What is and what should never be…
I don’t know why I named this post “What is and what should never be.” I guess I have Led Zeppelin on the brain.
This post is simply a personal update and a request (and opportunity) for my readers to introduce themselves (especially my newer readers, but you regulars can join in also).
So, what’s going on in my life? Well, many of my regularly readers know, I’m working on a book right now. (See my post “Scripture… As We Live It Book Project.”) I’m hoping that when I finish the book (early next year), I will be able to do less web development and finish my dissertation.
Also, I’ve recently applied for a job in Raleigh. A friend told me about the job, and I was surprised at how well it fit with my experience (both computer experience and academic experience). I’m still praying that I get called in for an interview.
Almost two months ago, in a post called “A change in diet and exercise for me… and for the church,” I said that the doctor had recently counseled me to change my lifestyle, or I would be headed toward an unhealthy life. In response, Margaret and I both changed what and how we ate and started walking for exercise working up to 5×50 minutes per week. We’re both doing well on the diet and exercise, and we’re happy with the results so far.
Over the last 3-4 weeks, I’ve worked up from walking to running. I’ve been able to run 5k (3.1 miles) several times, and I’m working on my pace now. I’m hoping to run in a 5k race in just over a month. (By the way, Margaret is also starting to run a little. We did not think she’d be able to run because she had ankle surgery a few years ago.)
I’ve had a few opportunities to teach recently. Just a few days ago, Dave Black asked me to teach on the Book of Acts in his New Testament class. (See my post “Lecture Notes: The Church by Example in the Book of Acts.”) I’m also teaching a high school level Latin course for a homeschool coop. And, I’ve had several opportunities to teach the church when we gather together on Sunday mornings. This teaching is primarily discussion-oriented, which is more difficult for me.
On the other hand, I think God is also teaching me to listen and learn more when others teach, especially when the church is meeting. I don’t know if it’s just me, but as a teaching, I love to teach. I must make sure that I’m spending at least as much time learning from others. (I’m glad that I have that opportunity when we meet with the church.)
So, that’s what’s happening in my life.
Now, it’s your turn. What not tell me and my readers something about yourself? Give us a chance to get to know you. Also, share what God is doing in your life or struggles you’ve been having so that we can pray for you.
Proclaiming Christ in the Workplace
Recently, two excellent articles have been published related to the topic of proclaiming or representing Christ in the workplace.
One article was written by James at “Deliver Detroit” and is called “Preaching Christ while working for the Government.”
James works in the mental health field as a subcontractor of a county government. As a government employee, how is he to proclaim Jesus Christ in his workplace. James steps through his thought processes as he works through this question.
Similarly, the second article was written by Geoff for “Under Christ’s Archy” and is appropriately called “Christ’s Archy and the Workplace.”
Geoff’s post is not primarily about proclaiming Christ in the workplace (through words), but is about how we treat people in the workplace. In his post, Geoff offers several disciplines to help people represent Christ in the workplace.
This is a very important topic for followers of Jesus Christ to consider. Our manner of life (including when we are in the workplace) should be a representation of who we are in Jesus Christ.
What do you think of these articles? What suggestions do you have for people who want to represent Christ in their words and deeds in the workplace? What if their coworkers are hostile to the gospel?
The exclusivity of the modern local church
When I read about the ekklesia (“church” – or literally translated “assembly”) in Scripture, I get the sense that there is more fluidity and inclusiveness among the followers of Jesus than what we see today. Today, the idea of the “local church” tends to include only certain believers while excluding all others.
For example, imagine that there are four different “local churches” who own buildings that sit on the four corners of the intersections of two roads. Believers meet in those four buildings, and they each consider themselves a “local church.”
However, if several people from each of those four “local churches” met together, they would probably not consider themselves ekklesia (“church”) even if they met together regularly. (To be fair, even a subset from one of those “local churches” would not consider themselves “church” nor would they be considered “church” by the others, even if they met together regularly.)
(By the way, Eric at “A Pilgrim’s Progress” has started a good discussion concerning “small groups” which parallels this post in some ways. See his posts “Just like small groups? Not exactly” and “Why Small Groups?“)
In Scripture, I don’t perceive the same kind of exclusivity and limited use of the term ekklesia (“church”). Instead, while term ekklesia is applied to gatherings of believers who meet together regularly, it would seem strange for one of the authors to limit the use of ekklesia only to certain groups of believers meeting in certain locations at certain times under a specified organization/leadership – which is the way that the phrase “local church” is used today.
