” Clearly, sober, thoughtful prayer will help us through the tough times. Then he says, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” Prayer and love. That’s how we are to persevere when everything we’ve valued is lost.

I often wonder how I would manage in persecution. Would I survive? Would I be able to thrive? Or would I become bitter, angry, hostile? One thing I know is that learning, memorizing, and living the Word of God will equip me better than anything else. I’m amazed as I minister to people how few really know the Word and how even fewer believe it and live it. It’s there for our benefit, but we think we don’t really need it now. Problem is, when we need it we may no longer have access to it.

What are your thoughts? How did you interact with the passage this week?

Photo Courtesy Flickr/mobilephotos@heidenstrom

This week in our Sue Edwards’ study on 1 Peter, we’re studying how to remain at peace with our brothers and sisters, as well as those who persecute us. I have to tell you that I’m not great at peacemaking. Sure it’s my intention, but when I’m crossed or offended, pride and self-protection rise up within me and I may not be so nice. I’m also a chicken when it comes to following the Matthew 18 admonitions to deal with offenses one to one. OK, I’ve even engaged in unbiblical complaining to others a time or two rather than going to the person directly. My intentions are good, but my flesh gets in the way. Can anyone relate??

Peter tells us to “have unity of spirit, sympathy, love for one another, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” This is how we are to be with one another. In our homes, families, churches, small groups. With fellow believers. Brothers and sisters. We need to begin practicing this now, because the next verse ramps it up a lot. He says, “Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called—that you might inherit a blessing.” If we can’t make peace with those who aren’t persecuting us, how will be ever be able to obey this under persecution?

I’ve always been impressed with the story of Richard Wurmbrand, founder of Voice of the Martyrs who was imprisoned in communist Romania for 14 years. Despite harsh conditions that included horrible physical abuse and torture, he returned love for hate. VOM now supports our brothers and sisters around the world who are being persecuted for Christ. I make it a point to read their free magazine every month, simply to keep my heart and mind ready for the persecution I expect will come here in my lifetime. Am I ready? Are you?

Did you watch the Superbowl last weekend? I’m not much of a football fan, and certainly wasn’t excited about the teams after the local 49ers lost to the Giants in the playoffs. But like so many Americans, I watched the Superbowl for the commercials.

Now I know that Superbowl commercials are always a little edgy, but did you think there were more scantily clad women than usual? It seemed that so many companies objectified women with abandon. I was embarrassed by some of those ads, especially those from GoDaddy and Telaflora! And did you see that halftime show featuring an aging Madonna trying to look 20-something? Is that what it takes to attract men these days? Bikinis and brazen sexuality?

Then we come in Sue Edwards’ study on 1 Peter to 1 Peter 3:1-7 where women are given an entirely different standard – don’t use your looks (read: sexuality) to win over or manipulate your husbands, either to the Lord or to your way of thinking. Peter calls on women to evidence a gentle and quiet spirit, to submit graciously, and to not fear. The example he uses is Sarah, who was beautiful but modest, assertive but submissive. In both the culture of Abraham and Sarah and of the first century Roman Empire, these words were both expected and revolutionary since women were considered property – more like the Muslim world today than America. Yes, women were expected to submit, but Peter is talking about a heart attitude rather than a physical behavior. And women had good reason to fear since their fates were entirely at the hands of their husbands. Then in an equally revolutionary command, he calls on men, not to ogle, brutalize, or use women sexually, but to live with them in understanding and honor. To treat them like human beings. In Peter’s culture, these behaviors would indeed stand out. They would be countercultural.

So what do we do with his charge today? How do we live in this culture with those biblical standards? Are they out of date, or do they still make sense 2,000 years later? How can we as Christian women apply these standards to our lives today? Even in the face of a culture that seems to prefer sexualized beauty? I’d really like to hear from you.

Image courtesy of http://clipart.ochristian.com

I have to confess that science was one of my worst subjects in school. And the last time I took a science course was as an undergrad – let’s just say, a few years ago… So this book (provided by Kregel Publications) is not one I would ordinarily be attracted to. But since one of the key principles of Mighty Oak Ministries is “healing progressively” and since I’m convinced that “His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Pet. 1:3), I was intrigued. What has God provided in our genetic code and beyond that might contribute to our ability to heal our bodies, our minds, and our spirits?

The Mysterious Epigenome, written by Thomas E. Woodward and James P. Gills, attempts to provide the layperson with an understanding of current research in genetics, with a particular focus on the epigenome. Don’t know what that is? Neither did I. The authors define the epigenome as

a second biological encyclopedia of information that resides above the primary information stored within our DNA… a complex system in the cell—sophisticated “software” situated beyond DNA—that directs DNA’s functions and is responsible for our embryonic development and the differentiation of a single, fertilized egg cell into more than two hundred cell types in a mature body. This higher control system is also implicated in aging processes, cancer, and many other diseases. It guides the expression of DNA, telling different kinds of cells to use different genes, and to use them in the precise ways that meet the needs of those different cells.

