What Time Is It?

Understanding Our Age

Men of Issachar who understood the times and knew what Israel should do – 1 Chron. 12:32

26From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he determined the times set for them and the exact places where they should live. 27God did this so that men would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from each one of us. – Acts 17:26,27

What Time Is It In the West?

Pre-Modern (Traditional) Period: 500 AD to 1800 AD (exists both before and after as well)

• Belief in supernatural as the guiding reality
• Transcendence through connection with supernatural
• God is preeminent – man derives his identity through God and community
• Supernatural is most commonly defined through belief in Judeo-Christian God
• One form of Truth as revealed through Holy Scripture
• Institutional Church wields power over temporal affairs (Christendom)
• Unified system of government – Monarchy/Nobility – Sovereign Right of Kings
• Heaven/After-life more important than this life
• The Community/Village/Family/Tribe is most important. You only exist as a part of a larger whole
• Much superstition still abounded – mixed with Christianity
  
  What is the result of this view of life (worldview) on morals? On the family? On how one should live? On authority?

Modern (Contemporary) Period: 1700 AD to present (began in the Renaissance in 1400’s and is beginning to die out)

• Science is the guiding reality
• God is no longer needed and is considered a hindrance or superstition
• Individual Reason is needed to ascertain Universal Truth (it is possible if we all use our Reason)
• Education is the means to using your Reason
• Man becomes preeminent – humanism
• Community is broken down – we are all just parts in the machine
• If man is the center, and there is no guiding force beyond our reason, we are free to determine our own laws, morals, social customs
• Age of experimentation scientifically, socially, relationally
• Technology is King – solves many of the world’s problems/creates new ones
• Democracy becomes the prevailing government because political/social power is derived from a social contract with the people
• Capitalism is the prevailing economic system – people become useful as consumers
• Family and community becomes optional as individual choice holds sway (the center has broken)
• We are on the dawn of a Golden Age (optimism through technology and human ingenuity)
  
  How does this worldview affect the family? Individual morals? Community morals? Government? Sexuality? Faith?

Postmodern Period (1917 to present - began in intellectual circles, popularized in 1960's)

• Realization that promises of Modern Period are empty
• Recognition that we will not come to Universal Truth through use of Reason
• Everyone has their own Truth because of differing experiences and perspectives. All truths/paths are equal (mirrored by shift from Newtonian Physics to Einstienian Physics - Quantum – Theory of Relativity)
• Language is used by those in power to twist arguments – it is about persuasion more than truth (power of advertising)
• Deep spiritual void discovered
• Extreme pessimism – desire for escape into emptyness (nihlism)
• Hyper individuality, yet desire for relationships with others like you
• Tribalism emerges as people join together in racial, sexual, religious, and other special interest groups to fight for their cause – no longer majority/minority, but many minorities who all fight for power
• Continual hostility toward traditional religion, although spirituality begins to be affirmed
  
  How does this view affect our view of life? Of the future? Of the individual? Of institutions? Of authority? Of the family?

Post-Postmodern Period (Emerging Worldview – 1965 to present – esp. since 1991)

• Global world/community emerges
• New embrace of spirituality and religion (hostile to Christianity – seen as authoritarian and closeminded)
• Interconnectedness of humanity – global Truth
• Free flow of ideas and information because of the Internet and global communication (flattening of the world)
• Emergence of China and India
• Young, Urban, Non-Anglo culture will dominate
• Decentralized authority - many to many communication
• Empowering of the individual
• Security becomes preeminent (terrorism, biological issues)
• Use of technology, not mastered by it
• Individualized community
• Traditional social structures reformed
• Interchangeable identities
• Deification of the environment – seeking to restore damage
• Idealism and community enhancement and involvement
• Tolerance for other viewpoints is affirmed
• Giving over of rights to protectors to ensure safety and security
  
  What does this view mean for the individual? For Christianity? For the idea of Truth? For the Family? For Morals?

This is obviously a simplistic rendering, full of generalities and assumptions. Although true historical and cultural analysis is always far more sophisticated and full of nuance, I still find approaches like this helpful to begin to get a grasp on difficult subjects for those who are not familiar with all the intricacies.

The implications of understanding these competing perspectives are vast. If we live in a pre-modern worldview, doesn't it make sense that we would struggle relating the gospel to post-post modern people? The answer is not to try harder at what we've always done, but to step back and learn from others how to speak in a way that our audience will understand. Sometimes, it is as though we are going to China to speak to Chinese people, but we only know English instead of Mandarin. When they do not understand us, we just speak louder. When they still do not understand us, and reject us, we then condemn them. This is what the Spanish Conquistadors used to do. They would arrive on an island or amongst a Native American tribe, and in Spanish, read an announcement from the King of Spain, commanding them to convert to Christianity. If they did not do so immediately, they would be taken into slavery or killed. They were told that the fault would be their own. The confused natives would not understand a word they said, but because the Spaniards "warned" them, with a clear conscience, they would then take control. We're kind of like that sometimes. We warn the world to repent, but we never take the time to relate to them or speak to them in a way they understand. Then, we shrug our shoulders and say they get what they deserve.