For example, in Romans 16, Paul addresses several groups of believers. He identifies them by several terms including ekklesia. (Romans 16:5) However, if some of the people from each of those groups got together, I would think that Paul would still use the term ekklesia to describe that assembly. In fact, if Paul was part of that group, he would then include himself as part of that ekklesia.
That sounds strange to many today because of the connotation that is often placed on the term “church” and especially the phrase “local church.” But, it doesn’t seem that the Greek term ekklesia carries that same baggage.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on a couple of questions:
1. Do you agree or disagree with what I’ve written here? Why?
2. Regardless of whether you agree or disagree, what would happen to the church (ekklesia) if we treated the assembly (“church”) as less exclusive, as I’ve talked about here?
Principles for working with people who are not-yet-believers
Felicity at “Simply Church” has been writing some very helpful articles concerning working with people to start churches. For example, in two posts she discusses several (9) principles for working with “not-yet-believers”: “4 principles for working with not-yet-believers” and “5 more principles for working with not-yet-believers.”
Her suggestions are contrary to what we typically see called “church planting” today in which the focus is on the initial leadership and organization. For Felicity, the focus is on the work that God is already doing among these “not-yet-believers” and trusting God to continue to work in and through these people.
For example, here is a summary of the “4 principles” from the first post above (there are more details in the post itself):
- God is already at work in the lives of not-yet-believers and they are happy to tell you about it.
- Not-yet-believers are happy to study the Scriptures.
- When we invite someone to come to our church (simple/organic church or traditional church) we extract them from their own environment and bring them into our Christian environment.
- Meals are great for breaking the ice and sharing what is going on in people’s lives.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the principles that Felicity shares (the 4 above and the 5 from the other post). What concerns to you have about her principles? What benefits do you see in working from these principles?
Paul, Athens, and Culture
As we continue to study through the Book of Acts with the church, we’ve come to chapter 17. After Paul, Silas, and Timothy (and perhaps others) left Philippi, they traveled through several other cities in Macedonia until they reached Thessalonica. (Acts 17:1) As was their habit, they spent several weeks proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ among the Jews in Thessalonica. (Acts 17:2-3) When the Jews began persecuting them, they moved on to Berea. (Acts 17:10)
In Berea, Paul and the team again began proclaiming the gospel among the Jews. According to Luke, the Jews in Berea checked what they were being told by studying the Hebrew Scriptures (i.e., the Old Testament – probably the Greek version known as the Septuagint or LXX). (Acts 17:10-11) Eventually, Jews from Thessalonica followed Paul, Silas, and Timothy and caused them trouble again. (Acts 17:13)
Some of the believers from Berea (brand new believers, by the way), then helped Paul travel to the coast and then sail to Athens. (Acts 17:14) Contrary to his normal pattern, Paul remained in Athens alone and proclaimed the gospel by himself.
As many, many, many (almost everyone) who study this passage point out, Paul interacted with Greek culture while he is in Athens. When Paul was among Jews (as in the synagogues in Thessalonica and Berea, and probably in the synagogues of Athens – Acts 17:17), he begins his proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ from Scripture. But, in the marketplace and the Areopagus (Mars Hill) in Athens, Paul does not begin with Scripture. He begins with culture.
Now, Luke tells us that Paul is distressed or troubled by what he sees among the Athenian society, particularly the idols. (Acts 17:16) That means that Paul did not agree with what he saw going on. He did not agree with the many idols, gods, and temples that attracted the worship of the Greek populace.
But, when Paul interacted with the Greeks, he did not begin with his disagreements. He did not begin by telling them they were wrong, and pointing out their errors. (Although, like I said, he certainly believed they were wrong and that they were in error.)
Instead, Paul took a cultural aspect (an idol to an unknown god) and used it in a positive manner. Obviously, the Greeks did not understand the “idol to an unknown god” in the same way that Paul used it. But, Paul was able to take that aspect of culture and proceed in a positive direction to help the Athenians begin to understand his “new teaching.” (Acts 17:19)
Further, while Paul certainly used scriptural allusions and imagery in his speech to the Areopagus, he did not make an argument from Scripture. He even quoted some (two?) Greek poets in Acts 17:28. Once again, Paul did not quote these poets to point out where the culture was wrong. Instead, he used them in a positive sense. Certainly, Paul did not mean the same thing that those poets meant, but he was able to build on their words instead of beginning by tearing them apart.
