Church

Meaningless Talk or a Time Tithe

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Pieter Stok

Pilgrim's Bridge Puente la Reina Spain

The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk.  1 Tim 1:5&6

When Paul urges Timothy to keep his eyes on the focus of God’s work, he encourages him to steer clear of those things that distract and are futile.

Maybe our churches are not struggling with the same myths and discussions of genealogies that some of the churches in Paul’s day were, ( although I know, even now, that is till a problem in places) there are many other ways we are distracted from God’s goal of proclaiming faith in Christ.

A while back two different colleagues were describing congregational meetings in their respective churches. One church had spent hours on the budget for the church kitchen and at the other church the members discussed Sunday School and when it should start. It was all about 15 minutes one way or the other. In the mean time, I thought, people are missing out on the message of grace through Christ.

Committed Christians are usually alert and stand up to the likes of  Richard Dawkins and his militant atheism, but often we are our own worst enemies when it comes to “meaningless talk”. Too often we don’t heed Paul’s message to focus on that which is at the heart of our faith – Christ. Rather we are distracted by irrelevant noise from within the church.

The church’s task is mission – proclaiming Christ and his Kingdom. Sadly our lack of effectiveness comes from not heeding Paul’s challenge to Timothy.

Speaking of effectiveness: (a segue) Church leaders are keen for followers to tithe ( a discussion for another day) but what if we conscientiously tithed our time? Just imagine, starting from a minimalist position, we tithed the equivalent of a working week. That is we gave a 10% contribution of time. The result would be that for every active adult church attender, they would give a minimum of 4 hours to the direct advancement of the Kingdom. For every 10 adults that would equal a full time worker. I know many people do more than this. But what if every church member did this? One hundred members would equal 10 full time workers. Just think of all the work we could do in all of our communities to make God’s name known!

Rather than “meaningless talk” constructive Kingdom building sounds a lot better.

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John Bunyan – A Messenger for Our Time

Posted on November 1, 2011 by Pieter Stok

There is a great little museum in the Bedford, UK celebrating and commemorating the life of John Bunyan, the C17th writer of Pilgrim’s Progress and numerous other books. Bunyan started his working life as a tinker repairing pots and pans but was later gaoled for many years for the heinous crime of preaching without permission. He was a non-conformist and only official Anglican clerics were allowed to conduct services. John Bunyan thought that being obedient to God was more important than obeying the State’s rules. He was prepared to pay the price. Which he did. He used his time in gaol to do much of his writing. In the Bedford museum there are many aspects of Bunyan’s life recreated and presented. It is well worth a visit. Also the story of his life and his writings are well worth reading.

Bunyan’s life confronts us with a question: What price are we prepared to pay for being obedient? Those of us who are Christians in western countries, we are not used to paying the physical, financial, social and emotional price for being a Christian. We prefer a theology of financial blessing rather than a theology of sacrifice and commitment. But as we descend into a post Christian era in the West, we may find that to be genuine in our faith we will need to find the inner “John Bunyan” who is prepared to stand up and be counted – no matter what the cost.

If there was ever a time, in recent history, when our neighbours needed to know that there is an alternative lifestyle and worldview to  the current obsessions – it is now. People need to see lives of hope,direction and purpose. That is what Bunyan was doing. In the conformity of his age he was showing that there was a greater King and a greater Kingdom than that of Charles 2nd. Our challenge is to do the same for our era, our leaders and our neighbours.

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Separated From the Love of God

Posted on October 25, 2011 by Pieter Stok

Early Medieval Stone Cross in Norway

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Romans 8:35

Have you ever contemplated the concept of being separated from the love of God? Now I know the true child of God cannot be separated from that love, but just think if it were possible. What would go though your mind? Horror? Fear? Despair? Probably all three and much more. Well, that would be true for me. The idea of being separated from God’s love defies my imagination. It horrifies me. It is too terrible to contemplate.

Why do I ask this awful question? Because when I look at the members of the body of Christ, including, sadly, my own heart at times, I don’t see the thankfulness, relief, joy and gratitude of people who truly understand what the love of God means. Maybe as an antidote we should reflect on what it means to be outside it; to imagine what being outside that sphere really means.

I believe such a genuine reflection would have at least two (possibly more) results. One result would be, our sometimes casual, complacent and neglectful relationship with God would be dealt a severe blow. Greater thankfulness, obedience, joy and probably, relief would be visible in our lives. We would live the Spirit filled life that redeemed people should be living – can be living. The second consequence would be a greater passion to see others saved. Understanding what it means to live outside God’s love, I believe, is a great motivator for our lifestyle, words and attitudes towards those who haven’t grasped the love of God through faith.

I know we can’t force people to believe, but living like people who know what they have been saved from should be obvious from every atom of our being. May our prayer be to live lives that comprehend the amazing and eternal love of God.

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Are Our Lives a Condemnation?

Posted on October 20, 2011 by Pieter Stok

Hebrews 11: 7 By his faith he (Noah) condemned the world.