Thom Wolf says that there is a global conversation taking place and everyone in the world is asking how they can best live life on this planet. May we take part in that conversation for the glory of Christ.

The Cooperative Program and Medium Sized Churches

These thoughts come from a conversation I was having at the convention with a friend of mine who serves as a missionary with the North American Mission Board (NAMB). Southern Baptists have the Cooperative Program (CP), where every church pays a certain amount in to help do missions together. The idea is that through cooperating, we can do far more together than we can by ourselves. The subject of the Cooperative Program was HUGE at the convention. There are some problems, however. It works great for really small churches (under 100 members) I think, because most churches that size are not necessarily thinking about local, much less global transformation (many are, but the majority is probably not). Therefore, the CP is a great tool to allow them to have a stake in reaching the world through cooperative efforts.

It works pretty well for really large churches (over 1000), because they often pay enough in to have a voice in the system, to be able to contribute, and to be heard. They swing a larger stick, so to speak, and they benefit from giving to and taking part in a system that appreciates them, and in a sense caters to their desires for participation. They also have enough left over to initiate their own ministries so that they have ownership over the mission to reach the world that God has given each local church. Part of the recent controversy is that some larger churches were directing all of that money and not sending very much of it to the CP. The smaller chruches felt that was unfair. However, the CP could conceivably work very well for them.

Here's an example of how mid-sized churches do not fair as well. Our church is planting a mission/church on the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricane Katrina (pathfindermission.org). We pay 10% in to the Cooperative Program (which comes to between $25,000-30,000), but when it comes time for us to initiate mission ourselves as a local church, it is very difficult to receive any reciprocal help because what we are doing might not fit exactly into the plans of the associations/conventions/mission boards that we have to work through. To do the work, we are forced to build relationships with other churches in the same boat, pool our resources, and create networks (which we have done with several other churches). That is fine, and I think it is a great thing, but it becomes a bit difficult when we send in our money to the CP, and we find out that when we want to do Kingdom things, there is no one to help us from the denomination (at least yet).

Like I said, I think that this is primarily a problem for medium sized churches who want to initiate their own work. Large churches are able to initiate their own things and still give a great deal to the CP. Small churches cannot initiate as much, but are able to take part by being a part of a larger whole. Medium sized churches, who maybe have heart, vision, and resources, are often times forced to choose between being faithful to what God has put in front of them, and giving to the Cooperative Program. We should not have to make that choice. There should be some type of way for local churches to be the initiators in taking part in "baptist causes," and still be considered faithful contributors to the CP. Maybe some type of voucher program?

Basically, the whole system needs to be revamped. As it exists right now, there is a disincentive for a medium sized local church to take initiative and be a church planting church. It is often an either/or thing in relation to the CP. You can only cut the pie so many ways. Our church gives faithfully to the Cooperative Program and we will continue to do so. We also are very involved in local and global missions and support work all over the world faithfully (approx. 40% of every dollar that has come into our church in 2006 has gone to missions). But, these are problems that need to be addressed in some way.

The Cooperative Program is/was a good thing. The bureaucracy it has created is not needed in the same way it once was because of advanced communication. There is a great deal of overlap and middle management that could be taken out and a great deal of money could be saved. There could be equipping with churches on stewardship and greater awareness of where your CP money goes. There could be greater accountability and a return to a position where the denomination works for the churches, as opposed to the churches working for the SBC (which is the position in which you are placed when your local church cannot fund church planters and you have to send them to the SBC, who really cannot fund adequately either). There just seems to be a lot of overlap and not much response for medium sized churches who want to work with the SBC, but also want to initiate what God has laid on their heart.

Here are some concrete ideas:

• What if NAMB and the state conventions created a fund out of which they gave out grants to local churches who were taking part in activities that were consistent with NAMB or the state conventions overall vision? That way, instead of creating waste through state and national bureacracy and building in disincentives for local churches to carry out the Great Commission, the CP could come back and enable the churches to be the ones carrying out the mission through support and encouragement.
• Through the emergence of best practices and practicioners, what if much of the training that NAMB and the state conventions provided was supplied by pastors and ministry leaders who worked together in networks to accomplish missional purposes? These leaders could volunteer their time to do seminars/trainings for other pastors/churches that were practical, but also tangible in that you would provide platforms for learning groups to emerge. In a way, this is what has been happening through the blogs. You would not need as much in the way of staff in the state conventions and NAMB if we did more of this than we do.