Paul’s presentation was not a complete proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ. He did end with the resurrection of Jesus, which caused quite a commotion (and division), as it almost always does. How could Paul be happy with such a cultural-based and simple presentation of the good news among people who were accustomed to very rational, logical, and philosophical arguments?
While we don’t know the answer to the question, the results of Paul’s speech may help us. You see, some were interested in hearing more from Paul. And, of those who wanted to hear more, some became believers. (Acts 17:32-34)
When we interact with culture – and we must – do we try to start with Scripture when the people we’re talking with do not trust Scripture or have little understanding of Scripture? When we interact with culture, do we begin by tearing it apart, or do we look for positive ways to use culture (song lyrics, books, art, etc.)? Do we think we fail if we don’t completely proclaim the gospel, or are we satisfied offering a glimpse at the good news and then continuing with those who show interest?
What else can we learn from Paul’s visit to Athens?
A missionary involved in simple churches makes observations and suggestions for those in traditional churches
Guy at “The M Blog” is a full-time, vocational missionary in Ecuador. For the past several years (I don’t know the exact number), God has been using him to facilitate the start of many, many simple/house churches around the major city of Guayaquil, Ecuador.
For the past 2 months+, Guy has been in Texas, and he has “visited” several traditional (or, what he calls, legacy) churches. He writes about this in his post “Legacy church services through simple church eyes.” While trying to be very sensitive to the concerns and desires of those within traditional churches, he makes observations concerning general practices among those churches and offers a few suggestions.
His suggestions cover several different aspects of traditional church gatherings (“worship services”), such as:
- Sunday Morning Sermon
- The Offering
- Sunday school
- Singing and praise
- Prayer
I know that Guy would love to hear your thoughts concerning his observations and suggestions, and I would also love to hear your thoughts, especially for those of you involved in traditional/legacy churches.
Guest Blogger: Leadership by the laity in traditional churches – Part 2
I’ve invited several people to write “guest blog posts” for this blog. There are several reasons for this: 1) To offer different perspectives. 2) To generate even more discussion and conversation between blogs. 3) To introduce other bloggers to my readers.
(If you are interested in writing a guest blog post, please contact me at aknox[at]sebts[dot]com.)
Today’s post is part 2 of a 2 part series and was written by Art. Art lives in the Raleigh area, and we’ve met in person several times. You can follow Art on Twitter (@Art_n_Deb) and Facebook.
—————————————
When we last left off, our question had become (See Part 1):
In the church, how can I lead without exercising authority, under inappropriately granted and exercised authority?
May I change our question once more? Now that we have examined our hearts around the issue of “leading,” the question might be more enlightening if we ask,
In the church, how can I love without exercising authority, under inappropriately granted and exercised authority?
Better question? But love costs, “For God so loved, that He gave His only Son…” It pays, too, in surprising, freeing ways, “…for the joy that was set before Him.”
Love costs time
Giving other people time is an incredible gift to you both. You are free to invite others over to your home, or out to a restaurant, or to accept their invitations to their homes for dinners and breakfasts and lunches. We often think of episodic things to do. Things like going over after work to help someone repair a stuck window, or helping them clean their sick neighbor’s yard, or comforting a family whose son is in the hospital, or sharing with a husband who is struggling with loving his wife. It doesn’t have to be so dramatic. Simple time shared together apart from some purposeful ministry can be the most selfless gift. Just play cards. Play Scrabble. Parchesi. Sorry (the game, I love it by the way). Just hang out and talk (especially, listen). It is the relationships and encouragements shared over a long period of time that are very important and effective, but not very strenuous. Consistently give others your selfless attention and you will find joy and peace as you discover fascinating people all around you. But loving others costs our time, and their needs come at inconvenient times. Even when unable to be with another, you will spend time in prayer on their behalf. The more we understand ourselves as a servant to Christ and to all, the more we realize we have no time, or possessions or rights of our own, and the more we find that when we are slaves we are the most happily free.
Love costs possessions
Loving others will impact your finances. (II Cor 8:2-5; Gal 4:14-15; Col 4:12-13; Phil 1:7-8). You will always be losing your stuff by giving it away. You become aware that all the things in your life are temporarily in your care and that He expects you to pass them along. Doing so breaks the exhausting and pointless cycle of accumulating and protecting things (often at the expense of time with family and friends). The day comes when you see another struggling without a car, and you look at the two you have and figure out how to make do with one. It all becomes such a wonderful privilege to share, and it starts with little things, and it grows until you are free.