Well, that was clear. Although they call the epigenome software, they also discuss its physical properties, and in fact, offer some informative photographs to illustrate. It appears that there are elements within the cell that were previously considered junk DNA, throwaways from evolution, that we have now discovered have incredible usefulness. These elements form the epigenome – a second level of information – that influences DNA, RNA, and protein production. (I wondered how the epigenome relates to stem cells, but they didn’t answer that question.) The epigenome is changed by our environment and personal habits (smoking, diet, stress, etc.) and these changes can be passed on to our offspring.

In the trauma work I do I have often heard that our DNA is changed by stress and trauma, giving us a scientific explanation of Ex. 20:5. I’ve never been able to find a good scientific explanation of just how this works, although I’ve certainly seen it often enough when dealing with more than one generation. I’ve also experienced and ministered generational healing, where it seems that through repentance, forgiveness, and blessing, there is a physical as well as emotional and spiritual reordering and healing of brokenness. But my experience has all been anecdotal. I keep looking for scientific confirmation.

This book offers some of that explanation, and I’m sure if I were to read it a few more times, I’d come away with a better understanding. It also challenged me to search for validation and clarification of what the authors assert. My linear mind was disappointed that they would start to describe a function or behavior of DNA, the genome, or epigenome, and then suddenly make a sharp right turn and be describing something else. I would have appreciated in-text diagrams and roadmaps showing me where we were in the cell and how it all fit together. I had to go to Wikipedia for that. And I would have appreciated more clarity on the health implications of this knowledge, especially how to impact adults who have already damaged their DNA. In all fairness, I may be asking too much. I got the impression that this is definitely an intermediate report in a field that is changing daily. It is very possible that the answers I want aren’t known yet. But a little more clarity would have been helpful to this non-scientist.

The authors did try to dumb it down for the lay person by taking the reader on an “Incredible Journey,” describing an Epcot-like ride through the cell in a miniaturized capsule. Frankly, that was just a bit too cute for me, and used valuable real estate that I would have preferred in illustrations or more clear explanations.

The authors clearly approach the book from an Intelligent Design (ID) perspective, and while that isn’t their stated purpose in the beginning, it’s clear by the end where they spend several chapters countering the evolutionary evidence. This they do well. But then, I was already convinced.

This book will be useful to two groups in my audience. First, it would be a good book for a small group that is interested in science or for a tough questions group. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter will help the facilitator, although I would want to read more and have a better working knowledge of the subject before attempting to use it in a group. Especially if that group included ardent ID foes. Second, it is a useful resource for those in personal healing prayer ministry. As I have gained a better understanding of our design, I have ideas for ministering healing to those who have been wounded, especially by trauma or lifestyle issues.

I’d love to know what you think of it. Please join the conversation.

In this fourth lesson of Sue Edwards’ study on 1 Peter, we come to what I consider to be some of the most difficult verses in the Bible. I am, by nature and heritage, a fighter. I feel justice deeply within my soul and spirit. Even as a child, I would get in trouble for standing up for those treated unjustly as well as being quick to point out misbehavior (read: tattle). I believed that the world should be fair and just. I still do.

So of course, I’m frustrated almost every day as I see injustice at every level. I do indeed feel like an alien in a strange country. I do a lot of prayer ministry with women, and my spirit rails at the pain they have suffered. I often wonder how some of these women even get up in the morning, so horrendous was the abuse they have endured. And yet, Peter tells us to submit. (Don’t you hate that word?) He says to submit to ungodly governmental officials (a timely word for today). He says to submit to ungodly laws (another timely word). He hints that if we are ever in a situation like Christ was, we are to submit.

It just doesn’t make sense. Or does it? A seriously misunderstood spiritual principal is that of coming in the opposite spirit. When we fight back according to our flesh, there is almost always anger, hatred, bitterness, strife and a whole host of other ungodly attitudes flying around in the atmosphere. It makes sense to our wounded flesh, but it’s really a snare. We simply add fuel to the devil’s schemes. He’s coming at us (directly or through people under his influence) with these attitudes. When we respond in like manner, we’re simply adding fuel to the fire. No hope of putting out that fire. James 3:5 talks about how even our words (not to mention our actions) can figuratively set a forest ablaze. I’ve been there and chances are, so have you.

But when we come in the opposite spirit, when we repay evil with love and kindness, it’s like throwing water on that fire. Our actions dilute the impact, cause the fire to sputter, and perhaps to die. It works, and Jesus is our example. Problem is, it’s so counter-intuitive that it’s very hard to remember and harder to do. But friends, it works.

I don’t think it’s coincidental that 1 Peter 2:24 is at the end of this chapter. Jesus was our model. He went to the cross without fighting back. He forgave. He made a public spectacle of Satan (Col. 2:15), turning Satan’s biggest coup into his biggest defeat. And in the process, he bought not only our forgiveness, but also our healing. When we respond like Him, we are in a position to actually receive and experience that healing. I’m going to make a greater effort to submit to what God allows in my life. How about you? Share with us how you interacted with this passage.

 –In what circumstances do you find it most difficult to submit and behave as Jesus did?

–Where are you being stretched and challenged to behave rightly now?

–Do you believe Godly submission will result in the healing of your spirit, soul, and body?