2 Cor 2:15 -16 For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life.

A blog by Kevin Nunez (http://kevinnunez.org/2011/10/18/christ-like-fragrance/) resonated with some thoughts I was challenged with last night while reading Hebrews 11. Is the life of the church an affront to the world and its values? Noah’s faith was an obvious contrast to the times in which he lived. His faith highlighted the lack of faith, and rebellion amongst his neighbours.

Living in an era of appeasement and conciliation this attitude seems alien. Yet, unless the world in which we live is confronted by its rebellion against God there is nothing for it to repent from, and believe in.

I don’t believe this requires fire and brimstone preaching. In fact, I believe the onus is on us to become that pleasing aroma. Rather than concentrating on the world we should be concentrating on our faithful obedience. Why, for example, is it that rate of marriage break down is as high in the body of Christ as outside it? How can we be a pleasing aroma when many of our marriages stink! There are a host of other areas where the church (read Christians) reflects the world rather than Christ: lack of love for our neighbour, gossip, environment, consumerism, selfishness … add the myriad of other areas that come to your mind.

A friend once said, when speaking of the Salvation Army,”The reason that they are respected is because they are tough on themselves and easy on everyone else.” He added, “Most churches and Christians, are easy on themselves and tough on everyone else.” Unless we become tough on ourselves, our lifestyle, wordstyle and lovestyle then we wont be that condemnation of the values of the world or that pleasing aroma that attracts people to repentance and faith.

Paul asks, “Who is equal to such a task?” Then he reminds his readers that we are in Christ. “In Christ” our words and actions should confront the world, but as Christ also did for us, we should offer life, hope, a kingdom and eternity.

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Ships in Churches

Posted on October 18, 2011 by Pieter Stok

When we were in Europe we were intrigued by models of ships hanging in many churches. Their presence has various explanations. In some churches, notably in Scandinavia, they are reminders that they are sea faring nations and their sailors are in constant need of God’s protection. They are also reminders of those who have lost their lives at sea. In the days of sail this must have been a constant concern. Even now, when fishermen set out in their small boats, they are putting their lives on the line.

Other countries have a slightly different twist on their presence. Sometimes they are offerings (Votive Offerings – roughly translated sacrificial offerings), that is offerings given in thanks to God for, often miraculous, protection at sea.

However, ships in churches have a more metaphorical meaning. They can represent the faithful in a sea of unbelief.

The meaning extends into church architecture. The Nave, coming from the Latin ‘navis’, meaning ship, is the approach to the altar in traditional churches. In Gothic type buildings  the Nave could easily be seen as an inverted. hull of a ship. It is a reminder to the congregation that it is on a journey through life and the church is there to protect and guide, just as a ship protects and guides its passengers. This thought comes from the beautiful book, “The Secret Language of Churches and Cathedrals”.

In the New Testament a number of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen. Jesus himself was closely associated with their boating activities(e.g. Mark 4: 35-40). So maybe the presence of model ships and boats in churches is not such a strange thing after all. However, like any aspect of church life, we need to know why it is there and what it represents.

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… and narrow the road … leads to life

Posted on October 15, 2011 by Pieter Stok

But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Mt 7:14

Robin Hood's Bay

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Dwarfs on Giants’ Shoulders

Posted on October 11, 2011 by Pieter Stok

John of Salisbury quoted Bernard of Chartres (circa 1100 AD) who said, “We are like dwarfs on the shoulders of giants, so that we can see more than they, and things at a greater distance, not by virtue of any sharpness of sight on our part, or any physical distinction, but because we are carried high and raised up by their giant size.”

What a profound thought! As C21st people there is an arrogance in our spirit that we know it all or can know it all. In science, technology, medicine and a whole host of other areas we puff out our chest. We even decry the feebleness and simplicity of earlier generations.  We fail to understand what Bernard did. Our understanding, education or knowledge only came about because of the mighty works of others. In fact, we are the dwarfs and they are the giants.

It hearkens back to an earlier time that is found in Genesis 11. Then, as now, there was a supreme arrogance in humankind. They thought they could do anything, including, building a tower to the heavens so that “we may make a name for ourselves.” Pride wasn’t in short supply.

God thwarts their plan by confusing their language.

My question is this? How do we maintain a proper and healthy perspective today? How do we actively place ourselves in a continuum of history rather than seeing ourselves as some sort of apex of it?

The Bible has some handy reminders. First of all we are created beings. We are beholden to a supreme God for our existence. Our gifts and talents come from Him. Secondly, we have rebelled and sinned. Our understanding is not as perfect and sharp as it should be or could be. We are constantly in need of grace. We see that in our failures; in the evil that many of our clever creations engender. We made computers but there are those engineering viruses. We made the internet but pornographers run rampant with it. We made penicillin but super bugs have developed.