Love costs rights
You lend things without expecting (or requiring) them to be returned. When someone says something bad about you, rather than defend yourself, you can consider how you might have contributed to their thinking, and go and humble yourself as you confess wherever you find fault. Especially with “leaders.” Could you have been more open? Could you have informed the Pastor, and even asked for his permission and advice? In the traditional setting, the Pastor may very well be threatened by your actions. What are you doing to minimize his concerns? Does the pastor feel safe with you, or does he fear you are undermining him and that as you get to know him, you will use the personal knowledge gained to wound him some day? Have you found ways to love him and his family? Of course, this goes for every person in the church, but the Pastor is the one whose position and power will be most threatened.
But, to really check our hearts on the ego and pride thing, does the tightly controlled, formal meeting times of your church put into practice the examples we see in the scriptures when the saints gathered? No. Do you have a right to speak or bring a song when the saints gather? Say it: No. We have NO rights. If it will cause so many to stumble where you gather, among those you love, you will give up your right to the “right” way. But you won’t feel oppressed. You’ll feel privileged.
When we see these traits and actions working out in the lives of others, esteem them very highly. Look up to them and follow them. If you look closely, you are likely to see these traits developing in the Pastor.
If these things are working their way into your life, you can do some good in an imperfect system. That is, until that system asks you to leave, which it will do in many cases. However nicely and kindly you serve others, you are breaking rules by your activities, and your kindness and care will naturally develop alliances among those you serve and these will look like cliques and power grabs to many and threaten the equilibrium. Just be sure the tensions that erupt in division aren’t triggered by your own heart’s pride and desire to lead (and to have the benefits of power and position), I Pet 2:19-23
Love does no harm
For others, you will have to leave because you can’t sit by while the system is so badly broken (and the saints so under developed). You know if you stay doing the “right” things will do more harm than good. On the other hand, real change might take place within the congregation and the pastor in the process. Let’s not be naïve. Then there will be a split, within the church or from the denomination. Families will leave at the least. Pretty much, if the system is broken and you do the right things, the system will hate you and “kill” you. We are not above our Master, but we learn to rejoice in suffering for Him (John 15:17-19; Heb 12:2-3; I Pet 4:1)
When you leave, and whenever you have opportunity, you will only rehearse to others all the good things, all the good people, all the good times. It is more than enough that God knows any slights or wounds, and of course, you will have forgiven those and prayed (and mean) that God will not lay anything against you to their charge. Perhaps wisely, you will also ask God to forgive you for all that you did poorly and for all that you could have done but didn’t.
So, where are you today? As long as He leads you to remain within the traditional church (and they don’t throw you out), what sorts of things do you find you can do in loving others even within the confines of the clergy/laity structures? Among the saints, what sorts of things get you in trouble and what can you do to avoid or minimize these problems?
Finally, love risks doing good
1. If you have left the traditional church, have you thought much about what defines the local church (say, for example, by locality rather than by incorporation with the US government or by a group of people declaring themselves “independent” of other Christians)? If so, how has that helped you approach this problem differently?
2. Have you thought about the impact that seeing examples of another way for the church to function and for leaders to serve might have on the local church? How are you (or could you) act on that?
3. Have you thought about ways for the disconnected church to build mutual relationships and efforts? How and where is He leading you in these things today? For example, “parachurch” organizations often connect churches for specific tasks where they would otherwise remain at odds with each other. How can this working together and getting to know one another be used to bring about change?
The Ekklesia: the assembling of those in Christ
I enjoy reading John’s blog. His posts are always encouraging and usually stretch me in thinking about Jesus Christ. His latest post is no different: “Getting Reacquainted with the Ekklesia.”
At the beginning of the post, John explains why he has decided not to use the English term “church,” and instead to use the transliteration “ekklesia.” While I do continue to use the word “church,” I can certainly understand and appreciate his reasoning and decision.