When our outgoing SBC President, Bobby Welch complains about bloggers (see here and here), he really ought to take these situations into account. This predicament is what is driving us to create our own networks for support, funding, and personnel. Unless it is addressed, it will be the slow death of the Cooperative Program, and more cheerleading and guilt tripping will not save it. I really do think it is a great concept and I want to see us support it. I just want to see our denominational entities more responsive to the INITIATIVE of local churches in mission and to have more accountability. That is a great deal of what the bloggers are talking about.

Grace and Peace

Philippians 1:1-2

1Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:
2Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul wrote to the whole church, not just the leaders. All the other letters, he does not even mention leaders – breaks down wall between clergy and laity.

Servants: doulos
doulos (doo'-los); a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency):
KJV - bond (-man), servant.

Saints: hagios
hagios (hag'-ee-os); from hagos (an awful thing); sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated):
KJV - (most) holy (one, thing), saint.

Basic Way that Paul starts many of his letters: Peter and John as well – 16 letters of the New Testament start this way.
· Romans 1:7
· 1 Cor. 1:3
· 2 Cor. 1:2
· Gal. 1:2
· Ephesians 1:2
· Col. 1:2
· 1 Thess. 1:1
· 2 Thess. 1:2
· 1 Tim. 1:2 (adds mercy)
· 2 Tim. 1:2 (adds mercy)
· Titus 1:4
· Philemon 3
· 1 Peter 1:2 – Peter had the same practice
· 2 Peter 1:2
· 2 John 3 – John as well – adds mercy
· Rev. 1:4 - John

Grace: charis
charis (khar'-ece); graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude):
KJV - acceptable, benefit, favour, gift, grace (-ious), joy, liberality, pleasure, thank (-s, -worthy).
Receiving God’s favor that we do not deserve – it is a free gift

Peace: eirene
(i-ray'-nay); probably from a primary verb eiro (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity:
KJV - one, peace, quietness, rest, set at one again.
Hebrew idea of Shalom: Prosperity and total life peace

What Does Grace Have to Do with Peace?

Rom 5:1-2
5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.

Through Jesus, and by faith, we gain access to God’s Grace (His unmerited favor and Divine Influence upon our Heart). This brings justification before God and causes us to be at peace with God through the work of Jesus Christ.

Rom 8:1-4
8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

We are free from sin and we are completely forgiven. Jesus took all of God's wrath for sin upon Himself. We are established in the Lord through God's grace, His divine favor towards us because of Christ. Nothing can remove us from His hand. Nothing can take us from His family. We are His. We live the Christian life as a response to His divine initiative as an act of worship, praise, and adoration. Receive the grace of God and be free. To quote Charles Spurgeon, "Believe it and be happy!"

A Picture of Grace. How Does Jesus extend it to us?

John 8:1-12
8:1 But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2 At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3 The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4 and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5 In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6 They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.
But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7 When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8 Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9 At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10 Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"
11 "No one, sir," she said.
"Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."
12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life."

This is a picture of Grace – Receiving what we do not deserve. Do you think this woman lived in peace with God after this? How was her life changed? How did she see herself differently? Her relationships with others? Did she need to go from man to man anymore, or had Divine Love changed her? What did she do with this Grace?

Matt 18:21-35 – Comes right after Matt. 18:15-20, church discipline scriptures

21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"
22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
23 "Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
26 "The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.' 27 The servant's master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.
28 "But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.
29 "His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'
30 "But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.
32 "Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?' 34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.
35 "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart."

But, how can we do this? Where is the judgment? How can we just let people sin against us? How can we allow this to go on? Even Jesus said that He did not come into the world to condemn it (John 3:17), but to save the world through Him. Leave judgment to the Father who knows our hearts. Forgive.

A way that this practically plays our in our lives and relationships: Colossians 3:12-25
· Clothe yourself with the character of Christ
· Forgive as you have been forgiven – totally
· Put on love
· Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts
· Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly
· Proclaim who God is
· Do everything as unto the Lord
· Wives, submit to your husbans
· Husbands, love your wives
· Children, obey your parents
· Fathers, do not embitter your children
· Slaves, obey your masters
· In everything, work for the Lord

Without Grace and Peace, we cannot be in relationship with God or Man. We must receive Grace and Peace from the Lord and extend it to others, unconditionally. Do you want your life to be full of Grace and Peace? Look to the Father who gives liberally through His Son, Jesus Christ. Then, extend what you have received from the Father to those around you, so that your life, home, workplace, relationships, and world will be full of the Grace and Peace that comes from above.

Freely you have received, freely give – Matt. 10:8