Modern humanity should learn from the giants on whose shoulder we stand. We only need to think of examples such as Galileo and Copernicus for whom their research was an extension of their faith and acknowledgement of God. Much of maths, philosophy, science and medicine was driven because of faith, not despite it.

We think we are so big but we have jettisoned a Biblical concept of family, life and morality. Socially today, we are disfigured and ugly. Just look at the murders that occur within broken families, riots, corrupt politicians and myriad other example that slap us in the face every day.

The people of Babel were humbled by God. They became confused and spread throughout the earth. We too need to be humbled. We are created creatures. We were created to worship God – not ourselves. Self worship has got us into the moral morass we see today. For the Christian, humility starts at the cross. The journey commences before a Saviour who came to give us life to its greatest extent – eternal life in an eternal kingdom. With this fresh set of eyes we reflect on science, medicine, family, society and the multitude of other areas that make up what we call “life” and ask: How does my Creator want me to use, utilise and serve Him and my neighbour with the gifts he has give me?

The giants of the past weren’t perfect either but what set the true giants apart from the rest was that they knew and depended on their God. If there was ever a moment in history where that realignment with God was needed, especially for us in the West, it is now.

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A Text of Hope for Sunday ( with Photo)

Posted on October 9, 2011 by Pieter Stok

For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;he will lead them to springs of living water.And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Rev 7:17

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Blues Brothers Christianity

Posted on October 4, 2011 by Pieter Stok

The other evening, in a weaker moment, (my wife says I am lying – I had been wanting to rewatch it for a while) I watched the Blues Brothers again. The unbelievable mayhem and pandemonium was still as funny as it was all those years ago. It was their tag line that got me thinking, “We’re on a mission from God.”

Once Elwood and Jake understood their task, nothing would stop them. The Illinois police, Nazis, a maniacal ex girl friend, The Chicago police and the army all failed to halt their progress.  They were single minded and did not count the cost, to themselves (or anybody else for that matter).

The thought crossed my mind, “What if Christians were like that?” How would the world look? If we go back to the apostle Paul: imprisonment, beatings and riots did not thwart his real “mission from God.” William Wilberforce, William Booth, Loren Cunningham (YWAM) are just three amongst a myriad of examples who were on their “mission from God”. There are the many unkown (to us) in Asian, African, South American and Chinese Churches who are quietly (and sometimes not so quietly!) carrying out their missions.

In Australia there were the Dutch migrants who revitalised Christian education in the 1960s and 70s with the Christian Parent Controlled School movement which has since morphed into Christian Education National. Their impact went far beyond their numbers and nationality. The idea of unschooled Dutch migrants setting up and running schools was considered laughable by many. Fifty years later thousands have flocked to these and similar schools around Australia.

The fact remains though, that in western countries, like Australia, we need spiritual Elwoods and Jakes, or should I say, Pauls and Williams and Lorens to halt the slide into godlessness; a godlessness and spiritual paucity that that is feeding the hopelessness that so many feel today. What is required is a vision of what God’s Word calls for, and a passion and zeal to see it carried out. It requires people who know and understand to the core of their being that they are “on a mission from God”.

I would love to hear from you what you believe the “missions from God” are for Australia and Australians today.

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The New Conspirators: A Review

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Pieter Stok

The New Conspirators: Creating the future one mustard seed at a time, Tom Sine, IVP 2008.

In 1980 Tom Sine challenged western Christians in the “Mustard Seed Conspiracy” to use their wealth in small seemingly insignificant ways to make a real difference in the world. He heightened that call in 1999 in “Mustard Seed versus Mac World” when he explored the dangers of Globalism and the consumer culture and suggested ways in which, via the mustard seed metaphor, Christians/the church could respond in Biblical ways.

“The New Conspirators” maintains the metaphor and the call. Written before the GFC occurred, it nevertheless says much to challenge us .

He starts off by taking us on a journey, exploring how “new conspirators” are being and doing church, in what Michael Frost would call this “Exilic” age.  Sine explores 4 models: Emerging, Missional, Mosaic and Monastic. I found this section particularly exciting as it revealed ways in which church can be relevant in an age that (in western cultures) is rapidly turning its back on the Christian faith. This section also shows that there is no one answer and that our God given creativity is a key to how we make ourselves relevant.

In the next section Sine asks to what extent globalisation is shaping our culture (and imagination) . This scenario becomes the basis for his call that Christians have been called to create life transforming alternatives – alternatives that take regard for all sections of society – in particular the vulnerable.

He concludes by giving us five imaginative challenges with regard to the world as it is, stewardship, mission, community and entrepreneurship.

This is a challenging book, but unlike many that can be deflating by revealing a disheartening picture that is too immense, Sine’s mustard seed approach, littered with current examples of effective action, is spirit enlivening. If you are challenged by what it means to be a relevant Kingdom worker in this post GFC globalised economy, in which the Kingdom of Christ is being marginalised – take heart and instruction from this book. After all, it only requires a mustard seed.

P.S. This book has handy questions at the end of each chapter that can be used to engender discussion and action.

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