The remainder of the post is a “fleshing” out, if you will, of the ekklesia, primarily as it refers to the body of Christ. For example, consider this excellent paragraph:
Another wonderful picture is given to us of this assembling of those in Christ, a picture of a body with a Head. The brothers and sisters have the living God by the Spirit dwelling in them and are “hidden with Christ in God” and not only that but Christ is now our life! (Col. 3:3-4) This body, when it gathers together with Christ as Head, is in truth assembling our Lord together. “Christ is the head of the ekklesia, his body, of which he is the Savior.” (Eph. 5:23) Every brother and sister must live by the life of Christ in the gathering, the ekklesia, in order for the fullness of the Lord to be assembled, for Christ to be made manifest in glory. He must be the Head, the Source, the King in her midst. The brothers and sisters “gather to eat” (1 Cor. 11:33) to feed on Christ, who is life. For “the Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.” (John 6:57,63) When “the whole ekklesia comes together” it is for the purpose of being “built up” to “be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” (1 Cor. 14:23,26; Rom. 1:12). This is following “the way of love.” (1 Cor. 14:1) It is loving one another by the life of Christ, according to the measure of the gift given to each. Each brother and sister freely functioning by the Spirit in them to one another, through one another; that is to say through Christ in them, to Christ in them, and for Christ in them. “In all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.” (1 Cor. 12:6) So like a body which is assembled and works organically, hidden as it were, by the source of its head so to the body of Christ when it assembles functions organically by the spiritual life of Christ, its Source, its Head. And what is amazing is that the Father already sees the ekklesia already assembled with the Son as Head! The Father has already “placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the ekklesia, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (Eph. 1:22-23) So as the body assembles together we are in reality manifesting what the Father already sees assembled in His Son. As we assemble together may “we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.” (Eph. 4:13) Brothers and sisters the Lord has an assembled body in view not a disassembled body of believers. May we have such a view of the ekkelsia, His body.
I would echo John’s wish/prayer, “May we have such a view of the ekklesia, His body,” and then add, “And may we live among one another and the world as the ekklesia, His body.”
Thanks, John!
Guest Blogger: Leadership by the laity in traditional churches – Part 1
I’ve invited several people to write “guest blog posts” for this blog. There are several reasons for this: 1) To offer different perspectives. 2) To generate even more discussion and conversation between blogs. 3) To introduce other bloggers to my readers.
(If you are interested in writing a guest blog post, please contact me at aknox[at]sebts[dot]com.)
Today’s post is part 1 of a 2 part series and was written by Art. Art lives in the Raleigh area, and we’ve met in person several times. You can follow Art on Twitter (@Art_n_Deb) and Facebook.
—————————————
Recently, Alan posed the question:
In the church, how does someone lead without exercising authority?
For me, this question assumes an environment where it will be OK for you to lead without exercising authority because in your congregation no one is exercising authority (thus, no-one’s position or value is threatened by you serving others). Everyone is expected to function and interact, and most do.
But within the typical church tradition where authoritarian leadership is the norm, the answers to the above question speak best to only about 1 in 85 Christians, to those who are “Pastors” and who can choose to set aside their authority and seek to lead by example. This has danger for the church because in doing so, most Pastors will ultimately lose their job or leave it. The laity has bargained for and expects the Pastor to take on positional authority (and therefore, their responsibility). If you as a lay person begin functioning outside the expectations of the pastor and the congregation (i.e., “leading without exercising authority”), in time you will frequently create a perceived danger to the church that will result in power struggles and divisions.
Therefore, let’s reframe the question to consider this issue from the perspective of the typical Christian (the “laity” if you like) sitting under the authority of a Pastor or Pastors with the explicit acceptance of the rest of the church members—in other words, everyone in “this church” accepts the clergy/laity power arrangement as normal, good, and right. Let’s also make the question personal as we include the setting by now asking,
In the church, how can I lead without exercising authority, under inappropriately granted and exercised authority?
Here is the first step: some of us most exercised about this issue don’t realize it isn’t our pursuit of Truth that energizes our passions on the clergy-laity issues, but our own ego and pride. Deep in the recess of our heart we want to lead more than to serve; to be esteemed, more than to esteem others better; to be loved by others, more than to love others. Of course, we know better than to say this out loud, or even to think it, but for some of us (and for far too long), this drive motivates our actions and distorts our thinking. Just as the traditional church is blind to its error, we, too, are likely to be blind to this fault. But God isn’t. Maybe if we can feel safe enough in His arms we can ask Him to help us examine our heart?
Imagine with me that you are sitting in the pew on a Sunday morning. Tilt your head and listen. Hear the sounds of people talking, feet shuffling, their laughter carrying across the room. Look around. You see people smiling and nodding in greetings. Others are quiet and alone in the crowd.
1. As you watch the saints, does your heart swell with love for them? Does your breath deepen? Do you look into their faces and feel genuine affection? Most likely, yes.
