The Journey of Forgiveness

forgiveness1.jpgI am continuing some of my pastoral reflections on forgiveness.

One of the most useful insights I ever received into the subject of forgiveness came from meditating on the commands, “Love, pray and do good for your enemies,” and “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Jesus forgave perfectly. Like his miracles, Jesus’ forgiveness was immediate, total and perfect. Even on the cross, he prays that those who are crucifying him will be forgiven. I, on the other hand, will never forgive or love perfectly, in any relationship. That includes those I am called upon, as a follower of Jesus, to forgive.Continue reading “The Journey of Forgiveness”

Jesus and My Stuff

buynothing2003.gifMy men’s Bible study has been reading and discussing John Piper’s book Don’t Waste Your Life. If you aren’t familiar with DWYL, it is a small book that Piper wrote to persuade college-age young people to live missional, Kingdom-building, God-glorifying and passionate lives. If you want to give the “Piper” experience in short form, this book is your best bet.

As IM readers, know, I am a real fan of this book even though I disagree with aspects of Piper’s appeal. None of my reservations, however, take away from the value of the book for American Christians, particularly as Piper deals with materialism.Continue reading “Jesus and My Stuff”

On Repentance and Forgiveness

forgiveness.jpgA friend called me the other day for some pastoral advice. A co-worker was making the case that, as a Christian, he was not obligated to forgive a person who doesn’t repent. In other words, repentance is the condition on which we forgive those who have wronged us. And, of course, she had a verse.

Luke 17:3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”

So, let’s talk about the subject of forgiveness.Continue reading “On Repentance and Forgiveness”

Hit “Pause” On That Youth Ministry Bashing

prayer-group.jpgI can be very critical of youth ministers. Trust me on that if you don’t know. That’s because I am one. I’ve got the gold watch. But I believe in youth ministry. I see what it is, where’s it’s gone wrong, and what it’s done right. The current “kicking spree” on youth ministry is simplistic and overdone. Here’s what I think about that.

It’s become rather fashionable to bash “youth ministry” for most of the problems of modern evangelicalism.Continue reading “Hit “Pause” On That Youth Ministry Bashing”

Premiere: Allelon-A Movement, A Resource, A New Web Site

allelon_new_02.jpgI’m excited to tell you about the re-opening of one of the best websites I can recommend to you: Allelon- A Movement of Missional Leaders.

This site involves a lot of people who you know and some you don’t (many from outside the U.S., esp Canada), but one of the main faces is the brilliant Alan Roxburgh, author of The Missional Leader and The Sky is Falling.

Here is the beta of the website. Bugs may still appear, but they are being worked out as we speak. Check here for a good intro and overview.Continue reading “Premiere: Allelon-A Movement, A Resource, A New Web Site”

iMonk 101: Previous Posts on Missional Churches + Bob Hyatt + Ed Stetzer on Culture

foundation-2-1.jpgHere are some previous posts on issues relating to the missional church.

Missional Isn’t A Bad Word. This is my most extensive discussion of the missional church question.

The Missionary Headache: Why Evangelicals Need to Support the Missionaries Among Us.

This is a piece I wrote last year as I was beginning to grapple with what I was hearing from missional thinkers.Continue reading “iMonk 101: Previous Posts on Missional Churches + Bob Hyatt + Ed Stetzer on Culture”

Ground Rules: Are Missionals Undefined?

ist2_1806169_soccer_referee_you_ve_been_warned.jpgGround Rules is a series of posts reflecting on my interactions with my critics.

Critics say those advocating a “missional” church fail to define what “missional” means. They, on the other hand, are generally confident in their own descriptions of missional churches and ministers.Continue reading “Ground Rules: Are Missionals Undefined?”

Marcus Borg: Attempting Faith Between “Either” and “Or”

mar06_trends.jpgA previous post on surveying some Marcus Borg resources is here. My previous post on Wright’s views of Borg are at this post.

On my bookshelves, I have nearly all of the books of Marcus Borg. That won’t surprise those of you who are already concerned about my theology. I enjoy reading people in their own words rather than having their positions explained to me by their critics. I think it’s fair, and it’s often rewarding.Continue reading “Marcus Borg: Attempting Faith Between “Either” and “Or””