Remember that this letter is addressed to people under duress. To exiles in the government-instigated Diaspora. People who were being tested and tried in various areas of their lives. Peter says that, contrary to what we tend to think, the testing can result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus is revealed. Have you seen this in your life?

In my ministry, I find that most personal challenges or problems start in our minds. And I’ve learned that in order to survive and even thrive in an environment of testing, the battle begins in the mind. Peter tells his readers to literally “gird up the loin of their minds.” This image is a reference to the way men dressed in the first century. They wore long, flowing robes that hindered their movements. They could walk, but if they needed to run, they would gather up the robes and tuck them into their belt, creating a sort of pantaloons. They took a deliberate steps to prepare them for action.

We need to do the same with our minds. We need to take a deliberate action to constrain, restrain, and retrain our minds to prepare ourselves for action, to prepare ourselves for the testing that inevitably comes to each of us. Peter tells us to be “sober-minded”—to not become drunk and silly because of our stink’ thinkin’. Then he tells us to hope (imperative) on the grace of Jesus. This is another deliberate action, an intentional choice. A decision.

Peter tells us to not become conformed to the passions of our ignorance. In other words, we often make decisions and take actions based on incomplete facts. We don’t know what God is doing in our lives, so we can’t make decisions based on feelings, on ignorance. Rather, we need to decide, to make a deliberate decision, an intentional choice To gird up the loins of our minds, to rein in those wayward thoughts and emotions, and to set our faces like flint toward Jesus. So this week, share with us how you are going to do this and how this community can help you.

 Where are you being tested this week?

In what areas of your life are you most vulnerable to stinking’ thinkin’?

What can you do (practical steps) to gird up the loins of your mind?

What resources has God given us to assist in the effort? Read and consider 1Cor. 2:12, 2 Cor. 10:4-5, and Phil 4:8.

Photo Courtesy of flick.com/katclay

As I always try to do the first week or so of January, I’ve been praying a lot about my year. I’ve evaluated last year, rejoicing in the things that worked and critiquing the things that didn’t. What do I want to repeat in 2012? What do I want to avoid like the plague in 2012? I’m always hardest on myself. My planning partners are much kinder. So let me share two things I’ve come away with as I’ve planned this year. Both of these are thanks to my friend, Sandy Brannon of Establish Intention  who keeps me honest with myself.

The first is celebration. I don’t do it enough. Sandy’s Challenge of Jan. 4, 2012  is to celebrate God and what He’s doing in our lives. I confess that I tend to be thankful, but then move right on to the next thing. I don’t really CELEBRATE the good things in my life or the God who gives them. I don’t stop. I just offer thanks and move on. This year, I want to be more intentional about celebrating. I want to share more glory stories and God sightings. I want to feel the delight of a child when a plan comes together. I want to giggle more and dance more and squeal more.

The second is to ask of any opportunity, “What’s in it for God?” The answer to that may be very different from my usual “What’s in it for me?” or “How will this further my goals?” Since my work is essentially all ministry, it’s easy to assume that everything I do will and must glorify Him. But does it? And what of the “interruptions” that have become a very large part of my life? Coordinating the medical care for my 90-year-old mom and disabled sister? Assisting my husband who has Parkinson’s Disease? Having lunch with a friend? Serving as a patient advocate for the Parkinson’s Institute? None of those further the goals of Mighty Oak Ministries, but do they further the goals of God? I’m stopping to ask myself that question these days. And committing myself to look at everything I do through His eyes.

How about you?
Are you celebrating God today?
Are you asking, “What’s in it for God?”

This book is well written—clear, humorous, and at times compassionate—but I struggled as I read it, wondering just who his audience is. The back cover talks about “Liars. Hypocrites. Men, women, and children who attend church because it’s what they are supposed to do. Just going through the motions. These are the undead—people who are disconnected from the Spirit of God—who are spreading a virus of passivity, or worse. No one is completely immune.” Just the group I want to be identified with…. He spends the first half of the book excoriating the average church-goer, then offers some pretty traditional antidotes in the second half. Problem is, if the reader doesn’t identify with the problem, he won’t see the need for the remedy in himself. It will just increase the critical, finger-pointing spirit such books often engender. And if the reader does identify, Edwards is preaching to the choir. The most likely audience would be a small group with a leader committed to open and personal discussion.

This book is similar to several I’ve read over the years. Every few years, there seems to be a new crop of “diss the church” books, some better than others. They pick up on the flavor of the season or the specific wounding of the author. I’d rather see a great case study from a pastor who has actually changed the climate of his church.

This season, I’m seeing more books calling us to radical discipleship of the social justice variety, which of course will appeal to the younger generation. In fact, our church is on a 10-week campaign to study the book Radical: Taking Back Your Faith from the American Dream by David Platt. It’s being covered both in Sunday morning sermons and in our small groups. And it’s causing a lot of angst as members grapple with the radical implications of the gospel. This angst is best handled in a small group, not in exclusively in a book or from the pulpit.

So, if you have a small group that has been together for a while and has built trust, this might be a good book to study for a season. But be prepared to navigate some angst. And you might try a little affirmation on the side.

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