2. Now look at the pastor as he goes to the podium and says “Good morning,” pausing for the audience to murmur a response. “This morning, please turn in your bibles to…” Everyone else—You—week after week sitting in silence, unable to function. Are your feelings for him (or her) the same as for the saints gathered here? Is your heart swelling with love for this man? Or, did a cloud overshadow the scene as you watched him take the pulpit? Listen to his voice as the sermon begins. How many different thoughts and feelings are going on in your heart at this moment?
3. Now, don’t dismiss this. Do you feel something else mixed in when you think of the Pastor? Something like anger, frustration, envy? I’m not asking you if you can justify these feelings, if you see how much this structure hurts the saints and enfeebles them. I’m not asking if you also feel love and appreciation towards the Pastor. I am asking to consider if in the mixture of your heart you find something dark towards the Pastor that you don’t generally feel towards the rest of the saints.
Where does this come from? Those most gripped by these truths of biblical leadership without authority and who know influence is based on relationships and demonstrated lifestyle that others trust and follow, often have the most animosity towards the clergy. I’m asking you not to hide from letting I Jn 2:9-11 pierce your heart.
Count the Pastor as an enemy if it helps to get on with doing what Jesus told us to do with our enemies (because this Pastor “oppresses” and suffocates us). Love him, and love his family, and every time you feel belittled or hamstrung by the Pastor’s position, count it as joy. God will work with us to bring light and healing to an unresolved root of pride that produces resentment, envy and jealousy and we’ll find His cleansing (Heb12:14-15). Pastors are hurting in many areas, as we all are, but they are also isolated from others helping them bear their burdens. They have public acclaim but few intimate friends in a typical congregation. Forgive the Pastor and accept him. Go all the way and find thankfulness for this man, and for his family. They sacrifice much. Forgive the congregation if you find their complicity frustrating. Even forgive God for allowing such a mess in His house! Yes, I’m serious. God, too. (I certainly had to do all of this.) He …is patient with us. But you have got to get rid of the bitterness and unforgiveness and find contentment and thankfulness in its place.
Listen, it is called by God a “good thing” if you want to serve others (I Tim 3:1). I do not want to discourage you from laboring in His vineyard! There is no higher calling than to be a simple servant (as was Jesus Matt 12:18) and there is no reward (nor fruit) in feeding our ego and pride. Examine your heart in His safety and allow Him to over and over peel away the layers of our deceitful and desperately wicked hearts, each new step bringing forth His new life as rivers of living water.
9/11, American Patriotism, and the Kingdom of God
Today is the tenth anniversary of the date that Muslim terrorists flew airplanes into the World Trade Center twin towers and the Pentagon and attempted to fly another airplane into another target (probably in Washington DC).
The events of that day (and the events that occurred as a result of those events) have changed the United States of America and much of the world. For Americans, we learned that we are not immune to radical religious hatred.
That day, I was working in the Atlanta area. Like most people, I didn’t think much about the report that an airplane had flown into one of the skyscrapers that made up the World Trade Center complex. But, when the media began to report about the second plane flying into the second tower, everyone knew that this was a planned attack.
That realization brought with it a flood of emotions: fear, concern, compassion, hatred, sadness. You name it, and I felt it in those first few minutes. I prayed. Within a few moments, a peace and calmness overcame me.
I had been meeting with other Christians who worked in our building for several months. I sent out an email to request that we pray together at lunch. I was not surprised when many, many more people than normal met in the common conference room to pray. However, I was surprised that many who did not claim to be Christians joined us, even a few who were Hindu.
While several people shared about what they were thinking and feeling, I decided to read from Matthew 24, focusing on Matthew 24:6-8:
And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. (Matthew 24:6-8 ESV)
I encouraged them to remember that wars, rumors of wars, even natural disasters were not to cause anxiety and concern for God’s children. Instead, we have a mission that does not depend on national defense, economic situations, or personal security. Jesus referred to this mission in the passage in Matthew 24: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations…” (Matthew 24:14a ESV)
This is not the good news of the United States of America. Instead, it is the good news of the kingdom of God. Our citizenship is in God’s kingdom; we simply live within the United States of America.
As we prayed, I asked God to give us his peace whatever happened in the coming days, and I asked for him to keep us focused on the good news of the kingdom of God.
Later, after lunch when we had all returned to our jobs, one of my coworkers came into my cubicle and sat down. I knew that he was born in India and that he was a Hindu. We had had several very good conversations about our beliefs. I actually learned alot about Hinduism from him.
We talked about a project at work for a while, then, just as he was about to leave, he turned back to me and said, “I am so scared. My family is scared. I do not know what we should do. But, you do not seem scared at all. Why do you have so much peace?”